Hulu's cable killer is taking shape — and now includes NBC

The deal bring the total number of channels to more than 50.
 By 
Jason Abbruzzese
 on 
Hulu's cable killer is taking shape — and now includes NBC
Credit: Lauren/Deadline/REX/Shutterstock

Hulu wants to end all the hemming and hawing over whether you should cut the cord.

The streaming company announced on Monday that it has reached a deal with NBCUniversal that will add all its major cable channels as well as its broadcast network to Hulu's upcoming live TV service.

The deal brings the total number of channels to more than 50. The service will also include Hulu's existing on-demand library for under $40, according to Hulu CEO Mike Hopkins.

The service is set to debut at some point in May, according to a Hulu spokesperson.

Hulu's entry into the live TV scene comes at an important time for the platform. Once seen as the also-ran to Netflix, Hulu now offers an entirely different proposition. While Netflix has gone big on original content, Hulu has continued to invest in its library.

Now, with live TV, Hulu is positioning itself as the best aggregator of existing content (though it is also producing some original content).

Hulu still has a ways to go. A recent comScore report found that Hulu is used in only 17 percent of homes that use streaming service. Netflix is at 75%.

Hulu's live TV service is now set to include all four major broadcast networks along side a healthy grouping of the most popular cable channels. The companies behind three of those networks — Comcast, the Walt Disney Company, 21st Century Fox — are also part owners of Hulu.

Hulu has competition in Dish Network's Sling TV, which has reportedly amassed around 1.3 million subscribers. YouTube also recently launched a live TV service, and Playstation Vue is still kicking around. AT&T also offers a service — DirecTV Now.

Topics Hulu NBC

Mashable Image
Jason Abbruzzese

Jason Abbruzzese is a Business Reporter at Mashable. He covers the media and telecom industries with a particular focus on how the Internet is changing these markets and impacting consumers. Prior to working at Mashable, Jason served as Markets Reporter and Web Producer at the Financial Times. Jason holds a B.S. in Journalism from Boston University and an M.A. in International Affairs from Australian National University.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

What's new to streaming this week? (April 3, 2026)
A composite of images from film and TV streaming this week.

Google launches Gemma 4, a new open-source model: How to try it
Google Gemma

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 2, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!