ABC 20/20 “Toy Story 30 Years and Beyond – A Special Edition of 20/20” June 12 2026

ABC’s 20/20 takes a break from true crime on Friday, June 12, 2026, for a special celebration of one of the most influential animated franchises in film history. “Toy Story 30 Years and Beyond – A Special Edition of 20/20” airs from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. EDT on ABC and streams the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.

The one-hour special examines the remarkable journey of Pixar Animation Studios through the lens of Toy Story, the groundbreaking 1995 film that became the world’s first full-length computer-animated feature. What began as an ambitious and risky project eventually transformed Pixar into a global animation powerhouse and launched a franchise that has entertained generations of audiences.

Viewers will learn about the challenges the filmmakers faced while creating the original movie. According to the special, there were moments when the project nearly collapsed before Pixar’s creative team found the balance of technical innovation and emotional storytelling that would become the studio’s trademark. The program also explores Pixar’s evolution from producing short films and commercials to becoming one of Hollywood’s most successful animation studios.

The special features extensive interviews with many of the actors who have helped bring the beloved characters to life over the past three decades. Tom Hanks discusses his role as Woody, while Tim Allen reflects on the enduring popularity of Buzz Lightyear. Additional cast interviews include Joan Cusack, Tony Hale, Wallace Shawn, Blake Clark, Greta Lee, Craig Robinson, Ernie Hudson and Jeff Bergman.

Behind-the-scenes insight comes from Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter, along with Toy Story 5 director Andrew Stanton and co-director Kenna Harris. The filmmakers discuss how the franchise continues to evolve and how Woody, Buzz and their friends will face new challenges in a technology-driven world when Toy Story 5 arrives in theaters.

One of the special’s biggest highlights is an exclusive first look at Toy Story 5, including footage from the highly anticipated sequel. The program takes viewers inside Pixar’s Emeryville, California, campus, offering a glimpse at the creative process behind the next chapter of the franchise.

The special also includes an exclusive interview with global music superstar Taylor Swift. Swift discusses her lifelong connection to the Toy Story films and explains why she chose to contribute an original song, “I Knew It, I Knew You,” to the Toy Story 5 soundtrack. According to the special, Swift was inspired by the character Jessie and the emotional themes that have defined the franchise for decades. She also reflects on Randy Newman’s iconic contributions to the series and how his music shaped her own experience growing up with the films.

For longtime fans and newcomers alike, “Toy Story 30 Years and Beyond – A Special Edition of 20/20” offers a nostalgic look back at one of animation’s most beloved franchises while providing an exciting preview of where Woody, Buzz and the gang are headed next.