ABC Adds Six More ‘Monday Night Football’ Simulcasts to Its Fall Schedule
In the Fall of 2023, ABC faced a major problem. Due to the dual SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes, the network had a dearth of content.
To draw viewers to its flagship cable channel, Disney decided to simulcast ESPN’s Monday Night Football. In the end, the move not only helped ABC save face but also led to the highest-rated season of Monday Night Football in over two decades.
Based on the success of last year’s gambit, Disney announced today that it will once again simulcast six Monday Night Football games on ABC this fall.
ABC’s ‘Monday Night Football’ Plans
ABC was already scheduled to air eight regular or post-season games this NFL season. Now, they will add Monday Night Football on October 14 and 21, November 4, 18, and 25, and December 23.
Disney needed to reach an agreement with the NFL to air the expanded NFL package. According to Variety, the NFL has been willing to work with its television partners to expand the league’s audience.
According to people familiar with the decision, ABC decided to move after last year’s strong ratings. Additionally, the added Monday Night Football games will help boost ratings for Good Morning America and allow it to solidify its game show schedule.
Disney Has Continued to Be Flexible
Whether on cable or streaming, live sports have continued to win the day for Disney. As such, Bob Iger and his team have proven to be flexible when it comes to distribution methods.
In an ever-changing media landscape, Disney embraced the idea of using multiple distribution channels to deliver its best products. So far, the strategy is delivering results.