Disney to Fully Merge Hulu Into Disney+ in 2026
Disney will phase out Hulu as a standalone app by 2026, integrating its content into Disney+ for a unified streaming experience with expanded entertainment offerings.
Sumit Rawat
Disney to Phase Out Hulu as Standalone App, Fully Integrating Into Disney+ by 2026
Disney has confirmed that Hulu, the streaming platform now fully owned by the entertainment giant, will cease to operate as a standalone app in 2026, merging completely into Disney+. The move marks one of the company’s most significant strategic shifts since taking full control of Hulu.
Beginning in fall 2025, Hulu will replace the Star brand on Disney+ in international markets. The unified Disney+ and Hulu app will officially debut in 2026, though consumers will still be able to subscribe to each service separately.
Announcing the decision during Disney’s quarterly earnings, CEO Bob Iger and CFO Hugh Johnston called the integration a “comprehensive entertainment package” combining Hulu’s general entertainment, news, and live sports with Disney’s family-friendly programming and iconic brands.
Iger said the merger will enhance user experience, reduce customer churn, and create operational efficiencies, while also unlocking more advertising opportunities. The technical integration will place all Hulu and Disney+ content on a single platform.
As part of the overhaul, Hulu’s live TV service will join forces with streaming provider Fubo, in which Disney holds a majority stake. Initially, Hulu + Live TV and Fubo will continue to be marketed separately, but in 2026, Hulu + Live TV will also be folded into Disney+.
Disney began blending Hulu content into Disney+ in spring 2024 to encourage bundled subscriptions. Additionally, the company confirmed that its standalone ESPN streaming service will launch on August 21 at $29.99 per month. In a change to reporting practices, Disney will no longer disclose individual subscriber numbers for Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+.
