Hulu has become one of the most popular streaming platforms in the United States, offering a wide range of shows, movies, and original series. For many subscribers, a common question continues to come up: is Hulu owned by Disney? The answer is yes. As of 2025, The Walt Disney Company fully owns Hulu after purchasing Comcast’s remaining stake, officially making Hulu a complete Disney property.
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How Disney Gained Control of Hulu
The story of how Hulu ended up in Disney’s hands spans more than a decade. Hulu originally launched in 2007 as a joint venture between major media companies like NBCUniversal, 21st Century Fox, and Disney. Over the years, the ownership structure shifted dramatically:
- Disney first gained significant control in 2019 after acquiring 21st Century Fox. This deal handed Disney a majority share in Hulu.
- For years, Comcast, through NBCUniversal, continued to hold a minority stake.
- In mid-2025, Disney officially bought Comcast’s 33% share, paying out hundreds of millions of dollars and closing the chapter on shared ownership.
This purchase gave Disney complete, exclusive ownership of Hulu for the first time in history.
What Full Disney Ownership Means for Hulu
With Disney holding 100% of Hulu, the company gained freedom to make bold moves in shaping the platform’s future. This includes:
- Integration into Disney+: Disney confirmed that Hulu’s standalone app will eventually be phased out. Instead, Hulu’s content library is being merged directly into Disney+. By 2026, viewers will be able to access Hulu originals and licensed shows in the Disney+ interface.
- Simplified User Experience: Rather than switching between apps, subscribers can find all their favorite content—from Marvel and Pixar to Hulu originals like The Bear and Only Murders in the Building—in one place.
- Stronger Competition: With the combined strength of Disney+ and Hulu, Disney now competes more directly with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max.
The Future of Hulu Originals
One of Hulu’s strongest assets is its original programming. Shows such as The Handmaid’s Tale, Only Murders in the Building, and The Bear have become cultural touchstones. Even as Hulu merges into Disney+, Disney has stated that Hulu originals will continue to be produced and marketed.
Rather than being lost in the shuffle, Hulu’s content will be showcased under a dedicated “Hulu hub” within Disney+. This ensures that subscribers who love Hulu’s unique brand of edgy, adult-focused entertainment can still easily find it.
What Happens to Hulu + Live TV
Another question many subscribers ask is what Disney plans for Hulu + Live TV. This service, which offers live television channels in addition to streaming, is one of Hulu’s most profitable branches. In 2025, Disney took steps to combine Hulu’s live TV operations with another streaming provider, Fubo.
The partnership allows Hulu + Live TV to continue serving customers while benefiting from expanded sports and news programming. It also gives Disney flexibility to bundle live content with its broader Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN streaming lineup.
Price Changes Under Disney
Full Disney ownership also comes with pricing shifts. Beginning in late 2025, subscription rates for Disney+, Hulu, and bundles are increasing. Some of the new changes include:
- Disney+ ad-supported plan increasing to $11.99 per month.
- Disney+ without ads climbing to nearly $20 per month.
- Hulu pricing also going up, especially when bundled with ESPN+.
- Combined bundle packages becoming more expensive, though still cheaper than subscribing to each service individually.
While price increases are never popular, Disney argues that the added value of having Hulu content fully integrated into Disney+ justifies the cost.
How Disney’s Ownership Shapes the Streaming Market
The answer to “is Hulu owned by Disney” doesn’t just matter for subscribers—it also affects the entire streaming landscape. Disney is now one of the few companies with a fully unified streaming ecosystem that includes:
- Disney+ with family-friendly programming and blockbuster franchises like Star Wars and Marvel.
- Hulu’s wide variety of adult-oriented original shows and films.
- ESPN+ delivering sports streaming, live events, and exclusive coverage.
This three-pronged approach makes Disney a powerhouse in streaming. By absorbing Hulu, Disney strengthens its hold on the U.S. market and positions itself for international expansion, where Hulu branding is beginning to appear alongside Disney+.
Will the Hulu Brand Disappear?
Many viewers wonder whether Hulu as a brand will vanish completely. The short answer is: not right away. While the standalone Hulu app will eventually be shut down, the Hulu name will live on within Disney+.
Internationally, Disney has already confirmed it will expand the Hulu brand in place of “Star,” which was previously used outside the United States. This suggests that Hulu will continue to exist as a recognizable content identity, even if the way people access it changes.
Why Disney Wanted Hulu in the First Place
Disney’s push to fully own Hulu comes down to strategy. Hulu offers:
- A strong foothold in adult-oriented entertainment, balancing Disney’s family-friendly image.
- A large subscriber base—tens of millions of U.S. households.
- A respected reputation for quality original shows and live TV options.
By controlling Hulu outright, Disney eliminates internal disputes, streamlines business operations, and maximizes revenue potential.
So, Is Hulu Owned by Disney?
Yes. Disney now fully owns Hulu and has started integrating the service into Disney+. While the Hulu app still exists in the short term, changes are underway that will reshape how viewers access their favorite shows and movies.
Subscribers should prepare for:
- The eventual shutdown of the standalone Hulu app.
- The addition of Hulu originals and licensed titles into Disney+.
- New pricing structures and bundles across Disney’s streaming platforms.
For American viewers, this means a simpler but slightly more expensive streaming experience.
Final Thoughts
The question “is Hulu owned by Disney” has a definitive answer: yes, it is now fully Disney-owned. The takeover marks a major turning point in streaming, and it will continue shaping how millions of U.S. households consume content.
Want to share your thoughts on Disney’s full ownership of Hulu and the upcoming changes? Drop a comment below and join the conversation!
