Hulu launches major British programming push
September 18, 2013
By Colin Mann
US online entertainment service Hulu is to launch what it describes as a “massive collection” of new and landmark British programmes from BBC Worldwide North America on its Hulu Plus premium platform.
Writing in the Hulu blog, Lisa Holme – Content Acquisitions – notes that for years, Hulu has been a top destination for UK programming and titles such as Misfits, The Thick of It, Rev., Pramface and others exclusive to the service. “Now, Hulu Plus will stream one of the largest collections of British imports in the US, including internationally beloved series like Doctor Who, Top Gear, Sherlock, and Luther, as well as comedies such as Fawlty Towers, Twenty Twelve, and Blackadder; sci-fi favorites Bedlam, Red Dwarf, and Primeval; and natural history shows, including selections from David Attenborough’s Life in the…series, Life of Mammals, and The Greatest Wildlife Show on Earth. In addition, other titles like Upstairs, Downstairs, Wallander, and Bleak House will be available. In other words, there’s a little something for everyone (even my father),” jokes Holme.
According to Home, the library is so huge, Hulu is launching various collections over the coming weeks:
September 18th: Doctor Who, Science Fiction and Adventure
September 24th: Dramas and Masterpiece Classics
October 1st: Comedies
October 8th: Factual and Natural History
Additional series will roll out throughout the year, giving Hulu Plus subscribers access to more than 2,000 episodes of new and landmark BBC Worldwide titles. A selection of BBC Worldwide library programmes will rotate through the free Hulu.com service.
“From time travel to travelling around the world from your living room, the enhanced British content on Hulu Plus is just some of what’s to come to the service this fall. So, grab a cuppa tea and scones to fuel your British binge. Happy watching!”, she signs off.
The non-exclusive, multi-year agreement was brokered by Hulu’s Beth Clearfield, SVP Digital Distribution, on behalf of BBC Worldwide North America.
“Hulu has enjoyed a strong collaboration with BBC Worldwide North America, from international co-productions to breakthrough exclusive shows that have been embraced in the US by extremely passionate audiences,” said Andy Forssell, acting CEO and Senior Vice President of Content for Hulu. “By adding this expansive collection of premium BBC Worldwide programming, Hulu Plus solidifies its role as a top streaming platform for the best British programming available in the US.”
“Hulu has been a fantastic partner and innovator bringing many BBC flagship programmes exclusively to the US online audience. We are proud to have worked with them to première key BBC Worldwide titles like Misfits and Moone Boy, and, more recently, the upcoming release of one of our first co-productions together, The Wrong Mans,” commented Matt Forde, EVP Sales & Co-Productions. “With this exciting deal we hope the Hulu audience will continue to enjoy the shows they already love while discovering new gems to experience.”
Hulu and BBC Worldwide North America started their relationship in 2010. Since then, Hulu has established a dedicated following for UK comedy online with exclusive British television hits such as Misfits, Rev, Moone Boy and Pramface. In addition, Hulu and the BBC have co-produced the fourth season of The Thick of It and the upcoming Hulu original The Wrong Mans, starring award-winning actor and writer James Corden and Mathew Baynton, and directed by Jim Field Smith.