Disney and Charter Strike Surprise Deal That Adds Hulu and Returns Axed Cable Channels to Lineup

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In an unexpected turn of events, The Walt Disney Company and cable titan Charter have signed a fresh agreement, extending their 2023 contract, to make Hulu available for Spectrum TV subscribers. This deal also sees the reinstatement of eight cable channels that had earlier been removed from their lineup.

In 2023, Disney’s networks such as ESPN and ABC became unavailable for Spectrum subscribers due to a disagreement over a distribution deal between the two companies. Spectrum aimed to redesign its video services by incorporating streaming platforms, whereas Disney wanted to preserve the reach and pricing of their essential channels, like ESPN.

The agreement they finally sealed resulted in Disney+ and ESPN+ being added to Spectrum Select packages, yet it led to the removal of several cable channels such as Freeform, FXX, National Geographic Wild, Disney Junior, and more from Spectrum’s channel offerings.

The new arrangement will reinstate a total of eight channels on Spectrum TV schedules, and starting this summer, Hulu will be accessible for subscribers through its ad-supported version. Additionally, access to ESPN’s upcoming streaming platform is expected in the autumn.

Although specific details about the agreement weren’t shared, the entities confirmed that reinstating the channels and adding Hulu to their lineup would enhance Spectrum’s entertainment selection. This move is expected to generate significant worth for both parties by broadening ad exposure and improving viewer interaction across various platforms.

Essentially, these firms might have chosen to accept lower cable subscription fees in exchange for a broader audience that traditional TV provides, as it can generate revenue via advertisements. Moreover, this fresh contract will prolong their long-term partnership far into the distant future.

In this situation, it seems clear that we must remain adaptable. The models we’re dealing with are evolving swiftly, so it is essential to stay flexible and quick in response to technological advancements and consumer trends,” said Dana Walden, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, shortly after the deal was announced, speaking to The Hollywood Reporter.

The agreement will be bolstered by marketing initiatives. Charter is also planning to offer Disney’s streaming services to its internet users, and enhance the ad-free packages for its Spectrum TV clients.

Tom Montemagno, Charter’s executive VP of programming acquisition, noted that their initial venture to revamp Disney’s video offerings marked the start of this journey. Given this, it seems fitting that our continued strategy, now reinforced by this new deal, is also with Disney. This extended partnership underscores our shared faith in this groundbreaking approach, which has already shown positive effects on subscriber retention. We are dedicated to collaborating creatively with them, striving for mutually beneficial results, and ultimately prioritizing the satisfaction of our customers.

As a gamer, I’m excited to share that we’re beefing up our partnership with Charter by bringing back all our channels, including Hulu. This means an even more extensive and valuable mix of linear and streaming entertainment for us gamers in the future! Sean Breen, Disney Platform Distribution’s executive VP, added this. It’s part of our strategy to double down on Disney’s top-notch programming across all genres and platforms. We’re both determined with Charter to create innovative distribution models that put consumers first and generate value for everyone involved.

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2025-06-26 17:54