At the Television Critics Association's Summer Press Tour, Hulu announced a groundbreaking agreement with Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution that will make over 800 episodes from TGIF, America's favorite Friday night lineup from the 1990s, available to stream on SVOD for the first time ever in the U.S., only on Hulu. The company also revealed a second season pickup for its critically acclaimed drama series, Harlots, as well as a new original documentary feature around one of the world's most popular female icons, Barbie.
In a new agreement with Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution, Hulu has acquired the exclusive, streaming, subscription video on-demand rights to all episodes of iconic series Full House, Family Matters, Step by Step, Perfect Strangers and Hangin' with Mr. Cooper. The pact, which includes over 800 episodes, will mark the streaming SVOD debut of America's favorite Friday night lineup from the 1990s. The full libraries of all five beloved Warner Bros. comedies will launch exclusively in the U.S. on Hulu Friday, September 29th, on the heels of the 30th Anniversary of Full House and the 25th Anniversary of Hangin' with Mr. Cooper. "TGI-Hulu!" Here's what Craig Erwich, Hulu's SVP of Content
"These shows are more than just beloved hits, they were part of a cultural tradition to tune in every Friday night. Now, it can be Friday any day of the week on Hulu."
The new deal follows a string of significant content agreements that have made Hulu the streaming home to full libraries of fan favorite series including The Golden Girls, Seinfeld, The OC and more. Here's what Ken Werner, President, Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution, had to say in his statement.
"With this acquisition, Hulu is making available to their subscribers one of the most popular comedy blocks of programming ever. These hit family comedies have entertained viewers for decades and will now be available on SVOD."
Erwich also revealed today that Hulu Original drama series Harlots has been picked up for a second season. Following its highly successful and provocative first season, the breakout series will return for season two in 2018. Set against the backdrop of 18th century Georgian London, Harlots follows the Wells family, led by matriarch Margaret (Samantha Morton). When her daughter Charlotte (Jessica Brown Findlay) places herself in the home of arch-rival bawd Lydia Quigley (Lesley Manville), their toxic and deep-set rivalry is taken to a dangerous new level. Inspired by the stories of real women, Harlots is a powerful family drama as explored from the female perspective. The series stars Manville, Brown Findlay and Morton and hails from the creative team of Moira Buffini, Alison Newman, Alison Owen, Debra Hayward and Alison Carpenter, with Coky Giedroyc returning as lead director and Grainne Marmion producing.
Hulu also announced an exciting, new documentary about the iconic doll, Barbie, that will join the service's ever-expanding slate of Original Docs, which currently includes the BAFTA and five-time Emmy nominated, Grammy-winning The Beatles: Eight Days A Week, Batman & Bill, Becoming Bond, Dumb and the upcoming Too Funny To Fail and Obey Giant. The Untitled Barbie Documentary will take a retrospective look at Barbie's unexpected origins to who she represents today. Being the most popular doll ever created, Barbie has become a fashion icon, a lightning rod and a target for feminists. This funny, revealing documentary, featuring newly discovered footage and unprecedented access to the inner workings of Mattel during Barbie's biggest reinvention, examines 60 years of women in popular culture through the lens of an 11.5 inch plastic celebrity. Featured interviews include Gloria Steinem, Roxane Gay, Peggy Orenstein, Mattel insiders, cultural historians, and other critics of popular media. The Untitled Barbie Documentary, which will premiere in 2018, is produced, written and directed by Andrea Nevins. Cristan Crocker also serves as Producer.