Hulu’s live TV offering is getting more than a dozen new channels through a multi-year deal with ViacomCBS.
The deal brings Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, VH1, MTV, MTV2, MTV Classic, CMT, TV Land, BET, BET Her, Nick Jr., NickToons, and TeenNick to the service.A ViacomCBS spokesperson told Gizmodo that it doesn’t share details on tiering or timing at this time, and it’s unclear whether the new channels will be included in the base tier or as part of separately bundled add-ons.
However, the partnership will also help keep some of Hulu’s existing offerings, including CBS and CBS Sports channels, the Smithsonian Channel, the CW and PVOD via Showtime, among other content. Currently Showtime is offered as a premium selection that adds $ 11 per month to the cost of a user’s subscription.
“We are delighted to have reached a comprehensive agreement with Hulu that underscores the value of our powerful brand portfolio for the next generation of TV platforms and viewers,” Ray Hopkins, President of US Networks Distribution of ViacomCBS said in a statement. “Hulu remains a great partner, and this agreement ensures that Hulu + Live TV subscribers can now enjoy the full breadth of our industry-leading news, sports and entertainment content for the first time.”
Again, it is unclear what the pricing or rollout will look like for these new assets. But Hulu would be wise to offer legacy channels like Nickelodeon and Comedy Central through its base packages, especially given the recently announced price increase which includes both ad-free and ad-supported versions of his live TV bundle goes up about $ 10 a month. The service also recently lost support for Fox regional sports.
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While the addition of cartoons and more entertainment programming won’t make up for the loss of regional sports coverage, it could at least help justify increases in subscription costs: iIf you really, really Like it The Daily show or South Parkat least. Could be.