What's Happening?
Disney Plus is set to increase its subscription prices starting October 21, 2025. The ad-supported plan will rise by $2 to $11.99 per month, while the ad-free premium tier will increase by $3 to $18.99 per month. Annual subscriptions for the premium plan will jump by $30 to $189.99. This marks the fourth consecutive year of price hikes for Disney Plus, which launched in 2019 at $6.99 per month. The announcement comes amid public scrutiny following Disney's temporary removal of Jimmy Kimmel Live! from ABC, which led to calls for boycotting Disney's services. The show was pulled due to comments made by Kimmel about the assassination of Charlie Kirk, sparking outrage and protests.
Why It's Important?
The price increase is significant as it reflects Disney's ongoing strategy to boost profitability from its streaming services. Disney Plus has become a major player in the streaming industry, and these price hikes could impact subscriber retention, especially in light of recent controversies. The decision to restore Jimmy Kimmel Live! may have been influenced by the need to stabilize subscriber numbers ahead of the price increase. Disney's streaming services, including Hulu and ESPN+, reported a total of 207.4 million subscribers at the end of the third quarter of 2025, indicating the scale of potential impact.
What's Next?
Subscribers will see the new pricing reflected in their billing cycles starting October 21. Disney will likely continue to monitor subscriber reactions and retention rates closely. The company may face increased pressure to justify the price hikes by enhancing content offerings and maintaining customer satisfaction. The controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel Live! could lead to further public relations challenges for Disney, potentially affecting its brand image and subscriber loyalty.
Beyond the Headlines
The decision to pull and then restore Jimmy Kimmel Live! highlights the complex interplay between media companies and public sentiment. Disney's actions may set a precedent for how entertainment companies handle sensitive political and social issues. The broader implications for media freedom and corporate responsibility in the entertainment industry could be significant, as companies navigate the balance between content control and audience expectations.
