New Documentary ‘Disneyland Handcrafter’ To Premiere on Disney+ (TV News Roundup)

Disney fans behold: “Disneyland Handcrafted,” a new feature documentary from producer and director Leslie Iwerks, will premiere — and be available to stream — on Disney+ and Disney YouTube on Jan. 22. Built from rare archival footage and original audio recordings, the film will give viewers an inside look into the magic of Walt Disney’s dream and the extraordinary artistry and grit it took to create The Happiest Place on Earth. 

Disneyland has been operating for more than 70 years. But Disney wasn’t built in a day, and “Disneyland Handcrafted” tells the tale of how the park came to be the iconic spot it is today ahead of its opening on July 17, 1955. Through newly unearthed materials from the Walt Disney Archives, Iwerks and her team uncovered previously forgotten 16mm film reels and audio recordings that aim to bring audiences along for the tumultuous year ahead of the park’s creation, capturing both the legacy and nostalgia leading up to the creation of the Disneyland Resort. 

Firsthand accounts from the artists, craftsmen and Imagineers who were there also provide insights into the park’s creation, creating a fly-on-the-wall perspective aimed to capture what was truly happening behind the scenes. 

Iwerks herself also has a special connection to Disney; she’s the daughter of Don Iwerks, a former Disney executive, and the granddaughter of Ub Iwerks, the animator and co-creator behind Mickey Mouse. Her previous projects include “The Imagineering Story,” “The Pixar Story” and “League of Legends: Origins.”

SPECIALS

The ABC News year-end special “What You Need to Know: 2025” has premiered exclusively on Disney+.

Hosted by correspondents James Longman and Rachel Scott, the special episode will highlight memorable stories that defined the year.

“In under 15 minutes, we took the stories that people couldn’t escape and brought them together in a way that is uniquely ‘What You Need to Know,’” Longman and Scott said in a joint statement. “When we sign off, our hope is that viewers feel a little more informed, a little more hopeful, and reminded that even in a whirlwind of headlines, we’re all sharing this story together.”

From global reporting and politics to pop culture headlines and viral videos, “What You Need to Know: 2025″ will unpack the biggest moments in under 15 minutes.

“What You Need to Know” launched in July 2025 with morning episodes streaming exclusively on Disney+ and expanded in July to twice-daily episodes so viewers can follow the top stories and headlines as they continue to develop. It is ABC News’ first daily streaming news series exclusive to Disney+.

PROGRAMMING

Turner Classic Movies will honor the life and career of filmmaker Rob Reiner with a programming tribute of his most popular films on Jan. 28, 2026.

“The profound sense of loss we’re all feeling is heightened by Rob’s lofty standing in Hollywood; he was universally loved inside the entertainment industry,” Ben Mankiewicz, TCM host, said in a statement.

He continued, “I did not know him as well as I would have liked, but he always made me feel like we had been pals for decades. Rob’s character was defined by the qualities we see in those films: kindness, decency, humor, compassion, and most of all, a belief in humanity.”

The tribute will be headlined by a special premiere presentation of “The Princess Bride” with “When Harry Met Sally,” “Stand By Me” and “This Is Spinal Tap” to follow.

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The documentary “Roads of Fire” has set a TVOD release date, becoming available across Amazon, Apple TV and Fandango at Home starting Jan. 6.

Directed by Nathaniel Lezra, “Roads of Fire” provides a look into human smuggling and migration, following three different stories of individuals and groups on perilous journeys towards prospective freedom.

The film won Best Documentary at the 2025 Santa Barbara International Film Festival, the Audience Award at the Brooklyn Film Festival and Best Cinematography at the Pacific Northwest Documentary Showcase.

The TVOD release marks the film’s first nationwide digital availability following its limited theatrical and festival runs.

PARTNERSHIPS

The Fox-owned Los Angeles duopoly KTTV Fox 11 and KCOP Fox 11+ has been named the official media partner of the Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission, the company announced Thursday. As an official partner, the stations and its digital property, Fox Local, will provide coverage of marquee events with a focus on the upcoming FIFA World Cup 26 and Super Bowl LXI in 2027. 

“We’re proud to welcome Fox 11 as our Official Media Partner at a time when Los Angeles is preparing to host some of the world’s most iconic events,” said Kathryn Schloessman, president & CEO of the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission, in a statement. “With their support, we can recognize the organizations that make it all possible and celebrate the unique opportunity our region has over the next three years.”

Through exclusive access, in-depth reporting and behind-the-scenes content from events, Fox 11 will provide Angelenos with compelling content across digital, broadcast and social platforms, with a special focus on showcasing the ways Los Angeles locals can be part of the major events coming to their city.  

“We are honored to partner with LASEC during this historic and thrilling year for Los Angeles and to provide Angelenos with a backstage pass to the most prestigious events and sports happening locally and on the world stage,” added Amber Eikel, senior vice president and regional general manager of Fox Los Angeles and San Francisco duopolies, in a statement. “We are ready to highlight our communities, as well as celebrate each momentous occasion leading up to, during and after the World Cup and Super Bowl.”