If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery have announced plans to bundle together some of their biggest streaming services in an effort to draw in more customers.
Diney+, Hulu and Max will all be available for a single subscription starting this summer, with both ad-supported and ad-free plans available. The exact price of the bundle was not announced, but it is expected to be offered a price point that’s lower than three individual subscriptions would cost.
“On the heels of the very successful launch of Hulu on Disney+, this new bundle with Max will offer subscribers even more choice and value,” said Joe Earley, president of direct to consumer at Disney Entertainment in a statement. “This incredible new partnership puts subscribers first, giving them access to blockbuster films, originals, and three massive libraries.”
The cable-like offering will bring together programming from a variety of networks and brands, including ABC, CNN, DC, Discovery, Disney, Food Network, FX, HBO, HGTV, Hulu, Marvel, Pixar, Searchlight, and Warner Bros. It’s the second big team-up of the entertainment giants in the past few months. In February, the two companies, along with Fox, announced plans to launch a sports streaming service they hope will lure people away from traditional cable and satellite.
Disney has been offering a bundle of its separate streaming services for some time, blending Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+. (ESPN+ will not be a part of the Warner Bros. bundling.)
Depending on costs, it could be a considerable savings for people who subscribe to several services. Max, at present, costs $9.99 a month with ads—and $15.99 without. Disney+ starts at $7.99 per month with ads (bundled with Hulu that jumps to $9.99 a month). A premium plan runs $13.99 per month, or $19.99 with Hulu. And people who subscribe to Hulu on its own pay $7.99 with ads or $17.99 ad-free.
“This new offering delivers for consumers … the best value in streaming, and will help drive incremental subscribers and much stronger retention,” said JB Perrette, CEO and president of global streaming and games, Warner Bros. Discovery.
Disney+ currently has 117.6 million subscribers. Hulu has 50 million and Max is closing in on 100 million. Those all pale to Netflix’s 269.6 million subscribers.
