Ever find it annoying to switch between Disney+ and Hulu to find what you want to watch? That separation may soon disappear, and the first major signal is the news that Hulu’s top executive is stepping down (Randy Freer).
The timing of the CEO’s resignation is directly linked to an agreement between Hulu’s co-owners, Disney and Comcast. This agreement allows Disney to buy out Comcast’s remaining ownership stake, making it the sole owner. With Disney preparing for this corporate restructuring to merge its streaming operations, a separate leader for Hulu is no longer part of the plan.
Randy Freer: Will Hulu and Disney+ Become One App?
Disney’s ultimate goal is to create a “one-app experience,” combining Hulu and Disney+ content in a single, convenient location. Unifying the leadership under one streaming team is the first major step toward a much deeper integration between the platforms. This single team will be responsible for the combined future of Disney’s streaming services, from the technology behind the app to the content you see.
The first change is coming soon. Disney has confirmed that for customers who have the Disney Bundle, Hulu’s library of shows and movies will begin appearing inside the Disney+ app before the end of 2023.
What This Means for Your Subscription and Favorite Shows
For now, your Hulu app and subscription price aren’t changing. The likely future, however, is a single Disney+ app with a dedicated “Hulu” tab inside. The best preview of this combined experience is available to those who already have the Disney Bundle.
This shift means the future of Hulu original programming is about where—not if—you’ll get to watch it. Instead of just switching between apps, viewers will soon see this corporate strategy playing out directly on their screens as the two streaming worlds unite.