Hulu To Merge Into Disney+
Disney has been slowly blurring the lines between Disney+ and Hulu, following the introduction of Hulu On Disney+ in late 2023, slowly adding more and more Hulu content to Disney+, getting users more used to having access to general entertainment content.
After years of speculation, Disney has officially confirmed that it will be merging Hulu into Disney+ within the next year. Making Disney+ a more general streaming service, similar to how it has been operating for many years internationally. This will see the Hulu app close down by the end of next year.
In a statement regarding the merger, Disney CEO Bob Iger said:
“We are building on Disney’s value proposition in streaming by combining Hulu into Disney+ to create a unified app experience featuring branded and general entertainment, news, and sports that will be a one-of-a-kind entertainment destination for subscribers.”
Iger and Johnston announced plans for, “a major step forward in strengthening our streaming offering by fully integrating Hulu into Disney+.”
“This will create an impressive package of entertainment, pairing the highest-calibre brands and franchises, great general entertainment, family programming, news, and industry-leading live sports content in a single app. By creating a truly differentiated streaming offering, we will be providing subscribers tremendous choice, convenience, quality, and enhanced personalisation.”
It was also announced that Hulu will also become a global general entertainment brand, and in the fall, it will replace the Star tile on Disney+ internationally. Iger and Johnston added that over the coming months, Disney will be “implementing numerous improvements within the Disney+ app, including exciting new features and a more personalised homepage.”
“All of this work will culminate with the unified Disney+ and Hulu streaming app experience that will be available to consumers next
The Hulu brand is already being introduced to Disney+ subscribers in Canada, as earlier this summer, the Hulu logo began to appear on many of the new originals being added, all of which helps consumers become familiar with a new brand.
Disney has been unable to make this major shift in its streaming strategy while Comcast still owned a percentage of Hulu, but just last month, Disney closed a deal, buying out the remainder of Comcast’s stake in the streaming service, allowing for Disney to integrate Hulu into Disney+.
It also ties in with the other merger currently in the process, which will see Hulu + Live TV merge with Fubo TV, which is expected to close within by the end of the year, which is another major reason why Disney won’t fully be closing down Hulu until next year.
And in his final statements about the future of Disney’s streaming businesses, Bob Iger said:
“We are taking major steps forward in streaming with the upcoming launch of ESPN’s direct-to-consumer service, our just-announced plans with the NFL, and our forthcoming integration of Hulu into Disney+, creating a truly differentiated streaming proposition that harnesses the highest caliber brands and franchises, general entertainment, family programming, news, and industry-leading sports content. With ambitious plans ahead for all of our businesses, we’re not done building, and we are excited for the company’s future.”
Roger’s Take: It’s been very clear for years that Disney+ and Hulu were heading to a merger, especially with the introduction of Hulu On Disney+, which has slowly been getting US audiences used to the idea. After over 18 months of Hulu content being available within Disney+, most people are going to be fine with the merger. Bringing both Hulu and Disney+ together is going to save Disney millions of dollars each year in many ways, not just fewer original programs, but also in terms of advertising, operating costs and staff. It also means Disney+ will now be a direct competitor to Netflix and Amazon, offering everything from the Mouse House in one easy place. With the addition of the ESPN content, Disney is now going all-in on Disney+!
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