Disney+ Planning to Launch Hulu in UK and Europe, Eliminating a Long-Loved Feature Simultaneously
Disney+ to Integrate Hulu as a Streaming Hub, Expanding Entertainment Offerings
Disney has announced that it will fully integrate Hulu as a streaming hub by 2026, making the standalone Hulu app obsolete. This integration will be rolled out internationally, starting in Fall 2025[1][2][4].
The consolidation of Disney’s streaming services will allow users to access Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN content within one unified app. Although subscribers can still purchase separate subscriptions to Disney+ or Hulu, both services’ content will be available through the same Disney+ interface, with content access depending on the chosen subscription plan[1][2].
One of the key benefits of this integration is the expansion of general entertainment content. Hulu, known for a wider range of original shows and mature content, will bring its library to Disney+ internationally, replacing the Star tile’s current content, thus broadening the variety of shows and movies available to international viewers[1][2].
Users can expect a more unified app experience, reducing the need to switch between separate apps for Disney+ and Hulu content, which should simplify navigation and possibly improve engagement[2].
Disney is also maintaining options for subscriptions to Hulu or Disney+ standalone, allowing consumers to choose plans based on their content preferences[1][2].
The current branding of Star will be retired entirely, with Hulu replacing it on the Disney+ homepage[3]. It is not specified whether the integration of Hulu with Disney+ in the US will result in the migration of shows. However, the launch of Hulu in Disney+ in the UK and abroad might result in some shows being migrated to the app[5].
Notably, The Handmaid's Tale, a Hulu Original in the US but available on Amazon Prime Video and Channel 4 in the UK, might change with the launch of Hulu in Disney+[6].
Work is underway to enhance the technology within the Disney+ app to accommodate the integration of Hulu[7]. No further information was provided about the smarter living website newsletter or the gorgeous tech, home, and active products mentioned in the article.
This strategy aims to simplify Disney’s streaming ecosystem, reduce service fragmentation, and enhance content availability globally by leveraging Hulu’s brand to replace Star internationally, providing users a broader and more cohesive entertainment offering[1][2].
[1] Disney to integrate Hulu with Disney+ internationally
[2] Disney to Integrate Hulu into Disney+, Eliminating Standalone App
[3] Disney to Replace Star Tile on Disney+ with Hulu
[4] Disney to Integrate Hulu into Disney+ in 2026
[5] Disney+ to Launch Hulu in UK and Other Markets, Bringing Changes to Content Availability
[6] The Handmaid's Tale: Will It Be Moved to Disney+ with the Launch of Hulu?
[7] Disney Announces Plans to Enhance Technology for Disney+ App
- The integration of Hulu into Disney+ will provide a single platform for users to access both technology-driven entertainment from Disney+ and mature content from Hulu.
- With Hulu's extensive library of general entertainment content set to be available through Disney+, technology enthusiasts can look forward to a more diverse range of shows and movies on the streaming hub.
