This is a shake-up in the strategy of Canal+, which wanted to be a streaming hub in France. The agreement he signed with Disney+ will expire at the end of December 2024. From 2025, you will need a Disney+ subscription to stream Disney+ films and series.
The tandem formed by Disney+ and Canal+ will come to an end. This Monday, November 4, 2024, the American entertainment giant Disney declared to AFP that this divorce will be effective from January 1, 2025. Internet users wanting to continue watching the Disney+ catalog will be required to take out a Disney+ subscription.
Five years ago, however, Canal+ announced the upcoming arrival of Disney+ in its bouquet of offers. It was then a nice move by the French channel, which established itself a little more as the reference platform for subscription video on demand (SVOD) in France. Previously, Canal+ had already signed a deal with Netflix.
An association which ends at the beginning of 2025
« Canal+ customers will no longer be able to watch our new films, nor access Disney+ or our television channels via their subscription. However, all of our productions – films, series, documentaries – will remain accessible to all directly on Disney+ », Warned Disney. It’s a thunderclap in streaming.
This break between the two partners was in the spirit of the times. In mid-June, Canal+ downgraded Disney+ in its offers, including current subscribers. We were already talking about the prospect of the end of access to the American platform via Canal, unless a new agreement was reached. This one never came, as Disney now prefers to go it alone.
In the space of a few years, Disney+ has become one of the main SVOD players in France and around the world. A rise made possible by the possession of very strong licenses (Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars), but also National Geographic documentaries and the addition of a “Star” section for more mature content.
As a result, Internet users who had opted for an expensive subscription on Canal+ to have the assurance of covering as many SVOD services as possible will perhaps find it less attractive in the future with one less platform. For example, the €80 per month offer includes Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV, Paramount, Max, various channels, as well as all Canal.
Currently, you need to pay at least €5.99 per month to access Disney+ (with advertising) or €9.99 per month (without). There is also a premium plan at €13.99 per month to have access to the best video quality and various benefits. Details of Disney+ subscriptions can be found here.
For Canal+, the timing of the Disney+ announcement is at its worst, because it is supposed to be a festive period: the channel is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
It has even planned a special subscription offering access to Canal+ and all of its partner channels and streaming services (including Disney+) for €40 per month, but with a 2-year commitment. But within 2 months, it will suddenly be less attractive, due to the withdrawal of the entertainment giant.
What SVOD service is right for you?
Netflix, Disney+, Canal+, Max: comparison of the best streaming platforms
Discover our comparison
