Disney and Hulu Merger Date: Timeline, Impact, and Subscriber Insights

Hulu live TV service will merge with FuboTV under a Disney-led joint venture. Hulu + Live TV will continue as a separate offering, while FuboTV remains its own service. The unified Disney+ and Hulu app aims to make it easier for viewers to access content, improve user experience, and help Disney compete better in the growing streaming market.

Disney and Hulu Merger: Key Dates and Timeline

The highly anticipated Disney-Hulu merger is set for 2026, when Disney will launch a single streaming app combining Disney+ and Hulu. This marks one of the biggest shifts in the streaming landscape since Netflix changed home entertainment.

Official timeline:

• December 2023: Disney began a beta called “Hulu on Disney+” for bundle subscribers, letting them access Hulu content directly through Disney+.
• June 2025: Disney completed its purchase of Comcast’s remaining Hulu stake for about $439 million, following an $8.6 billion acquisition in 2023.
• August 6, 2025: Disney announced that the standalone Hulu app would be retired in 2026.
• 2026: Disney+ officially launches as a unified app with Hulu content.
• 2026: The standalone Hulu app shuts down.

What Happens to Hulu?

Hulu will be fully integrated into Disney+ in 2026. This means the separate Hulu app will be discontinued, and all Hulu content like movies, series, news, and live sports will be available through the unified Disney+ app.

• You can still choose to subscribe to Disney+ or Hulu individually, or opt for a bundled plan.
• Hulu’s live TV service will merge with FuboTV under a Disney-led joint venture, so live TV offerings will continue, but as part of a separate service.
• The goal is to simplify streaming, improve access to content, and create a better user experience.

Why Disney Is Combining Hulu and Disney+?

Disney merger of Hulu and Disney+ is about more than convenience—it’s a smart business strategy.

• Simplifying the Streaming Experience
  Viewers don’t want to manage multiple apps and subscriptions. Merging Hulu into Disney+ creates a single platform for both family-friendly and adult content, making it easier to use and reducing subscriber confusion.
• Increasing Profitability
  Disney’s direct-to-consumer streaming business recently reported an operating profit of $359 million. Combining the two apps lowers costs for technology, customer service and marketing.
• Boosting Advertising Revenue
  A larger combined audience makes ad space more valuable. Disney can offer bundled ad packages across Disney+ and Hulu content, attracting more advertisers.
• Aligning Globally
  Disney+ already includes general entertainment internationally through the Star hub. Merging Hulu in the U.S. aligns the domestic market with Disney’s global streaming strategy.

Business Strategy Behind the Billion-Dollar Deal

Disney’s path to full Hulu ownership has been long and carefully planned:

• 2007: Hulu launched as a joint venture between NBCUniversal and News Corp.
• 2009: Disney bought its first stake in Hulu.
• 2019: Disney acquired 21st Century Fox, gaining a majority stake and operational control of Hulu.
• 2019: AT&T sold its 10% stake to Disney for $1.43 billion.
• 2023: Disney paid $8.6 billion to acquire Comcast’s stake.
• June 2025: Disney finalized full ownership by paying Comcast $439 million.

With full ownership, Disney can now move forward with its plan to fully integrate Hulu into Disney+.

Merger Means for Viewers

With the two platforms combined, users will enjoy one app with all content in a single place from Disney classics like Mickey Mouse Clubhouse to Hulu hits such as The Bear. This unified experience makes it easier to find and enjoy a wide range of shows and movies without switching between apps.

• Improved personalization - Disney plans to enhance its recommendation algorithms, helping viewers navigate the massive content library and discover shows and movies tailored to their interests.
• Bundles Evolution - The Disney Bundle Duo (with ads) costs $9.99/month, while the Trio Premium (Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+) is $19.99/month. After the merger, Disney is expected to offer a new, improved bundle including the ESPN app priced around $29.99/month.
• Flexibility Remains - Disney CEO Bob Iger has confirmed that subscribers will still have the option to sign up for Hulu or Disney+ individually if they prefer.

What Content Will Be on the Unified App?

The unified Disney+ and Hulu app will feature a wide range of content for all audiences:

• Disney Favorites: Classic animated movies, Pixar films, Marvel blockbusters, Star Wars and National Geographic documentaries.
• Hulu Originals: Popular series, dramas, comedies and exclusive Hulu content.
• Live TV & News: Hulu’s live TV channels, including news and sports, which will continue through a joint venture with FuboTV.
• Adult and General Entertainment: Shows and movies not typically found on Disney+, offering more mature content for adults.
• Sports Content: ESPN programming included in the bundle packages.

The unified app will combine family-friendly content, adult entertainment, live TV, and sports into a single, streamlined platform for subscribers.

How Disney+ and Hulu Pricing Will Evolve

With the Disney+ and Hulu merger, subscribers can expect updated pricing and bundle options designed to fit different viewing needs.

• Current Plans: Today, the Disney Bundle Duo (Disney+ and Hulu with ads) costs $9.99/month, while the Trio Premium (Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ with no ads on Disney+ and Hulu) is $19.99/month.
• Post-Merger Updates: Disney is preparing to launch an enhanced ESPN app bundle for around $29.99/month, giving sports fans more value alongside the unified Disney+ and Hulu platform.
• Flexibility: Despite the integration, Disney CEO Bob Iger has confirmed that subscribers will still have the choice to subscribe to Disney+ or Hulu separately.

These updates aim to give households more flexibility while making it easier to access all their favorite entertainment family shows, dramas, sports, and live TV in one place.

Conclusion

The Disney and Hulu merger in 2026 will be one of the biggest changes in streaming since Netflix transformed home entertainment. By bringing Hulu into Disney+, Disney will make it easier for viewers to watch everything in one place while also strengthening its global strategy. Subscribers will be able to enjoy Disney favorites like Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars, along with Hulu’s wide range of dramas, comedies, documentaries, and live sports all on a single app. The merger also means better recommendations, new bundle options, and more flexible pricing for households. For Disney, it helps cut costs, run operations more smoothly and attract more advertisers giving it an edge in the competitive streaming market. More than just a tech upgrade, this merger is about making streaming more convenient, valuable and accessible for millions of people while securing Disney’s position as a leader in the industry.