How 'Kimmel' controversy impacted Disney+ and Hulu

Entertainment Oct 21, 2025

In September 2025, Disney+ and Hulu saw millions of users cancel their subscriptions after ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel's show over remarks about MAGA influencer Charlie Kirk's death.
The backlash was trending, with boycott calls spreading across platforms like Bluesky and X.

Streaming services gained new subscribers in September

Even with the wave of cancelations, both streaming services actually gained new subscribers—Disney+ added 2.2 million, and Hulu picked up 2.1 million in September, both slightly up from August.
Kimmel returned to his show without an apology, keeping his trademark satire going despite the controversy and pressure from Trump-aligned groups.