Let’s Talk About Where Hulu Came From

Hulu first launched back in 2008 as a cool joint project between NBCUniversal, News Corporation, and eventually Disney. The goal? Make network TV shows easier to access online. Fast forward a few years, and Hulu’s grown into a full-blown entertainment hub. When Disney took full control in 2019, the platform got even more ambitious—think bigger content libraries and seamless bundles with Disney+ and ESPN+.

What You’ll Find on Hulu

• TV content variety: Hulu’s content is a dream if you like variety. It’s one of the few platforms where you can watch new TV episodes the day after they air, stream award-winning originals, and browse a solid movie collection—all in one place.
• Network shows: If you’re into network TV, Hulu’s where you can watch shows from ABC, NBC, and Fox pretty much the next day. We’re talking Grey’s Anatomy, The Masked Singer, and 9-1-1 ready to go when you are.
• Original series: Hulu’s also behind some pretty amazing originals like The Handmaid’s Tale, Only Murders in the Building, The Bear, and Dopesick. These are high-quality, buzzworthy series that keep people talking.
• Movie collection: Now if movies are more your thing, Hulu’s got a rotating mix of classics, indie gems, and even some fresh-from-the-theater exclusives thanks to its ties with Searchlight Pictures and 20th Century Studios.
• Live content: And yes, sports and news fans aren’t left out—especially if you get Hulu + Live TV, which brings in live events from ESPN and breaking news from major networks.

Breaking Down Hulu’s Subscription Options

• Basic plan: Hulu’s plans are super flexible. The basic Hulu plan (with ads) gives you access to the full streaming library at a lower cost, though you’ll have to sit through some commercials.
• No Ads plan: If you’d rather stream without interruptions, you can go for the No Ads plan, which—surprise—removes most of those pesky breaks.
• Live TV plan: Want the full cable-replacement package? Hulu + Live TV is where it’s at. You get access to Hulu’s entire on-demand library plus over 90 live TV channels.
• Bundle options: And if you’re trying to get the most bang for your buck, bundling with Disney+ and ESPN+ saves money while giving you more to watch.

Hulu + Live TV: Is It Worth It? Absolutely.

• Live channels: If you’ve ditched cable (or thinking about it), Hulu + Live TV might be just what you need. With more than 90 channels, it covers everything from local networks like ABC and NBC to big-time favorites like CNN, FX, and ESPN.
• Cloud DVR: The cloud DVR is another win. You can record shows and keep them for up to nine months—great for catching up later.
• No equipment: No fancy equipment is required either. Everything runs through the Hulu app, so you can stream from pretty much any device.
• Multiple streams: If you live in a house with multiple viewers, you can stream on two devices at once or upgrade to an unlimited screens option for even more flexibility.

What It’s Like Using Hulu Day-to-Day

• User profiles: Hulu’s interface is clean and user-friendly, whether you’re watching on your phone, TV, or laptop. You can set up to six different user profiles on one account, which means everyone in your household gets their own recommendations and viewing history.
• Watchlist and alerts: There’s a Watchlist feature for saving shows and getting alerts when new episodes drop.
• Streaming quality: Most content is in 1080p HD, with some titles available in 4K Ultra HD if your device supports it.
• Device compatibility: The platform works on nearly all major devices—smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, gaming consoles, and more.
• Parental controls: Parents can also create child-friendly profiles and control what kids can see using PIN locks and content filters.

The Good and Not-So-Good About Hulu

• Pros of Hulu: Let’s start with what’s great. Hulu gives you access to tons of current TV shows, right after they air. The original content is top-tier, and the flexibility across its different plans makes it super appealing. Plus, you can bundle it with other major platforms to get more without spending a ton.
• Cons of Hulu: Now the drawbacks—ads are part of the cheaper plans, which isn’t ideal if you’re trying to relax without interruptions. Also, Hulu’s only available in the U.S. (for now), and some of the movies and shows rotate out faster than you might like due to licensing limits.

How Hulu Stacks Up Against the Competition

• Versus Netflix: Compared to Netflix, Hulu feels a little more grounded in reality. Netflix has more international content and a massive library of originals, but Hulu wins when it comes to next-day TV and live viewing options.
• Versus Amazon Prime Video: Against Amazon Prime Video, Hulu’s a better pick if you want an easy-to-navigate layout and curated content. Prime Video has great value (especially with a Prime membership), but it can be harder to find what you’re looking for.
• Versus Disney+: Disney+ focuses on family-friendly content—Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar. Hulu, on the other hand, leans into more mature content and offers a much broader range of genres. If you want it all, go for the bundle.

Tips for Getting More Out of Your Hulu Subscription

• Bundle and save: Want to make Hulu work harder for you? Start by grabbing the Disney Bundle—it saves money and opens up more content than you’ll know what to do with.
• Free trial advantage: If you’re new to the service, take advantage of Hulu’s free trial to see what suits your style.
• Curated collections: Browse curated collections when you’re not sure what to watch. Hulu organizes shows and movies into themes like “Hidden Gems” or “Laugh Out Loud Comedies,” which makes picking something easier.
• Offline viewing: If you go with the No Ads plan, you can download content and watch it offline—perfect for road trips or long flights.
• Use DVR: And if you’re using Hulu + Live TV, make full use of the DVR to record shows and skip commercials later.

Wrapping It Up: Why Hulu Still Deserves a Spot on Your Screen

Hulu keeps evolving, and that’s what makes it so appealing. It’s one of the few platforms that offers up-to-date TV, award-winning originals, live sports, and news—all in one place. Whether you’re just dipping your toes into streaming or you’ve already cut the cord, Hulu has the content and features to keep you watching. It’s more than just another app—it’s a seriously smart way to stream.

Key Takeaway: Hulu gives you a one-stop streaming experience with hit TV shows, must-watch originals, movies, and even live TV, all wrapped up in flexible, easy-to-use plans.

FAQs

Can I watch Hulu with friends remotely?

Yes! Hulu has a Watch Party feature that lets you stream shows and movies together with friends online, as long as everyone has a subscription.

What devices support Hulu?

Hulu works on a ton of devices—smart TVs, streaming sticks, game consoles, smartphones, tablets, and web browsers.

Is there a way to get Hulu free with another service?

Sometimes, carriers or bundle promotions (like with Spotify for students) offer Hulu for free or at a discount, so it’s worth checking for current deals.

Can I pause my Hulu subscription?

Yes, Hulu lets you pause your subscription for up to 12 weeks, which is great if you’re going on vacation or just need a break.

Does Hulu have international content?

Hulu’s library is mostly U.S.-based shows and movies, but they do carry some international content and foreign-language titles, especially in the drama and documentary categories.