Disney’s Streaming Subscriber Drop: 1.7 Million Cancel Amid Kimmel Controversy & Price Hike

Recent reports indicate a significant setback for Disney’s streaming empire, with an estimated 1.7 million paid subscribers reportedly cancelling their services between September 17 and September 23. This substantial exodus encompasses subscriptions across Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN, marking a turbulent period for the entertainment giant.

According to reporter Marisa Kabas, founder of The Handbasket, who shared these findings on Bluesky, this dramatic falloff represents an astonishing 436 percent surge compared to the typical churn rate experienced by these popular streaming platforms. Disney has yet to publicly comment on these figures, which paint a challenging picture for its streaming growth ambitions.

Compounding the challenge, Disney simultaneously implemented a planned increase in its streaming subscription prices last week. Sources suggest this impending price hike might have influenced the timing of the late-night show’s reinstatement, potentially contributing to the accelerated subscriber departures.

The subscriber downturn closely follows a contentious period involving the popular late-night program, Jimmy Kimmel Live. On September 17, Disney-owned ABC suspended the show after host Jimmy Kimmel faced accusations from President Donald Trump and his administration regarding alleged inappropriate comments about the assassination of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk.

While Disney moved to reinstate the program on September 22, just five days after its initial suspension, the swift reversal appears to have done little to quell viewer discontent and prevent a significant wave of cancellations across its major streaming services. This dual impact of political controversy and a price adjustment highlights the precarious balance streaming services must maintain between content decisions and business strategies in a highly competitive market.