Disney+ isn’t shutting down but there will be a merger with Hulu

If you’re like me and are tired from having so many different streaming apps on your devices, then we have some good news! Disney+ and Hulu will be merging into one app, that way you can watch content that’s offered from both streamers on one platform. That’s definitely a win in my book!

So what does this mean for each respective streamer? Don’t worry, Disney+ isn’t going anywhere. It just means that the two will be consolidated into one app. It’s still not clear whether there will be a new name for the app, or it will just keep the name Disney+. That’s because Variety shares that Hulu content will be migrated over to the other streamer.

Starting in December 2023, Disney is launching “a beta test” with Disney+ and Hulu combined “into a single experience for subscribers of both services,” in the U.S., Variety reports. This applies to those who are current subscribers of the Duo Bundle. The migration will happen fully and officially in late March 2024, per the news outlet. Disney CEO Bob Iger said the following during an earnings call, shared by Variety:

"We remain on track to roll out a more unified one-app experience domestically, making extensive general entertainment content available to bundle subscribers via Disney+."

So why is this happening and what are the specifics you need to know about the plans the company has for the near future? We’ve got you covered! Read on below for the details.

What you need to know about the Disney/Hulu merger

While Disney currently owns the majority of Hulu, NBCUniversal has a 33% ownership in the streaming service, per Variety. And so the House of Mouse company is working out a deal with Comcast, which owns a majority of NBCUniversal, to take over full ownership. The news outlet reports that the company is willing to pay Comcast “at least $8.61 billion for the Hulu stake.” Talk about a lot of cash!

Currently, the Disney+ and Hulu bundle costs $9.99/month with ads or $19.99/month without ads. The December beta test will allow those with the Duo Bundle to have time to set up parental controls if needed, per the news outlet. That’s because Disney+ subscribers will be able to access Hulu content once the migration kicks in. According to Variety, the goal of the merger is to “result in increased engagement, greater ad revenue, reduce customer-acquisition costs ,and lower churn.”

It’s a good idea for the beta test to start off with those who are subscribed to the bundle. That’s because they’re using both streamers anyways. However it’s going to be a bit of an adjustment for users who only have either Disney+ or Hulu. But like when theParamount+ and Showtime merger happened, or the Warner Bros. and Discovery one did, we all got used to it. And honestly, I like that these companies are consolidating content into one app. It just makes it easier as a consumer.

I think this is a good idea on Disney’s part as well. Like earlier this year when Once Upon A Time was added to Hulu, it’s a chance for the show to get more exposure, and for both companies to sort of use each other in a good way to gain more attention. To be honest for me, Disney+ was great at the beginning to watch the old movies and shows that make us nostalgic. And today, sure there’s the new Marvel content. But overall other than that if you don’t have kids, it’s hard to attract a range of people. But with the addition of Hulu, I think more adults will be inclined to subscribe to Disney+, and it’s a smart business decision on their end.

Stay tuned to Hidden Remote as we bring you news and updates about the Disney+ and Hulu app merger!