The Walt Disney Company is raising prices again for Disney+, rolling out hikes across nearly every tier of the platform while still reeling from controversy tied to Jimmy Kimmel’s recent suspension on ABC.
Starting October 21, 2025, subscribers will see costs climb for both monthly and annual plans. The ad-supported option will rise by $2 to $11.99 per month, while the premium, ad-free tier will increase by $3 to $18.99. Annual plans won’t be spared either, jumping $30 to $189.99 per year. Bundles with Hulu and ESPN+ will also see price bumps.
This marks the fourth consecutive year Disney has implemented streaming price hikes. Despite only recently reporting profits from its direct-to-consumer division, the company has defended its strategy, suggesting Disney+ remains undervalued considering the scope of its library, which includes Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, National Geographic, and original programming.
Still, the announcement comes at a precarious time. Disney recently faced backlash over its suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! following Kimmel’s comments regarding conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s death. The decision sparked widespread criticism on social media, including boycott calls targeting Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Some reports suggest Disney accelerated Kimmel’s reinstatement to ease tensions and stem subscription cancellations before rolling out the new pricing.
Users online were quick to connect the dots. On X, Brian T. (@briantong) wrote:
“So Disney cancels Kimmel, then loses approximately $4B, and is now bringing him back. (because money)
Starting October 21st they will also be INCREASING the price of their Disney+ Plus subscription bundles.
There is no better time to cancel than NOW!”
Another post from @itsthejody read:
“Cancelled my @DisneyPlus No Ads and @hulu No Ads subscriptions because of what they did to Jimmy Kimmel.
Keeping them canceled because they also announced yesterday they're raising prices by $3. Almost 73% increase year over year, 24% rate of inflation.
#Disney #Hulu #BYE”
And David T. (@1stonestruck) shared:
“It really doesn't make sense for #Disney to INCREASE subscription PRICES AFTER LOSING so many subscribers!!
I HAVE NO INCENTIVE TO RE-SUBSCRIBE AFTER the ABC/Jimmy Kimmel DEBACLE!!
CEO Iger shouldn't have INITIALLY CAVED to
T R U M P's egregious EXTORTION DEMANDS!!
#SueTrump”
The controversy isn’t contained to social media. Several ABC affiliates, including stations operated by Sinclair and Nexstar, have opted not to air Kimmel’s return, instead running alternate late-night programming. Sinclair reversed course recently, opting to air the show moving forward. Meanwhile, subscription cancellations continue to ripple across Disney+ as viewers weigh both Kimmel’s suspension and the latest cost increases.
On Tuesday night, Kimmel addressed the issue himself, weaving comments about the uproar into his opening monologue while joking about the need for audiences to resubscribe to Disney+.
Industry experts note that price increases are becoming routine across the streaming sector, with Netflix, HBO Max, and Paramount+ also upping rates in recent years. Still, Disney’s timing—paired with ongoing backlash—could prove especially challenging as customers scrutinize their monthly expenses.
Disney+ has long been seen as a go-to family service, valued for both its blockbuster catalog and accessible pricing. With the ad-free tier now reaching $19 per month, the company risks eroding some of that goodwill. Balancing profits with consumer trust, particularly as political and cultural tensions mount, may shape Disney’s next chapter just as much as its upcoming Marvel or Star Wars releases.
Do you think Disney made the right call with its latest increases following the Jimmy Kimmel controversy? Let us know in the comments.
no, with everyone trying t o cut corners and this supposedly being a family move, it has showed how Disney is becoming money hungry and not valuing their customers.