Understanding Hulu Plus Show Posting Timelines

Hulu Plus, a popular streaming service, often faces questions about when new shows and episodes become available on its platform. This article aims to clarify the timelines and factors involved in the release of new content.

Timing for Hulu Originals

Hulu typically posts new episodes of its original shows at the same time as they are released, often at midnight Pacific Time. This ensures that viewers have immediate access to the latest episodes. However, for series that are part of a seasonal release, Hulu may choose to release all episodes of a season at once or release them weekly, depending on the specific series.

Post-TV Airing Delay on Hulu Plus

Hulu Plus operates slightly differently. It generally waits for new shows and series to air first on TV. After a show has aired on TV, Hulu Plus then waits for 8 days before making the episodes available. This delay ensures that viewers in traditional television markets can catch up to live TV before streaming it on Hulu Plus.

Industry Standards for Streaming Services

Between 72 and 90 days is the standard delay for newly released shows on most streaming services. This delay period can vary depending on the network and the specific partnership agreements. Some shows, like those from ABC, NBC, and FOX, may have a shorter delay, as low as 24 hours. However, for shows from other networks, the delay may be longer due to licensing agreements and other factors.

Specific Release Times for Hulu Plus

In some cases, Hulu Plus can release episodes of new shows as soon as two hours after the show has ended in the viewer's time zone. For example, many soap operas and other live or near-live releases may be available on Hulu Plus shortly after they air on television.

Factors Influencing Content Availability

Several factors can influence the timing of content on Hulu Plus. These include contracts, copyright, geography, and permissions. Once all these factors are cleared and technically ready, it is a matter of hours to put a program in Hulu Plus's system. However, the exact timing can vary based on the above factors and the specific agreements with content providers.

Hulu Plus, like other streaming services, follows these general guidelines but may have slight variations depending on the nature of the content and partnerships.

For viewers interested in the latest episodes of their favorite shows, keeping an eye on Hulu Plus's schedule and announcements is the best course of action. By following these updates, you can stay informed about the exact times when new episodes will be available.

Enjoy watching your favorite shows with Hulu Plus, and don’t miss out on any episodes!