Disney Reportedly Lost Massive Number of Subscribers After Suspending Kimmel – Here are The Numbers
Disney faced a wave of streaming cancellations after ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! following his September 15 monologue.
Reporter Marisa Kabas, founder of The Handbasket, shared on Bluesky that more than 1.7 million subscribers canceled their Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN plans between September 17 and 23.
Kabas noted that the drop marked a 436 percent increase over the usual churn rate. Disney has not commented on the claim.
The suspension came after Kimmel criticized MAGA supporters and Trump in relation to the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kimmel said, “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them, and doing everything they can to score political points from it.”
ABC’s decision followed criticism from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who called Kimmel’s remarks “appearing to directly mislead the American public.” Nexstar Media also stopped airing the show on its ABC affiliate stations.
The controversy quickly sparked backlash online, with viewers sharing screenshots of canceled subscriptions using hashtags like #CancelDisney and #CancelDisneyPlus.
One fan posted, “I canceled @hulu & @DisneyPlus immediately… My reason—ABC caving to Trump & his Fascism. Hurt ’em where it counts, their wallets!” Another said, “Our annual trip to Disney Orlando won’t happen… I’m putting my money where my mouth is.”
The backlash also drew attention from celebrities. Tatiana Maslany, star of Disney+’s She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, encouraged her followers on Instagram to “Cancel your (Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN) subscriptions.” Former Supernatural actor Misha Collins shared on X that he would cancel his Disney+ subscription “indefinitely.”
Conservative viewers criticized Kimmel for linking the man charged with Kirk’s death to MAGA, though authorities had not confirmed a motive as of September 19. Carr called Kimmel’s comments “the sickest conduct possible” during an interview on Benny Johnson’s YouTube show.
Kimmel’s show has since been reinstated, but it seems that damage is already done.
The controversy has reignited debates over free speech, media influence, and political pressure on corporations. Disney now faces the challenge of managing public backlash while balancing corporate and political relationships.
What do you think about the Disney cancellations and Kimmel’s suspension? Share your thoughts in the comments.
