Disney Now Owns Hulu, and That Might Not Be Great for the Future of Streaming
So, Disney just bought out Comcast’s share of Hulu, which means they now own it 100%. They’re planning to merge Hulu and Disney+ into one app by 2026. Sounds simple enough, right? One app to watch everything. Easy. (Cable)
But here’s the thing: this isn’t just about making things easier for viewers. It’s part of a bigger trend that might actually make streaming worse in some ways.
One App to Rule Them All, Sounds Good, But…
Disney wants Hulu and Disney+ all in one place so you can watch stuff like The Bear and The Mandalorian without flipping between apps. No separate subscriptions. One big library.
That’s convenient, no doubt. But when one company controls more of what we watch, it means less variety. Fewer risks on new or different shows. Budgets get funneled into big franchises. And if something doesn’t fit Disney’s “brand,” it might never get made or promoted.
What This Means for Streaming Overall
Disney's full control of Hulu is just one example of a larger pattern in the streaming industry. A few years ago, every studio wanted its own platform. Now, people are overwhelmed, juggling multiple apps and paying for all of them. So the industry is pulling back, merging, and consolidating.
That means fewer companies controlling more content. What once felt like a fresh, creative space with a wide range of shows is starting to feel a lot more like corporate control. Less risk, more franchise stuff, and fewer chances for new voices.
Content Is Becoming More Corporate Than Creative
Disney owns everything from kids’ shows like Bluey to adult hits like Deadpool. That’s a lot of power. But it also means they decide what makes the cut. We’re already seeing shows quietly disappear, original ideas getting canceled, and entire types of content getting pushed aside if they don’t fit the current formula.
Studios aren’t just thinking about creativity anymore. They’re thinking about engagement numbers, subscriber retention, and profits. When shows are just numbers on a spreadsheet, creativity usually takes a backseat.
What Happens Next?
Disney buying Hulu is probably just the start. We might see other platforms merge or get swallowed up too. Soon, a few mega-streamers could dominate, all pushing the same safe, familiar franchises.
That means fewer choices for viewers and fewer chances for creators with fresh ideas. It makes you wonder if this is really the streaming future we wanted.
