Hulu is a leading American online media streaming service headquartered in Santa Monica, California, launched in 2007 as a joint venture among major media companies including NBCUniversal, Fox, and Disney-ABC. It provides subscribers with access to a vast library of current television shows, classic series, films, and critically acclaimed original programming such as *The Handmaid’s Tale* and *Only Murders in the Building*[1][2][5][6]. Initially conceived as a platform to stream recent TV episodes from its founding partners' networks, Hulu expanded in 2010 by launching a subscription service called Hulu Plus, offering full seasons and next-day access to new episodes. Over time, it diversified its offerings to include both an ad-supported free tier and subscription plans with options for commercial-free viewing and live TV streaming, now bundled with Disney+ and ESPN+ for broader appeal[1][2][4][6]. Hulu has played a pivotal role in reshaping television consumption habits, popularizing binge-watching, and influencing digital media engagement. It has grown substantially under Disney’s ownership, which acquired a controlling stake in 2019 and has since moved to fully consolidate the platform, including buying out Comcast’s minority share by late 2023. As of 2025, Hulu boasts around 55.5 million paid subscribers, making it one of the largest streaming services in the United States, though it still ranks behind Netflix in subscriber count[1][3][5]. Hulu’s business model combines subscription revenue with advertising income, and its content includes programming from Disney-owned networks like ABC, FX, and 20th Century Studios, as well as exclusive originals. The platform continues to innovate with live TV offerings and strategic content partnerships, exemplified by a 2025 carriage deal adding TelevisaUnivision channels to its live TV service[2][4][6]. Overall, Hulu stands out as a major player in the competitive streaming landscape, blending legacy media strengths with digital innovation