Hulu
Disney-owned streaming service combining next-day network TV with originals and live TV options.
Definition
Hulu is a streaming service now majority-owned by The Walt Disney Company, offering next-day access to current broadcast network shows alongside original content and an optional live TV package. The platform reaches over 50 million subscribers in the US.
Hulu's next-day model preserves the broadcast advertising-supported ecosystem while offering streaming convenience. The service has produced acclaimed originals including The Handmaid's Tale, The Bear, and Only Murders in the Building.
Why It Matters
Hulu's current-season TV access makes it essential for viewers who want broadcast content without cable subscriptions. For networks and studios, Hulu represents a way to monetize content beyond linear ratings.
The platform's ad-supported tier provides significant advertising inventory in premium programming environments.
Examples in Practice
The Bear's critical success and Emmy wins demonstrated Hulu's ability to produce prestige originals that compete with Netflix and HBO.
Hulu's FX on Hulu arrangement brings the cable network's acclaimed series to streaming, extending FX's audience beyond traditional cable subscribers.
The Disney Bundle (Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+) demonstrates how streaming services can combine to reduce churn and increase household value.