Hulu Taps CBS For Streaming Rights To Classic TV Shows

By R. Thomas Umstead
published

OTT content distributor Hulu continued to build up its library of television shows Monday, announcing a rights deal with CBS to stream past episodes of several classic TV series.

The non-exclusive, multi-year licensing agreement include more than 5,300 episodes of CBS library programming from such shows as Everybody Loves Raymond (pictured), Taxi, Ghost Whisperer, The Brady Bunch, Laverne & Shirley, Melrose Place, and 7thHeaven, as well as Showtime series United States Of Tara, said company officials.

The announcement comes on the heels of recent CBS and Hulu Plus deals for previous seasons of crime drama Elementary police procedural Blue Bloods.

“With the newly expanded CBS content library, Hulu Plus subscribers will be treated to some of the most significant shows ever seen on television,” said Hulu CEO Mike Hopkins in a statement. From Happy Days to Cheers and Everybody Loves Raymond, these hit shows defined their eras, and we’re thrilled to offer full seasons to be enjoyed by new and loyal audiences anytime, anywhere.”

R. Thomas Umstead
R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.