Hulu Permanently Shuts Down in Largest Streaming Merger in US History

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Disney will end Hulu’s standalone app by 2026 and integrate it into Disney+ globally, marking a major streaming consolidation. The Disney+ Hulu integration followed Disney’s June 9, 2025 purchase of Comcast’s remaining 33% stake for over $9 billion. Hulu app ending coincides with a redesign adding tabs, personalized pages, and content badging without separate logins.
From October 8, Star was replaced by Hulu for international Disney+ users, expanding U.S. content under regional licensing. Disney raised Disney+ prices on October 21, 2025, funding originals and consolidation. Disney reported migrating 1.2 billion viewing hours and expanding ad-supported reach to 157 million users. Bob Iger said ESPN integration into Disney+ is planned by 2027, with unified-app rollout continuing through 2026.

Transcript

00:00Hulu permanently shuts down in largest streaming merger in U.S. history.

00:05Disney said Hulu's standalone app will end by 2026, integrating into Disney Plus globally from October 8th,

00:13replacing Star in international markets, signaling major streaming consolidation worldwide.

00:19Disney acquired Comcast's remaining 33% of Hulu for over $9 billion on June 9, 2025,

00:25securing full ownership and enabling expansion via Disney Plus after valuation disputes.

00:31Bob Iger said Hulu will serve as Disney Plus's international general entertainment brand,

00:37consolidating content, cutting costs, expanding global reach,

00:41and strengthening Disney against Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

00:45Disney is redesigning Disney Plus to integrate Hulu without separate logins,

00:49adding navigation tabs, personalized for-you pages,

00:52and content badging to improve discovery and experience.

00:56About 72 million international Disney Plus subscribers saw Star replaced by Hulu from October 8th,

01:02expanding U.S. content, with reorganization and hot star branding removal disrupting some regions.

01:09Hulu's U.S. library, including FX Hits, went global, reaching 120 million viewers,

01:14boosting Disney's competitiveness, while Comcast exited after cashing out and respecting regional licensing rules.

01:20Comcast earned nearly $10 billion divesting Hulu, exiting successfully to focus on Peacock and independent streaming ambitions,

01:30with price changes following across its broader media strategy.

01:34Disney raised Disney Plus prices on October 21, 2025.

01:37Ad tier is now $9.99 to $11.99, while premium ranges from $15.99 to $18.99, funding originals and consolidation.

01:51With Hulu integrated, Disney now serves 157 million global ad-supported users,

01:57expanding while premium ranges from ad inventory and strengthening its position in the advertising market,

02:03despite legal challenges.

02:05Disney migrated over 1.2 billion viewing hours without disruption, simulating 500 million users,

02:12showcasing strength that boosted FX audiences and set it apart from competitors.

02:17After the rebrand, searches for How to Cancel Disney Plus surged 340% per similar web,

02:24reflecting frustration, while Disney said churn impacts will emerge after Q4 earnings.

02:29Bob Iger plans to integrate ESPN into Disney Plus by 2027,

02:35creating an all-in-one entertainment and sports app to build a comprehensive streaming ecosystem for global audiences.

02:41Price increases take effect October 21, 2025, while subscriber data arrives January 2026.

02:49The unified app launches in 2026 as Disney evolves rollout,

02:54no doubt reshaping the global future of streaming across the industry.

02:57Disney's Hulu integration represents the largest U.S. streaming consolidation thus far,

03:03signaling profound evolution.

Hulu Permanently Shuts Down in Largest Streaming Merger in US History

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