Disney will fully merge Hulu into Disney+ in 2026, replace the Star brand internationally, and roll out new features and personalization updates.
Hulu’s days as a stand-alone streaming app are officially numbered. Disney, which now owns 100% of Hulu following its $9 billion buyout of Comcast’s one-third stake, announced it will “fully integrate” the service into Disney+ by 2026.
A new unified app will combine Disney+ and Hulu into a single platform, giving subscribers access to everything from blockbuster franchises and family programming to general entertainment, news, and live sports — all in one place. While the Hulu app will be phased out, Disney says customers will still have the option to purchase a stand-alone Hulu or Disney+ subscription if they prefer.
“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,” CEO Bob Iger and CFO Hugh Johnston said during the company’s quarterly earnings announcement.
The merger is aimed at delivering an “improved consumer experience,” reducing subscriber churn, and creating cost efficiencies by putting both services on the same tech platform. Disney also sees new opportunities for ad sales by combining Hulu and Disney+ inventory.
Globally, Hulu will take on an even bigger role. Starting in fall 2025, the Hulu brand will replace the Star tile on Disney+ internationally, cementing its position as Disney’s general entertainment hub outside the U.S.
Technology upgrades are already in progress, with Disney promising a more personalized homepage and new features within the Disney+ app over the coming months.
Hulu’s live TV business is also getting a shake-up. Under a proposed joint venture with Fubo, Hulu + Live TV will be combined with Fubo’s operations, though both brands will continue to be sold and marketed separately for now. Integration of Hulu + Live TV into Disney+ is expected in 2026.
The move comes after years of negotiations between Disney and Comcast, with the final purchase price for Comcast’s stake determined through arbitration. Disney had already begun integrating Hulu content into Disney+ in 2024, using the expanded catalog as a way to convert Disney+ subscribers into bundled customers.
In a related shift, Disney also revealed it will no longer report individual subscriber numbers for Disney+, Hulu, or ESPN+, following a trend set by Netflix and other streamers.
The company additionally confirmed that ESPN’s stand-alone streaming product will launch on August 21, 2025, at $29.99 per month.
