TWO huge streaming platforms have just announced that they are merging, and it promises to change the face of television.
The deal will also see the return of axed cable channels, giving you more bang for your buck.
Disney and Hulu, two of the biggest names in streaming entertainment, are joining forces to create a new platform.
The former has just finalized a $439 million deal with NBCUniversal to take full ownership of Hulu.
Previously, Disney owned a 33% stake, meaning it could feature a handful of shows on its Disney+ platform, like The Bear.
Disney CEO Bob Iger and CFO Hugh Johnston have confirmed Disney will begin to phase out the Hulu app in 2026.
The company plans to launch a unified streaming platform that same year.
Iger and Johnston continued, via Variety: “By creating a truly differentiated streaming offering, we will be providing subscribers tremendous choice, convenience, quality, and enhanced personalization.
“This will enhance our ability to continue to grow profitability and margins in our entertainment streaming business through expected higher engagement, lower churn, and advertising revenue potential, as well as operational efficiencies that over time may result in savings that we can reinvest back into the business.
“I imagine down the road it may give us some price elasticity as well that we haven’t had before.”
Pricing plans for this new platform are still unknown at this stage.
In addition, eight old cable channels will be returning thanks to Disney‘s partnership with Charter.
The channels will be returning to Spectrum TV Select subscribers at no additional cost.
Hulu’s plan with ads will be included in all Spectrum TV Select packages.
The channels are set to come back later in the summer.
The eight restored channels are all Disney-owned, and include Disney Jr., Disney XD and Freeform.
Those subscribed to Spectrum TV can already access ad-supported Disney+ and will have access to ESPN’s upcoming streaming service.
This streaming service is expected to be available by the fall of 2025.
Tom Montemagno, executive vice president of Programming Acquisition for Charter, praised the extension and what it means for customers.
He said: “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.
“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.”
Those who only use broadband-only Spectrum will be able to purchase the various bundles and ESPN streaming service at regular retail prices.
BROOKE Hogan is escalating her feud with her father’s inner circle.
Hulk Hogan‘s daughter went on TMZ Live on Wednesday to blast what she called false reports about her.
Brooke threatened legal action against Hogan’s inner circle, claiming they are spreading lies.
“Whatever representative from that camp that continues to spew these lies, if they want to keep going, grab your best hold, grab your best lawyers because I’m ready to go,” Brooke said.
“Because I’m done with it. I’m done, this is ridiculous. I know too much.
“I’ve been through too much, I’m not to be played with. I’m done, so it better stop.
“This is ridiculous that it’s gone to this point of this war of words, and that’s why I’m here with you to put it to rest.
“My dad has finally been put to rest. Leave him alone, leave me alone and let the poor man go to heaven, and just end it.
” Stop coming after me. I’m not the one you want to come after.”
Brooke insisted that she wasn’t looking to get any money out of the situation, and said she wasn’t upset after being left out of Hogan’s will.
“I just know how my family is,” she said.
“And I’ve seen how certain members of my family go after money.
“And I see how they fight over money, and how they turn on each other over money.
“And I said, if and when my dad dies, this is going to be, pardon my French, a s*** show. And I want no part of it.”
Brooke also said that she never relied on her father for financial support.
“I have my own job, my husband has a job, we do not have any money coming in from my father since I was 18 years old,” she said.
“Everybody else relied on him for a paycheck, and now that golden goose is gone.
Tributes have poured in for Hulk Hogan following his death at 71 years old.
“When I nearly lost my dad 8 years ago, one of the few people who was there for all of it was Hulk Hogan. My heart breaks for Nick and Brooke. Rest in peace, brother.” – Charlotte Flair
“Saddened To Hear About The Passing of Hulk Hogan…I Guess God Needed An Incredible Angel. R.I.P. My Friend.” – Sergeant Slaughter
“He Was One Of The First To Visit Me When I Was In The Hospital With A 2% Chance Of Living, And He Prayed By My Bedside. Hulk Also Lent Me Money When Reid Was Sick. Hulkster, No One Will Ever Compare To You! Rest In Peace My Friend!” – Ric Flair
“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.” – WWE
“R.I.P to a legend. HULK HOGAN.” – Donald Trump Jr.
“Hulk Hogan was a great American icon. One of the first people I ever truly admired as a kid. The last time I saw him we promised we’d get beers together next time we saw each other. The next time will have to be on the other side, my friend! Rest in peace.” – Vice President JD Vance
“So I don’t know if I’m their emotional, guilty punching bag, or if they are afraid of what I know — because I know a lot that I don’t talk about.
“I know a lot. It’s pathetic and it’s disgusting, to be honest.”
Brooke went on to blast the reports about her alleged estrangement from her father, saying she and Hogan were “very, very close.”
“We’ve been through a lot,” she said.
“I’ve forgiven a lot. I’ve been by his side through everything.”
JIMMY Johnson made a rare public appearance after announcing his retirement from broadcasting.
The 82-year-old is stepping aside from his role with Fox NFL after three decades.
Johnson became a fan favorite on Fox NFL Sunday – the network’s pregame show.
He called time on his career after helping Fox deliver a Super Bowl record broadcast.
More than 127 million people tuned into Super Bowl LIX on the network from New Orleans, Louisiana.
Johnson has kept a low profile since making his decision to step away.
He was spotted with some former colleagues at an event this week.
Erin Andrews shared an image on her Instagram stories.
She posed alongside Johnson as well as Charissa Thompson and Michael Strahan.
“Love our family NFL on Fox,” she wrote.
Andrews still clearly sees Johnson as part of the family despite his retirement.
Johnson could yet make a return to set in some capacity.
He is unlikely to be a regular broadcaster for Fox again.
But the former Dallas Cowboys coach may be a special guest on some episodes.
His former Fox colleague Julian Edelman spoke to The US Sun at Fanatics Fest in New York.
He said, “I love Jimmy… What an unbelievable career.”
“It’s crazy. He’s such a pivotal part of that show, and I learned so much from him. Jimmy’s the best.
(All times ET)
Thur 4 Sept
8.20 pm – Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles
Fri 5 Sept
8pm – Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers
Sun 7 Sept
1pm – Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons
1pm – Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns
1pm – Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts
1pm – Las Vegas Raiders at New England Patriots
1pm – Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints
1pm – Pittsburgh Steelers at New York Jets
1pm – New York Giants at Washington Commanders
1pm – Carolina Panthers at Jacksonville Jaguars
4.05 pm – Tennessee Titans at Denver Broncos
4.05 pm – San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
4.25 pm – Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers
4.25 pm – Houston Texans at Los Angeles Rams
8.20 pm – Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills
Mon 8 Sept
8.15 pm – Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears
“I’m sure he’ll be back in some capacity. He’s got to do a couple of bits.”
A replacement has not yet been confirmed, but Rob Gronkowski is set for a larger role.
He featured on some Fox NFL Sunday shows last year when Johnson was off.
Fox’s first NFL broadcast of the 2025 season will be on Sunday 7 September.
The network will have six games across two windows on that Sunday afternoon.