Fox boost for Hulu
December 19, 2014
Hot on the heels of agreeing a deal for exclusive ABC content, US online entertainment streaming service has revealed what it describes as a landmark agreement with Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution for FX Networks’ Original Series Produced by FX Productions.
The agreement will make Hulu the subscription video on-demand (SVOD) home to the largest selection of FX Networks content available through tablets, smartphones, gaming platforms and other internet-connected devices.
In a blog post, Craig Erwich, Senior Vice President, Head of Content, said the deal not only makes the library of premium, critically acclaimed FX Networks’ Original Series available to stream to Hulu subscribers, but – through this new, multi-year agreement – Hulu subscribers will also have exclusive access to full seasons of new series from FX Productions (FXP) coming soon to FX and FXX.
“A few titles from FX and FXX that will be available to stream exclusively on Hulu include Tyrant, The Strain, Married and You’re the Worst – all of which debuted their first seasons this year and have garnered buzz from critics and fans alike. The first seasons will be available for Hulu subscribers to stream in advance of their second season premières in 2015, and all subsequent seasons will be available to watch on Hulu after they air,” he advised.
Subscribers can also look forward to streaming future comedy, drama and event series from FX Productions exclusively on Hulu. Titles that will be exclusive to Hulu subscribers after their first seasons include:
Man Seeking Woman – a comedy series starring Jay Baruchel premiering January 14, 2015 on FXX
The Comedians – a comedy series starring Billy Crystal and Josh Gad that is set to premiere on FX in 2015
Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll – a new FX drama series starring Denis Leary and John Corbett
Taboo – a period drama series from award-winning Executive Producer Ridley Scott that will star Tom Hardy and will première on FX
Baskets – a highly anticipated comedy series starring Zach Galifianakis produced by Louis C.K. and Galifianakis that will debut in 2016
In addition to FX and FXX Networks’ upcoming original series, Hulu is also now the exclusive streaming home to FOX’s upcoming event series Wayward Pines. The series hails from M. Night Shyamalan and will star big names such as Matt Dillon, Terrence Howard and Melissa Leo. It will make its network debut on FOX on May 14, 2015 and Hulu will be the exclusive subscription streaming destination to watch new episodes the day after they air.
The titles come to Hulu after the recent addition of non-exclusive FX and FXX series to Hulu, including prior seasons of award-winning FX Networks’ dramas Sons of Anarchy and American Horror Story, as well as the hit comedies It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Louie, Archer, The League and Wilfred.
According to Erwich, the new partnership is more than just a licensing agreement with FX Productions. “It is a ground-breaking deal that represents our commitment to our partners at FX Networks, as well as our commitment to always providing premium, in demand content to our loyal viewers,” he said.
“FX Productions has the same dedication to creating and distributing distinctive, high quality programming that we do here at Hulu. We are beyond thrilled to begin this partnership, which will add a wide variety of popular, award-winning series, and fresh, yet-to-air series to our ever-expanding roster of great content,” he declared.