The numbers
On March 24, 2026, the highly anticipated ‘Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special’ premiered on Disney+, with Miley Cyrus humorously calling its host, Alex Cooper, “creepy” during the event. This special marks 20 years since the original series first aired in 2006 and ran until 2011, captivating audiences with the story of Miley Stewart, a teenage girl living a double life as pop sensation Hannah Montana.
Cooper, who is also the executive producer of the special, has a long-standing connection with Cyrus, having interviewed her at her home five years prior. Their relationship has evolved from professional to personal, as they are now neighbors in Malibu. During the premiere, Cyrus expressed her gratitude towards Cooper, stating, “She got money, and then she moved next door to me, so there was no other host.” This light-hearted comment underscores the unique dynamics of their friendship.
The anniversary special features never-before-seen archival footage and memorable sets from ‘Hannah Montana’, providing fans with a nostalgic journey back to the show’s peak. Cyrus, who is now 33 years old, took the opportunity to thank Cooper for her dedication to the franchise, saying, “Alex being a superfan, kinda creepy, she’s also my neighbor, which is also creepy.” This playful jab reflects the close-knit nature of their relationship.
In a notable moment during the special, Cyrus revealed that Cooper played a significant role in arranging a cameo appearance by Selena Gomez, further highlighting the collaborative spirit of the project. Cyrus remarked, “I love Selena, but I didn’t know how much our friendship meant to the fans,” indicating the special’s intent to celebrate not just the show, but also the connections formed through it.
The special was filmed in front of a live studio audience, adding an element of excitement and engagement for viewers. Fans eager to relive the magic of ‘Hannah Montana’ can access the special through a subscription to Disney+, which costs $12.99 per month. The special dropped between 12 a.m. and 3 a.m. on March 24, 2026, allowing dedicated fans to experience it as soon as it became available.
As the special unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the impact ‘Hannah Montana’ had on a generation of viewers, and the enduring friendships that have emerged from it. Cyrus’s reflections during the premiere, including her thoughts on the correlation between the fictional Hannah’s house and her own life experiences, add depth to the celebration. “I didn’t think about the correlation between Hannah’s house in Malibu and my house in Malibu, and my house burning down and me rebuilding,” she shared, revealing personal insights that resonate with many fans.
As the dust settles from the premiere, observers are keen to see how this special will be received by audiences and whether it will spark renewed interest in the ‘Hannah Montana’ legacy. While the special has already generated buzz, details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential follow-up projects or further collaborations between Cyrus and Cooper.
