New reports suggest that Disney+ may be adding traditional, linear-style TV channels to its portfolio, with consistent ad-supported streams dedicated to specific IPs such as Marvel.
The rumours have circulated from The Information, which claims that the entertainment giant will use these always-on channels to air its existing superhero shows. That could include Loki, WandaVision, and Hawkeye, providing a constant stream of MCU action.
The same article also states that there’s interest in dedicated channels for Star Wars and Pixar, with the latter pulling from a large portfolio of older animated films.
Disney declined to comment to The Verge about these rumours, but the launch plan appears to be a new tactic to get users to spend more time in the app. If rumours are true, we also don’t know when these channels will be launching.
According to Bloomberg, ad-supported streamers such as Pluto and Tubi have longer watching times than ad-free rivals such as Paramount+ and Max as users can keep them on mindlessly for background noise – just like you’re turning on the telly.
This could also be an opportunity for Disney to weave in exclusive premieres to its ad-supported plan. Marvel has a dedicated following, with many users keen to avoid spoilers online.
Airing content ‘live’ on a dedicated channel could be a way of bringing back the weekly release hype that we used to have with traditional TV, with new episodes dropping at specific times. It could also be a great way to debut future Marvel film home releases such as Deadpool and Wolverine. Also, they’d get the benefit of eyeballs on ads.
To put it simply, it feels like streaming is slowly moving back to the model of cable TV, only with more flexible contracts. Technology truly is a cycle.
This move also aligns with Disney’s plans for a new sports streaming service in collaboration with Warner and Fox, which will almost certainly be ad-supported due to its live nature.
You can sign up to Disney+ on the website, with plans starting from £4.99/$7.99 per month.