The Walt Disney Company has confirmed that the Hulu app will be phased out in 2026, with all of its content and features merging into the Disney+ platform. While Hulu as a streaming service will continue to exist, users will no longer need a separate app to access its shows, films, or live offerings. The integration aims to simplify Disney's streaming ecosystem while enhancing content variety and user experience.
Hulu App to Be Discontinued, Global Brand Strategy Revealed
The Hulu app will shut down in phases beginning in 2026. All of Hulu's movies, series, and live content will instead become available through the Disney+ app. Internationally, Hulu will replace the Star tile on Disney+ starting in autumn 2025, positioning it as Disney's main general entertainment brand outside the United States.
Although the standalone app will vanish, Hulu and Disney+ will remain available as separate subscriptions. They will be accessed through a unified interface on Disney+, streamlining the viewing experience. This decision follows Disney's full acquisition of Hulu from Comcast, finalised in June 2025.
Disney CEO Promises Unified Platform Will Elevate Streaming
Disney CEO Bob Iger called the integration a 'major step forward' for the company's streaming ambitions. Speaking during a recent earnings call, Iger highlighted the benefits of combining premium franchises, family content, news, and live sports in a single platform. 'This will create an impressive package of entertainment,' he said, promising a richer, more personalised viewing experience.
The consolidation is expected to improve engagement and retention while cutting tech costs and boosting advertising opportunities. Users can still choose between separate Hulu and Disney+ plans, with the current bundle pricing ranging from $10.99 (£8.18) to $19.99 (£14.88) per month.
Additionally, Disney will launch a new ESPN streaming app on 21 August 2025, priced at $29.99 (£22.33) per month. This app can be bundled with Disney+ and Hulu for $35.99 (£26.79) with ads or $44.99 (£33.49) ad-free. Live sports will be a key feature across the integrated platform, part of Disney's broader goal to stay ahead in an increasingly consolidated streaming industry.
Fans React as Disney+ Faces Backlash Over Hulu Integration
Despite Disney's push for a seamless experience, the move has sparked backlash on social media, with many users lamenting the loss of Hulu's clean and easy-to-use interface. Critics accused Disney of 'absorbing every other streaming service' and called for Hulu to remain independent.
Comments ranged from, 'Disney should go back to being Disney,' to complaints about losing Hulu's signature user experience. Industry experts acknowledged these concerns, noting Hulu's speed and intuitive layout as advantages that Disney+ should strive to maintain.
Still, Disney remains confident in the long-term benefits. Executives believe the consolidation will deliver greater convenience and quality while supporting the company's business objectives. Whether the change wins over subscribers or fuels more criticism will become clearer as the full rollout begins in 2026.
