Disney Upfront 2019: Everything you need to know about the brand

Disney took the stage on May 14 to announce the news about the rebrand, Hulu ownership, and Constance Wu. Here’s a roundup of everything you need to know from the Disney Upfront 2019.

It’s Upfronts week and May 14 saw Disney take to the stage. All the brands under the Disney framework took to the stage, sharing updates from ESPN, FX, Nat Geo, ABC, and more. There was certainly plenty of news and schedules announced, with discussions about Hulu ownership and Constance Wu.

Make sure you don’t miss out on all the important TV information. Here’s everything that you need to know from the announcements.

Disney gains full Hulu ownership

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The biggest news of the Disney Upfront had to be the ownership of Hulu. Comcast has stepped away from the streaming service, already relinquishing its voting rights and ill give up all shares within five years.

What does this mean for Hulu and Disney+ running together? The two will offer something different. Hulu will continue to offer live TV while being the home for the more adult content. Meanwhile, Disney+ will be the place for the family-friendly content, which includes some Nat Geo content – some of it will go to Hulu instead.

FX shows will definitely not be on the Disney+ streaming service. They will be on Hulu and there is talk of bringing more content because 15 hours isn’t enough to be competitive.

Freeform to share The Simpsons off-network airing

During the Freeform and FXX announcement, it was made clear that The Simpsons would get some reruns through Freeform, as well as FXX.

More animation that will be shared are the Christmas specials Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman. They will remain on CBS, but Freeform will also get to air them this year.

Siren was also confirmed as being renewed for a third season.

Fewer new shows on ABC

During the ABC stint at the end of the Disney Upfront 2019 presentation, Karey Burke announced that there would be fewer new shows on the network. This is a strategic decision to give the newer shows a better chance. With so many new shows during the 2018-2019 season, it was clear that viewers had just too much to watch – something that I’ve been saying for a while. It’s better to be pickier on content.

So, there are only four new shows coming during the fall 2019 lineup. You can see the full schedule for ABC fall 2019.

NYPD Blue is still being considered for the midseason but it wasn’t ready to be picked up for the fall. ABC wants to run with it but needs to make sure it’s what the audiences need. However, the great news is that it will be entirely shot in New York if it is picked up to series.

Of course, there was talk of Constance Wu and whether she would be recast or removed from Fresh Off the Boat following her tweets after the show was renewed. Burke confirmed there were no talks to recast her and she will be part of the sixth season.

As for why Fresh Off the Boat was renewed and not Speechless, Burke shared that it was a difficult decision. However, ABC believes that there’s a better chance for the former comedy in the earlier timeslot of 8:30 p.m. on Fridays.

What did you think of the Disney Upfront 2019 news? What are your thoughts on Disney getting sole ownership of Hulu? What do you think of reducing the number of new shows on ABC? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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