(Image Source: ABC)
Following a period of scrutiny and temporary suspension, "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and its host, Jimmy Kimmel, have seen a surprising rebound in subscriber numbers for Disney+ and Hulu. The controversy stemmed from Kimmel's on-air remarks regarding the Charlie Kirk shooting case, which were criticized as misinformation and drew attention from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and other parties. The incident ignited a highly polarized debate, with right-wing critics accusing Kimmel of spreading false information, while left-wing supporters defended his freedom of speech. In a notable act of protest, many on the left canceled their Disney+ subscriptions, viewing it as a direct response to Disney, the parent company of ABC, which broadcasts "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and had ordered the show's suspension.
(Image Source: Disney)
However, an interesting turn of events occurred after the show resumed. Not only did many of the original unsubscribers return, but the platforms also attracted a new wave of subscribers. Data from research firm Antenna indicates that in September, the average cancellation rate for Disney+ in the U.S. reached 8%, double the 4% observed in the preceding two months. Similarly, Hulu's cancellation rate for the same month climbed to 10%, also twice its 5% rate from the prior two months. Antenna's findings also show that the average cancellation rate across nine major U.S. paid streaming platforms—Apple TV+, Discovery+, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, Netflix, Paramount+, Peacock, and Starz—was 7% in September.
(Image Source: ABC)
Coinciding with the show's suspension, Disney had also announced price increases for certain Disney+ and Hulu subscription plans in the U.S.. This factor undoubtedly influenced some subscribers' decisions regarding renewals, though the full extent of its impact remains unclear.
Nevertheless, both Disney+ and Hulu recorded higher new subscriber numbers in September compared to the previous two months. Antenna estimates that Disney+ gained 2.18 million new subscribers that month, an increase from 1.99 million in August and 1.65 million in July. Hulu also saw a significant boost, adding 2.11 million new subscribers in September, up from 1.97 million in August and 1.73 million in July.