Disney Sparks Internet Outrage with Controversial Changes to Disney+ Amid Kimmel Scandal
Disney is back at it again with some changes to its streaming service, Disney+, and people are talking. The price of Disney+ is going up starting October 21, 2025. This is the fourth year in a row that Disney has raised prices for subscribers, affecting both the ad-supported and ad-free plans, as well as annual subscriptions and bundles with Hulu and ESPN+.
If you’re on the ad-supported plan, get ready for a $2 bump, bringing your monthly total to $11.99. For those enjoying the ad-free experience, your monthly bill will go up by $3 to $18.99. Annual subscribers will see an increase of $30, making it $189.99 for the year. And if you’re bundled up with Hulu and ESPN+, you can expect those prices to climb as well.
This move comes as Disney continues to gradually increase streaming prices, even though their direct-to-consumer division is just starting to turn a profit. Disney bigwigs say that even with these price hikes, Disney+ is still a steal considering all the Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, National Geographic, and original content you get access to.
But here’s where the plot thickens. Right as Disney drops this pricing bombshell, ABC suspends Jimmy Kimmel Live! over some comments Kimmel made. This decision caused quite a stir online, with some folks calling for boycotts of Disney’s streaming platforms. Word has it that Disney rushed to bring Kimmel back earlier than planned to avoid losing subscribers right before the price increase.
People on social media are connecting the dots. They’re pointing out that as Kimmel gets back on the air, Disney is hiking up their prices. Some users are even canceling their subscriptions in protest. It seems like the timing could have been better, especially since other streaming services like Netflix, HBO Max, and Paramount+ have been raising their rates too.
It’s a tricky situation for Disney. They’ve built a reputation as a family-friendly streaming option with tons of content, but will subscribers still feel the same way paying $19 a month for ad-free streaming? As debates rage on in the U.S., Disney’s challenge will be balancing their financial goals with maintaining public trust.
What’s your take on all this Disney drama? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
