Hulu to Shut Down After 20 Years: Impact of Disney+ Merger on Streaming Services

After nearly two decades as a major player in the streaming world, Hulu is getting ready to merge with Disney+ by 2026. This move is aimed at simplifying the streaming options and creating a more robust platform for viewers.

The transition is set to kick off on October 8 of this year. For viewers outside the US, Hulu will replace the Star brand within the Disney+ app and become the go-to spot for adult-oriented content. In the US, Disney+ users will start seeing more Hulu content seamlessly integrated into the Disney+ app. This will involve a series of updates and improvements to the homepage and overall user experience.

Despite the disappearance of the Hulu app, the name “Hulu on Disney+” will stick around. Disney believes that this brand name holds more global recognition, particularly among fans of Hulu originals.

Hulu has come a long way since its launch in 2007, known for offering next-day access to popular TV shows and producing award-winning original series like The Handmaid’s Tale. Disney took full control of Hulu earlier this year, following a deal with Comcast. The decision to phase out the standalone app was a strategic move by Disney to streamline its services.

This transition will also come with price increases across Disney’s streaming platforms. Beginning October 21, Disney+ with ads will see a price jump from $9.99 to $11.99 per month. The ad-free Premium subscription will rise from $16 to $19 per month. Hulu with ads will cost $11.99, while the ad-free version remains at $18.99. Hulu + Live TV with ads will increase to $90 per month, up by $7. ESPN Select (formerly ESPN+) will also go up by $1 to $12.99.

Disney explains that these price adjustments are in line with the expanded content library available on the new integrated platform, coupled with the company’s ongoing investment in original programming.

For now, US customers still have the option to subscribe to Hulu and Disney+ separately. However, by 2026, Hulu will no longer operate as a standalone app, and all its content will be fully absorbed into Disney+. While this means users will have a single streaming service to manage, it also indicates higher costs for those looking for the complete package.