Disney+ has announced a major restructuring in the United States that will merge its services with Hulu, allowing users to subscribe independently to both platforms. This merger also involves the elimination of Star, the adult content container of Disney+, which will be replaced by Hulu starting this fall. This change will affect not only the programming in the United States but will also impact the offering of Disney+ in Europe and Latin America.
Which series will survive the change?
The Star logo has been a distinctive hallmark of Disney+ in various regions since its launch. However, with the transition to Hulu, users will face a significant change that could cause confusion, especially for those who were accustomed to the Star brand. This rebranding eliminates more than four years of brand association and could disorient subscribers who will now have to adapt to a new approach.
Although the merger may seem beneficial from a content perspective, as it will integrate a variety of series from different platforms, the reality is that not all productions currently available on Star will be part of Hulu’s catalog. Some flagship series, such as ‘The Bear’ or ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’, are included in the package, but others, like ‘Animaniacs’ or ‘Dollface’, may not be available after the change.
In addition, significant updates are anticipated in the Disney+ app following the removal of Star. This transformation is expected to bring improvements to the user experience, although not much is known about the specific details yet. The merger could simplify the content offering, but it may also create challenges for consumers who will need to adapt to the new subscription structure and access to their favorite series. Reactions to this change are still evolving, especially in markets outside the United States, where the Star brand has been recently introduced.