Understanding Hulu + Live TV: A Comprehensive Guide
Hulu + Live TV emerged as a compelling option for individuals seeking to sever ties with traditional cable providers while retaining access to their favorite television programming. This service combines the extensive Hulu on-demand library with a live TV streaming component, presenting a comprehensive entertainment solution.
What is Hulu + Live TV?
Hulu + Live TV is essentially a hybrid service, merging the on-demand content of Hulu with the live streaming capabilities of a traditional cable service. This allows subscribers to watch live television channels and access Hulu’s vast library of movies, shows, and original content.
A Brief History
First announced in May 2016, Hulu’s live TV service initially launched in Beta in May 2017 under the name “Hulu with Live TV.” It was later rebranded as “Hulu + Live TV.” The service initially offered around 50 channels, including over-the-air (OTA) networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox in most markets.
The pricing of Hulu + Live TV has evolved over time. Initially, it was launched at a competitive price point of $39.99 per month. However, as more channels and features were added, the price gradually increased. By December 2019, it reached $54.99 per month, then $64.99 in December 2020, and $69.99 in December 2021. The 2021 price hike included the bundling of Disney+ and ESPN+, adding significant value to the offering. In October 2023, the price increased again, settling at $76.99 per month.
Currently, Hulu + Live TV boasts close to three million subscribers, solidifying its position as the second-largest live TV streaming service in the United States.
Hulu + Live TV Cost and Available Plans
The base subscription for Hulu + Live TV is currently priced at $76.99 per month. This includes access to approximately 90 channels and the full Hulu on-demand library, featuring a wide array of content from networks owned by Disney, NBCUniversal, and ViacomCBS. The ad-supported version of Hulu is incorporated into the Live TV service.
The base subscription also includes the Disney bundle, granting access to Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ for a single monthly price. For an additional $14 per month, subscribers can upgrade to an ad-free Hulu and Disney+ experience.
Add-ons and Customization
Hulu + Live TV offers a range of add-ons to personalize the viewing experience:
- Premium Channels: Subscribers can add premium channels like STARZ ($8.99/month), Cinemax ($9.99/month), Showtime ($10.99/month), and Max ($14.99/month).
- Enhanced Cloud DVR: The standard cloud DVR storage of 50 hours can be upgraded to 200 hours for $10 per month.
- Unlimited Screens: The number of simultaneous screens can be upgraded to unlimited for $10 per month. Combining the enhanced cloud DVR and unlimited screens costs $15 per month.
- Sports Add-on: For $10 per month, sports enthusiasts can access channels like Redzone, MAVTV Motorsports Network, Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel, TVG, and TVG2.
- Entertainment Add-on: This add-on, priced at $7.99 per month, includes channels like American Heroes Channel, CNBC World, Cooking Channel, Destination America, Discovery Family, Discovery Life, DIY Network, FYI, LMN, and Science. Additional channels such as BETher, MTV2, NickToons, TeenNick, and MTV Classic have also been added.
- Espanol Add-on: For Spanish-language content, this add-on costs $4.99 per month and includes channels like CNN en Español, Discovery en Español, Discovery Familia, ESPN Deportes, History Channel en Español, and Universo.
Channel Lineup
Hulu + Live TV offers a diverse channel lineup, including:
- Local Networks: ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, CW
- News: ABC News Live, CBSN, CNN, CNN International, Fox News, Fox Business, HLN, MSNBC, CNBC
- Sports: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN News, ESPN College Extra, ESPN Bases Loaded, ESPN Goal Line, SEC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS Sports Network, FS1, FS2, Golf Channel, NFL Network, Olympic Channel, MotorTrend
- Entertainment: A&E, Animal Planet, BET, Bravo, Boomerang, Cartoon Network, Cheddar Business, CMT, Comedy Central, Cozi TV, Discovery Channel, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, E!, Freeform, FX, FXM, FXX, FYI, HGTV, History Channel, Investigation Discovery, Lifetime, MTV, National Geographic, Nat Geo Wild, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Oxygen, Paramount, Pop, SyFy Channel, TBS, TCM, Telemundo, TLC, TNT, Travel Channel, Tru TV, TV Land, Universal Kids, USA, Viceland, VH1
Supported Devices
Hulu + Live TV is compatible with a wide range of devices, including:
- Web browsers (laptops and desktops)
- Amazon Echo, Echo Show, Fire TV, Fire Tablets
- Android devices
- Android TV
- Chromecast
- Apple TV
- iOS devices
- NVIDIA SHIELD
- Nintendo Switch
- Xbox 360, Xbox One
- Roku
- Smart TVs (Hisense, Samsung, Sony, VIZIO)
- Chromecast with Google TV
Key Features
Hulu + Live TV offers several features to enhance the viewing experience:
- Cloud DVR: Subscribers can record live TV content to watch later. The base plan includes unlimited cloud DVR storage.
- Multiple Users: Up to six users can create profiles on a single account, allowing for personalized content recommendations and viewing history.
- Unlimited Screens: While the base plan allows for two simultaneous streams, subscribers can upgrade to unlimited screens for watching on multiple devices. Note that the unlimited screens upgrade has limitations of only three mobile devices (tablets and smartphones).
- Enhanced Playback: Viewers can rewind most live channels to the beginning of the current show or movie. Ad-free subscribers can also download movies and shows for offline viewing.
Viewing on the Go
Hulu + Live TV allows subscribers to watch live TV even when they are away from home. While traveling outside their local market area, subscribers will receive the local channels available in their current location.
Video Quality
Hulu + Live TV streams in 720p, 1080p, and 4K UHD. While most live TV channels do not broadcast in 4K, viewers can expect either 720p or 1080p resolution, depending on the channel. Much of Hulu’s on-demand content is filmed in 4K with Dolby Vision support.
Is Hulu + Live TV Worth It?
Hulu + Live TV is a strong contender in the live TV streaming market. Its extensive on-demand library, combined with a robust channel lineup and various customization options, makes it a compelling choice for cord-cutters.
