Home » Entertainment

Disney Makes Worrying Statement About Streaming Service After Jimmy Kimmel Removal

in Disney+, Entertainment

Posted on by Thomas Hitchen 4 Comments
A large blue inflatable arch with the Disney+ logo.

Credit: Anthony Quintano, Flickr

The Walt Disney Company just made a statement after the controversial removal of Jimmy Kimmel from the ABC network.

Mickey Mouse and Bob Iger smile at a Disney event.
Credit: Disney

Disney has announced yet another round of price increases for its streaming service Disney+, marking the fourth consecutive year that subscribers will see their monthly bills climb. Beginning October 21, 2025, the company’s popular streaming platform will bump up both its ad-supported and ad-free tiers, as well as its annual plan and bundle offerings with Hulu and ESPN+.

According to reports, the ad-supported Disney+ subscription will rise by $2, bringing the cost to $11.99 per month. The premium, ad-free version of the service will see an even steeper jump of $3, moving to $18.99 per month. Those who pay annually will face a $30 increase, bringing the total cost to $189.99. Bundled plans, such as those that package Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, will also see significant price adjustments.

Disney+ ad featuring Disney and Pixar characters
Credit: Disney

This marks the fourth time since 2022 that Disney has raised its streaming rates. While the company’s direct-to-consumer division only recently became profitable, Disney appears determined to push harder on monetizing its platform.

Executives have long maintained that Disney+ remains somewhat underpriced compared to the breadth of its content library, which includes Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, National Geographic, and an ever-growing slate of originals.

However, the timing of the announcement has caused controversy. The news comes on the heels of ABC’s temporary suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! after host Jimmy Kimmel’s comments about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

The decision sparked backlash across social media, with some groups, including celebrities, calling for a boycott of Disney’s streaming platforms. Reports suggest that the company may have rushed Kimmel’s reinstatement to soften subscriber losses before the latest price increases took effect.

Jimmy Kimmel sat in front of a mirror with "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" written on the right
Credit: ABC

Social media has noticed the connection between Kimmel’s suspension and reinstatement and the Disney+ price hikes. Brian T. (@briantong) wrote on X:

So Disney cancels Kimmel, then loses approximately $4B, and is now bringing him back. (because money)

Starting October 21st they will also be INCREASING the price of their Disney+ Plus subscription bundles.

There is no better time to cancel than NOW!

Another user, @itsthejody, echoed the above remarks, writing:

Cancelled my @DisneyPlus No Ads and @hulu No Ads subscriptions because of what they did to Jimmy Kimmel.

Keeping them canceled because they also announced yesterday they’re raising prices by $3. Almost 73% increase year over year, 24% rate of inflation.

#Disney #Hulu #BYE

David T. (@1stonestruck) wrote:

It really doesn’t make sense for #Disney to INCREASE subscription PRICES AFTER LOSING so many subscribers!!

I HAVE NO INCENTIVE TO RE-SUBSCRIBE AFTER the ABC/Jimmy Kimmel DEBACLE!!

CEO Iger shouldn’t have INITIALLY CAVED to

T R U M P’s egregious EXTORTION DEMANDS!!

#SueTrump

The controversy has spilled beyond online debates. Several ABC affiliate stations, including those operated by groups such as Sinclair and Nexstar, have declined to air Kimmel’s return episodes, opting instead for alternate late-night programming.

Meanwhile, public figures and viewers continue to take to social media to announce cancellations of Disney+ subscriptions, citing both the Kimmel suspension and frustration over yet another price hike.

In fact, upon Jimmy Kimmel’s return to the airwaves on Tuesday night, the host spoke about the controversy in his opening monologue, while also jesting about the need to reactivate Disney+ subscriptions.

Industry analysts note that Disney is hardly alone in raising prices, as rivals like Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery’s HBO Max, and Paramount+ have also made regular adjustments. Still, Disney’s increases arrive at a delicate moment, when consumers are reevaluating their streaming budgets and competition is more intense than ever.

Jimmy Kimmel presenting
Credit: Video Screenshot, ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’, ABC

For many families, Disney+ has been considered one of the most valuable streaming services due to its combination of blockbuster films and family-friendly content. Whether that goodwill can withstand a $19 monthly fee for ad-free viewing remains to be seen.

As Disney faces growing scrutiny from both audiences and affiliates, the company’s balance between profitability and public perception may prove as important as the next Marvel or Star Wars release.

Disney is at a crucial turning point with fans, especially as political discourse continues to fire up in the United States.

How do you feel about the price hikes coming right after the Jimmy Kimmel removal? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!

in Disney+, Entertainment

Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his favorite TV show is Buffy the Vampire Slayer except when it's One Tree Hill. He loves sandy beach walks, forest hikes, and foodie days out in the Big City. Thomas lives in England, UK, with his fiancée, baby, and their dog, a Border Collie called Luna.

View Comments (4)