Hulu and Viacom Reach Agreement; Daily Show Returns
Hulu-watchers will be cheering today, because The Daily Show, once one of the site's most popular offerings, is returning. Hulu and Viacom have reached an agreement that will bring that show to Hulu's free site and many others from Viacom's lineup-which includes Comedy Central, MTV, BET, VH1, Spike TV, and TV Land-to Hulu Plus subscribers.
There's something for everyone in this agreement, since free viewers will get full episodes of The Daily Show, while subscribers will also get a selection that includes Jersey Shore, Tosh.0, Teen Mom 2, Manswers, Let's Stay Together, and Hot in Cleveland. Those extra Hulu Plus shows, however, won't be available until three weeks after they air, showing that Hollywood is still skittish about online distribution.
Hulu Plus subscribers will also gain 2,000 episodes of older programs-including The Chappelle Show, Reno 911, Beavis & Butthead, Real World, Punk'd, and Baldwin Hills-from Viacom's library.
Hulu didn't disclose the financial terms of the agreement.
We are very pleased to partner with Hulu in a way that recognizes the value of our strong brands and the passionate young fans who are attracted to our content," said Philippe Dauman, president and CEO of Viacom. "The Hulu Plus service offers us the opportunity to connect with our audiences through an exciting subscription and ad supported platform that is complementary to our existing distribution arrangements."
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