Hulu To Launch Subscription Option?

Hulu is planning on rolling out a subscription based service, something we at the Criterion Cast had talk about months ago on our very own podcast. The Los Angeles Times has confirmed that Hulu plans to begin testing a $9.95 subscription service, called Hulu Plus, as soon as May 24th, 2010.

Of course the site will continue to provide free service of television shows from ABC, NBC, FOX and other providers, but it is unclear if the paid subscription will be commercial free, which some have asked for from the get go.

It is also not clear as to how many episodes of certain series will be up on the site at any given time. Hulu tends to have the last few episodes of a series up on the site at any given time, but promptly takes down older episodes to make room for newer ones. A Hulu representative has said with the paid service that ‘a more comprehensive selection’ would be had on the site.

What do all of you think about this news about Hulu’s paid subscription service? Is it the nature of the beast? Did we all take for granted Hulu’s free service for too long? Please comment and let’s keep the discussion going.

Source: LA Times

7 comments

Matt Anthony W says:

April 22, 2010 at 8:02 pm

Though surprised it's happening so “fast,” (meaning post-announcement) it certainly did seem inevitable that something like this would happen, as you all and others have stipulated. It will be interesting to see when more details emerge than the vague ones announced what exactly one is getting for the “Hulu Pass” versus what one will still be able to get it for free. Considering Netflix, Blockbuster, etc. have plans at this price level it seems like a reasonable starting price point for, I guess what it is, comparable entertainment value. As someone who has “ditched” cable, and is fortunate enough to have a TV that hooks up to my computer, I rely heavily on Hulu (and to a lesser extent iTunes) for my “TV” entertainment, so I will be watching this very carefully. Thanks for continuing to report on this y'all.
Matt Anthony W says:

April 23, 2010 at 2:24 pm

I would if there were a reason too, since it is far cheaper than cable (which was HD cable was costing me a fortune), but I would want things like additional shows, more “old” shows available for viewing (than constantly battling expiration dates), and perhaps the infamous “NO ADS.” I don't mind ads on free Hulu at all, they seem quite reasonable considering they are brief and not excessive and I'm getting it for free. This seems esp. reasonable considering most people DVR or skip past them anyways. I understand they need to take money. But I would hope there would be no ads on paid Hulu. Also, I'm wondering why the CW hasn't put its shows on Hulu, their online streams are awful quality, and you'd think it'd be a good way to gain viewership. But given the quality (480p) is better than a lot of streaming sites, I wouldn't necessarily be adverse to a plan, but I would also hope if I'm “paying” to get the option of at least 720p HD.
Matt Anthony W says:

April 23, 2010 at 9:24 pm

I would if there were a reason too, since it is far cheaper than cable (which was HD cable was costing me a fortune), but I would want things like additional shows, more “old” shows available for viewing (than constantly battling expiration dates), and perhaps the infamous “NO ADS.” I don't mind ads on free Hulu at all, they seem quite reasonable considering they are brief and not excessive and I'm getting it for free. This seems esp. reasonable considering most people DVR or skip past them anyways. I understand they need to take money. But I would hope there would be no ads on paid Hulu. Also, I'm wondering why the CW hasn't put its shows on Hulu, their online streams are awful quality, and you'd think it'd be a good way to gain viewership. But given the quality (480p) is better than a lot of streaming sites, I wouldn't necessarily be adverse to a plan, but I would also hope if I'm “paying” to get the option of at least 720p HD.