Andrew Santino Says Disney ‘Definitely Changed the Jokes’ in Hulu Special ‘White Noise’

That’s right—Santino confirms the jokes were not cut entirely, but they were changed. In the same interview with Variety, Santino says the original comedy was “funnier. It peeled open a little bit more than what you saw, on people going to Disney without kids and adults who wear Disney clothing. But Disney is a massive corporate conglomerate, and they were like: “If you want it on here, this is how we want it. Otherwise we won’t be able to air the special. We have to cut the jokes.’”  After pushback, he and Disney found a middle ground: the jokes remain, but in a softened form.

Why It Matters in Comedy Today

For Santino, this isn’t just about one bit—it’s about a trend. He argues that it’s harder for comedians to speak freely when the platform owner also owns something being mocked. Disney owning Hulu adds tension: does a joke about Disney Adults reflect poorly on the brand? If so, to what extent should that influence comedy?

He also points out that, contrary to platforms like podcasts or independent specials, corporate streaming services tend to impose constraints. And even when you agree to a deal (or a massive check), there’s the risk your original voice gets edited into something flatter. For Santino, this special was the first time he’s felt those pressures so directly.

Still Laughing (But Not Unchanged)

Andrew Santino isn’t shy about ruffling feathers, but his latest Hulu special White Noise ended up ruffling Disney’s instead. According to Santino, the entertainment giant that owns Hulu stepped in and altered some of his most biting jokes—particularly those aimed at “Disney Adults”—before the show hit the platform. Now that the special is streaming, viewers are already weighing in on whether the edits dulled Santino’s edge or not.