Hulu App Shutdown: Disney+ to Launch Unified Streaming Experience in 2026

The streaming wars have reached a pivotal moment as Disney announces the Hulu app shutdown, marking the end of an era for one of television’s pioneering platforms. Starting in early 2026, Hulu’s content library will migrate entirely to Disney+ through a “fully integrated” experience, eliminating the standalone app that debuted in 2007. This seismic shift follows Disney’s recent acquisition of Comcast’s remaining Hulu stake, accelerating plans to consolidate streaming services amid industry-wide pressure to boost profitability.

What Does the Hulu App Shutdown Mean for Subscribers?

Current Hulu users won’t lose access to shows like The Bear or Only Murders in the Building—they’ll simply find them alongside Marvel and Star Wars content within Disney+. A dedicated Hulu tile will appear on the Disney+ homepage, similar to existing sections for National Geographic or ESPN. Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed the move will create “an impressive package of entertainment” merging franchises, general programming, news, and live sports in one app (Deadline, August 2025). Technical upgrades already underway include personalized homepages and new discovery features.

Will Hulu Live TV Services Change?

Hulu’s Live TV offering remains unaffected, preserving access to 95+ live channels. Subscribers paying $81.99/month for Live TV can continue without disruption. Iger emphasized live content as critical to Disney’s bundled strategy, particularly sports via ESPN. This positions Disney+ as a hybrid platform blending on-demand libraries with linear broadcasting—a direct challenge to YouTube TV and cable alternatives.

How Will International Viewers Be Impacted?

The integration finally brings Hulu’s content catalog globally, replacing Disney+’s “Star” tile in markets like the UK and Australia. International subscribers gain access to Hulu Originals like The Handmaid’s Tale, previously exclusive to the U.S. While Disney hasn’t announced pricing changes, analysts predict potential bundling adjustments. For example, upcoming releases like Alien: Earth will stream under Hulu internationally instead of Star, potentially reshaping subscription tiers.

Breaking Down Disney+ and Hulu’s New Bundles

Disney now offers 11 subscription plans, nine including Hulu:

• Budget Tier: Disney+/Hulu (ads) — $10.99/month
• Premium Bundle: Disney+/Hulu (no ads) — $19.99/month
• Live TV Package: Hulu Live + Disney+/ESPN+ — $82.99-$95.99/month
  Users can customize bundles with add-ons like Max ($9.99-$16.99) or Paramount+ with SHOWTIME ($12.99). The restructuring highlights Disney’s push toward aggregated, ad-supported options as streaming fatigue grows.

The streaming bubble has burst—consolidation is inevitable. Disney’s absorption of Hulu reflects a necessary pivot toward unified platforms that balance content depth with user convenience. As competitors like Netflix dominate with scale, this merger could redefine how audiences access everything from prestige dramas to live sports. Explore updated bundles before the 2026 transition and track new releases like Alien: Earth premiering August 12.

Must Know

Q: Is Hulu being discontinued completely?
A: No. Only the standalone app is shutting down. All Hulu content will migrate to Disney+ under a dedicated section by early 2026.

Q: Will Hulu Live TV disappear?
A: No. Live TV services continue unchanged, with Disney highlighting them as a core offering in its unified app.

Q: Do international subscribers get Hulu?
A: Yes. The Hulu tile will replace Disney+’s “Star” section globally, expanding access to Hulu Originals outside the U.S.

Q: Will prices increase after integration?
A: Current bundles remain unchanged, but analysts warn international markets could see adjustments when Hulu replaces Star.

Q: Can I keep only Hulu without Disney+?
A: Post-2026, Hulu will only be accessible via Disney+. Standalone Hulu subscriptions will cease.

Q: What happens to my watchlist and profiles?
A: Disney confirms data migration tools will transfer viewing history and profiles to the new platform seamlessly.