he Walt Disney Company and Charter Communications have expanded their 2023 carriage agreement, introducing Hulu’s ad-supported tier to Spectrum TV customers and restoring eight Disney-owned cable channels that were previously dropped from the lineup.
This new deal marks a significant shift in how the two media giants are approaching video distribution. It builds upon the foundation of their landmark agreement in 2023, which had resolved a high-profile dispute that led to a blackout of popular Disney channels like ESPN and ABC on Charter’s Spectrum service.
In 2023, the standoff between Disney and Charter centered around their differing priorities. Charter wanted to revamp its video offerings by bundling in streaming services, while Disney was focused on maintaining the value and reach of its traditional cable channels. The eventual compromise saw Disney+ and ESPN+ included in Spectrum Select TV tiers, but came at the cost of removing certain linear networks such as Freeform, FXX, Nat Geo Wild, Disney Junior, and others.
Now, those eight channels are returning to Spectrum TV as part of the newly expanded agreement. Hulu’s ad-supported service will also be made available to Spectrum subscribers later this summer, and access to ESPN’s upcoming direct-to-consumer streaming service is expected to roll out in the fall of 2025.
While neither company disclosed the financial terms, both emphasized the benefits of this broader collaboration. A joint statement described the deal as one that will “expand Spectrum’s entertainment offering and create meaningful value for both companies by boosting advertising reach and strengthening audience engagement across platforms.”
In practical terms, this may signal a shift from relying solely on traditional cable subscriber fees toward a model that embraces multi-platform distribution, particularly through ad-supported streaming. The companies are likely betting that greater reach via both linear TV and digital platforms will drive stronger advertising revenue and reduce subscriber churn.
Dana Walden, Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, said, “I think if we’re learning anything in this moment, it is that we need to remain flexible, that these models are changing rapidly, that keeping up with technology and the consumer means we have to stay flexible and agile.”
Tom Montemagno, Executive Vice President of Programming Acquisition for Charter, said, “We began this journey to transform the video proposition for consumers with Disney, so it is befitting that this new agreement and the doubling down on our strategy continues with them,” he said. “This extension is a true testament to our mutual confidence in this innovative model — which already is showing improvement in subscriber churn — and our commitment to work creatively together to achieve win-win outcomes for both of us and most importantly for our customers — all achieved mid-cycle and absent from any of the typical pressures from expiring agreements.”
Additionally, Charter will assist in marketing Disney’s streaming services to its broadband subscribers and will offer ad-free upgrade options for Hulu and other Disney platforms to existing Spectrum TV customers.
Notably, this agreement also extends the companies’ multiyear partnership, signaling long-term cooperation between Disney and Charter as both seek to adjust to a changing media landscape.
Sean Breen, Executive Vice President of Disney Platform Distribution, said, “With the addition of Hulu and the return of our full portfolio of channels, we’re pleased to expand and extend our agreement with Charter delivering the most robust and valuable combination of linear and streaming entertainment for years to come.” He added, “This agreement reflects our continued focus on leaning into the strength of Disney’s best-in-class programming across every genre and platform — and our shared commitment with Charter to building innovative, consumer-focused distribution models that drive value across the board.”
As competition between cable and streaming intensifies, the Disney-Charter partnership may serve as a model for how legacy media companies adapt to evolving consumer demands and new business realities.