Welcome back to Whitepaw Wire!

The streaming world never slows down, and neither do we. From Disney’s big decision to fold Hulu into Disney+, to Paramount doubling down on film production, to fresh survey insights on which platforms are rising and falling, this edition is packed with shifts that affect how we all watch (and what we talk about when the apps don’t quite work the way we want). We’ve also pulled in a few fun extras, because sometimes a little nostalgia or trivia is just what we need to break up the headlines.

Disney to Fold Hulu into Disney+ in 2026

Disney has announced that the standalone Hulu app will be phased out and fully merged into Disney+ in 2026. This shift means Hulu’s catalog of shows and movies won’t disappear, it will live inside Disney+, alongside Disney’s other brands. Hulu will still be available as a subscription, but the experience will happen within the Disney+ app.

Why it matters to our community:

• One less app to juggle. We all know the fatigue of flipping through endless apps. Consolidating Hulu into Disney+ should mean fewer sign-ins and simpler navigation.

• Better discovery. Family favorites, originals, sports, and general entertainment will all sit side by side, making it easier to find what you actually want to watch.

• Keep an eye on the rollout. Disney hasn’t shared details yet on watchlists, profiles, or billing transitions. We’ll be watching closely so we can pass along guidance when those updates come.

This is one of the biggest moves in the streaming landscape, and one that could make life a little easier for households and operators alike.

Read the full article here

Paramount Shifts Its Focus

Paramount’s new owners are doubling down on film production while choosing to hold on to their cable networks. At a time when many media companies are pulling back, this move signals a bet on both the big screen and the traditional channels that still have loyal audiences.

What this means for us: expect more content to flow from Paramount’s studios, while the cable side remains part of the mix.

Full story here

Stingray Launches Six New Channels on The Roku Channel – Six fresh FAST channels join Roku’s lineup, adding even more niche options.

Streaming Before It Was Cool: Life Online Before Netflix Ruled – A nostalgic throwback to the early days of online entertainment, back when “streaming” was more experiment than everyday habit. It’s a fun reminder of how far the industry has come.

What Was the First-Ever Video Rental Store (and Where Is It)? – Trivia fans will enjoy this quick dive into the origins of video rentals, spotlighting the shop that kicked off a global pastime and changed Friday nights forever.

Quibi Revisited: Hollywood’s Micro-Drama – A look back at one of streaming’s most infamous flops and what it teaches us about timing, content, and the crowded app marketplace.

Who’s Up, Who’s Down in Streaming

A new global survey reveals which subscription streaming services are gaining traction and which are slipping. These shifts matter not only for viewers deciding where to spend their dollars but also for anyone watching the long-term sustainability of the platforms.

• The survey tracks viewership changes across multiple providers.

• Expect to see big names moving in opposite directions as competition heats up.

Check the breakdown: Read the full article

That’s a wrap for this issue, but the conversation doesn’t stop here. Streaming is changing faster than ever, and the best way to make sense of it is together. Have a take on Disney’s Hulu move? Curious about which platforms will survive the shake-ups? Or just want to share your favorite rental store memory? Hit reply, we’d love to hear from you and keep building this conversation with our community.

Until next time, keep the remotes handy and the popcorn ready.

Emily Call