Disney is planning to phase out the standalone Hulu app by "fully integrating" Hulu into Disney Plus.
Hulu content was already integrated into Disney Plus for Disney Bundle subscribers (and for Disney Plus and Hulu customers who signed up with the same email address) back in 2024.
That move meant those viewers didn't need to swap services just to stream "The Bear" after "Andor," but Disney has today announced plans to combine the two streaming services into a new app (coming in 2026).
"Today we are announcing a major step forward in strengthening our streaming offering by fully integrating Hulu into Disney Plus" said Iger and Johnston as part of Disney's quarterly earnings results announcement (as reported by Variety)..
Whilst this announcement initially had me worried about a potential price hike, a Disney rep subsequently told Variety, "customers will still be able to buy a stand-alone Hulu subscription (as well as a stand-alone Disney Plus plan)."
Talking about the decision in their prepared remarks, Iger and Johnston added: "This will create an impressive package of entertainment, pairing the highest-caliber brands and franchises, great general entertainment, family programming, news and industry-leading live sports content in a single app."
The Disney execs go on to say that this combined offering will present subscribers "tremendous choice, convenience, quality, and enhanced personalization," whilst also offering growth potential via "expected higher engagement, lower churn, and advertising revenue potential."
At the time of writing, we do not have a more precise launch date for the planned app. However, the two execs said, "Work is already underway to continue enhancing our technology."
Iger and Johnston also stated that Disney "will be implementing numerous improvements [...] including exciting new features and a more personalized homepage" to Disney Plus over the coming months..
Outside the U.S., Disney will repurpose the Hulu brand to replace the "Star" branding internationally starting this fall.
Looking for streaming recommendations? Be sure to check out our round-ups of the best shows on Disney Plus and the best Hulu shows to make sure you're up to speed on all the latest must-watch series you can watch on both services.
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