Hulu to host NBC shows before they hit broadcast

Fans of such NBC shows as Knight Rider, Chuck, and 30 Rock will be able to see their season premieres first on Hulu.

NBC Universal, which created Hulu in partnership with News Corp., decided to debut the television series' seasons on the video site.

While this is the first time that Hulu has streamed season premieres from a major network, this isn't the first time it's happened. NBC.com did it last year and according to Chris Albrecht over at Newteevee, HBO released Flight of the Conchords on the Web last year as well.

Still, the trend of premiering TV shows on the Web continues to illustrates how much TV networks and cable channels are beginning to respect the Internet as a distribution channel.

While Hulu is hosting a season premiere from one of its founders, the next step for the company is to convince another top studio or TV network to unveil a show at the site. Since launching last spring, Hulu has been out trying to sign new partners and boost it's content offering.

Right now, about 90 companies, including MGM, Sony Pictures Television, and Warner Bros. supply Hulu with content. The site also recently signed Paramount Pictures.

[AppleSuxLeo]

I love Hulu , and most importantly , it doesn`t put a dime in Job`s pocket.

[toosday]

I think it's interesting that Paramount Pictures signed a deal with Hulu when CBS refuses to go anything near it. Paramount and CBS are still run by the same person, right? (Sumner Redstone?) It's odd how the entertainment industry works sometimes.

Also, they're getting 30 Rock a week before it airs on TV? Yes!!!

[joetesta70]

Amen to that! $teve Job$ can shove it.

[ncalishome]

I've been an avid Hulu fan since it was in beta and am so pleased it's doing so well. I probably bought a couple dozen episodes off iTunes before Hulu beta launched but since then not a chance. I'd much rather watch 4 20 second commercials than pay $2 (which seems steep to me)-- I really don't have the time and patience for torrents anymore, and am instead happy to support Hulu by watching shows there.

[hansonc]

Anyone happen to have dates on any of this?