Disney+ and Hulu to Be Combined Into One App

[DFZD]

I’d really just like to be able to pick channels. 2 business news channels, one news channel and that’s all I need. Maybe local channels. If I want a show, iTunes.

A streaming version of cable is idiotic and nets no benefits.

If I don’t watch some subset of CNN/FoxNews/MSNBC why pay for it?

Well CNN did launch their own app and we all know how it went. Regardless, my point was that there are some good shows scattered throughout the plethora of streaming apps. So unless you have all the subscriptions, you have no way to not miss some of those good ones you like. Life was simple when Netflix and Prime Video were the only ones around.

 

[Realityck]

I won't be paying ****. I don't use them. lol.

You can say, that but it's a simple fact that all the major VoD hosts will be raising their subscription rates somewhat or using ads if they haven't already done it. Peacock is dropping the free grandfathered Xfinity (Comcast ) users, they soon have to pay if they want that service. WB Max is ending the grandfathered HBO name association for HBO Max in May sometime. Even Apple TV + news lately is questioning how Apple will continue to prop up their service as far as financials.

 

[Apple Fan 2008]

Disney has fallen out of favor with me. They've done too many political stunts. Just stay neutral!

 

[downpour]

The trouble with steaming services like this is after a while your kids have watched everything worth watching and only a couple of good movies or shows are added each year. It ends up just being a waste of money to keep paying for it.

 

[lazyrighteye]

Of course. Nevermind the fact that I have zero interest in anything on Disney+ as a Hulu user, but now I’ll be forced to pay for it. Great.

While we don't know details for sure, it does say that Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ will still be offered as standalone. For how long? No clue. But maybe you'll not be force into anything. We'll see.

 

[lazyrighteye]

combine every other streaming service next and call it cable

Haha! THIS!
We've come full circle.

 

[Realityck]

Haha! THIS!
We've come full circle.

à la carte vs bundled, yep, this marketplace can easily get your money.

 

[canadianreader]

Soon A.I. will be making movies and TV shows out of text prompts good luck Disney.

 

[spazzcat]

Disney has fallen out of favor with me. They've done too many political stunts. Just stay neutral!

What Disney is currently doing is not political, but Disney has always been political. Disney produced propaganda for the US in World War II.

 

[gk_brown]

I'm confused. Are they being combined into a single service, or just a single app?

In other words, once the Disney+ price increase goes into effect, will I automatically now have access to Hulu content as well? Or is Iger simply saying that they are also planning to increase the price of one or both services when the new app is rolled out?

 

[gk_brown]

Just confirmed via other sources that it's just a single app - you'll still need to pay separately for the services. They do offer a bundle option, but it also includes ESPN+ which I'm not interested in paying for.

 

[Realityck]

I'm confused. Are they being combined into a single service, or just a single app?

In other words, once the Disney+ price increase goes into effect, will I automatically now have access to Hulu content as well? Or is Iger simply saying that they are also planning to increase the price of one or both services when the new app is rolled out?

Eventually Hulu is suppose shut down and to be just Disney +. This is just an interim combining of an app to allow access to both services. Disney + outside of the USA, offers a Star section.

Star on Disney Plus explained: release date, new TV shows, price increase and more

Your Disney Plus subscription now unlocks a lot more stuff

www.techradar.com

US Disney Plus subscribers won't get Star, simply because Hulu already caters for similar content.

 

[iStorm]

Why not just put all the Hulu content on the Disney App?
These corp dolts have no idea what an average user feels about the confusion that their stupid decisions create.
We are still trying to come to terms with so many streaming apps.. considering the entire promise was to deliver escape from confusion of the cable system.

Probably because Hulu has content from other networks. I'd never think to use the Disney app to watch FX's American Horror Story or FOX's The Masked Singer. (And who wants The Kardashians on Disney?)

I do wonder what the name of the new app will be though. Personally, I think it should just stay Hulu...but be able to access Disney+ content within it. I already access ESPN+ content within Hulu instead of using their app.

 

[sw1tcher]

Disney's announcement came as the Disney+ service lost four million subscribers during the quarter.

How about producing less shіtty shows instead?

The 4 million net subscriber loss doesn't have anything to do with the quality of their shows. Disney lost 4.6 million Hotstar subscribers in India due to Disney losing streaming rights to Indian Premier League. If you exclude those people, then Disney actually gained 600,000 subscribers.

This isn't the first time Hotstar has lost subscribers. In the prior quarter to this one, Hotstar subscribers fell by 3.8 million while subscribers excluding Hotstar increased by 1.4 million.

So why the Disney+ drop? Iger attributed it wholly to losses suffered by Disney+ Hotstar, which is the Southeast Asian/Indian version of the streaming service. Last year, it suffered a massive setback when it lost streaming rights to Indian Premier League, the hugely popular cricket league in India. After that setback, Disney had lowered growth projections for the Disney+ Hotstar service and prepped investors for a decline, though it was a bit more than the company thought.



I expect Disney will see a decline in Hotstar subscribers again when they report earnings in 3 months because the people of India love cricket.

 

[Apple Fan 2008]

What Disney is currently doing is not political, but Disney has always been political. Disney produced propaganda for the US in World War II.

Social issues and politics have become intertwined, I’m just saying they should not be involved in decisive issues. Left or right.

 

[sw1tcher]

Would they though? Disney still has the controlling share.

There's a contract that says Comcast can exercise their right in Jan 2024 to force Disney to buy out their share in Hulu.

What Next for Hulu? Wall Street Debates Deal Scenarios for Disney and Comcast

"It is hard to see why Hulu is a must-have asset" for Disney, says one finance expert, while another suggests it swap ESPN for Comcast's minority stake and cash. And there may also be a third way ...

www.hollywoodreporter.com

Disney is the majority owner of Hulu, holding a two-thirds stake, while Comcast owns a third. Starting in January 2024, Comcast can use a put option to require Disney to take over its stake, while Disney can tell Comcast to sell it its stake. A transaction would be a multibillion-dollar affair. As per an agreement between the two companies, Hulu would get a fair-market value assessment from independent experts. However, the guaranteed minimum Hulu valuation of $27.5 billion means that Disney would have to cough up at least around $9 billion.

 

[Apple Fan 2008]

Social issues and politics have become intertwined, I’m just saying they should not be involved in decisive issues. Left or right.

I’m not asking them to be anti, or pro anything

 

[Gudi]

Nobody cares! Release ANDOR season 2 and don't bother us with any mouse monopoly stuff.

 

[WilliApple]

Lol this will turn into a monopoly fast...

 

[spazzcat]

I’m not asking them to be anti, or pro anything

Last time I checked, being pro-inclusive of everyone wasn't a bad thing.

 

[retta283]

They are no different than the dinosaurs of cable TV. I am glad that I never invested in any of these services as I dislike having my fees jacked over stuff I will never look at or care about. Too many options now and things keep changing. I echo the above statements that at least when it was basically Prime video and Netflix it was a lot easier. Indeed you'll soon be paying just as much for streaming services as you used to for cable, what a fast one they have pulled so easily.

 

[hyperactiv8]

Another price increase so soon when they just raised prices on Dec. 8, 2022? Prices when from $7.99/mo to $10.99/mo and $79.99/yr to $109.99/yr

I wonder how much they'll go up this time around, $2.00/mo?

Any price increase and I will cancel my sub. I live in Europe and already get Disney+ and Star (essentially Hulu) for $109.99/year.

 

[hyperactiv8]

Great now offer it internationally.. so interesting that I can get Disney+ but Hulu is off-limit.

I live in Europe and get Disney+ and Star in the same app. Star is essentially Hulu content. It doesn’t include all of it, but it includes shows I like.

 

[thatguy_youknow]

Last time I checked, being pro-inclusive of everyone wasn't a bad thing.

It’s bad when you realize you’re on the wrong side and don’t like being called out by an anthropomorphic mouse.

 

[unsui_grep]

I think Disney has it backwards. Hulu should be the umbrella streaming service with Disney, SW, Nat Geo, Pixar, Marvel, FXX, ESPN, etc. as brand/channels. Each brand could tailor their programming without tainting the Disney brand and concentrate on the quality of content. Would be more than enough content to justify $20+/month. Especially if they could through in streaming sports via ESPN. Maybe rebrand Hulu but I think an umbrella streaming service would be more appealing.