Hulu Live TV Service Launches with 50-Plus Channels

This morning during its annual Upfront presentation, Hulu CEO Mike Hopkins revealed the launch of the company’s brand-new live TV streaming service, which has more than 50 channels for $39.99 per month.

Viewers who subscribe to the Hulu with Live TV (Beta) plan can enjoy live and on-demand programming from more than 50 popular sports, news, entertainment and kids’ channels, plus Hulu’s existing premium streaming library. This includes 50 hours of recording storage, up to six individual profiles and two simultaneous streams per account, with options to upgrade to an enhanced Cloud DVR and unlimited in-home screens.

Hulu lined up a new affiliate agreement with lifestyle media leader Scripps Networks Interactive to bring its popular networks, including HGTV, Travel Channel and Food Network, to both Hulu’s new live service and existing premium streaming offering.

“Nearly a decade ago, Hulu forever redefined the way people watch TV. Today, as we add live sports, news and entertainment and introduce a more intuitive Hulu, we want to redefine the way people experience TV,” said Hopkins. “By bringing together thousands of live, on-demand and library shows and movies—and serving them up in a uniquely personalized way—Hulu can now be a viewer’s primary source of television. It’s a natural extension of our business and an exciting new chapter for Hulu.”

“We have always believed that TV should fit your lifestyle, not the other way around,” said Ben Smith, Hulu’s senior VP and head of experience. “You shouldn’t have to think about whether something is live, recorded or on demand, or care about which device you’re using. TV is about connecting with the shows, movies and sports you love—and we want to make that really easy for you, no matter where you’re watching.”

Also announced, Hulu has picked up The Handmaid’s Tale for a second season, set to debut in 2018, hot on the heels of its week-one premiere.

“The response we’ve seen to The Handmaid’s Tale in just one week since its premiere has been absolutely incredible. It has been an honor to work with this talented team of cast and creators to develop a series that has struck such a chord with audiences across the country,” said Craig Erwich, Hulu’s head of content. “As we continue to expand our strong slate of original programming, The Handmaid’s Tale is exactly the type of gripping and thought-provoking storytelling we want to bring to viewers. We can’t wait to explore the world of Gilead and continue Margaret’s vision with another season on Hulu.”

Hulu added two new series to its slate of original programming. The streaming service has picked up Marvel’s Runaways in its first series order with Marvel Television. The fan-favorite and groundbreaking comic book series will be brought to life on Hulu by the team behind The O.C. and Gossip Girl, Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage. Marvel’s Runaways is the story of six diverse teenagers who can barely stand each other but who must unite against a common foe: their parents. The new action series will premiere on Hulu in the winter. In addition, Hulu revealed a straight-to-series order for The First (working title), a drama set in the near future about the first human mission to Mars. The series is created and written by Beau Willimon (House of Cards, Ides of March), who also serves as executive producer alongside his producing partner Jordan Tappis. The series will go into production later this year and is slated to premiere on Hulu in 2018.

Through a new licensing deal, Hulu will become the exclusive subscription streaming home for FX’s award-winning comedy series Atlanta. The series comes to Hulu through a multiyear output agreement with Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution that was first announced in December 2014.

“As we expand our business to offer live TV, we’re also more than doubling our investment in original programming and exclusively licensed content to continue growing our premium streaming library,” said Hopkins. “Coupled with all of the new product and measurement solutions we’re offering advertisers, Hulu is delivering the most compelling, engaging and valuable TV experience to consumers and brands alike.”