Disney is making waves in the streaming industry with its recent announcement regarding the popular medical drama Grey’s Anatomy. In a strategic move, Disney will bring all past seasons of the show to Hulu while also maintaining its presence on Netflix. This decision comes as Disney prepares for the official launch of Hulu on Disney+ in March 2024.
Variety was the first to report on the new licensing deal between Disney Entertainment and Netflix. According to the agreement, Hulu and Netflix will jointly hold co-exclusive US streaming rights for the preceding 19 seasons of Grey’s Anatomy, starting in spring 2024. However, it is important to note that only Hulu will offer the entire series, including the upcoming Season 20.
The expansion of Grey’s Anatomy to Hulu and Netflix is part of a larger US content agreement between Disney Entertainment and Netflix. As part of this agreement, Disney will non-exclusively license 14 other library series to Netflix. Among the Disney-owned shows making their way to Netflix are fan favorites like The Wonder Years, This is Us, and Lost. This move demonstrates Disney’s commitment to providing a diverse range of content to streaming audiences.
In November’s earnings call, Disney CEO Bob Iger made it clear that Disney has no intention of licensing its “core brands” to Netflix. Core brands, which include Disney-Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars, are considered vital building blocks for Disney’s streaming business. Iger emphasized the importance of these franchises to the current and future success of Disney+. Therefore, fans of shows like The Mandalorian will still need to subscribe to Disney+ to enjoy these exclusive offerings.
Disney’s decision to bring Grey’s Anatomy to both Hulu and Netflix marks a significant strategic shift in the streaming landscape. By diversifying its streaming platforms and expanding its content library, Disney is poised to capture a larger share of the streaming market. While core brands will remain exclusive to Disney+, this new licensing deal allows Disney to leverage popular shows and series to attract subscribers to both Hulu and Netflix. As the streaming industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Disney navigates these changes and continues to shape the future of streaming entertainment.
Leave a Reply