Hulu to Shut Down After 20 Years: What the Disney Merger Means for Subscribers

The streaming service Hulu will be fully absorbed into Disney+ by 2026. Disney confirmed the move this week, ending Hulu’s nearly 20-year run as a standalone platform. The integration process begins internationally this October.

This decision follows Disney’s recent full acquisition of Hulu from Comcast. The company aims to simplify its streaming offerings and create a single, unified service for subscribers.

The End of an Era for a Streaming Pioneer

Hulu first launched in 2007. It quickly became a popular destination for next-day TV episodes and original programming. Its library includes acclaimed shows like “The Handmaid’s Tale.”

According to reports from Variety, the transition starts on October 8. On that date, the Hulu brand will replace the “Star” hub on Disney+ in international markets. It will serve as the new home for adult-oriented content outside the United States.

For American subscribers, changes will be more gradual. Disney plans an “iterative slate of product updates” to blend Hulu content into the Disney+ app. The standalone Hulu app will eventually be discontinued.

What Subscribers Can Expect Next

The platform merger coincides with significant price increases across Disney’s streaming services. These hikes begin on October 21. The ad-supported Disney+ tier will rise to $11.99 per month.

The premium, ad-free Disney+ plan will jump to $19 monthly. Hulu + Live TV will see the steepest increase, reaching $90 per month. Disney states the new prices reflect the expanded content library and ongoing investments in new shows.

The company will continue using the Hulu name globally under the “Hulu on Disney+” label. Officials believe the Hulu brand has stronger international recognition than the Star brand it is replacing.

The full integration of Hulu into Disney+ marks a major consolidation in the streaming wars, effectively ending the Hulu app as users know it.

Thought you’d like to know

When will Hulu officially shut down?

The Hulu standalone app will be fully retired by 2026. All of its content will be accessible exclusively within the Disney+ application by that time.

What is replacing the Star section on Disney+?

Internationally, the Hulu brand is directly replacing the Star hub. This change gives global audiences a unified destination for general entertainment content starting October 8.

Will my subscription price change?

Yes. Disney is implementing price hikes across its streaming services starting October 21. The cost for the ad-free Disney+ tier, for instance, is rising to $19 per month.

What happens to my existing Hulu account?

Your account and content will be transitioned into the Disney+ platform. You will eventually access everything through a single, unified app and billing system.

Why is Disney making this change?

Disney is consolidating its streaming services to simplify the user experience and reduce operational costs. This follows the company’s full acquisition of Hulu.

Trusted Sources: Variety, GeekSpin