Netizens are buzzing with one big question: is Hulu shutting down? Unfortunately for long-time subscribers, Disney has confirmed that the popular streaming service will be discontinued by 2026, as the company works to merge its digital content into a single, unified platform.
Why is Hulu shutting down?
“Today we are announcing a major step forward in strengthening our streaming offering by fully integrating Hulu into Disney+,” said CEO Bob Iger and CFO Hugh Johnston during the company’s quarterly earnings call.
“This will create an impressive package of entertainment, pairing the highest-calibre brands and franchises, great general entertainment, family programming, news and industry-leading live sports content in a single app,” the two went on to say.
The company aims to deliver a refined user experience, boost the streaming performance and maximise revenue through its advertising services.
“By creating a truly differentiated streaming offering, we will be providing subscribers tremendous choice, convenience, quality, and enhanced personalisation,” the media giants said.
“This will enhance our ability to continue to grow profitability and margins in our entertainment streaming business through expected higher engagement, lower churn, and advertising revenue potential, as well as operational efficiencies that over time may result in savings that we can reinvest back into the business.”
‘This will be a huge mistake’
The internet is not very happy about this business move. A user wrote, “I will be canceling. I cannot justify as a grown man being subbed to a Disney service.”
“Disney is literally a digital monopoly. Why is this allowed?,” questioned another. “This is horrible. The hulu hub is way better, disney plus is clunky and slow,” noted a netizen.
“Disney destroying yet something else. Aren’t there laws against monopolies?,” questioned a netizen.
“This is probably a mistake. “Disney” screams for kids, and most of the best shows on Hulu don’t fit into that. It was already confusing having mature content on Disney+ in the first place, this is just going to be strange,” told another.
“The Hulu interface is probably the best/easiest one to use. Disney+ is one of the worst. I hope they change that, but I’m not hopeful,” wrote a netizen.