Disney+ Adds Hulu and ESPN To Viewing Roster
Disney+ is stepping up its streaming game in a major way, adding some big-name content from Hulu and ESPN to its platform. Beginning December 4, subscribers can expect a whole new experience, complete with a dedicated ESPN tile and access to a variety of Hulu and ESPN programming—even for those who aren’t bundled subscribers.
This bold move has sparked buzz about Disney+ evolving beyond its family-friendly roots. As Alisa Bowen, president of Disney+, explained, “This launch is really going to reshape what Disney+ is, who it’s for, and what we have to offer.”
Shows and Sports Events on Disney+
The revamp introduces a streamlined experience for Disney Bundle subscribers who have ESPN+, allowing them to access the sports giant’s full content library directly within the Disney+ app. For all Disney+ subscribers, a sampling of live sports, ESPN shows, and Hulu content will now be available.
Expect live events like the Australian Open’s opening day and The Simpsons Funday Football, plus hit ESPN shows like Pardon the Interruption and College GameDay. Hulu fans can dive into popular content such as Shogun, Reservation Dogs, and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. According to Disney, more than 30 Hulu films and series will be unlocked at launch, with more to come.
Why the Big Update?
Disney is hoping that mixing Hulu and ESPN into Disney+ will boost bundle subscriptions and keep current subscribers hooked. It’s also a smart move for Disney+’s growing ad business. The addition of live sports means dynamic ad insertion—a major milestone for their advertising strategy.
So far, Disney’s efforts to merge its services seem to be paying off. Bowen shared that 40% of eligible bundle subscribers already use the unified viewing experience. “We’re very optimistic that that’s going to drive further adoption of the bundle,” she said.
ESPN’s Big Plans
But wait, there’s more! This update sets the stage for ESPN’s highly anticipated flagship streaming service which is set to launch next year. For now, the ESPN tile on Disney+ will feature content from ESPN’s current streaming lineup, with plans to expand when the flagship goes live.
John Lasker, senior VP of ESPN+, sees this as a golden opportunity to engage casual sports fans. “The content that we’re making available to the broader Disney+ subscriber base is a very, very limited amount… part of the design there is for us to try to stimulate engagement and interest in sports to a casual sports fan,” he explained.
With Hulu favorites, live sports, and ESPN exclusives now in the mix, Disney+ is making a strong play at becoming a one-stop streaming destination.
