SPECTRUM TV SELECT CUSTOMERS TO RECEIVE HULU AS PART OF EXPANDED AGREEMENT BETWEEN CHARTER AND THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

Rhea-AI Summary

Charter Communications (NASDAQ: CHTR) and Disney have expanded their distribution agreement to include Hulu (With Ads) in all Spectrum TV Select packages at no additional cost. Starting summer 2025, customers will have access to Hulu's content alongside existing Disney+ and the upcoming ESPN streaming service, creating a combined streaming value of over $100 per month.

The agreement includes the return of eight Disney-owned linear networks to Spectrum's lineup, including Disney Jr, Disney XD, Freeform, and others. The deal, which is financially net positive for both companies, aims to boost advertising reach and strengthen audience engagement across platforms. Charter will also offer Disney's streaming services to broadband-only customers at retail rates.

Positive

• Addition of Hulu (With Ads) at no extra cost for TV Select customers
• Return of eight Disney-owned networks to Spectrum's channel lineup
• Combined streaming value exceeding $100 per month for customers
• Agreement is financially net positive for both companies
• Early evidence shows improvement in subscriber churn

Negative

• None.

Insights

Media Distribution Analyst

Charter-Disney deal adds Hulu to TV packages, returns Disney channels to lineup, creating a hybrid distribution model benefiting both companies.

This expanded agreement between Charter Communications and Disney represents a significant evolution in the cable-streaming relationship, addressing changing consumer viewing habits. By including Hulu (With Ads) in all Spectrum TV Select packages alongside Disney+ and the forthcoming ESPN streaming service, Charter creates a $100+ monthly streaming value for subscribers at no additional cost.

The deal's strategic importance extends beyond streaming integration. The return of eight Disney-owned networks to Spectrum's linear lineup (Disney Jr, Disney XD, Freeform, FXX, FXM, Nat Geo Wild, Nat Geo Mundo, BabyTV) reinforces both companies' commitment to a hybrid distribution model that bridges traditional cable and streaming platforms.

What's particularly notable is that this agreement was reached mid-cycle without the pressure of expiring contracts, suggesting mutual confidence in this distribution approach. The press release explicitly states the arrangement is "financially net positive for both companies," with Charter already seeing reduced subscriber churn from their streaming integration strategy.

For Charter, this enhances their value proposition against cord-cutting pressures while creating new marketing opportunities for Disney's streaming services among Charter's broadband-only customers. For Disney, it secures broader distribution for both their streaming platforms and linear channels, maximizing advertising reach across multiple content delivery systems.

This deal exemplifies how traditional media companies are adapting to the streaming era - not by abandoning linear TV but by creating complementary ecosystems that preserve revenue streams while meeting evolving consumer expectations.

Hulu Joins Disney+ and ESPN's Forthcoming Streaming Service in Spectrum TV Select Packages

Key Takeaways: 

• Hulu (With Ads) will be included in all Spectrum TV Select packages at no additional cost.
• Eight Disney-owned networks to return to Spectrum's linear channel lineup.
• The addition of Hulu and ESPN will increase the monthly value of all collective streaming services to more than $100 for TV Select customers.
• Expanded agreement extends the multi-year deal well into the future.

STAMFORD, Conn. and BURBANK, Calif., June 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Charter Communications (NASDAQ: CHTR) and The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) today announced an expanded distribution agreement that brings Hulu (With Ads) to all Spectrum TV Select customers at no additional cost. Starting later this summer, TV Select customers will have access to Hulu's extensive library of hit TV series and films plus award-winning Originals, alongside existing complimentary access to ad-supported Disney+ and ESPN's soon-to-launch streaming service, anticipated by the fall of 2025. By expanding the value of TV Select to include popular streaming services like Hulu, TV Select customers will soon have access to a premium entertainment experience with a retail streaming value of more than $100 per month.

The newly expanded agreement – which drives incremental value and is financially net positive for both companies – also marks the return of eight Disney-owned linear networks to Spectrum's channel lineup: Disney Jr, Disney XD, Freeform, FXX, FXM, Nat Geo Wild, Nat Geo Mundo and BabyTV. Together with the addition of Hulu, these channels expand Spectrum's entertainment offering and create meaningful value for both companies by boosting advertising reach and strengthening audience engagement across platforms.

"We began this journey to transform the video proposition for consumers with Disney, so it is befitting that this new agreement and the doubling down on our strategy continues with them," said Tom Montemagno, Executive Vice President, Programming Acquisition for Charter. "This extension is a true testament to our mutual confidence in this innovative model – which already is showing improvement in subscriber churn – and our commitment to work creatively together to achieve win-win outcomes for both of us and most importantly for our customers – all achieved mid-cycle and absent from any of the typical pressures from expiring agreements." 

"With the addition of Hulu and the return of our full portfolio of channels, we're pleased to expand and extend our agreement with Charter – delivering the most robust and valuable combination of linear and streaming entertainment for years to come," said Sean Breen, Executive Vice President, Disney Platform Distribution. "This agreement reflects our continued focus on leaning into the strength of Disney's best-in-class programming across every genre and platform – and our shared commitment with Charter to building innovative, consumer-focused distribution models that drive value across the board."

The renewed extension of Charter and Disney's carriage agreement will continue to be supported by marketing and promotional efforts. The deal leverages Disney's trusted IP, beloved characters and notable talent, and underscores both companies' belief in the enduring value of linear distribution paired with streaming. Charter also will make Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, the various Disney Bundles and the forthcoming ESPN streaming service available for purchase to its extensive broadband-only customer base at retail rates, as well as provide TV Select customers the opportunity to upgrade to the ad-free tiers of the included streaming services.

At launch, customers will be able to stream Hulu's TV series, films and critically acclaimed Originals, as well as their live Spectrum TV channels, directly through Xumo Stream Box, or on any Hulu-supported device.

About Charter
Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR) is a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator with services available to more than 57 million homes and businesses in 41 states through its Spectrum brand. Over an advanced communications network, supported by a 100% U.S.-based workforce, the Company offers a full range of state-of-the-art residential and business services including Spectrum Internet^®, TV, Mobile and Voice. 

More information about Charter can be found at corporate.charter.com. 

About The Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international entertainment and media enterprise that includes three business segments: Entertainment, Sports, and Experiences. Disney is a Dow 30 company and had annual revenue of $91.4 billion in its Fiscal Year 2024.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spectrum-tv-select-customers-to-receive-hulu-as-part-of-expanded-agreement-between-charter-and-the-walt-disney-company-302492364.html

SOURCE Charter Communications, Inc.

FAQ

What streaming services will Spectrum TV Select customers get under the new Disney deal?

Spectrum TV Select customers will receive Hulu (With Ads), Disney+, and ESPN's upcoming streaming service as part of their package at no additional cost.

When will Hulu be available to Spectrum TV Select customers?

Hulu will be available to Spectrum TV Select customers starting later in summer 2025.

Which Disney channels are returning to Spectrum's lineup?

Eight channels are returning: Disney Jr, Disney XD, Freeform, FXX, FXM, Nat Geo Wild, Nat Geo Mundo, and BabyTV.

What is the total value of streaming services included in Spectrum TV Select?

The collective streaming services will have a retail value of more than $100 per month.

Can Spectrum broadband-only customers access these Disney streaming services?

Yes, Charter will make Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, Disney Bundles, and the upcoming ESPN streaming service available for purchase at retail rates to broadband-only customers.