Since Hulu is owned by Disney, an increasing amount of its content is available to stream on Disney+ internationally. During the upcoming weeks, the streaming service is adding even more Hulu Originals to its library, including Dollface Season 2, and Freeform’s Single Drunk Female, both arriving on Disney+ UK/Ireland in April. Most recently, Disney+ has also added the Hulu series Pam & Tommy to the platform in international markets as well.
In addition to Hulu Originals, the first 18 seasons of NCIS are also launching on Disney+ UK/Ireland on April 6 along with the first episodes of Season 19, followed by new weekly episodes.
So can we expect to see Hulu content on Disney+ in the U.S. soon?
The answer is maybe. Recently, Disney+ has expanded its U.S. library with more generalized content (meaning not limited to family/kid specific), including the addition of MA-rated Marvel series “Daredevil,” “Jessica Jones,” “Luke Cage,” “Iron Fist,” “The Defenders,” “The Punisher,” and “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” This came with new parental controls as well as some criticism from The Parents Television Council who called the move “wildly ‘off-brand’ for Disney+ to add TV-MA and R-rated programming to this platform, ostensibly to increase subscription revenue.”
This is just one of the changes Disney+ is going through. Earlier this month, the streamer confirmed it will be expanding its subscriptions by introducing an ad-supported tier in addition to its ad-free tier, beginning in the U.S. late this year, with plans to take the ad-supported tier international in 2023.
“Expanding access to Disney+ to a broader audience at a lower price point is a win for everyone – consumers, advertisers, and our storytellers,” said Kareem Daniel, Chairman, Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution. “More consumers will be able to access our amazing content. Advertisers will be able to reach a wider audience, and our storytellers will be able to share their incredible work with more fans and families.”
All of these changes are pointing toward Disney+’s efforts to reach its long-term goal of 230-260 million Disney+ subscribers by 2024.