Disney+ raises U.S. and possibly Canadian subscription prices next month, fueling backlash tied to Jimmy Kimmel’s removal and free-speech concerns.
Streaming Rates Climb Again
Disney’s flagship streaming service, Disney+, will see a new round of price increases beginning October 21, 2025, as the company seeks higher digital revenues following years of losses.
The ad-supported tier in the U.S. rises by US$2 to US$11.99/month
The ad-free premium plan goes up US$3 to US$18.99/month
Annual premium subscriptions jump by US$30 to US$189.99
Bundles combining Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ will likewise be adjusted upward.
Though Disney has not formally confirmed Canadian pricing changes, a subscriber email reviewed by CBC News suggests that a Canadian premium subscription could rise from CAD 119.99 to CAD 159.99 starting October 28.
Disney says the extra revenue will support more original shows and higher-quality content.
Price Hikes Come at a Tense Moment
This marks the fourth consecutive year Disney has raised its streaming subscription costs since Disney+ launched in November 2019.
The timing is especially sensitive: last week, Disney removed Jimmy Kimmel Live! from broadcast, citing backlash over a controversial monologue.
That decision sparked protests at Disney’s headquarters, calls for boycotts of Disney+ and Hulu, and intense media scrutiny over censorship and corporate influence.
Amid mounting pressure, the show was reinstated on September 23.
While Disney maintains the price hikes were planned well before the Kimmel controversy, critics argue the move may dampen subscriber sentiment and intensify backlash.
Impact on Canadian Subscribers
For Canadian users, pricing uncertainty persists. Disney’s official Canadian pricing page has not been updated to reflect the reported hike.
If Canadian subscribers face the proposed increase to CAD 159.99 for premium, it would represent a steep jump. Whether other tiers or bundles in Canada will be affected remains unconfirmed.
Disney has not responded to media inquiries in Canada requesting clarification on the scope of increases north of the border.
Business Strategy & Risks
Disney’s broader goal is to shift its streaming arm from loss-making to growth driver—price increases are part of that strategy.
In 2024, the streaming segment achieved profitability for the first time, giving Disney room to lean harder into monetization.
However, the combination of price hikes and public relations strain could accelerate cancellations. Consumer backlash over the Kimmel suspension already triggered cancellation campaigns and social media momentum.
Analysts warn that subscription demand may prove more fragile than Disney anticipates, especially if rivals seize the opportunity.
What Lies Ahead
Effective dates: U.S. changes take effect October 21; Canadian changes (if implemented) appear to begin October 28.
Subscriber reaction: Watch for churn rates, social media backlash, and competitor offers.
Regulatory and public scrutiny: The Kimmel incident has already drawn the attention of media watchdogs, investor groups, and free speech advocates.
Canadian clarification: Disney’s Canadian unit will likely issue an official statement or updated pricing list ahead of any change.
For Canadian consumers and investors, the mix of streaming price inflation and media controversy marks a pivotal moment for Disney’s digital strategy—one where subscriber sentiment and public perception may carry as much weight as quarterly results.
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