Up until now there has been one noticeable absence from the programming line-up offered on Hulu. But a new deal struck between Hulu and CBS means all the major networks are now on board. Just as Hulu seems to be heading into choppy waters.
Hulu Bags CBS
ABC, NBC, and Fox have been on board the Hulu ship since it set sail in 2007. These three networks are all partners in the initiative, and they’ve added other networks and channels to the line-up over the course of the five-year voyage.
CBS opted to remain behind and offer its content on its own terms on its own site. However, it has previously licensed The CW slate of programming to Hulu, as well as offer some content through Hulu Japan.
After a new deal was struck, CBS content will now be found on Hulu from January 2013. Hulu Plus subscribers will get first dibs on the programming, with a selection of shows also being rotated through the free Hulu service.
Classic Content, Not Exclusive
Unfortunately CBS isn’t offering its current roster of shows. Instead the programming that will be aired through Hulu will be library shows that are currently off the air. In other words this is a different deal than that offered by the Hulu partners, who offer their new content on a next-day basis.
What’s more, this is a non-exclusive deal, meaning CBS will still be selling these same shows to others, including Netflix. Still, beggars can’t be choosers, and 2,600 episodes of the likes of CSI, Medium, Numb3rs, Star Trek, and The Twilight Zone are better than nothing.
Conclusions
CBS is a good addition to Hulu’s line-up, but I’m not sure it’ll be enough to tempt those viewers who have abandoned ship to climb back on board. Hulu is a company in flux that’s likely to either evolve or die over the next year or two. And at this point I wouldn’t like to say which it will be.
