Hulu To Launch CBS Subscription Service In Japan

CBS Corp. and Hulu signed a multi-year, non-exclusive licensing agreement that will let certain CBS TV shows to be streamed instantly by subscribers to Hulu’s new subscription-only service in Japan.

Under this new deal, Hulu subscribers in Japan will have access to previous seasons of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CSI: Miami, CSI: NY, NCIS and The CW’s 90210, as well as a broad range of library programming including Numbers, Star Trek and Twin Peaks.

“We’re thrilled to have CBS’s world class content be part of Hulu’s first international market and their new venture in Japan,” said Armando Nuñez, president, CBS Studios International.  “This new subscription service marks yet another opportunity to deliver CBS programming to more global viewers in a way that complements our traditional licensing business and realizes even more incremental value from our library.”

“With the launch in Japan, Hulu is focused on adding meaningfully to the entertainment choices available to Japanese consumers, while providing a valuable new channel for distribution, increased consumer reach and incremental monetization for our premium content partners,” said Johannes Larcher, SVP of International for Hulu.  “The partnership with CBS is significant for the Japan service, and we are excited to bring these popular shows to Japanese entertainment fans anytime and anywhere.”

Hulu in Japan is the company’s first international expansion.  The new service will offer subscribers unlimited instant access to premium feature films and popular television shows across connected TVs, gaming and entertainment consoles, Blu-ray players, Smartphones, tablets and PC’s, without advertising, for ¥1480 per month.