Hulu has arrived on Disney+ as a new beta channel for subscribers of both services or those who have purchased bundle packages. Hulu’s arrival on the streaming platform follows Disney’s deal to purchase Comcast’s remaining 33% stake in the streaming service. Comcast president Mike Cavanagh commented (via StreamTV Insider) about Disney’s first payment of $8.5 billion to Comcast saying that “the check cleared, it’s in the accounts,” and also reminded investors at the UBS Global TMT investor conference that this “represents the beginning of the process to value” of Hulu. This first payment is part of an agreement signed in 2019, when Disney took full control of the streaming service, and Hulu, which was previously valued at $27.5 billion, is still undergoing a current valuation process which will affect the amount of any further payment(s) from Disney.
A new Beta experience is now streaming! Beginning today, #DisneyBundle subscribers have access to #Hulu on #DisneyPlus. 💚🔛💙 pic.twitter.com/jiUA8PYDOA
— Disney+ (@DisneyPlus) December 6, 2023
Hulu (per The Hollywood Reporter) is not expected to fully roll out to Disney+ subscribers until March 2024 but the new beta channel provides eligible subscribers a chance to have everything in one place. Disney has also posted a new video detailing its parental controls as Hulu arrives on the platform since its inclusion also brings more Mature/R-rated content to it. Disney+ only just began carrying such content following the addition of its Netflix Marvel shows in 2022 and, depending on regions, has been adjusting on how to provide a more diverse, but controlled, experience to its users.
Disney has also updated its FAQ sections as Hulu Arrives on Disney+ regarding the new changes. As is common with most streaming services only subscribers or premium packages can enjoy an ad-free experience but the Hulu app will continue to be available for those who do not have a Disney+ subscription.
Per Disney:
“If you’re a Disney Bundle subscriber or you subscribe to both Disney+ and Hulu (as standalone services with the same email address), you can stream select Hulu titles on Disney+. You can use the Hulu hub on the Disney+ homepage to jump right into streaming some of your favorite Hulu Originals, series, and more.”
“Eligible subscribers can watch a wide variety of Hulu’s streaming library on Disney+. The Hulu app will continue to be the streaming destination for all premium add-on content as well as any content associated with a Live TV subscription. New titles will be added to Disney+ on a regular basis, but you can keep accessing Hulu’s complete library of content using the Hulu app.”
“When you stream Hulu titles on Disney+, your plan type will determine whether your viewing experience is free of commercial interruption. If you already have an ad-supported Hulu subscription, Hulu content streamed on Disney+ will have ads. If your subscription includes a Hulu (No Ads) plan, Hulu content on Disney+ will be without commercial interruption. Additionally, if you subscribe to Disney+ Premium and Hulu (No Ads), you’ll be able to use the Disney+ app to download a variety of Hulu titles for offline viewing.”