Netflix has supportedoffline viewingfor some time now, making it much easier for mobile users who want to watch a movie or TV show somewhere without solid internet access to do so. In the announcement, Hulu stated that it plans to offer the ability to download movies andTV shows for offline viewingas well. The approach it takes will be slightly different though.
Unlike Netflix, Hulu has subscription tiers that include ads. If you’re paying for one of these subscriptions, you’ll still see ads offline. So while you’ll be able to watch offline, you’re able to also expect to see more targeted advertising. As Hulu’s senior vice president of advertising sales, Peter Naylor, says, “With downloadable content, we’re offering brands more ways to connect with engaged viewers who love the experience of watching television, wherever they may be.”
Hulu says that the ability to download shows and movies to watch offline will come to the service “during the 2018-19 upfront season.”
The company also announced several new content deals, one of which is a big grab for the company. In what it calls its largest “kids & family” deal to date, Hulu has inked a deal with DreamWorks Animation, which you likely know best for the Shrek franchise and its spinoffs. Indeed, in coming years, Hulu will addShrek, Shrek 2, Shark Tale,and others. In the future, Hulu will be the exclusive streaming home for upcoming films likeHow to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World,The Boss Baby 2andTrolls 2.
Hulu also announced several renewals and new series. Following thepremier of its second seasonlast week,The Handmaid’s Taleis being renewed for a third season, which should come as no surprise. The company also announced new series like horror anthology seriesInto The Dark, the J.J. Abrams and Stephen King collaborationCastle Rock, Ramy,a comedy series based on the life of comedian Ramy Youseff, andFour Weddings and a Funeral, a limited series based on the 1994 film of the same name written and executive produced by Mindy Kaling and Matt Warburton.
