Disney Streaming Price Increase
- Disney+ announced price increases for its ad-free and ad-supported streaming plans, effective October 12, 2023.
- The price hike coincided with a dispute between Disney and comedian Jimmy Kimmel over his jokes about the company's live-action remake of "The Little Mermaid." Kimmel, a longtime...
- In response to the perceived censorship and the price increases, some Disney+ subscribers announced on social media that they were canceling their subscriptions in solidarity with Kimmel.
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Disney+ Price Hike Sparks Backlash, Some Subscribers Cancel in Support of Jimmy Kimmel
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Published September 23, 2025, 23:05:01
What Happened?
Disney+ announced price increases for its ad-free and ad-supported streaming plans, effective October 12, 2023. The ad-free plan will increase from $10.99 to $13.99 per month, while the ad-supported plan will rise from $7.99 to $9.99 per month. These changes come shortly after Disney CEO Bob Iger announced plans to make streaming profitable by the end of fiscal 2024 according to CNBC.
The price hike coincided with a dispute between Disney and comedian Jimmy Kimmel over his jokes about the company’s live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid.” Kimmel, a longtime Disney critic, made comments perceived as insensitive regarding the film’s casting and reception. Disney reportedly asked Kimmel to apologize, which he refused as reported by The Wrap.
In response to the perceived censorship and the price increases, some Disney+ subscribers announced on social media that they were canceling their subscriptions in solidarity with Kimmel.
Disney did not immediately respond to CNBC’s request for comment on the price changes.
The Price Increases: A Detailed Look
Here’s a breakdown of the Disney+ price changes:
| Plan | Old Price (Monthly) | New Price (Monthly) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disney+ Premium (Ad-Free) | $10.99 | $13.99 | +$3.00 |
| Disney+ Basic (Ad-Supported) | $7.99 | $9.99 | +$2.00 |
These increases position Disney+ closer in price to competitors like Netflix and HBO Max. Netflix’s standard plan with ads currently costs $6.99/month, while its standard plan without ads is $15.49/month according to Netflix’s help center. HBO Max (now Max) offers various plans ranging from $9.99 to $19.99 per month as detailed on the Max website.
The Kimmel Controversy
the dispute with Jimmy Kimmel began after he made jokes about “The Little Mermaid” remake on his late-night show.While the specific content of the jokes varied, they were perceived by some as dismissive of the film and its cast, particularly Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel.