Disney Exec Confirms Increase in Adult Content on Disney+

Disney+ is making a move to cater to a more mature audience, with plans to offer a wider range of programming options beyond its traditional family-friendly content. Eric Schrier, President of Disney Television Studios and Global Original Television Strategy, shared this exciting news at the Content London summit.

The challenge for Disney is finding a way to expand its content while still staying true to its wholesome image. With the acquisition of 20th Century Fox, Disney found itself in possession of edgier content like The Simpsons and Family Guy that didn’t quite fit the Disney brand. Schrier explained that the initial idea was to transform Disney+ into a platform with broader appeal, but they ultimately decided to leverage Hulu’s expertise in mature content to strike a balance.

CEO Bob Iger has shifted Disney+ towards quality over quantity, focusing on fewer but more impactful projects that are expected to be more financially successful. This change has affected production plans across Disney’s entertainment divisions, with a focus on maintaining the company’s reputation for family-oriented entertainment through Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, and Lucasfilm. Meanwhile, content targeting older audiences will fall under the Hulu banner, allowing Disney to explore new creative territories.

Despite pursuing various revenue strategies, including adjusting subscription costs and production budgets, Schrier emphasized the importance of creative freedom and experimentation in developing content for mature viewers. He stressed the need to take risks and embrace the possibility of failure in the creative process, highlighting the benefits of allowing room for innovation.

As Disney+ continues to evolve and diversify its content offerings, the question remains: should the platform introduce more adult-oriented content? Share your thoughts with Disney Dining in the comments!