Mar 9, 2021 - Economy

Disney+ surpasses 100 million subscribers

Data: Company filings; Chart: Michelle McGhee/Axios
Data: Company filings; Chart: Michelle McGhee/Axios

Disney said Tuesday its streaming service Disney+ surpassed 100 million subscribers in just 16 months, a major milestone for the company and the streaming industry.

Why it matters: Disney's streaming success has helped the entertainment giant survive economic headwinds driven by COVID-induced closures of its parks and resorts.

  • Its subscriber base is roughly half the size of Netflix's, which launched subscription streaming more than a decade ago.
  • Disney's stock reached all-time highs this week after the company said it would open its Disneyland park in California earlier than expected.

The big picture: Streaming — combined with optimism around movie theater and theme parks reopening — breathed new life into Hollywood giants.

  • ViacomCBS' stock hit a decade-high Monday following massive ratings for Oprah Winfrey's explosive interview with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
  • Comcast, home to NBC Universal, is also seeing positive momentum.

Go deeper: Disney+ races to catch Netflix

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