As we close out 2025, Disney has reaffirmed a major shift in its streaming strategy: the standalone Hulu app will be discontinued sometime in 2026, with all Hulu content fully integrated into the Disney+ platform. This move, first announced in August 2025 and reiterated in recent earnings updates, marks the end of Hulu as an independent app after nearly two decades of service.
Launched in 2007 as a joint venture between media giants like NBCUniversal, News Corp., and later Disney, Hulu quickly became a pioneer in streaming. It distinguished itself with next-day episodes of network TV shows, a vast library of licensed content, and acclaimed originals like The Handmaid’s Tale, Only Murders in the Building, and The Bear. By offering an affordable alternative to cable, Hulu played a key role in the cord-cutting revolution.
Disney gained controlling interest in Hulu through its 2019 acquisition of 21st Century Fox assets and achieved full ownership in 2025 after buying out Comcast’s remaining stake. Partial integration began earlier—bundled subscribers have accessed “Hulu on Disney+” content since 2024—but the full merger accelerates now that Disney has complete control.
What Changes in 2026?
- No More Standalone Hulu App: The separate Hulu app on smart TVs, phones, Roku, Fire TV, and other devices will be phased out. Users will access Hulu’s library exclusively through an updated Disney+ app, creating a “unified” experience.
- Content Remains Intact: All Hulu shows, movies, and originals will migrate to Disney+. The “Hulu” brand will persist as a dedicated hub or tile within Disney+ for general entertainment and adult-oriented programming, similar to how Marvel or Star Wars content is organized.
- Subscriptions and Bundles: Standalone Hulu and Disney+ subscriptions will still be available, but everything will funnel through the Disney+ interface. Bundled plans (including ESPN+) are expected to remain popular, potentially becoming the default for new users.
- Hulu + Live TV: This live streaming service, a competitor to YouTube TV and Sling, will also integrate into Disney+ in 2026. Ongoing partnerships, like potential ties with Fubo, may influence its evolution.
- Global Impact: Internationally, Hulu has already replaced the “Star” tile on Disney+ in many markets since late 2025, expanding its brand for non-family content.
Disney CEO Bob Iger has described the integration as a way to create “one-of-a-kind entertainment destination” combining family-friendly Disney fare with Hulu’s edgier programming, news, and sports—all in a single app to reduce subscriber churn and boost engagement.
For many, the change will be seamless—especially bundled users already experiencing cross-platform access. However, longtime Hulu loyalists may miss the dedicated app’s interface or fear a more “Disney-fied” experience overwhelming general entertainment.
No exact shutdown date has been announced, so Hulu users can continue as normal well into 2026. Disney has promised a gradual rollout with updates to the Disney+ app.
While the iconic green Hulu logo may fade from app stores, its legacy and content will live on stronger within Disney’s ecosystem. This merger solidifies Disney+ as a comprehensive super-app, positioning it to compete in an increasingly crowded streaming landscape.
