Disney+ is raising subscription prices in October, right as the company faces backlash over Jimmy Kimmel. Here’s what viewers need to know.
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Disney+ Gets a Price Hike — at the Most Awkward Possible Time
Disney is once again raising prices for its popular streaming services. But this time, the announcement lands at one of the most politically charged and controversial moments in the company’s recent history.
Disney+ Price Increase Details
Starting October 21, 2025, Disney+ will roll out new pricing across its subscription tiers:
- Disney+ with ads: $11.99/month (up $2)
- Disney+ ad-free: $18.99/month (up $3)
- Hulu with ads: $11.99/month (up $2)
- ESPN Select: $12.99/month (up $1)
- Bundles: Multiple Disney+ and Hulu packages will also see price hikes.
These changes come as part of Disney’s annual October adjustment cycle, a move the company has made in both 2023 and 2024. According to Disney insiders, customers were notified earlier this week about the hikes.
Why the Timing Feels Awkward
The problem for Disney isn’t the increase itself — it’s the political storm brewing around the company.
- Last week, ABC temporarily benched late-night host Jimmy Kimmel after comments about Charlie Kirk’s suspected killer drew threats from the Trump-aligned FCC.
- That decision sparked an organic boycott of Disney+, with even Howard Stern canceling his subscription in protest.
- On Monday, Disney reversed course and reinstated Kimmel’s show — but the controversy has only deepened.
Now, as the price hike goes live, Disney finds itself under fire from both conservative commentators and frustrated subscribers who feel caught in the middle.
Backlash from MAGA Media and Affiliate Stations
The uproar hasn’t just been online. Major local broadcasters — Sinclair and Nexstar, which together own more than 20% of ABC affiliates — continue to block Kimmel’s program.
Meanwhile, MAGA-aligned media voices are blasting Disney for putting Kimmel back on air, portraying the move as a cultural provocation. This puts Disney in the difficult position of defending free speech while also trying to protect its business interests.
What This Means for Subscribers
For everyday Disney+ and Hulu subscribers, the bottom line is simple: you’ll be paying more starting October 21.
- The Disney+ ad-free plan is now one of the most expensive mainstream streaming subscriptions in the U.S.
- With competitors like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV+ also raising prices in recent years, consumers face tough decisions about which services to keep.
- The controversy may push some to cancel, while others stick with Disney’s strong library of Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and ESPN content.
FAQs About Disney+ Price Hike
Q1. When will the new Disney+ prices take effect?
The new pricing begins October 21, 2025.
Q2. How much is Disney+ ad-free now?
The ad-free plan will cost $18.99/month, up from $15.99.
Q3. Why is Disney raising prices again?
Disney typically increases streaming prices each October as part of its long-term revenue strategy.
Q4. Is the Jimmy Kimmel controversy linked to the price hike?
No, the hikes were planned in advance. However, the timing overlaps with political backlash, making it a PR headache for Disney.
Q5. Are Hulu and ESPN+ also affected?
Yes. Hulu with ads will cost $11.99, and ESPN Select will cost $12.99 per month.
Conclusion
Disney’s October price hike was expected — but the timing couldn’t be worse. With the Jimmy Kimmel free speech battle still dominating headlines and critics calling for boycotts, the company risks alienating both political opponents and loyal subscribers.
Still, for many households, Disney+ remains an essential streaming service thanks to its exclusive franchises and bundled options. The bigger question is whether the growing cost, combined with political controversy, will lead to subscriber fatigue — or if Disney’s brand power will carry it through.