Disney Plus Absorbs Hulu: The Streaming Era Shifts

Following its complete acquisition of the streaming service, Disney has officially announced the shutdown of the standalone Hulu app. This move marks the end of an era for a platform that revolutionized next-day access to television shows. However, for subscribers, it’s less about losing Hulu and more about finding it in a new home: Disney Plus Hulu integration is now the cornerstone of Disney’s streaming strategy .

The full integration, set for completion by 2026, promises a unified entertainment experience. Disney confirms this shift will combine its family-friendly franchises with Hulu’s award-winning general entertainment in a single, streamlined application .

What the Hulu Shutdown Means for You

For the everyday viewer, the most significant change is the convenience of a single app. You will no longer need to switch between applications to jump from a Marvel movie to an episode of The Handmaid’s Tale .

Crucially, your favorite Hulu shows and movies are not disappearing. Instead, they are being folded into the Disney+ platform. Disney will continue to use the “Hulu on Disney+” brand to house its adult-oriented content, ensuring you can still find the programming you love .

Internationally, this transition has already begun. Starting October 8, 2025, the “Star” hub on Disney+ in international markets was replaced by “Hulu,” transforming it into the company’s global brand for general entertainment .

Key Changes at a Glance

Why Disney is Integrating Hulu into Disney+

This strategic decision stems from Disney’s goal to create a seamless streaming ecosystem. CEO Bob Iger has stated that having both services on one technology platform improves the consumer experience, reduces operational costs, and opens up new advertising opportunities .

Furthermore, this integration allows Disney to present a stronger front against fierce competitors like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. By offering a single, comprehensive destination for family, franchise, adult, and live content, Disney aims to increase subscriber engagement and reduce customer churn .

The completion of Disney’s buyout of Comcast’s remaining stake in Hulu in mid-2025 gave the company the full control necessary to execute this vision, making the merger of the two platforms an inevitable next step .

The New Disney Plus Hulu Experience

Disney is not just moving Hulu’s content; it is redesigning the entire Disney+ interface to accommodate it. You can expect a more dynamic and personalized app .

Key new features include a dedicated “For You” tab that serves as a home base for recommendations powered by an updated algorithm. The navigation bar will also feature clear tabs for Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN, giving you direct access to the different content libraries within the single app .

Additional enhancements include a modernized design with video displays, poster-style artwork, and helpful tags like “Season Finale” or “New Series” to make discovering your next favorite show easier than ever .

Updated Streaming Prices

Alongside these structural changes, Disney is implementing price adjustments across its streaming portfolio effective October 21, 2025. The table below outlines the new rates for select popular plans .

According to Disney, these price hikes reflect the expanded content library and continued investment in new original programming that the unified platform will deliver .

Looking Ahead: The Future of Streaming with Disney

The full integration of Hulu into Disney+ represents the future of streaming: consolidation. For subscribers, this means unparalleled convenience, a more personalized viewing experience, and access to a vast library of content from both brands in one place .

While the standalone Hulu app will be gone, its legacy and content will live on, ensuring you can still enjoy everything from Only Murders in the Building to Abbott Elementary without switching apps. The new Disney Plus Hulu platform is poised to become your one-stop destination for entertainment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will I lose my favorite Hulu shows?

No, you will not lose any Hulu shows. All Hulu originals, licensed content, and movies will transition to the Disney+ app under the “Hulu on Disney+” hub .

2. Do I need to subscribe to both Disney+ and Hulu?

No, you can still choose to subscribe to either service independently. However, the Hulu content will only be accessible through the Disney+ application once the integration is complete .

3. What happens to my Hulu + Live TV subscription?

Hulu’s live TV business will eventually be integrated into Disney+ in 2026. The Hulu + Live TV brand will remain separately sold and marketed for the time being .

4. When will the Hulu app stop working completely?

Disney has confirmed the Hulu app will be phased out and fully shut down by 2026. The company has not yet announced a specific final date for the app’s retirement .

5. Is the Hulu brand name going away?

No, the Hulu brand is not going away. In fact, Disney is expanding its use globally by replacing the “Star” hub on international versions of Disney+ with the Hulu brand .

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