Disney to Discontinue Hulu App, Fully Merge Service with Disney+ by 2026

The Walt Disney Company has officially confirmed a major overhaul of its streaming strategy, announcing that Hulu will cease to exist as a standalone app in 2026. The platform’s extensive library will be integrated into Disney+, creating a unified entertainment experience for subscribers worldwide.

Hulu to Replace Star Hub in International Markets

Starting autumn 2025, Hulu will replace the Star hub within Disney+ in international markets. This is part of a global rollout strategy, with the fully merged Disney+ and Hulu platform launching in 2026. Despite the integration, Disney has confirmed that customers will still be able to purchase Disney+ and Hulu subscriptions separately if they wish.

A Comprehensive Entertainment Package

In its quarterly earnings call, Disney CEO Bob Iger and CFO Hugh Johnston described the merger as a move towards delivering a “comprehensive entertainment package.” The integration will bring together:

• Disney’s family-friendly content and blockbuster franchises

• Hulu’s general entertainment, live sports, and news

According to Iger, this consolidation will not only enhance the overall user experience but also reduce subscriber churn and boost operational efficiency by running both services on a single technology platform.

Boosting Advertising and Revenue Opportunities

By merging Hulu into Disney+, the company aims to create stronger advertising opportunities through its cross-platform sales network. With more diverse content under one app, advertisers can target a wider demographic, ranging from families to sports fans and drama enthusiasts.

Shake-Up in Live TV Streaming

Hulu’s Live TV service will also undergo significant changes. Disney plans to merge Hulu + Live TV into a joint venture with sports streaming service Fubo, in which Disney will hold a majority stake. Initially, Hulu + Live TV and Fubo will continue as separate services, but by 2026, live TV streaming will be integrated into Disney+.

The Fate of Hulu Shows and Originals

Hulu subscribers have been concerned about what will happen to their favorite shows and exclusive originals. Disney has reassured viewers that all Hulu content—including original series, films, news, and live sports—will be available within Disney+ from early 2026.

The Hulu brand will not vanish completely; instead, it will exist as a dedicated content hub inside Disney+, similar to how Star Wars and Marvel content is categorized on the platform.

Integration Already Underway

Disney began the transition in early 2024 by giving Disney+ subscribers access to Hulu’s content through bundled subscription offers. This was aimed at familiarizing users with the upcoming single-platform model and encouraging more bundled sign-ups.

End of Separate Subscriber Counts

In line with industry changes led by Netflix, Disney will stop reporting individual subscriber counts for Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. This shift reflects the company’s growing focus on the strength of its overall streaming portfolio rather than individual platform performance.

ESPN Streaming Service to Launch in August 2025

Alongside the Hulu integration announcement, Disney revealed that its standalone ESPN streaming service will launch on August 21, 2025, priced at $29.99 per month. This service will offer live sports coverage and exclusive content, aiming to attract dedicated sports fans.

Competitive Strategy in a Crowded Market

The Disney+–Hulu merger is seen as a direct move to strengthen Disney’s position in the highly competitive streaming landscape, which includes Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max. By offering both family-focused and general entertainment under one subscription, Disney hopes to attract a broader audience and retain existing users.

Pricing Details Yet to Be Announced

While the integration has been confirmed, Disney has not yet revealed the subscription pricing for the merged Disney+–Hulu platform. Industry experts predict that pricing will be competitive but slightly higher than Disney+’s current rates, reflecting the expanded content offering.