The Robot Chicken has crossed the proverbial SVOD road.
Turner Broadcasting System said Thursday that it has agreed to make online video pioneer Hulu the exclusive SVOD home of previous seasons of programming from Cartoon Network and Adult Swim, as well as select current and upcoming series from TNT and TBS.
It marks the first deal between the two companies and apparently signals a change to the relationship between Turner and its previous SVOD partner, Netflix.
According to people familiar with the matter, Netflix will still carry some Turner content. But Hulu Plus (the pay service) will become the exclusive SVOD purveyor of full prior seasons of Cartoon stalwarts like Robot Chicken, The Venture Bros., Adventure Time and Regular Show.
Current seasons of Turner content will still be available on an authenticated basis from various distributors as well as Turner apps.
But all episodes from past seasons of TNT’s The Last Ship and Murder in the First will be available to stream exclusively for Hulu subscribers. Additionally, all episodes from past seasons of Adult Swim original series including Rick and Morty,Black Jesus,NTSF:SD:SUV and Cartoon Network original series such as TheAmazing World of Gumball, Steven Universe, Over the Garden Wall and Clarence will be made available to stream through an SVOD service for the first time on Hulu. All Cartoon Network series will be available to stream ad-free in the Hulu Kids environment.
Hulu will also become the exclusive SVOD destination to stream Adult Swim and Cartoon Network classics, including Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!,Sealab 2021, and The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack.
“The addition of multiple titles from Cartoon Network represents a significant step forward in continuing to build a strong programming offering for the kids audience on Hulu,” said Hulu senior vice president and head of content Craig Erwich in a statement. “The adult animation series from Adult Swim, as well as the additional series from TNT and TBS, are a perfect addition to our current offering.”
Through the agreement, Hulu obtains exclusive SVOD rights to certain future series that will launch on TNT, TBS, Adult Swim and Cartoon Network over the coming years - including TBS’s upcoming series Angie Tribeca, which will be available to stream exclusively on Hulu after its full-season run on TBS.
"This deal with Hulu demonstrates the power of Turner Broadcasting's branded networks and the high demand for our programming in the marketplace," said Turner Broadcasting president David Levy in a statement. "This is a great opportunity to grow the reach of the networks' original programming and complements our strategy of utilizing multiple platforms – including SVOD – to drive sampling, introduce new viewers to our content and give current fans the opportunity to explore and enjoy Turner's new and existing series in a branded environment."
