If you’ve been a fan of Hulu alongside Disney Plus, there’s a major shakeup coming that everyone’s talking about. After more than two decades, Hulu as a standalone streaming service is officially shutting down. But don’t panic yet — this isn’t a total disappearance but a major integration that will change how you access your favorite content.
Hulu’s 20-Year Run and What’s Changing
Hulu has been a major player in the streaming game for over 20 years, long before Disney became its full owner. However, in 2026, Disney will retire the standalone Hulu app in the U.S., fully merging all Hulu shows, movies, and live TV into the Disney+ platform. This move aims to simplify things by having Disney+ serve as one unified app instead of juggling multiple streaming services.
Internationally, Hulu isn’t going away but will replace Disney+’s “Star” hub starting October 8, 2025, becoming the global brand for Disney’s general entertainment content outside the U.S. This means that outside the U.S., Hulu will actually expand its presence rather than diminish it.
Why Did Disney Decide to Shut Down Hulu as a Standalone App?
Disney’s CEO Bob Iger explained that merging Hulu into Disney+ will reduce operational costs and improve the user experience. Hulu currently operates with significant separate expenses, and by integrating the two platforms, Disney expects to lower churn rates (fewer subscribers canceling) and increase engagement on a single app. Additionally, bringing Hulu’s extensive general entertainment content into Disney+ will create a fuller package for subscribers.
What Does This Mean for Hulu Subscribers?
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Hulu content will still be available, just under the Disney+ umbrella. This includes Hulu’s originals, licensed shows, movies, and live TV.
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Subscribers in the U.S. can continue to buy Hulu subscriptions separately or as part of a bundle with Disney+ and ESPN+.
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The Hulu app will be phased out sometime in 2026, with ongoing integrations appearing across Disney+ throughout the year.
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Hulu’s live TV offering is expected to transition to a joint venture with sports streaming platform Fubo, which will be marketed separately.
In short, users won’t lose access to Hulu content, but they’ll find it all within the Disney+ app going forward. For international viewers, Hulu’s growing presence by replacing the Star brand promises easier content discovery and a wider reach.
The final shutdown timeline is set for 2026 in the U.S., but starting October 8, 2025, Hulu’s brand will shine globally within Disney+. So, it’s not so much a shutdown as it is a transformation of Hulu into a crucial part of Disney+ worldwide.
For anyone wondering what happens next, keep an eye on Disney+ updates and marketing announcements, as the company promises exciting new features and a tailored homepage to make navigating Hulu content easier than ever.
This marks the end of Hulu as a separate app but the start of a new unified streaming era under Disney’s single platform strategy. Stay tuned!
Summary of Hulu Shutdown and Disney Plus Integration
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Hulu standalone app | Shutting down in 2026 in the U.S. |
| Hulu content | Fully integrated into Disney+ app |
| International branding | Hulu replaces Star hub on Disney+ starting October 8, 2025 |
| Subscription options | Separate Hulu plans available; Disney+ bundles with Hulu and ESPN+ continue |
| Live TV | Hulu + Live TV transitions to joint venture with Fubo; offered separately |
| Reason for shutdown | Cost-saving, reduced churn, better user experience with unified app |
| Expected user impact | Easier content access; no loss of Hulu content; added convenience |
Everything is confirming that Hulu’s legacy will continue inside Disney+ from 2026, making that single app the main destination for most Disney and Hulu content fans globally.
