Hulu Debuts $40 Per Month Live TV Offering

Hulu has formally started offering the beta version of its live TV service, which provides consumers access to over 50 channels for a price of $39.99 a month. The list of channels will include familiar options such as ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC and local affiliates, together with ESPN, CNN, Cartoon Network/Adult Swim, FX, and USA Network, just to name a few content providers. 

Hulu also took the opportunity to reveal that it has struck a deal with Scripps Networks Interactive in order to include the latter’s channels, such as HGTV, Travel Channel, and Food Network, in the on-demand and live TV offering. The company made its announcement by way of an event held for the press and advertisers in New York City. 

It is no longer that uncommon to see companies start to offer stripped down cable TV offerings. AT&T has done it through its DirecTV brand; so has Google through YouTube. Similar to what Hulu is doing, AT&T and Google basically let consumers watch live TV content on a wide range of devices, for a reduced price as compared to that typically offered by a standard cable TV service provider.

Mike Hopkins, the chief executive officer of Hulu, however, was quick to note that what Hulu is offering is not just a basic cable TV bundle. According to Hopkins, Hulu is looking to innovate the whole TV viewing experience by marrying live TV with the brand’s own on-demand TV catalogue. Moreover, Hopkins pointed out how Hulu delivers a more customized experience for every customer -- giving them convenient access to the films, TV shows, and channels they love.

A standard Hulu With Live TV plan essentially allows customers to set up half a dozen individual profiles, and even watch a couple of streams at the same time. Subscribers also get to enjoy 50 hours of DVR storage. For those who want additional storage, they will have to pay $14.99 a month; for unlimited simultaneous streams, the price is $14.99; for both unlimited storage and simultaneous streams, the price is $19.99; for Showtime, it is $8.99.

According to Hulu, the live TV service is now being deployed to Xbox One, Apple TV, iOS, Android and Chromecast, with Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Sticks and Samsung Smart TVs lined up next. For more information on the beta version of Hulu’s Live TV feature, you can head on to the official web page.