Why is Hulu expiring?

Hulu content "expiring" happens because of content licensing deals, especially "rolling availability" where old episodes leave as new ones arrive, but the entire Hulu app is scheduled to be shut down in 2026 as Disney fully merges all content into the Disney+ app, creating a single destination for its streaming services, including Hulu, ESPN, and Disney's core brands, with the app's discontinuation expected sometime next year.

Why does my Hulu show say expiring?

Your Hulu shows say expiring because Hulu's licensing agreements for that content are ending, meaning they lose the right to stream it, often due to contracts expiring or being renegotiated, and they place a badge indicating the remaining days to watch before it's removed, sometimes for specific episodes or entire shows/movies. This is common for shows with "rolling availability," where only recent episodes stream, causing older ones to expire as new ones arrive. 

Why is Hulu shutting down?

By merging Hulu into Disney+, Disney aims to simplify its streaming which will reduce their operating costs, and provide subscribers with a simpler streaming experience.

Is Hulu shutting down in 2026?

Yes, Hulu as a standalone app is being shut down and fully merged into Disney+ by 2026, a process that started in late 2025, creating a unified streaming experience where Hulu's content lives within the Disney+ platform, though the Hulu brand and content will persist as "Hulu on Disney+" for a broader audience. This consolidation aims to streamline offerings and leverage Disney's full control after buying out Comcast's share, allowing subscribers to access everything in one place.
 

Why are people canceling their Hulu accounts?

People are cancelling Hulu due to a combination of factors, including major backlash over the temporary suspension of Jimmy Kimmel's show (leading to boycott calls), general dissatisfaction with increasing prices and annoying ads, "content fatigue," and recent announcements about merging Hulu into Disney+ which frustrates some users. 

Hulu is SHUTTING DOWN, But…

What will happen to Hulu users?

For Hulu users, the main change is the phasing out of the standalone Hulu app, with all its content merging into a single, unified Disney+ app by 2026, creating a one-stop shop for family-friendly, general entertainment, and live content, though you can still subscribe to Hulu separately if you prefer; you'll access it all through the updated Disney+ interface for better choice and convenience, with Hulu's brand continuing as "Hulu on Disney+" for adult content.
 

Is Hulu banning account sharing?

In 2023, Netflix announced a controversial password-sharing crackdowns and platforms like Hulu have since joined the trend. The password-sharing ban stops Hulu users from sharing their subscription with anyone outside of their household.

Is Hulu being deleted?

Starting next year, Disney will fully merge Hulu into Disney+. That means by 2026, there will be one app for all Hulu and Disney+ content — from Marvel & Star Wars to Hulu Originals and live sports. You'll still be able to subscribe to Hulu, but only through Disney+. The standalone Hulu app will slowly be phased out.

Is Disney trying to buy Hulu?

Yes, Disney now fully owns Hulu after finalizing the purchase of Comcast's remaining one-third stake in June 2025, and plans to fully integrate all Hulu content into the Disney+ app with a new, unified streaming experience launching in 2026. This integration will create a single app for both services, replacing the standalone Hulu app, though users can still subscribe to them separately or as bundles.
 

Is Hulu worth it in 2025?

In 2025, whether Hulu is "worth it" depends on your needs: it's great for its vast on-demand library (especially with Disney+/ESPN bundles), its Live TV option is strong but pricey, but users report increasing frustration with rising costs, technical glitches, and ads, though some find its content value outweighs these issues. Consider Hulu if you want a deep on-demand catalog and don't mind ads or technical hiccups, but be aware that the standalone app is slated for full integration into Disney+ in 2026, meaning content will eventually live inside the Disney+ app. 

How long will Hulu be available?

Hulu as a standalone app is being phased out and fully integrated into Disney+ by sometime in 2026, though users can still get Hulu content within Disney+ or potentially as standalone options for a while longer in the U.S.; globally, Hulu is becoming Disney+'s general entertainment brand, replacing "Star". The standalone app will disappear as Disney rolls out a unified experience, making Hulu's library part of Disney+. 

Do I still need Hulu if I have Disney?

No, you don't need Hulu if you have Disney+, but you'll only get a limited selection of Hulu content within the Disney+ app; for the full Hulu experience (including Live TV, add-ons like Max/Showtime, and some specific titles), you need a separate Hulu subscription or a bundle that includes Hulu. A Disney+ plan alone doesn't unlock the entire Hulu library, but bundling Disney+ with Hulu is often more cost-effective than separate subscriptions for full access. 

Is Hulu losing customers?

Yes, Hulu has seen significant subscriber churn, with major spikes in cancellations in late 2025, particularly due to a boycott after Jimmy Kimmel's suspension and coinciding with price hikes, though new sign-ups also increased, and Disney is working to fully integrate Hulu into Disney+. While it experiences losses, especially compared to Netflix, Hulu's numbers fluctuate with industry trends, price changes, and content, and the focus is shifting as Disney plans to phase out the standalone Hulu app by 2026 for a unified experience.
 

Why are so many shows expiring on Hulu?

When a show's availability is "rolling", only a specific number of recently aired episodes will be available at once. For instance, if a show only offers five of the most recently aired episodes at a time, the fifth oldest episode will expire whenever a new (or sixth) episode airs and is added.

Is there currently a problem with Hulu?

No widespread Hulu issues are reported right now, with status trackers showing it's generally operational, though individual users might experience problems; if you're having trouble, check your internet, clear your app cache, restart devices (power cycle), or update the app, as these resolve most common playback issues. 

How do I see what's expiring on Hulu?

Navigate to My Stuff to see the shows and movies* that you've added, organized by the following categories: TV Shows. Movies. Expiring.

Is Hulu still free with Amazon Prime?

No, Hulu is not free with Amazon Prime; it's a separate subscription, though you could once subscribe to it through Amazon, but now you sign up directly with Hulu. While Amazon Prime Video and Hulu are distinct services, you can watch Hulu content on Amazon Fire devices by logging in, and bundling options with Disney+, ESPN+ exist for a combined cost. 

Why are folks canceling Hulu?

People are cancelling Hulu due to a combination of factors, including major backlash over the temporary suspension of Jimmy Kimmel's show (leading to boycott calls), general dissatisfaction with increasing prices and annoying ads, "content fatigue," and recent announcements about merging Hulu into Disney+ which frustrates some users. 

What will happen when Disney takes over Hulu?

This means that Hulu shows and movies will be available on Disney+, but you will no longer be able to watch them on the Hulu app. The exact date Hulu's platform will be disabled is not yet known, but Disney was contacted for further information. The news was first reported by Variety in August.

Is Hulu going away in 2026?

Hulu isn't shutting down entirely in 2026, but the standalone Hulu app will be retired as Disney fully merges all Hulu content into the Disney+ app for a unified streaming experience, creating one central hub for Disney, Hulu, Marvel, Star Wars, and live TV content. This move consolidates services, eliminating the need to switch apps, though users will access Hulu content through a dedicated section within Disney+ and will still have options for bundled or standalone subscriptions within that single platform.
 

What's leaving Hulu in March 2025?

Everything leaving Hulu in March 2025

• Leaving on March 1.
• Rubikon (movie) Leaving on March 2.
• Simulant (movie) Leaving on March 3.
• Benedetta (movie) Leaving on March 4.
• Lantern's Lane (movie) Leaving on March 5.
• Mark, Mary & Some Other People (movie) Leaving on March 6.
• 97 Minutes (movie) ...
• India Sweets and Spices (movie)

What is Hulu called now?

Say ciao to the stand-alone Hulu streaming app: Disney said it is “fully integrating” the Hulu service, which it now owns 100%, into its flagship Disney+ streamer. A new “unified” Disney+ and Hulu streaming app will be available in 2026, the company said.

How does Hulu know if you are sharing?

Hulu knows you're sharing by monitoring IP addresses, location data, and linked devices to establish a "Household" (devices on the same home Wi-Fi) and flagging streams from different locations or networks, using prompts to verify devices with codes sent to the account's email or triggering warnings about sharing outside the home, as its rules now restrict sharing to people in your primary residence. 

Is password sharing illegal?

Password sharing exists in a legal gray area, but under the U.S. Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA), it can technically be a federal crime if it's considered "unauthorized access," as seen in court rulings, though enforcement often targets malicious behavior, not casual sharing. In the UK, it's also considered a potential breach of civil and potentially criminal law under copyright/data laws, despite being a common practice. While many streaming services (like Netflix, Disney+) now have specific, paid options for sharing outside your household, violating their Terms of Service (TOS) by sharing can lead to account termination, even if prosecution is rare.