Disney and ITV Expand UK Content Partnership With Primetime Hulu Series
LONDON — The Walt Disney Company and British broadcaster ITV announced a significant extension to their UK content partnership this week, moving beyond streaming to offer select Hulu Original series in free‑to‑air primetime television slots on ITV1 later this year.
The move builds on the collaboration first launched in July 2025, when Disney’s streaming platform Disney+ and ITV’s own service ITVX began cross‑sharing programming aimed at broadening audiences for both companies in the competitive UK market.
Hulu Originals Head to ITV1
Under the expanded agreement, two high‑profile Hulu titles will receive their UK terrestrial premieres on ITV1, starting with The Stolen Girl on 25 February 2026. The psychological drama, which debuted on Disney+ in April 2025, tells the tense story of a family’s search for their young daughter after she disappears following a sleepover — a narrative that blends emotional depth with suspense.
Later in the year, ITV will also air The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox, a dramatization of the real‑world case that captivated global audiences with its exploration of media scrutiny, justice and the murky boundaries between truth and perception.
Both series will be presented under the banner “Disney+ presents a Hulu Original,” highlighting their origin on the Disney+ platform while showcasing them to a broader UK audience through traditional broadcast television.
Strategic Growth Beyond Streaming
The expanded deal reflects a broader trend in which streaming platforms and traditional broadcasters seek new ways to share premium content amid an increasingly fragmented media landscape. By placing Hulu Originals on ITV1 — a main UK free‑to‑air network — Disney gains exposure for its flagship scripted content beyond the subscription base of Disney+ and ITVX.
Karl Holmes, General Manager of Disney+ for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), described the extension as “an exciting next step” in the collaboration, noting that ITV’s broad reach provides an opportunity to introduce millions more viewers to Hulu’s original storytelling. ITV’s Managing Director of Media and Entertainment, Kevin Lygo, echoed that sentiment, saying the primetime partnership strengthens content choices for UK audiences and underscores the evolving relationship between the two media giants.
A Broader UK Media Environment
This latest development also takes place against a backdrop of regulatory change in the UK. Under new rules set by media regulator Ofcom, major streaming services including Disney+ and ITVX will soon face enhanced content regulation similar to traditional broadcasters — a shift intended to improve accessibility and protections for viewers.
For now, ITV’s expanded partnership with Disney stands as a key example of how international media companies are adapting to the modern viewer’s appetite for high‑quality, widely accessible television — merging the strength of streaming with the reach of traditional broadcast networks.
