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Hulu is not shutting down as a subscription service. Disney is working toward a unified Disney+ and Hulu app experience in 2026, but Hulu subscriptions and the standalone Hulu app remain available in the U.S. as of August 18, 2026. Disney has not announced a firm date for ending the Hulu app.
What Disney has announced
Disney’s plan is to bring Hulu more fully into Disney+, culminating in a unified app experience. In October 2025, the company described Hulu’s expansion within Disney+ as preparation for that unified experience the following year. In March 2026, CFO Hugh Johnston said the company was working toward a single app, with the target “on our doorstep at year end.” He also said customers would retain the option to buy Hulu or Disney+ separately. That timing is an ambition, not a published shutdown date. Disney’s announcement and Johnston’s remarks describe integration, not a confirmed date when the Hulu app will stop working.
Disney’s 2026 shareholder-meeting remarks also described bringing the services together later in the year. The remarks do not set an exact app-retirement date.
What is changing—and what is not
| Changing | Still true as of August 18, 2026 | Not yet established publicly |
|---|---|---|
| Hulu content and features are being integrated into Disney+. | Hulu subscriptions remain available, and viewers can still use the Hulu app and website. | A specific date the standalone Hulu app will be retired. |
| Eligible users can link Hulu profiles to Disney+ profiles. | Some Hulu content is available in Disney+, while additional content may require Hulu. | How every Live TV plan, add-on, and account type will work in the final unified experience. |
| Disney is targeting one combined app experience in 2026. | Disney says customers can continue to purchase Hulu and Disney+ separately. | Whether every Hulu title will be available in Disney+ at launch. |
Disney’s current Help Center guidance says Hulu is not going away and that subscriptions remain available. Its guide to watching Hulu on Disney+ also says viewers can keep using Hulu through its own app.
#1 Best Overall
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
What Hulu subscribers should expect
Hulu-only subscribers
A Hulu subscription does not automatically become a full Disney+ subscription. Eligible customers can access Hulu content through Disney+, but a Hulu-only plan does not unlock Disney+’s entire catalog. Some Hulu titles may still require the Hulu app, and Disney’s current guidance does not say that subscribers must cancel, upgrade, or migrate immediately.
Disney+ subscribers
Disney+ subscribers may see a rotating selection of Hulu titles, including “Hulu Favorites, On Us.” Seeing a title or its listing does not necessarily mean it is included in the subscriber’s plan; access depends on the title and entitlement. Disney describes the selection and access distinctions in its viewing guide and Hulu on Disney+ overview.
Rank #2
- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
Disney+/Hulu bundle customers
Eligible bundle customers can watch substantial Hulu content inside Disney+. The bundle does not necessarily put every Hulu title, add-on, or Live TV feature into Disney+. Disney’s bundle terms say additional Hulu content may remain available only through the Hulu app.
Hulu + Live TV customers
Live TV is a distinct case, not simply the standard on-demand Hulu experience in a different app. Disney’s current bundle information continues to direct customers to Hulu for content associated with Live TV subscriptions. Disney’s profile-linking guidance also lists Hulu + Live TV subscribers among those who cannot link profiles at this time. Do not assume that Live TV features or account management have moved to Disney+. See Disney’s bundle qualifications and profile-linking eligibility guidance.
Rank #3
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
Add-ons, promotions, and third-party billing
Whether you can change plans, link profiles, or see a particular offer can depend on add-ons, promotional or legacy plan terms, and who bills you. A plan managed through a third-party partner may have different options from one billed directly by Disney or Hulu. Disney’s current public guidance does not promise that every billing relationship, add-on, or account setting will transfer as part of profile linking.
Can you link Hulu and Disney+ profiles?
Disney began rolling out profile linking in May 2026. For eligible subscribers, linking can bring Hulu watch history, recommendations, Continue Watching items, and saved titles into the corresponding Disney+ profile. This is a profile feature—not a promise that billing, every account setting, add-on, or parental control will migrate too.
Rank #4
- Essential 4K streaming – Get everything you need to stream in brilliant 4K Ultra HD with High Dynamic Range 10+ (HDR10+).
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Make your TV even smarter – Fire TV gives you instant access to a world of content, tailor-made recommendations, and Alexa, all backed by fast performance.
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- Getting set up is easy – Plug in and connect to Wi-Fi for smooth streaming.
- Make sure you have an eligible Hulu subscription and a Disney+ account.
- Sign in to Disney+ using the MyDisney login associated with Hulu.
- Follow the prompt to link an existing Hulu profile with a Disney+ profile.
- If no linking option appears, update the Disney+ app and check whether your subscription and profile qualify.
- After linking, check that the expected profile and available history, recommendations, and saved items appear.
Disney says Hulu + Live TV subscribers, customers with certain add-ons or bundles, and some child or under-18 profiles may not be eligible. The Help Center’s linking instructions provide the current eligibility details.
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Will the change make Hulu cost more?
Disney has not announced a required price increase for Hulu subscribers solely because of the app integration. The company’s stated plan to keep Hulu and Disney+ separately purchasable does not guarantee that future prices or plan terms will remain unchanged. If you are deciding whether to switch, compare what your current plan costs and includes with the specific offer shown to your account; do not treat a bundle as a required migration.
Best Value
- Upgrade your TV, instantly – Fire TV Stick HD is our fastest HD streaming stick ever, with a streamlined navigation that jumps straight to your movies, shows, and live TV. Take your entertainment on the go with the new ultra-portable profile. And watch it all come to life with crisp Full HD and Wi-Fi 6 support.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- All your apps in one place – Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. It’s easy to find what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes, including free, ad-supported content. Subscription fees may apply.
- Our most portable stick – Thin and light, without extra clutter. Connects directly to your TV's HDMI port without blocking other ports.
- Easier than ever to set up – Now with Direct Power, it's powered by your TV with the included USB-C cable and eliminates the need for a wall adapter.
Current bundle prices to compare
The following U.S. prices were shown on Disney’s pages on August 18, 2026. They can change; introductory promotions may be limited to eligible customers and renew at a standard rate. Billing partners may show different offers. Check the linked plan page before making a decision.
| Plan | Price shown | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Disney+, Hulu Bundle with ads | $12.99/month standard; $11.99/month for the first six months as a displayed promotion | Two on-demand services; additional Hulu content may still require Hulu. |
| Disney+, Hulu Bundle Premium | $19.99/month standard; $17.99/month for the first six months as a displayed promotion | Premium on-demand bundle; not Hulu + Live TV. |
| Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited Bundle | $35.99/month | For customers who want ESPN Unlimited along with the two services. |
| Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited Bundle Premium | $44.99/month | Premium version of the bundle; check the plan page for ad treatment and included features. |
| Hulu + Live TV, Disney+, and ESPN Select | $89.99/month | Includes Live TV; a different, higher-cost product from the on-demand bundle. |
| Hulu Premium + Live TV, Disney+ Premium, and ESPN Select | $99.99/month | Premium Live TV combination; check plan terms and ad qualifications. |
Disney’s Disney+/Hulu bundle page, pricing help page, and U.S. plan page are the sources for these listed prices. Live or linear programming may include ads even on some premium plans.
What should you do now?
- Do not cancel solely because of the integration announcement. Hulu remains available, and Disney has not given a final app sunset date.
- Check your current plan and billing provider. Note whether it includes Live TV, add-ons, a promotion, or a legacy rate before changing anything.
- Use Disney+ if you want to try the integrated experience. Sign in with the MyDisney login associated with Hulu if you are eligible to link profiles.
- Update the Disney+ app if linking is unavailable. Eligibility restrictions can also explain a missing prompt.
- Compare the bundle against your actual needs. Choose it for the combined services or price only if you want both; it is not currently a required migration path.
- If you use Hulu + Live TV, wait for instructions specific to Live TV. Current guidance still points to Hulu for Live TV-associated content.
What remains unclear
- The exact date, if any, when the standalone Hulu app will be retired.
- The final name and layout of the unified app.
- How Hulu + Live TV and all add-ons will be handled in the eventual experience.
- Whether every Hulu title will be available inside Disney+ at launch.
- Whether plan prices, billing arrangements, or account settings will change when the integration advances.
Hulu outside the United States
Internationally, Hulu has a separate role as Disney’s general-entertainment brand inside Disney+. Disney said Hulu replaced the Star brand in international markets beginning October 8, 2025. That branding change is distinct from the status of the standalone Hulu service and app in the United States. Disney’s announcement describes the international change.
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Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
