Disney+ Explores Free Tier and Announces New Korean‑Japan Drama for 2026

Disney is evaluating a free, ad‑supported tier for Disney+, aiming to compete with platforms such as YouTube. The idea was first mentioned internally by Chief Product and Technology Officer Adam Smith, but details on the content, launch date or markets remain undisclosed. Industry data show free streaming’s share of U.S. TV viewing rising to 18.6% in April 2026, up from 12.7% in 2024, prompting other services like Apple TV+ and Paramount+ to offer limited free content.

In parallel, Disney+ announced that the Korean‑Japanese co‑production drama “Merryberry Love” will launch exclusively on Disney+ Star in October 2026. The series stars Korean actor Choi Chang‑wook and Japanese actress Imada Mio, portraying a Korean space‑planner and a Japanese strawberry farmer whose romance unfolds on a Japanese island. The project highlights Disney+’s push for cross‑border original programming.