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1h ago

Report Says Disney Lost 1.7 Million Streaming Subscriptions During Kimmel Suspension

The unconfirmed figure, sourced to a Disney insider, intensifies investor scrutiny of the suspension.

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Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr speaks during the U.S. Chamber of Commerce 2025 Global Aerospace Summit in Washington, D.C., U.S., September 9, 2025. REUTERS/Annabelle Gordon/File Photo
A photo illustration of Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission of the United States Brendan Carr and a rowdy crowd.
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Overview

  • Journalist Marisa Kabas reported more than 1.7 million paid cancellations across Disney+, Hulu and ESPN between Sept. 17–23, a spike she said was 436% above baseline churn.
  • Disney has not verified the number, and outside confirmation is difficult because the company no longer regularly reports combined subscriber totals and price hikes were already scheduled.
  • ABC suspended and then reinstated Jimmy Kimmel Live after FCC Chair Brendan Carr publicly warned broadcasters, sparking station preemptions and a wider free‑speech backlash.
  • Nexstar and Sinclair, which initially kept the show off many ABC affiliates, lifted their blackouts on Sept. 26, returning the program to full distribution.
  • Kimmel’s return drew about 6.3 million viewers before falling to roughly 2.3 million by Thursday, as shareholder groups including AFT, AFL‑CIO and Reporters Without Borders demanded internal records and warned of legal action.