Key Takeaways
- Walt Disney Co. is on track to fully integrate its streaming platforms, Hulu and Disney+, in 2026.
- Hulu will not disappear, but its content will be folded into the Disney+ platform, creating a unified app experience.
- The integration is part of Disney’s plan to build on its value proposition in streaming and create a one-of-a-kind entertainment destination for subscribers.
- Disney acquired the controlling stake of Hulu in 2019 and has been working to finalize its purchase of Comcast’s one-third stake in the service.
- The company has already taken steps to integrate Hulu into Disney+, including refreshing the Disney+ homepage and switching the Star tile for international Disney+ customers.
Introduction to Disney’s Streaming Plans
Walt Disney Co. is making progress on its plan to integrate its streaming platforms, Hulu and Disney+, with the aim of launching a unified app experience in 2026. The company announced last summer that it would be merging Hulu programming onto Disney+, but executives have declined to provide a specific timetable for the launch. According to Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger, the integration is part of the company’s plan to build on its value proposition in streaming and create a one-of-a-kind entertainment destination for subscribers. The move is expected to result in a unique app experience that features branded and general entertainment, news, and sports.
Background on Disney’s Acquisition of Hulu
Disney acquired the controlling stake of Hulu as part of its $72-billion purchase of much of Rupert Murdoch’s Fox assets in 2019. However, the full integration of Hulu was paused until earlier this year, when Disney finalized its purchase of Comcast’s one-third stake in the service. The acquisition was the result of a testy dispute between the two rivals, but it has paved the way for Disney to move forward with its plans to integrate Hulu into Disney+. Until 2019, Hulu was owned by Comcast’s NBCUniversal, Disney, and Fox, but Disney’s acquisition of the controlling stake has given the company the ability to make key decisions about the service’s future.
Steps Towards Integration
Disney has already taken several steps to integrate Hulu into Disney+, including refreshing the Disney+ homepage to allow users to seamlessly move between its various catalogs. The company has also switched the Star tile for international Disney+ customers, replacing it with the green Hulu logo. This move is part of the company’s choreographed months-long roll-out, which is designed to create a unified app experience that features a range of content from Disney, Hulu, and ESPN. Additionally, Disney has announced that Hulu will live on as the global brand for general entertainment, with popular shows such as "Only Murders in the Building," "Paradise," and "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" continuing to be available to subscribers.
Impact on Subscribers
The integration of Hulu into Disney+ is expected to have a significant impact on subscribers, who will be able to access a range of content from both services in a single app. While Hulu subscribers will continue to be able to access the app well into next year, Disney is designing the experience to entice users to upgrade to a Disney bundle. The company’s goal is to reduce the number of subscribers who drop their plans and instead spend more time on the Disney+ app. To achieve this, Disney is planning to offer a range of exclusive content and promotions that will be available only to subscribers who upgrade to the Disney bundle.
Disney’s Success at the Box Office
As the year draws to a close, Disney is celebrating a successful year at the box office, with two movies surpassing $1 billion in global ticket sales: "Zootopia 2" and "Lilo & Stitch." The company’s TV programmers are under pressure to boost their slate of original television and streaming shows, and Disney is preparing reboots of nostalgic 20th Television-produced shows, including "Malcolm in the Middle" and "Scrubs." The company’s success at the box office is a testament to its ability to create high-quality content that resonates with audiences, and it is likely to play a key role in the company’s plans to integrate Hulu into Disney+.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Walt Disney Co. is on track to fully integrate its streaming platforms, Hulu and Disney+, in 2026. The company has already taken several steps to integrate Hulu into Disney+, including refreshing the Disney+ homepage and switching the Star tile for international Disney+ customers. The integration is part of Disney’s plan to build on its value proposition in streaming and create a one-of-a-kind entertainment destination for subscribers. With its successful year at the box office and plans to reboot nostalgic TV shows, Disney is well-positioned to create a unique app experience that features a range of content from Disney, Hulu, and ESPN. As the company moves forward with its plans, it is likely to have a significant impact on the streaming industry and provide a new and innovative way for audiences to access high-quality content.
