Hulu has signed an agreement with CBS Corporation to carry the CBS broadcast network, as well as the sports and entertainment channels CBS Sports Network and POP, on its upcoming live-streaming service.
The deal also includes the potential to add additional networks in the future. All networks in the pact will be available to stream live, with much of the programming available on-demand as well, through Hulu’s new multichannel, live-TV streaming service, which set to launch in the coming months.
Programs such as The Big Bang Theory, NCIS, Big Brother, Blue Bloods and 60 Minutes will be available through the pact, both live and on-demand. CBS’s sports programming, including the NFL on CBS and the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship, will also be offered on the new service, as well as news programming and specials, CBS’s late-night shows and major annual live events such as the Grammys.
The new deal also extends Showtime Networks’ existing agreement with Hulu in which Showtime is offered as a premium subscription service to those customers who subscribe to Hulu’s live or SVOD service.
“To build a successful live TV service, you have to have viewers’ favorite sports and shows—and CBS’ programming is absolutely vital to that mix,” said Mike Hopkins, CEO of Hulu. “With 21st Century Fox, Disney, Turner and now CBS on board, our new live service will offer one of the most valuable sports, news and entertainment lineups anywhere—from ESPN, Fox Sports, CBS Sports and TNT to ABC, CBS, FOX and The Disney Channel.”
“We are very pleased to make CBS available on Hulu’s new live TV service,” said Ray Hopkins, the president of television networks distribution at CBS Corporation. “Hulu has made it clear that it understands the value that the CBS Television Network, along with Showtime and our basic cable network portfolio, will bring to this new offering. In addition, today’s announcement represents another significant step in our strategy to deliver CBS’s industry leading content to viewers whenever and where ever they want to watch it, at terms that are consistent with the company’s goals.”
