The streaming wars just got a major shakeup. Disney announced it’s saying goodbye to the standalone Hulu app as the entertainment giant moves to “fully integrate” the service it now owns 100% into its flagship Disney+ platform by 2026.
The End of an Era for Hulu
CEO Bob Iger and CFO Hugh Johnston revealed the massive restructuring during Disney’s quarterly earnings call, marking a significant shift in the company’s streaming strategy. While customers will still be able to purchase standalone Hulu subscriptions, the beloved green-tiled app will be absorbed into Disney’s ecosystem.
“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 executives stated.
What This Means for Subscribers
The unified Disney+ and Hulu experience promises an “improved consumer experience” designed to reduce subscriber churn. For viewers, this means accessing everything from Marvel blockbusters to Hulu’s acclaimed originals like “The Handmaid’s Tale” all within a single app interface.
Disney has been testing this integration since spring 2024, when Disney+ launched “full” integration of Hulu content to convert standalone subscribers into bundled customers.
Global Expansion and Business Strategy
Hulu will expand globally for the first time, replacing the “Star” tile on Disney+ internationally starting fall 2025. This transforms Hulu from a U.S.-centric service into Disney’s global general entertainment brand.
The consolidation became possible after Disney completed its $9 billion acquisition of Comcast’s remaining one-third Hulu stake in June 2025. Comcast had originally sought over $13 billion, but the final price was determined through arbitration.
Live TV and Industry Changes
Hulu’s live TV offering will be combined with Fubo under a Disney-majority joint venture, though both services will remain separately branded. Hulu + Live TV will eventually integrate into Disney+ by 2026.
Disney also announced it will stop reporting individual subscriber numbers for its streaming services, following Netflix’s lead, and set August 21 as the launch date for its standalone ESPN streaming service at $29.99 per month.
A Streaming Powerhouse Emerges
The integration creates what could be the most comprehensive streaming service available, combining Disney’s family content, Marvel and Star Wars properties, Hulu’s mature programming, live sports, and news under one digital roof. This consolidated approach positions Disney to compete more effectively while potentially reducing subscription fatigue for consumers.
The move represents Disney’s bet that bigger is better in the crowded streaming market, aiming to increase engagement, reduce churn, and create new revenue opportunities through enhanced advertising and bundling capabilities.
