The CW is getting into business with Hulu. The network has finally signed a deal with the online streaming site to feature all of its programming beginning later this season.
Hulu will offer the five most recent episodes of CW shows on its site. Subscribers to the site’s premium Hulu Plus program will be able to view episode the day after they air, while the free versions will appear eight days after the episodes originally air.
The network’s deal is for all of its programming, with Gossip Girl, Hart of Dixie, 90210, Ringer, America’s Next Top Model, The Vampire Diaries, The Secret Circle, Nikita and Supernatural.
The move makes sense since the CW is a younger-skewing network that does best in non-traditional platforms. While the ratings for episodes are low, the show’s often receive a big boost from DVR users and this additional platform on Hulu will give fans yet another way to enjoy programming.
The decision to join Hulu now may be late, but the CW has always been an unconventional network. This week, for instance, while the other major networks are terrified of the World Series on FOX (CBS even bumped new episodes of its Friday night shows), the CW has been hitting record highs. On Monday, the new drama Hart of Dixie had its highest ratings ever against Game 5 of the World Series, topping 2 million viewers for the first time ever.
And Thursday night’s episode of The Vampire Diaries against Game 6 was the show’s highest-rated episode since January with 3.28 million viewers.
The deal with Hulu is for five years, guaranteeing CW fans a new way to enjoy their favorite shows for a long time to come.
(Image courtesy of the CW)
Senior Writer, BuddyTV
John watches nearly every show on TV, but he specializes in sci-fi/fantasy like The Vampire Diaries, Supernatural and True Blood. However, he can also be found writing about everything from Survivor and Glee to One Tree Hill and Smallville.
