Hulu to Add 14 Cable Networks from ViacomCBS to the ‘Live TV’ Package
Last updated July 8, 2021
- Hulu has reached an agreement with ViacomCBS to bring some popular legacy TV channels on its ‘Live TV’ package.
- The deal includes MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, Paramount Network, and more.
- Existing ViacomCBS channels have also been renewed, so Hulu subscribers will continue to enjoy CBS Sports.
Hulu, the highly successful American video-on-demand platform that operates as one of Walt Disney Company’s handles, has agreed with ViacomCBS, the New York-based mass media firm, to bring 14 cable networks to its Live TV package. The deal includes channels such as Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, BET, CMT, Paramount Network, and TV Land. These channels were already available on YouTube TV since last year, so Hulu was essentially missing something the competition enjoyed, even if it wasn’t exclusive.
Hulu has recently announced a hike of $10 per month for its Live TV package, so the addition of these channels comes as an alleviating move for the subscribers who are currently paying $64.99 per month for the particular tier. That’s a rather hefty price tag in today’s streaming and media consumption scene, so Hulu should better start adding more channels if they want to keep its users locked in and convinced to continue sailing with them into 2021.
According to the most recently announced (December 2, 2020) stats, Hulu has a total of 38.8 million subscribers, 4.1 million of which are paying for the ‘Live TV’ package. That’s up from 30.4 million and 3.2 million respectively, announced at the end of 2019, so the platform had a considerable growth during the pandemic, as expected.
The deal with ViacomCBS comes at a good time to fuel the momentum of growth, and it is a multi-year one. Also, Hulu users may be sure that they won’t lose access to CBS Sports, Pop TV, The CW, Showtime, and the Smithsonian Channel, which are all under the ViacomCBS umbrella and are part of the recent agreement. Ray Hopkins, the president of ViacomCBS, has made the following statement about this development:
If the price for Hulu’s Live TV is way too high and you’re looking for alternative live TV options, you may check our guide on how to set up Kodi addons to stream popular channels anonymously and without breaking any laws if that’s applicable in your country. Also, don’t forget to check out other options such as YouTube TV, AT&T TV Now, Fubo TV, Sling TV, and Philo.