Hulu Shutting Down as Disney+ Merger Begins in 2026

Streaming viewers will see a major change next year. Hulu, one of the longest-running streaming services in the United States, will shut down in 2026. The service will be fully integrated into Disney+, according to a statement made in Disney’s latest earnings report.

This marks the end of Hulu as a standalone platform, but its library of content isn’t going away. Instead, series and movies are being added into Disney’s main streaming app in a move that aims to streamline content and reduce operating costs.

Disney finalized its full buyout of Hulu from Comcast back in June 2025. That cleared the way for complete control over the service and this merger announcement came just weeks later. CEO Bob Iger and CFO Hugh Johnston released a joint statement confirming the strategy.

Today we are announcing a major step forward in strengthening our streaming offering by fully integrating Hulu into Disney+.

This will create an impressive package of entertainment, pairing the highest-caliber brands and franchises, great general entertainment, family programming, news and industry-leading live sports content in a single app.

What Happens to Hulu Content?

The combined app will host all content previously available on Hulu. That includes popular general entertainment titles, news programming, and sports broadcasts.

Internationally, Hulu will replace the existing “Star” tile inside Disney+, serving as a branded hub for more mature or general entertainment content. U.S. subscribers will no longer be able to use the Hulu app once the integration is complete.

Those who use the Hulu + Live TV Service will see the platform merge into Fubo.

Disney wants to give viewers a single destination for family programming, live sports, blockbuster franchises, and original series. Having it all under one app simplifies access and allows for better account management across different user profiles.

Why Disney is Doing This

There are a few key reasons behind this decision. First, Disney hopes this change will improve the user experience. Instead of switching between apps, users will browse everything in one place. That may help increase watch time and lower subscription cancellations.

By combining Hulu into Disney+, Disney expects to save money through what it called “operational efficiencies.” The company plans to reinvest those savings into new programming and platform improvements.

By creating a truly differentiated streaming offering, we will be providing subscribers tremendous choice, convenience, quality, and enhanced personalization.

This will enhance our ability to continue to grow profitability and margins in our entertainment streaming business through expected higher engagement, lower churn, and advertising revenue potential, as well as operational efficiencies that over time may result in savings that we can reinvest back into the business.

The move also opens the door to stronger advertising deals. With all viewership running through a single platform, Disney can sell larger ad packages across a broader range of content.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the benefits Disney claims the change will bring:

• More personalized user experience
• Increased ad revenue opportunities
• Streamlined operations
• Better cost control

• Reduced churn rates

What Subscribers Should Expect

U.S. users can continue using the Hulu app for now, but it will eventually be removed from app stores. At that point, all content will be available through the Disney+ app, likely under a separate tile or section similar to what’s done with brands like Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars.

Disney hasn’t shared a specific shutdown date for the Hulu app, only that the integration will complete sometime in 2026.

The pricing model for the combined app is still unknown. Currently, Hulu and Disney+ are sold together through bundle plans, so subscribers may not notice much of a change unless new package tiers are introduced.

Final Thoughts

Disney’s decision to shut down Hulu and merge it into Disney+ marks a major shift in how big streaming companies operate. As the market gets more crowded, combining platforms is becoming a go-to strategy for cutting costs and keeping users from jumping ship.

Whether this new direction pays off will depend on how well Disney executes the rollout. For now, the company is promising better personalization, more content variety, and lower app-switching headaches for subscribers.

We want to know what you think of Hulu’s merger into Disney+. Will you be purchasing or using this platform for streaming? Let us know in the comment section below!

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