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It comes as no surprise that Disney+ has had a tough year, thanks in part due to the growing subscription costs and the subpar quality of its most popular Marvel TV shows. Now, after the recent announcement of the addition of Hulu content, the company has introduced a new Duo Premium plan, which will cost $20 per month and offer ad-free access to both Disney+ and Hulu.
CEO Bob Iger announced the new plan during the recent third-quarter earnings call and explained the company’s commitment to adapting to the evolving preferences of its diverse audience. “I’m pleased to share that our ad-supported Disney Plus subscription will be available in Canada and select markets across Europe starting Nov. 1. In the US, a new ad-free bundle featuring Disney Plus and Hulu will also be offered.”
Revised Subscription Prices
In terms of pricing changes, the ad-free subscription plan will jump from its current rate of $10.99 per month to a new charge of $13.99 per month. Similarly, Hulu’s ad-free tier will also experience an increase from $14.99 to $17.99 per month. Additionally, the company is also introducing a new “Triple Play” bundle, which will cost $24.99 per month and include Disney Plus (ad-free), Hulu (ad-free), and ESPN Plus (with ads).
Moreover, the company is also reportedly working on developing a unified streaming app that combines content from two of its prominent platforms – Disney Plus and Hulu. And although both platforms will retain their independent status, this combined app will promise a streamlined entertainment experience.
However, these adjusted subscription costs might pose challenges for Disney, as it now comes at a higher price compared to its competitor, Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max service, which provides an ad-free experience at $15.99 per month. Additionally, the company’s announcement of a password-sharing crackdown from 2024 could also prompt viewers to reevaluate the value of their subscription.
