Hulu to Merge with Disney+ by 2026

Disney has announced that Hulu will cease to exist as a standalone streaming platform by 2026, fully merging into Disney+. The transition begins October 8, 2025, when Hulu replaces the Star brand as the hub for adult-oriented programming in international markets. In the U.S., Hulu's content will be increasingly integrated within the Disney+ app leading up to the full merger next year.

While the Hulu app will eventually disappear, Disney plans to continue using the Hulu brand globally under "Hulu on Disney+," leveraging its strong recognition compared to Star, especially for original series like The Handmaid’s Tale and Only Murders in the Building. The consolidation aims to simplify Disney’s streaming ecosystem, reduce marketing and operational costs, and strengthen its content offering against rivals like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

Subsequently, Disney+ will undergo a redesign with a more visual home screen, improved navigation, and personalized content recommendations. Streaming subscription prices will rise modestly following the merger.

This strategic move reflects shifts in consumer behavior and intensifying competition, positioning Disney+ as a more comprehensive streaming service with a unified platform for family and adult content alike.