Disney+ Unveils Four New Channels, Including ‘Hits and Heroes’ for Marvel and Star Wars Action

Disney+ was intended to be Disney’s flagship streaming service, designed to compete with Netflix and capture a significant share of the streaming audience through its extensive library of past releases and original content.

However, recent reports indicate that the company may have overextended itself financially, with Disney+ reportedly facing over $11.4 billion in operating losses.

Despite Disney+ having a large subscriber base and strong viewership, its significant spending hasn’t been justified. As other streaming services expand their content and audiences return to cinemas, Disney+ has experienced a notable drop in revenue.

To recover some of its investments, Disney+ is implementing several strategies, including the introduction of “playlists” or “channels.” Later this year, Disney+ will launch four new channels: Hallowstream (seasonal content), Hits and Heroes (action stories from Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars), Throwbacks (pop-culture nostalgia), and Real Life (documentaries and biopics).

These additions aim to boost viewer engagement on the platform. Currently, Disney+ has a viewership share similar to Tubi and significantly lower than Netflix and Amazon.

In July 2023, Disney+ and Hulu together accounted for 5.6% of TV viewing, but this fell to 4.8% by July 2024. During the same period, competitors like YouTube, Netflix, Peacock, and Tubi saw growth.

The new channels focus on specific shows or themes, allowing subscribers to watch new episodes on demand or tune into the channel. Currently, these features are available only to ad-free Disney+ Premium subscribers, and Disney refers to them as “playlists” rather than live channels.

Playlists are the latest example of how we’re providing the best value and experience for our subscribers every time they open Disney+. Whether it’s news, kids’ content, popular genres, hit TV shows or blockbuster films, there will be something for everyone in a lean-back viewing experience based on seasonality and interest.

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At the moment, only two channels are available: ABC News Live and Disney Junior. The four new channels mentioned will launch later this month.

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