June 23--Showtime, home to such shows as "Masters of Sex" and "Homeland," announced Tuesday it would be adding its content to Hulu.
A few weeks after announcing it would launch a stand-alone streaming service in July, the premium cable network is taking its streaming efforts one step further by also teaming up with Hulu -- in the first deal of its kind for a pay cable channel.
Hulu subscribers can opt to add the Showtime library to their service beginning in early July -- just in time for the new season launches of "Ray Donovan" and "Masters of Sex." At an additional cost.
Hulu's nearly 9 million subscribers will have to pay an additional $8.99 per month for Showtime's catalog in addition to the $7.99 per month for their Hulu subscription. Showtime's over-the-top app, in contrast, is $10.99 per month.
"We're excited to be the first premium service available to Hulu's growing subscriber base and look forward to offering their customers our award-winning original programming, films and documentaries across almost every device," said Showtime Networks Chairman and Chief Executive Matt Blank in a statement. "Hulu is an important launch partner for Showtime as we continue to expand our service across new platforms and distributors, reaching new consumers wherever a broadband connection is available."
The deal gives Hulu the benefits of having Showtime's current roster of original programming -- in addition to older series such as "Weeds" and "Dexter" -- without taking on the budget costs. New episodes of current shows will be added to the library as they premiere on the linear channel. Documentaries, sports programming, and the rotating lineup of movies will also be added, all commercial-free.
"We are always looking to give our subscribers access to the best content available," said Hulu Chief Executive Mike Hopkins in a statement. "The robust slate of Showtime original programming, movies, and specials together with Hulu's strength in current season programming, library acquisitions and original programming makes a powerful combination."
Hulu, which is co-owned by Comcast's NBCUniversal, Disney's ABC Television Group and 21st Century Fox's Fox Broadcasting Co., has been ramping up its streaming profile in recent months.
The service made headlines when it picked up "The Mindy Project" after the comedy was dumped by Fox, and for landing a major SVOD syndication deal with Sony TV for the entire "Seinfeld" library -- paying close to $1 million per episode. That's in addition to its expanding library of exclusive content and licensing deals, including an output deal with AMC.
