Everything You Need to Know About Hulu in 2023

ERM
October 17, 2023

Hey there, Fellow Streamer! Today, let’s get into the world of Hulu, the streaming service. No fancy words here—just good ol’ casual chat about what makes Hulu the ultimate sidekick in your streaming adventures.

The Backstory: From Gourds to Glory

Hulu burst onto the scene in 2007, a brainchild of media giants like News Corporation and NBC Universal. Yeah, it’s been around that long!

Back then, it was like the cool kid on the block, aggregating the latest TV episodes in one sweet spot. Fast forward to today, and it’s got Disney and Comcast’s NBCUniversal in its family portrait.

Ever wondered where the name came from? “Hulu” is Mandarin for gourd, symbolizing the holder of precious things—premium content in our case. It’s like your streaming treasure chest!

The Hulu Journey: Rollercoaster of Ownership

Hulu’s ownership has been on a wild ride.

Disney snagged a 60% majority stake in 2019, with Comcast holding the remaining 33%.

There were talks about selling, not selling, and then Disney’s CEO Bob Iger playing chess moves that left everyone scratching their heads. Bottom line? Hulu is the cool kid that everyone wants to be friends with.

Content Galore: Not Just TV Shows

Hulu isn’t just a library of TV shows; it’s your entertainment hub. From movies to original content, Hulu’s got your back. Remember “The Handmaid’s Tale”? Yep, that’s a Hulu original, and it bagged awards like it was collecting souvenirs.

Oh, and they didn’t stop there. Hulu + Live TV lets you catch live broadcasts, sports, and news, making it your all-in-one entertainment buddy.

The Evolution: From “Hulu Plus” to “Hulu & Chill”

Remember the days of “Hulu Plus”? Well, it shed that extra baggage in 2015 and became the simple and sleek “Hulu.” No need to pay extra for the plus—it’s all included.

The Price Tag: A Fair Deal

Now, let’s talk money. Hulu’s pricing won’t break the bank. For a few bucks a month, you get access to a massive content library. And if you’re into the live TV vibe, Hulu + Live TV has got your back. They even threw in Disney+ and ESPN+ in a bundle for less than your weekly coffee fix. Hulu prices start at $8 a month and go up to $90 a month for top-tier plans with live TV.

The Hulu Originals: Hidden Gems and Big Hits

Hulu’s original content is like a mixtape made by your cool friend who always knows the best tunes. From “Battleground” to “The Handmaid’s Tale,” they’ve got a lineup that caters to every taste. It’s not about being fancy; it’s about being real, and Hulu Originals are as real as it gets.

HULU 50 BEST SHOWS

The Handmaid’s Tale: A woman struggles for freedom in a dystopian society where women are subjugated.
Normal People: A poignant portrayal of the on-and-off relationship between Marianne and Connell.
The Bold Type: Follow three women working for a women’s magazine as they navigate love, work, and friendship.
RuPaul’s Drag Race: A fierce drag competition where queens showcase their talents and compete in various challenges.
Fleishman Is in Trouble: Toby Fleishman’s life takes a tumultuous turn when his ex-wife disappears, leaving him with their children.
Welcome to Chippendales: The rise of Chippendales, a male revue, and the shocking events that follow its cultural phenomenon.
Reboot: The dysfunctional cast of a family sitcom navigates personal issues while attempting a show reboot.
This Fool: Julio Lopez, with a heart of gold, works at a gang rehabilitation non-profit while dealing with his own challenges.
Ramy: A first-generation Egyptian American’s humorous and poignant journey navigating life and identity.
Little Fires Everywhere: Entangled lives and shocking revelations unfold in Shaker Heights, Ohio, during the late ’90s.
How I Met Your Father: Sophie recounts her journey to meeting her son’s father, tackling life crises in her early 30s.
Single Drunk Female: Samantha Fink’s life unravels after a public breakdown, forcing her to face her alcohol addiction.
Love, Victor: Set in the world of Love, Simon, Victor navigates the challenges of being a closeted gay student in high school.
PEN15: Comedians play 13-year-old versions of themselves, navigating the awkwardness of middle school in the year 2000.
The Dropout: Amanda Seyfried stars as Elizabeth Holmes in the gripping tale of Theranos’ rise and fall.
Pam & Tommy: Lily James and Sebastian Stan portray Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee, exploring the aftermath of their honeymoon sex tape leak.
Candy: Jessica Biel stars as Candy Montgomery in this true story of a housewife with a shocking secret.
The Girl from Plainville: Inspired by a true story, the series follows the events leading up to Michelle Carter’s “texting-suicide” case.
Under the Banner of Heaven: A miniseries exploring the brutal murder of Brenda Wright Lafferty and unsettling truths about the Latter-day Saint religion.
Devs: Lily Chan investigates her boyfriend’s apparent suicide, leading her to a tech company with dark secrets.
Difficult People: Julie and Billy, thirtysomething comedians, navigate life’s challenges with humor and awkward situations.
The Americans: Two KGB spies pose as an average American family during the Cold War, leading to complex situations.
Tell Me Lies: Lucy and Stephen’s college romance leads to irreversible consequences over eight years.
The Patient: Therapist Alan Strauss must help his serial killer patient curb his urges, or he’ll end up dead.
Atlanta: Aspiring rapper Alfred Miles, managed by his cousin Earn, navigates the local rap scene.
Abbott Elementary: A mockumentary-style comedy following dedicated teachers in an underfunded public school in Philadelphia.
Stolen Youth: Inside the Cult at Sarah Lawrence: A true crime docuseries exposing Larry Ray’s sex cult at Sarah Lawrence College.
Welcome to Chippendales: The rise of the famed male revue and the shocking events following its cultural phenomenon.
Hulu Best in 2023: A compilation of the best shows on Hulu, featuring a variety of genres and captivating storylines.
Only Murders in the Building: Three true crime enthusiasts investigate a murder in their apartment building, leading to unexpected discoveries.
Shrill: A comedy series following Annie, a young woman trying to change her life without changing her body.
The Act: Based on real events, a disturbing true crime story of a mother-daughter relationship gone awry.
Into the Dark: An anthology series with each episode based on a different holiday, exploring horror in various forms.
Castle Rock: Set in the Stephen King universe, this psychological horror series weaves together characters and themes from King’s works.
The Great: A satirical, comedic drama about the rise of Catherine the Great, showcasing her tumultuous journey.
A Teacher: Explores the consequences of a predatory relationship between a high school teacher and her student.
Wu-Tang: An American Saga: Chronicles the formation of the Wu-Tang Clan, exploring the challenges they faced in the music industry.
High Fidelity: A gender-swapped adaptation of the classic novel, following a record store owner’s journey through past relationships.
Veronica Mars: A teenage private eye solves crimes while navigating the complexities of high school and family.
Harlots: Set in 18th-century London, this drama follows rival brothel owners and their families.
11.22.63: Based on Stephen King’s novel, a high school teacher travels back in time to prevent the assassination of JFK.
Dopesick: “Dopesick” is a powerful drama miniseries that delves into the opioid crisis in America. Starring Michael Keaton, it sheds light on the pharmaceutical industry’s role in the epidemic, offering a gripping and thought-provoking narrative.
The Dropout: A captivating portrayal of the rise and fall of Elizabeth Holmes, the founder of Theranos. “The Dropout” on Hulu presents the intriguing tale of ambition, deception, and the unraveling of a Silicon Valley sensation.
American Horror Story: Delicate: Known for its anthology format, “American Horror Story” explores a new theme each season. “Delicate” adds to this legacy, weaving a chilling and intricate tale that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with every episode.
The Mindy Project: Mindy Lahiri, a skilled OB/GYN, navigates the challenges of work, love, and friendship in this comedy series.
Light as a Feather: A supernatural thriller about a seemingly innocent game that turns deadly for a group of friends.
Looking for Alaska: Based on John Green’s novel, this coming-of-age story follows a group of friends at a boarding school.
Mrs. America: Chronicles the movement to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment in the 1970s, led by conservative activist Phyllis Schlafly.
The Looming Tower: A gripping drama about the events leading up to the 9/11 attacks and the rivalry between the FBI and CIA.
Shut Eye: A drama series exploring the world of storefront psychics and the scams they perpetrate on their clients.

The Binge-Worthy Factor

Let’s talk about the magic word: binge. Hulu lets you binge your favorite shows without the guilt. Did you miss the latest episode of your go-to series? No problem. With Hulu, you’re in control.

The Hulu App

Your Hulu journey isn’t complete without the app. It’s your passport to entertainment on the go. Whether you’re on your phone, or tablet, or chilling with friends and a bag of popcorn, the app makes sure you never miss a beat.

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Hulu’s Next Chapter: Merging with Disney+

2023 brought big news: Disney wants to merge Hulu with Disney+. Imagine a world where Hulu and Disney+ are one—your favorite classics, epic originals, and live TV all in one place. It’s like the Avengers assembling but for your viewing pleasure.

The plan is to display Hulu as a blade within D+ for bundle subscribers in the U.S. and allow them to watch only a subset of Hulu SVOD content. This slide is from earlier this year and that September 2023 date has now moved to December 2023.

However, in Canada, you can watch almost all the best shows on Hulu in Disney Plus.

Closing Thoughts: Why Hulu?

So, why Hulu? Because it’s not just a streaming service; it’s your binge buddy, your live TV hookup, and your content treasure chest. It’s the everyday hero in the world of streaming.

As streaming enthusiasts, let’s raise our remotes to Hulu, the unsung hero, and toast to endless entertainment. Fellow Streamer, Hulu’s got your back, remote in hand, ready to make every binge-watching session epic. Cheers to Hulu! 🍿✨

Hulu Facts

Let’s wrap up with 10 facts about Hulu:

Streaming Evolution: Hulu traces its roots back to 2007, marking over a decade of streaming evolution. Originally a joint venture between major media companies, including Disney, 21st Century Fox, and NBCUniversal, Hulu has evolved to become a major player in the streaming landscape.
Disney Dominance: Following Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox, it assumed a majority stake in Hulu, consolidating its position in the streaming industry alongside Disney+.
The Birth of Hulu Originals: Hulu entered the original content arena with “Battleground” in 2012. Since then, it has expanded its original programming, producing critically acclaimed shows like “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “The Dropout.”
Exclusive Streaming Rights: Hulu often secures exclusive streaming rights to popular shows, giving it a competitive edge. For instance, having shows like “Atlanta” and “The Americans” adds to its diverse and appealing content portfolio.
Pricing Tiers for Every Viewer: Hulu offers a variety of subscription plans, including ad-supported and ad-free options. This tiered approach caters to different viewer preferences and budgets, making it accessible to a broad audience.
Disney Bundle Synergy: Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ are bundled together, providing a comprehensive entertainment package. This synergy leverages Disney’s vast content library, offering subscribers a well-rounded streaming experience.
Tech Innovations with VR: Hulu has explored innovative technologies, including virtual reality. “The Handmaid’s Tale: The Experience” is an example of how they’ve used VR to create immersive tie-ins with their original content.
Milestones in True Crime: Hulu has made a mark in the true crime genre with series like “Stolen Youth: Inside the Cult at Sarah Lawrence,” presenting gripping narratives based on real-life incidents.
Cultivating New Talent with Abbott Elementary: “Abbott Elementary,” created by Quinta Brunson, is a standout example of Hulu investing in fresh talent and reaping success. The show’s mockumentary style has resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Global Expansion Ambitions: While primarily focused on the U.S., Hulu has expressed intentions to expand globally. This could potentially open up its diverse content library to a broader international audience.