Ever since Disney acquired HGTV's parent company, Discovery, in March 2022, fans have been wondering: "Is HGTV on Disney Plus?" Let's dive into the current streaming landscape and clear up any confusion.
The short answer is no, HGTV is not currently available on Disney Plus. However, things could change in the future, given the recent acquisition and Disney's plans to expand its streaming services.
HGTV's Streaming Presence: Where It Currently Stands
HGTV, along with all other Discovery networks like TLC, Food Network, and Animal Planet, continues to air on cable TV as well as stream on Discovery+, a service launched in early 2020.
Discovery+'s library includes thousands of hours of content from its portfolio of networks, many of which are exclusive to the platform, providing a strong incentive for fans to subscribe.
Why Isn't HGTV on Disney Plus Yet?
As of now, there's no official word on whether HGTV will be migrating to Disney Plus. Given the recent acquisition, it might seem like a natural next step, but there are a few factors to consider.
Disney is likely taking a strategic approach, evaluating how to best integrate Discovery's content with its existing services without cannibalizing its own subscription base. It might also be in the process of negotiating rights and hammering out technicaldetails.
What About Other Discovery Networks on Disney Plus?
While HGTV has yet to make an appearance on Disney Plus, some Discovery content is available. For instance, fan-favorite mystery series "Unsolved Mysteries" is exclusively streaming on Disney Plus, thanks to a partnership between the two companies in late 2020.
Similarly, a handful of Discovery documentaries and specials have found their way onto Disney Plus, so it's not entirely out of the question that more content could migrate over in the future.
When Might HGTV Come to Disney Plus?
Currently, there's no defined timeline for when HGTV might arrive on Disney Plus. Considering the acquisition only just closed in March 2022, it may take some time for Disney to integrate Discovery's content fully.
In a press release following the acquisition, Disney Chairman and CEO, Bob Chapek, hinted that they plan to "create even more opportunities for consumers to access the best of both company's iconic brands and.. ." But when or how that comes to pass remains to be seen.
What We Do Know About the Future of HGTV and Streaming
In the nearer term, Discovery+ is set to expand into over 60 new markets in Europe, Asia, India, and the Middle East in 2022, bringing its content to an even wider audience. In turn, this might clue us into Disney's present objectives for HGTV.
Moreover, Discovery+ and Disney+ will collaborate on an exclusive successor season of "The Lukafuls," a hit show that streams on Discovery+'s sibling platform, TLC. This partnership could offer a glimpse of how Discovery and Disney might collaborate in the future.
Ultimately, while the arrival of HGTV on Disney Plus remains uncertain, the acquisition of Discovery by Disney points to a future where greater integration of content is likely. In the meantime, HGTV fans can rest assured that their favorite shows have a robust streaming home on Discovery+.