Disney+ cuts series orders by half, US viewing time rises 21%

Disney announced a major shift in its streaming strategy, reducing the number of series it commissions by almost 50% between 2022 and 2025. The cut aims to curb the company's annual loss of roughly US$4 billion while focusing on higher‑quality content and technology improvements.

Despite the reduction in new series, the average time U.S. viewers spend on Disney+ increased by 21% year‑over‑year, according to Nielsen data, making March 2026 the platform’s best streaming month in the United States. Disney Entertainment and ESPN product and technology chief Adam Smith credited the results to a fundamental redesign of the service, including better recommendation systems, integration of Hulu viewing history, and a more personalized experience.

The changes follow Disney’s earlier rapid expansion after launching Disney+ in 2019, which helped the service surpass 100 million subscribers in under two years. By streamlining its content slate and investing in technology, Disney hopes to sustain engagement while addressing its financial shortfall.