Streaming giants are finally playing nice: in a surprising twist for UK viewers, Disney+ and ITVX have struck a deal to share selected content across both platforms starting July 16 – without charging subscribers a penny extra for the privilege.
The first-of-its-kind partnership will introduce a “Taste of ITVX” section to Disney+ and a “Taste of Disney+” collection to ITVX, breaking down the usual walls that keep streaming services’ content firmly separated.
For Disney, it’s an unusual move to let its premium shows appear on a free platform, while ITVX gets to showcase its biggest hits to Disney’s subscriber base.
What’s On Offer?
Disney+ subscribers will soon get access to some of ITV’s biggest hits including the multi-award-winning drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office (which captivated the nation earlier this year), espionage thriller A Spy Among Friends, selected seasons of Love Island, and popular series like Endeavour, Vera, and Karen Pirie.
On the flip side, ITVX viewers will be treated to a rotating selection of Disney+ premium content, including first seasons of critically acclaimed shows like The Bear, Andor, and Only Murders in the Building, reality titles such as The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and The Kardashians, plus family favourites like Lilo and Stitch: The Series.
Both platforms will refresh their selections regularly, giving viewers a changing sample of what each service has to offer.
Wait, What’s ITVX?
For those who haven’t yet dipped their toes into ITVX, it’s ITV’s free streaming service that replaced the old ITV Hub back in December 2022. Unlike its predecessor, ITVX is a proper streaming destination rather than just a catch-up service.
ITVX is primarily free to watch with adverts, but there’s also an optional Premium tier (priced at £5.99/month or £59.99/year) that removes the ads and throws in access to most of BritBox content.
The service is available on most streaming devices and Smart TVs sold in the UK, as well as on Virgin Media’s TV boxes, Sky Glass, Sky Stream and Sky Q.
Disney+ And Its UK Tiers
Disney+, meanwhile, has transformed significantly since its UK launch in March 2020, when it was a bargain at just £5.99 per month. The service now offers three subscription tiers:
- Standard with Ads: £4.99/month
- Standard: £8.99/month
- Premium (with 4K): £12.99/month
That’s more than doubled in price for the premium offering over five years – a trend we’ve seen across most streaming services.
Disney+ has also been branching out beyond its traditional content library of Marvel, Star Wars and Disney classics.
Just a couple of months ago, they secured exclusive UK rights to the UEFA Women’s Champions League for the next five seasons, marking their first serious foray into live sports in this market.
Why This Deal Is Actually Quite Unusual
While we’re used to seeing older BBC or ITV shows pop up on Netflix, what makes this deal particularly interesting is seeing premium Disney+ content appearing on a free streaming service.
Disney has traditionally kept its content locked behind its subscription wall, using shows like The Bear and Andor as key selling points to attract paying customers.
This marks a significant shift, offering some of their premium content to viewers who haven’t forked out for Disney+.
For ITVX, the deal is quite a coup – their viewers get access to high-quality Disney+ shows completely free (with adverts), or ad-free for ITVX Premium subscribers.
Who’s Getting The Better Deal Here?
On balance, it seems ITVX viewers might be getting the sweeter end of this arrangement.
They’ll gain access to premium content that normally requires a Disney+ subscription, while Disney+ subscribers will get shows that are already available for free on ITVX anyway.
However, the strategy makes sense for both sides. Disney is clearly hoping to introduce their content to potential new subscribers.
By giving ITVX users a taste of shows like The Bear or Only Murders in the Building, they’re betting some viewers will want more and eventually sign up for the full Disney+ experience.
For ITV, it’s about expanding the reach of their content and potentially attracting Disney+ viewers who haven’t bothered to download the ITVX app.
Shows like Mr Bates vs The Post Office generated enormous buzz and public conversation, and this provides another platform to showcase such content.
This isn’t the first collaboration between Disney and ITV. ITVX already serves as the free-to-air home for Disney+ shows like Renegade Nell, while ITV Studios produces several hit Disney+ shows including Rivals and the revival of Blind Date.
How Will The Ads Work?
If you’re watching “A Taste of ITVX” content on Disney+, it will include adverts if you’re on the Disney+ Standard with Ads plan.
Similarly, ITVX viewers will get Disney+ content with ads on the free tier, but ad-free if they have ITVX Premium.
For existing subscribers of either service, this deal adds value without any additional cost – essentially giving you a bonus selection of content you wouldn’t otherwise have access to.
If you’re not currently using ITVX, this might be the perfect reason to finally download the app, as you’ll get both the regular free ITVX content and a selection of premium Disney+ shows.
For Disney+ subscribers, particularly those questioning whether the service justifies its current pricing, the addition of quality British drama content adds some extra value to the package – if only by making it a bit more convenient to find.
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Why would anyone pay for Disney+ when they can watch all those itv programs for free
Disney+ has a lot of content that is worth paying a premium to watch.