The world of live streaming services has revolutionized the way we consume television content. With numerous options available, users can choose from a variety of platforms that cater to their viewing preferences. However, one notable absence has been puzzling subscribers of Hulu Live: CBS. Despite being one of the most popular networks in the United States, CBS is not available on Hulu Live, leaving many to wonder why. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind this omission and explore the implications for viewers.
Understanding the Hulu Live Lineup
Before diving into the CBS conundrum, it’s essential to understand the Hulu Live lineup. Launched in 2017, Hulu Live is a live streaming service that offers a range of TV channels, including sports, news, and entertainment. The platform provides users with access to over 65 channels, including popular networks like ABC, NBC, FOX, and ESPN. However, CBS is noticeably absent from this list.
The Role of Affiliate Agreements
One of the primary reasons CBS is not on Hulu Live is due to affiliate agreements. In the United States, television networks like CBS have affiliate agreements with local stations. These agreements grant local stations the right to broadcast network content, including TV shows and sports events. However, these agreements also come with certain restrictions, including the requirement that local stations must be the primary broadcaster of network content in their respective markets.
Hulu Live, as a streaming service, does not have the same affiliate agreements as traditional cable providers. As a result, CBS is not obligated to provide its content to Hulu Live, and the network has chosen not to do so.
Impact on Viewers
The absence of CBS on Hulu Live has significant implications for viewers. CBS is home to some of the most popular TV shows, including “NCIS,” “The Big Bang Theory,” and “60 Minutes.” Without access to CBS, Hulu Live subscribers are forced to seek alternative means to watch these shows, such as purchasing individual episodes or seasons through digital stores like iTunes or Google Play.
Furthermore, the lack of CBS on Hulu Live also affects sports fans. CBS is the primary broadcaster of NFL games, including the AFC package, which features some of the most popular teams in the league. Without CBS, Hulu Live subscribers are unable to watch these games live, forcing them to seek alternative streaming options or traditional cable providers.
Alternative Streaming Options for CBS Content
While CBS is not available on Hulu Live, there are alternative streaming options for viewers who want to access CBS content. Some of these options include:
- CBS All Access: CBS offers its own streaming service, CBS All Access, which provides users with access to a wide range of CBS content, including TV shows and sports events. The service is available for $5.99 per month, with an ad-free option available for $9.99 per month.
- Paramount+: In 2021, CBS All Access rebranded as Paramount+, expanding its content offerings to include movies and TV shows from Paramount Pictures. The service still offers CBS content, including live TV and on-demand programming.
- YouTube TV: YouTube TV is a live streaming service that offers a range of TV channels, including CBS. The service is available for $64.99 per month, with add-ons available for additional channels and features.
- AT&T TV Now: AT&T TV Now is a live streaming service that offers a range of TV channels, including CBS. The service is available for $55 per month, with add-ons available for additional channels and features.
Comparison of Streaming Options
When choosing a streaming option for CBS content, viewers should consider several factors, including cost, channel lineup, and features. The following table compares the streaming options mentioned above:
| Service | Cost | Channel Lineup | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBS All Access | $5.99-$9.99 per month | CBS content only | Live TV, on-demand programming, ad-free option |
| Paramount+ | $4.99-$9.99 per month | CBS content, Paramount Pictures movies and TV shows | Live TV, on-demand programming, ad-free option |
| YouTube TV | $64.99 per month | Over 85 channels, including CBS | Live TV, on-demand programming, cloud DVR, add-ons available |
| AT&T TV Now | $55 per month | Over 45 channels, including CBS | Live TV, on-demand programming, cloud DVR, add-ons available |
Conclusion
The absence of CBS on Hulu Live is a significant omission, affecting viewers who want to access popular TV shows and sports events. However, alternative streaming options are available, including CBS All Access, Paramount+, YouTube TV, and AT&T TV Now. When choosing a streaming option, viewers should consider factors such as cost, channel lineup, and features to ensure they find the best service for their needs.
Ultimately, the decision to exclude CBS from Hulu Live is a complex issue, driven by affiliate agreements and business considerations. As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, it’s possible that Hulu Live may reconsider its decision and add CBS to its lineup. Until then, viewers will need to explore alternative options to access their favorite CBS content.
What is the main reason CBS is not available on Hulu Live?
The primary reason CBS is not available on Hulu Live is due to a dispute over retransmission fees. CBS, like other major broadcast networks, charges cable and satellite providers a fee to retransmit their signals. Hulu Live, being a streaming service, is also required to pay these fees to carry CBS’s content. However, the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the fee amount, resulting in CBS’s absence from Hulu Live’s channel lineup.
This dispute is not unique to Hulu Live, as other streaming services have also faced similar issues with CBS and other broadcast networks. The retransmission fees are a significant source of revenue for broadcast networks, and they are becoming increasingly important as more viewers cut the cord and switch to streaming services. As a result, these disputes are likely to continue until a mutually beneficial agreement can be reached.
Is CBS available on any other live TV streaming services?
Yes, CBS is available on several other live TV streaming services, including Paramount+, FuboTV, and YouTube TV. Paramount+, in particular, offers a wide range of CBS content, including live TV, on-demand episodes, and exclusive original content. FuboTV and YouTube TV also carry CBS as part of their channel lineups, although the availability of CBS may vary depending on the user’s location.
It’s worth noting that CBS’s availability on these services may be subject to the same retransmission fee disputes that affected Hulu Live. However, for now, these services have managed to come to an agreement with CBS, allowing users to access the network’s content. Users who want to watch CBS live may want to consider switching to one of these services or using an antenna to receive over-the-air broadcasts.
Can I still watch CBS shows on Hulu?
Yes, Hulu still offers a wide range of CBS shows on-demand, including popular titles like “NCIS,” “The Good Fight,” and “Blue Bloods.” While Hulu Live may not carry CBS, the service’s on-demand library still includes a large collection of CBS content. Users can access these shows by searching for them in Hulu’s library or by browsing through the service’s various categories.
However, it’s worth noting that Hulu’s on-demand library may not include the latest episodes of CBS shows. For users who want to stay up-to-date with the latest episodes, they may need to look elsewhere, such as Paramount+ or the CBS website. Additionally, some CBS shows may not be available on Hulu at all, so users may need to check the service’s library to see what’s available.
How can I watch CBS live without a cable subscription?
There are several ways to watch CBS live without a cable subscription. One option is to use an antenna to receive over-the-air broadcasts. This method is free and allows users to access live CBS content, including sports and news. Another option is to subscribe to a live TV streaming service that carries CBS, such as Paramount+, FuboTV, or YouTube TV.
Users can also watch CBS live on the network’s website or through its mobile app. However, this method may require a cable subscription or a subscription to a live TV streaming service that carries CBS. Additionally, some CBS content may not be available live on the network’s website or app, so users may need to check the service’s availability before signing up.
Will CBS ever be available on Hulu Live?
It’s possible that CBS could become available on Hulu Live in the future, but it would require a new agreement between the two parties. Hulu Live would need to agree to pay CBS’s retransmission fees, which could be a significant expense. Alternatively, CBS could decide to lower its fees or offer a different deal to Hulu Live, which could make it more feasible for the service to carry the network.
However, until a new agreement is reached, CBS will remain absent from Hulu Live’s channel lineup. Users who want to watch CBS live will need to look elsewhere, such as Paramount+, FuboTV, or YouTube TV. It’s also possible that Hulu Live could decide to focus on other content offerings, such as its on-demand library or original content, rather than trying to negotiate a deal with CBS.
What are the implications of CBS’s absence from Hulu Live?
The absence of CBS from Hulu Live has significant implications for users who want to watch the network’s content. Without CBS, Hulu Live’s channel lineup is less comprehensive, which could make it less attractive to potential subscribers. Additionally, the dispute between Hulu Live and CBS highlights the challenges of negotiating retransmission fees, which can be a major obstacle for live TV streaming services.
The absence of CBS from Hulu Live also underscores the importance of retransmission fees for broadcast networks. These fees are a significant source of revenue for networks like CBS, and they are becoming increasingly important as more viewers switch to streaming services. As a result, disputes over retransmission fees are likely to continue, which could impact the availability of broadcast networks on live TV streaming services.
How does the dispute between Hulu Live and CBS affect the streaming industry as a whole?
The dispute between Hulu Live and CBS has significant implications for the streaming industry as a whole. It highlights the challenges of negotiating retransmission fees, which can be a major obstacle for live TV streaming services. Additionally, the dispute underscores the importance of retransmission fees for broadcast networks, which are becoming increasingly important as more viewers switch to streaming services.
The dispute also raises questions about the long-term viability of live TV streaming services. If these services are unable to come to agreements with broadcast networks, they may be unable to offer comprehensive channel lineups, which could make them less attractive to potential subscribers. As a result, the dispute between Hulu Live and CBS could have far-reaching implications for the streaming industry, potentially impacting the way that live TV is delivered and consumed in the future.