Hulu Added To Spectrum TV Select Customers’ Bundle

Two years ago, Disney signed a new distribution deal with Charter Communications to offer the ad-supported version of Disney+ to its Spectrum TV Select Customers, while also cutting back how many television channels it offered.

Today, Disney and Charter have announced an expanded distribution agreement that brings Hulu (With Ads) to all Spectrum TV Select customers at no additional cost. Starting later this summer, TV Select customers will have access to Hulu’s extensive library of hit TV series and films plus award-winning Originals, alongside existing complimentary access to ad-supported Disney+ and ESPN’s soon-to-launch streaming service, anticipated by the fall of 2025. By expanding the value of TV Select to include popular streaming services like Hulu, TV Select customers will soon have access to a premium entertainment experience with a retail streaming value of more than $100 per month.   &nbsp

The newly expanded agreement – which drives incremental value and is financially net positive for both companies – also marks the return of eight Disney-owned linear networks to Spectrum’s channel lineup: Disney Jr, Disney XD, Freeform, FXX, FXM, Nat Geo Wild, Nat Geo Mundo and BabyTV. Together with the addition of Hulu, these channels expand Spectrum’s entertainment offering and create meaningful value for both companies by boosting advertising reach and strengthening audience engagement across platforms.   

Tom Montemagno, Executive Vice President, Programming Acquisition for Charter, said in a statement:

“We began this journey to transform the video proposition for consumers with Disney, so it is befitting that this new agreement and the doubling down on our strategy continues with them.  This extension is a true testament to our mutual confidence in this innovative model – which already is showing improvement in subscriber churn – and our commitment to work creatively together to achieve win-win outcomes for both of us and most importantly for our customers – all achieved mid-cycle and absent from any of the typical pressures from expiring agreements.”   

Sean Breen, Executive Vice President, Disney Platform Distribution, added:

“With the addition of Hulu and the return of our full portfolio of channels, we’re pleased to expand and extend our agreement with Charter – delivering the most robust and valuable combination of linear and streaming entertainment for years to come.  This agreement reflects our continued focus on leaning into the strength of Disney’s best-in-class programming across every genre and platform – and our shared commitment with Charter to building innovative, consumer-focused distribution models that drive value across the board.” 

The renewed extension of Charter and Disney’s carriage agreement will continue to be supported by marketing and promotional efforts. The deal leverages Disney’s trusted IP, beloved characters, and notable talent, and underscores both companies’ belief in the enduring value of linear distribution paired with streaming. Charter also will make Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, the various Disney Bundles and the forthcoming ESPN streaming service available for purchase to its extensive broadband-only customer base at retail rates, as well as provide TV Select customers the opportunity to upgrade to the ad-free tiers of the included streaming services.  

At launch, customers will be able to stream Hulu’s TV series, films and critically acclaimed Originals, as well as their live Spectrum TV channels, directly through Xumo Stream Box, or on any Hulu-supported device.  

Roger’s Take:  For Spectrum customers, this is more additional content to encourage them to stay locked into their traditional cable bundle.  It’s interesting to see Disney bringing back those channels like Freeform, which could be an indication that Disney isn’t planning on shutting down those channels anytime soon.  The addition of Hulu to the bundle will also undoubtedly help set the appropriate funding for Disney when the eventual Disney+ and Hulu merger comes together, as this way, it has already been priced into these long-running bundles.

What do you think of Spectrum customers getting access to Hulu? Let me know on social media!