Hulu to Be Fully Integrated Into Disney+
With The Walt Company’s fiscal third-quarter earnings release on Wednesday, CEO Bob Iger and CFO Hugh Johnston announced that Hulu will be fully integrated into Disney+ in 2026.
In June, Disney completed the buyout of Comcast’s 33% stake of Hulu and now owns 100% of the streaming service. A Hulu tile was previously launched on Disney+ in December 2023 and includes most of Hulu’s on-demand content for Disney Bundle subscribers.
“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,” Iger and Johnston said.
“By creating a truly differentiated streaming offering, we will be providing subscribers tremendous choice, convenience, quality, and enhanced personalization.” While it wasn’t stated officially, the standalone Hulu app is expected to be phased out over time.
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 personalized homepage.”
“All of this work will culminate with the unified Disney+ and Hulu streaming app experience that will be available to consumers next year,” the two said.
Iger and Johnston concluded their executive commentary by saying that Disney is “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+.”
They added that the moves create “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.”
