Hulu's potential shutdown and price increase following Disney+ merger: A breakdown of the impending changes in the streaming industry due to significant fluctuations
Disney and Hulu Merge: What You Need to Know
Disney and Hulu are set to merge in a $9 billion deal with Comcast, marking a significant step in the streaming industry. The merger, slated for 2026, will see Hulu operating under the Disney+ domain, aiming to create a unified streaming platform.
The integration promises to improve user experience and generate cost savings of about $3 billion by eliminating duplicate technology and administrative costs. However, as of August 2025, no concrete information about a potential subscription price increase after the merger has been publicly shared.
Disney executives have emphasized enhanced subscriber choices and personalization with the merged service. The current Disney-Hulu bundle costs between $10.99 and $19.99 per month, and subscribers can still purchase stand-alone plans for Disney+ or Hulu.
The main Hulu application will shut down as part of the integration, with Disney+ subscribers being able to download a new app. The streaming platform ESPN, expected to launch in August 2022, will also be a part of this new ecosystem. ESPN has struck a deal with WWE to stream marquee events such as WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Royal Rumble, Money in the Bank, and Survivor Series on its new streaming platform, launching in 2026. The cost of the ESPN streaming platform will be $29.99 per month.
The change has sparked backlash from longtime Hulu fans. Despite this, the merger is expected to take effect in 2026, marking a new era for Disney's streaming division. The division reported a profit of $346 million from March to June 2025, up 6% from the previous quarter.
CNN's chief media analyst Brian Stelter has praised Hulu, calling it "the fastest, user-friendliest streaming app out there." However, it remains unknown if the merger will change the Disney bundle.
As the merger approaches, keep an eye out for updates regarding potential price changes and further improvements to the combined streaming service.
- Beyond entertainment, the merger of Disney and Hulu is expected to venture into sports, as ESPN, set to launch in 2022, will be a part of this new ecosystem.
- Amidst the integration, the joy of international cricket fans could potentially increase, given the unexplored possibilities for sports streaming on the unified platform.
- In business terms, the merger promises cost savings and a unified streaming platform, but financial details like potential subscription price increases after the merger are yet to be disclosed.
- While the merger has received mixed reactions, it's fascinating to consider the influence it could have on the technology sector, as advancements might be made to ensure a seamless user experience across all platforms under the Disney+ domain.
