Miley Cyrus Leads 'Hannah Montana' 20th Anniversary Special

Showrunner Ashley Edens talks bringing the nostalgic hour to life with Miley Cyrus and her family

Mar. 26, 2026 at 11:08pm

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The 'Hannah Montana' 20th anniversary special has taken over pop culture this week, with showrunner Ashley Edens leading the charge to give fans an hour-long celebration filled with nostalgia, live performances, and cameos from Miley Cyrus' friends and family. Edens reveals how Cyrus 'took the lead' to ensure the special felt authentic, the cameos that almost happened, and the decision to focus the special on Cyrus' perspective rather than including the original cast.

Why it matters

The 'Hannah Montana' series was a cultural phenomenon that launched Miley Cyrus to superstardom, and this 20th anniversary special taps into the enduring nostalgia and passion of the show's devoted fanbase. By centering Cyrus' experience and giving her creative control, the special provides a unique insider's look at the legacy of the iconic character and series.

The details

Showrunner Ashley Edens worked closely with Miley Cyrus and her mother Tish to craft the 'Hannah Montana' 20th anniversary special, which featured an interview with Cyrus woven throughout, a live performance with fans, and cameos from fellow stars like Selena Gomez and Chappell Roan. While the original cast was not included, Edens explains this decision was to keep the focus on Cyrus' perspective. The special also included a touching moment between Cyrus and her father Billy Ray Cyrus, as well as Miley recreating her iconic 'Hannah Montana' goodbye moment.

  • The 'Hannah Montana' 20th anniversary special was filmed over just a few days, with the interview taking place on Day 1 and the performances on Day 3.
  • The special is now streaming on Hulu and Disney+.

The players

Ashley Edens

The showrunner of the 'Hannah Montana' 20th anniversary special, who previously worked with Disney and Alex Cooper on the 'Call Her Daddy' series.

Miley Cyrus

The pop icon who rose to fame as the lead of the 'Hannah Montana' series, and who 'took the lead' in crafting the 20th anniversary special to give fans an authentic experience.

Tish Cyrus-Purcell

Miley Cyrus' mother, who served as a manager, producer, and guiding force behind the 20th anniversary special.

Selena Gomez

A friend of Miley Cyrus who made a cameo appearance in the special, representing the bond between the two powerful, successful women who grew up in the entertainment industry.

Chappell Roan

A young artist who grew up on 'Hannah Montana' and was included in the special as a representative of the show's enduring impact on Gen Z.

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What they’re saying

“It was so important that the special be for the fans — I think that was the lens in which we looked at everything that we decided to put in. I think the fans would have loved more and more and more, but for the hour special, it was important that we give them everything that we could that felt authentic to Miley.”

— Ashley Edens, Showrunner

“I've done a lot of shows and specials, and I have to say … this is one of those bucket list moments where … you can't explain it or put your finger on it, but the energy and the support and the excitement and the passion from everybody was was unlike [one] that I've been on in a long time, and that comes from Miley, quite honestly, and Tish.”

— Ashley Edens, Showrunner

What’s next

The 'Hannah Montana' 20th Anniversary Special is now streaming on Hulu and Disney+, allowing fans to relive the nostalgia and celebrate the legacy of the iconic series.

The takeaway

The 'Hannah Montana' 20th anniversary special showcases Miley Cyrus' enduring connection with her fans and the profound impact of the show, as she leads a celebration that taps into the enduring nostalgia and passion of the 'Hannah Montana' fanbase.