Are your favorite channels coming back? Major streamer merger promises more value and restored cable classics!
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If you've ever felt like something was lost when cable gave way to streaming, you're not alone.
Between switching apps, juggling passwords, and figuring out where to find your favorite shows, the experience can feel more scattered than ever.
But a new partnership could simplify all of that while reviving a few familiar favorites that quietly disappeared.
And the best part? Some viewers may not have to pay anything extra.
In a deal worth a whopping $439 million, Disney has bought out NBCUniversal’s 33% stake in Hulu, taking full control of the platform.
This isn’t just a business handshake behind closed doors—this is the start of a new era for streaming.
Disney’s CEO, Bob Iger, and CFO, Hugh Johnston, have confirmed that Hulu, as we know it, will begin to phase out its standalone app in 2026.
But don’t worry—this isn’t the end. In fact, it’s just the beginning.
Disney plans to launch a unified streaming platform that will combine the best of Disney+, Hulu, and more, all under one digital roof.
The goal? To give subscribers more choice, more convenience, and a more personalized experience.
Think of it as a one-stop shop for all your favorite shows, movies, and live TV—without the hassle of juggling multiple subscriptions and apps.
Here’s where things get really interesting for those of us who remember the golden age of cable TV.
As part of this merger, eight classic cable channels—many of which had been axed in recent years—are making a triumphant return.
Thanks to a renewed partnership with Charter (the folks behind Spectrum TV), these channels will be available to Spectrum TV Select subscribers at no extra cost.
And that’s not all: Hulu’s ad-supported plan will be included in all Spectrum TV Select packages, and Disney+ (with ads) is already available to Spectrum TV customers.
ESPN’s much-anticipated standalone streaming service is also on the horizon, promising even more options for sports fans.
For many, this means the return of family favorites, kids’ programming, and niche channels that had quietly slipped away in the streaming shuffle.
Read also: 21 hilarious game show answers that left everyone laughing
According to Charter’s executive vice president of Programming Acquisition, Tom Montemagno, this new agreement is all about giving customers more value and reducing the dreaded “subscriber churn” (that’s industry-speak for people canceling their subscriptions).
By bundling more content together and making it easier to access, both companies hope to keep viewers happy—and keep them coming back for more.
Disney’s leadership echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the new platform will offer “tremendous choice, convenience, quality, and enhanced personalization.”
In plain English: more of what you want, less of what you don’t, and a smoother, more enjoyable viewing experience.
Read also: Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune are coming to streaming—here’s what that means for longtime fans
Details on pricing for the new platform are still under wraps, but there’s talk of “price elasticity”—meaning there may be more flexibility (and hopefully more competitive pricing) than we’ve seen in the past.
For now, Spectrum TV Select subscribers can look forward to getting more bang for their buck, with additional channels and streaming options included at no extra cost.
If you’re a broadband-only customer (no traditional TV package), you’ll still be able to purchase bundles and the ESPN streaming service at regular retail prices.
Read next: Streaming stopped for millions—Hulu users caught in sudden outage
Are you excited to see these channels return? Do you think a unified streaming platform will make your life easier, or are you wary of more changes in the TV landscape? Maybe you have fond memories of watching Disney XD with your grandkids, or you’re just happy to have more options without paying more?
Between switching apps, juggling passwords, and figuring out where to find your favorite shows, the experience can feel more scattered than ever.
But a new partnership could simplify all of that while reviving a few familiar favorites that quietly disappeared.
And the best part? Some viewers may not have to pay anything extra.
In a deal worth a whopping $439 million, Disney has bought out NBCUniversal’s 33% stake in Hulu, taking full control of the platform.
This isn’t just a business handshake behind closed doors—this is the start of a new era for streaming.
Disney’s CEO, Bob Iger, and CFO, Hugh Johnston, have confirmed that Hulu, as we know it, will begin to phase out its standalone app in 2026.
But don’t worry—this isn’t the end. In fact, it’s just the beginning.
Disney plans to launch a unified streaming platform that will combine the best of Disney+, Hulu, and more, all under one digital roof.
The goal? To give subscribers more choice, more convenience, and a more personalized experience.
Think of it as a one-stop shop for all your favorite shows, movies, and live TV—without the hassle of juggling multiple subscriptions and apps.
Here’s where things get really interesting for those of us who remember the golden age of cable TV.
As part of this merger, eight classic cable channels—many of which had been axed in recent years—are making a triumphant return.
Thanks to a renewed partnership with Charter (the folks behind Spectrum TV), these channels will be available to Spectrum TV Select subscribers at no extra cost.
And that’s not all: Hulu’s ad-supported plan will be included in all Spectrum TV Select packages, and Disney+ (with ads) is already available to Spectrum TV customers.
ESPN’s much-anticipated standalone streaming service is also on the horizon, promising even more options for sports fans.
The list of returning channels includes:
- Disney Jr.
- Disney XD
- Freeform
- FXX
- FXM
- Nat Geo Wild
- Nat Geo Mundo
- BabyTV
For many, this means the return of family favorites, kids’ programming, and niche channels that had quietly slipped away in the streaming shuffle.
Read also: 21 hilarious game show answers that left everyone laughing
According to Charter’s executive vice president of Programming Acquisition, Tom Montemagno, this new agreement is all about giving customers more value and reducing the dreaded “subscriber churn” (that’s industry-speak for people canceling their subscriptions).
By bundling more content together and making it easier to access, both companies hope to keep viewers happy—and keep them coming back for more.
Disney’s leadership echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the new platform will offer “tremendous choice, convenience, quality, and enhanced personalization.”
In plain English: more of what you want, less of what you don’t, and a smoother, more enjoyable viewing experience.
Read also: Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune are coming to streaming—here’s what that means for longtime fans
Details on pricing for the new platform are still under wraps, but there’s talk of “price elasticity”—meaning there may be more flexibility (and hopefully more competitive pricing) than we’ve seen in the past.
For now, Spectrum TV Select subscribers can look forward to getting more bang for their buck, with additional channels and streaming options included at no extra cost.
If you’re a broadband-only customer (no traditional TV package), you’ll still be able to purchase bundles and the ESPN streaming service at regular retail prices.
Read next: Streaming stopped for millions—Hulu users caught in sudden outage
