Cartoon Network and [adult swim] Coming to Hulu
A couple of months ago, it was announced that Netflix would be pulling most (if not all) of Cartoon Network and Adult Swim programming from streaming. It was less than a secret that Turner felt partnering with Netflix was an abject failure, having previously stating that they were losing ratings (and money) due to streaming taking away from new episodes. From there, most shows (particularly Aqua Teen and Venture Bros, among others) only had their first two seasons available, which was odd yet still received jabs from Adult Swim (Venture co-creator Doc Hammer made a comment at last year’s Dragon Con, about how their newer fans are only aware of the first two seasons of the series).
Today, in a change of pace, Turner has announced that they have inked a deal with Netflix competitor, Hulu in order to bring both classic and new Cartoon Network/Adult Swim content to the streaming giant. With Turner slowing down their DVD releases (especially with their Swim lineup, the majority of which have become “Made to Order” DVDs on the WBShop website), it seems like a better fit than Netflix to bring their networks (the deal also includes content from TNT/TBS) to Hulu. In addition, it’ll be great to see some of the older shows, since many are only available through adultswim.com’s video website and then only for those with cable/satellite accounts.
Here is the full press release from Turner:
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., and Hulu today announced an extensive, multi-year licensing agreement that will grant Hulu the exclusive SVOD rights to previous seasons of Turner’s popular programming from Cartoon Network and Adult Swim as well as select current and upcoming series from TNT and TBS. The deal marks the first-ever licensing agreement between Turner Broadcasting and Hulu.
All episodes from past seasons of TNT’s The Last Ship and Murder in the First will be available to stream exclusively for Hulu subscribers. Additionally, all episodes from past seasons of popular Adult Swim original series including Rick and Morty, Black Jesus,NTSF:SD:SUV and Cartoon Network original series such as The Amazing World of Gumball, Steven Universe, Over the Garden Wall and Clarence will be made available to stream through an SVOD service for the first time ever on Hulu. All Cartoon Network series will be available to stream ad-free in the Hulu Kids environment.
Full prior seasons of Adult Swim and Cartoon Network series such as Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Dexter’s Laboratory, Ben 10, as well as current juggernauts Robot Chicken, The Venture Bros., Adventure Time and Regular Show will be available to stream exclusively to Hulu subscribers for the first time through the deal.Hulu will also become the exclusive SVOD destination to stream Adult Swim and Cartoon Network classics, including Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!, Sealab 2021, and The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack.
Through the agreement, Hulu obtains exclusive SVOD rights to certain future series that will launch on TNT, TBS, Adult Swim and Cartoon Network over the coming years – including TBS’s upcoming series Angie Tribeca,which will be available to stream exclusively on Hulu after its full-season run on TBS.
“This deal with Hulu demonstrates the power of Turner Broadcasting’s branded networks and the high demand for our programming in the marketplace,” said David Levy, president of Turner Broadcasting. “This is a great opportunity to grow the reach of the networks’ original programming and complements our strategy of utilizing multiple platforms – including SVOD – to drive sampling, introduce new viewers to our content and give current fans the opportunity to explore and enjoy Turner’s new and existing series in a branded environment.”
“The addition of multiple titles from Cartoon Network represents a significant step forward in continuing to build a strong programming offering for the kids audience on Hulu,” said Craig Erwich, Senior Vice President and Head of Content, Hulu. “The adult animation series from Adult Swim, as well as the additional series from TNT and TBS, are a perfect addition to our current offering.”
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