Mar 9, 2021 - Economy
Disney+ surpasses 100 million subscribers

- Sara Fischer, author ofAxios Media Trends


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