Rumors have been swirling for about a month or so, but today the news is official. Disney and Hulu have entered a partnership that will see Disney content appearing on the increasingly popular online video site.
“We’re honored to welcome the Disney team in our mission to help people find and enjoy the world’s premium content, when, where and how they want it,” said Jason Kilar, CEO of Hulu. “With the addition of shows like Lost, Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy and many more to Hulu, we continue to aspire to deliver a service that users, advertisers and content owners unabashedly love.”
“From our landmark iTunes deal to our pioneering decision to stream ad supported shows on our ABC.com player, Disney has sought to meet the constantly evolving viewing habits of our consumers, and today’s Hulu announcement is the next important step in that ongoing journey, said Robert A. Iger, president and CEO, The Walt Disney Company. “Disney and Hulu share a focus on delivering the highest-quality entertainment experience and we look forward to working with Hulu to build value for our consumers, our brands and our shareholders.”
Content included in the deal:
– Full-length episodes of ABC primetime programs like Lost, Grey’s Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, Ugly Betty, Samantha Who?, Scrubs, Private Practice and popular late night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live
– Full-length episodes of hit ABC Family series like The Secret Life of the American Teenager and Greek
– Popular series from ABC Daytime and SOAPnet like General Hospital and The View
– Classic series from ABC’s library like Hope and Faith, Less Than Perfect, Commander in Chief, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire and Dancing with the Stars
– Select hit programs from Disney Channel like Wizards of Waverly Place and Phineas and Ferb which can be easily accessed from a new DISNEY location in the Channel section of Hulu.com
– Popular library titles from The Walt Disney Studios
– Short-form content including webisodes, sneak peeks and episode recaps from ABC Entertainment, ABC Family and SOAPnet
Unfortunatley it doesn’t look like there’s any ESPN content included, but who knows what will come up the partnership in the future. Either way, it is more sought after content for Hulu, and that means viewers will only increase.
The deal puts three Disney seats on Hulu’s board. Other current board members will remain as well.
