Disney Plus Hulu Shows & Movies: How It Works

Yes, Disney now offers Hulu shows and movies through its Disney+ app in the United States. You can watch Hulu’s library of TV series, films, and originals directly inside Disney+, provided you subscribe to the Disney Bundle that includes Hulu. This integration means you no longer need to switch between two separate apps to watch content from both services.

Background: Disney’s Acquisition of Hulu

Disney acquired 21st Century Fox’s entertainment assets in 2019, which gave it a 60% ownership stake in Hulu. In 2023, Disney purchased Comcast’s remaining 33% share, giving Disney full control of Hulu. Since then, Disney has been working to combine Hulu’s streaming library with Disney+ to create a single, unified streaming experience. The company has stated that this integration is part of a broader strategy to reduce customer churn and increase engagement by offering a wider variety of content in one place.

How the Integration Works

If you have a Disney Bundle subscription that includes Hulu (with ads or without ads), you can open the Disney+ app and find Hulu content in a dedicated section or tile. The Hulu content appears alongside Disney+ originals, Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and National Geographic titles. You can browse, search, and watch Hulu shows and movies just like any other Disney+ content. Your watch history and continue-watching row may combine titles from both services, so you can pick up where you left off across the combined library.

To access Hulu content through Disney+, you need to link your Hulu and Disney+ accounts. This is usually done automatically when you subscribe to a bundle, but if you have separate accounts, you can link them in the Disney+ account settings. Once linked, the Hulu content appears in the Disney+ app. If you subscribe to Hulu separately (not through a bundle), you can still link your accounts to get the integration, but you will need to have an active Hulu subscription.

What Content Is Available?

The Hulu library on Disney+ includes a wide range of TV shows, movies, and Hulu Originals. You’ll find popular series like The Handmaid’s Tale, Only Murders in the Building, Futurama, and Bob’s Burgers, as well as movies from studios like Searchlight Pictures and 20th Century Studios. The selection is the same as what you would get on the standalone Hulu app, though some titles may be subject to licensing restrictions and could differ by region. In the U.S., the integration is complete, but international availability varies; Disney has rolled out Hulu content under the “Star” brand in some countries, which is a separate but similar content hub.

How to Choose: Disney Bundle vs. Standalone Hulu

When deciding whether to use the integrated Disney+ app or keep Hulu as a separate app, consider your viewing habits:

• If you watch both Disney+ and Hulu regularly: The bundle is usually more cost-effective than paying for two separate subscriptions. The integrated app means one login, one watchlist, and one continue-watching row.
• If you only watch Hulu content: You can still use the standalone Hulu app if you prefer its interface. The integration adds convenience but doesn’t remove the standalone option.
• If you have kids: The combined app may make it easier to keep family-friendly content in one place, but you might want to use parental controls to restrict mature Hulu titles.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Some users encounter issues when trying to access Hulu content on Disney+. Here are common problems and typical fixes:

• Hulu content not showing up: Make sure your Disney+ app is updated to the latest version. If it still doesn’t appear, log out and log back in, or restart the app.
• Can’t link accounts: Ensure you are using the same email address for both accounts. If not, contact customer support for both services to merge them.
• Content not playing: Check your internet connection and try restarting the app. If the issue persists, clear the app’s cache or reinstall it.
• Parental controls blocking Hulu content: Adjust the content rating restrictions in your Disney+ profile settings to allow mature titles if desired.

Costs and Plans

Disney offers several bundle options that include Hulu. The most common are:

• Disney Bundle Trio Basic: Includes Disney+ (with ads), Hulu (with ads), and ESPN+ (with ads).
• Disney Bundle Trio Premium: Includes Disney+ (no ads), Hulu (no ads), and ESPN+ (with ads).
• Duo Basic: Includes Disney+ (with ads) and Hulu (with ads).

Prices vary and are subject to change, so check the official Disney+ website for current rates. The integrated Hulu content is available on all bundle plans. If you subscribe to Hulu separately, you can still link it to Disney+ for free, but you will not get Disney+ content unless you also subscribe to that.

Alternatives to the Integrated App

If you prefer not to use the Disney+ app for Hulu content, you have alternatives:

• Use the standalone Hulu app: This gives you the traditional Hulu interface, which some users find better for browsing Hulu-specific content.
• Use a live TV streaming service: Hulu + Live TV offers live channels and on-demand content, but it is a separate subscription and not part of the Disney Bundle.
• Use other streaming platforms: Some Hulu Originals are available on other services like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video after licensing windows, but this is not consistent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate Hulu app if I have Disney+?

No, if you have a Disney Bundle that includes Hulu, you can watch all Hulu content directly in the Disney+ app. However, you can still use the standalone Hulu app if you prefer its interface or if you have a Hulu subscription that isn’t linked.

Is Hulu content on Disney+ the same as the standalone Hulu library?

Yes, in the United States, the Hulu content available on Disney+ mirrors the standalone Hulu library. There may be occasional differences due to licensing, but generally the full catalog is accessible.

Can I watch Hulu live TV on Disney+?

No, Hulu + Live TV is a separate service and is not integrated into the Disney+ app. The integration covers on-demand content only.

Why can’t I see Hulu content on Disney+ outside the U.S.?

Disney has rolled out Hulu content internationally under the “Star” brand, which is a separate hub within Disney+. The Hulu brand and full library are only available in the U.S. due to licensing agreements.

Can I link my existing Hulu account to Disney+?

Yes, you can link a standalone Hulu subscription to your Disney+ account. Go to the Disney+ account settings, select “Link accounts,” and follow the prompts. You’ll need to sign in to your Hulu account to complete the linking.

Will my watch history sync between Hulu and Disney+?

Yes, when you link accounts, your watch history and continue-watching row will sync across both apps. This means you can start a show on Hulu and finish it on Disney+ without losing your place.

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