Wondering if Hulu is shutting down permanently? Speculation began after Disney confirmed plans to phase out the Hulu app. While changes are underway, the full picture points to a broader shift in strategy.
Here’s what Disney has announced so far, what’s happening to Hulu, and when the app is expected to go offline.
Is Hulu shutting down permanently and why?
Hulu is not shutting down permanently, but Disney is discontinuing the standalone Hulu app. The app will be phased out in 2026 as Disney fully integrates Hulu’s content into Disney+. CEO Bob Iger and CFO Hugh Johnston confirmed this during Disney’s quarterly earnings call.
According to Disney, a unified Disney+ and Hulu app will launch in 2026, consolidating general entertainment, sports, news, and family programming into a single platform. A Disney spokesperson clarified that customers will still be able to subscribe to Hulu and Disney+ separately, even after the app merger.
Disney began integrating Hulu content into the Disney+ app in spring 2024. This effort continued internationally with Hulu set to replace the Star title on Disney+ starting in fall 2025. “Work is already underway to continue enhancing our technology,” Iger and Johnston said, promising new features and a personalized homepage for users. (via Variety)
The integration follows Disney’s $9 billion acquisition of Comcast’s remaining 33% stake in Hulu. The final price was determined through arbitration and completed in June 2025. Iger noted the unified app would reduce churn, increase engagement, and provide better ad bundling opportunities.
Hulu + Live TV will also be absorbed into Disney+, with a new joint venture formed between Hulu and Fubo. The live TV services will continue to be marketed and sold under their respective brands during the transition.
Disney also announced it will stop reporting subscriber counts and ARPU for Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ starting fiscal Q1 2026. “We believe quarterly updates on the number of paid subscribers and ARPU have become less meaningful,” said Iger and Johnston.
Disney aims to offer a differentiated streaming experience with improved profitability, operational efficiencies, and broader global branding through Hulu’s integration into Disney+.
