Hulu has earned its place as one of the top streaming platforms in the United States, known for its impressive library of current TV episodes, blockbuster movies, and originals that rival major services like Netflix and Disney+. From award-winning series to next-day access to top network programming, it’s no wonder viewers around the world want in. However, Hulu is not officially available in the UK, which creates a challenge for international fans. Even if you bypass geo-restrictions using a VPN, you’ll still face another hurdle: Hulu only accepts US-based payment methods. But don’t worry, there are smart, secure ways to get around this limitation. In this article, we’ll discuss why Hulu isn’t available in the UK and what Licensing Laws made it difficult to watch Hulu in the UK.
What Is Hulu, and Why Is It Popular?
Hulu is a leading US-based streaming platform that offers a variety of current TV episodes, blockbuster films, and exclusive originals. Unlike many other services, Hulu provides next-day access to popular shows from major American networks, making it a favorite for those who don’t want to wait.
What truly sets it apart is its lineup of Hulu Originals, including critically acclaimed series like The Handmaid’s Tale, Only Murders in the Building, and The Bear. These high-quality, buzz-worthy shows have helped Hulu build a loyal fanbase.
For viewers in the UK, Hulu’s impressive content library and exclusive programming make it a highly sought-after service despite the challenge of accessing it from outside the US.
Why Hulu Isn’t Available in the UK
Many UK viewers wonder why they can’t simply sign up and watch Hulu in the UK like they would with other streaming platforms. The answer lies in licensing agreements and complex distribution laws that govern how content is shared across borders.
Hulu is primarily a US-based service, and the rights to stream its shows and movies are limited by region. That means content available on Hulu in the United States might already be licensed to other broadcasters or streaming platforms in the UK, making it legally unavailable for Hulu to offer it there.
A clear example of this involves Disney+. While both Hulu and Disney+ are owned by the Walt Disney Company, their content distribution strategies differ internationally. In the UK, much of the content that resides on Hulu in the US is available through the “Star” content hub within Disney+. This suggests that Disney has chosen to consolidate certain content under the Disney+ banner for the UK market rather than launching Hulu as a separate service.
Hulu’s business model is built around acquiring and producing exclusive content, then monetizing it through a mix of ad-supported and ad-free subscription plans. Outside the US, however, instead of launching Hulu as a global platform, Disney often sells the streaming rights to local networks or uses Disney+ to distribute that content. This strategy allows them to earn revenue from international licensing deals without needing to expand Hulu globally.
As a result, if you want to watch Hulu in the UK, you’ll need to work around these geo-restrictions using a VPN and explore alternative payment methods because the platform is officially geo-blocked and doesn’t offer direct access outside the United States.
What Are Licensing Laws?
Licensing laws in media distribution are legal agreements that determine where and how movies, TV shows, and other content can be shown. When a streaming platform like Hulu wants to offer a show, it needs to secure the rights to do so, usually through deals with production companies or studios. These rights are often sold on a country-by-country basis, meaning one network might have exclusive streaming rights in the US while another has the rights in the UK or elsewhere.
This system helps studios and content creators maximize profits by selling their content to different buyers in different markets. However, it also creates limitations for global streaming platforms. For example, if Hulu has exclusive rights to stream a show in the US, but those rights have already been sold to a UK broadcaster, Hulu cannot legally stream that show in the UK.
As a result, Hulu is limited to operating within the United States, where it holds the appropriate streaming rights. This is why the platform geo-blocks access from outside the US. Without the proper international licensing agreements, Hulu cannot legally offer its full library to viewers in other countries, making it challenging for people in the UK to access its content directly.
Can You Watch Hulu in the UK?
Hulu is not officially available in the UK due to licensing restrictions and regional content distribution. However, some users may attempt to access Hulu by using a VPN to bypass geo-restrictions. While a VPN can change your virtual location to the US, it’s important to note that this may violate Hulu’s Terms of Service, potentially leading to account suspension. Always proceed with caution and ensure that you’re aware of the potential consequences before using a VPN. For a fully legal experience, consider alternative streaming options available in the UK.
Will Hulu ever come to the UK?
As of now, Hulu is not available in the UK. Disney, which owns Hulu, has instead integrated select Hulu content into the Disney+ platform through the “Star” hub in the UK. This approach allows Disney to offer a broader content library without launching Hulu as a standalone service in the region. While there have been discussions about Hulu’s international expansion, including potential plans for the UK, no official timeline has been announced. For UK viewers seeking Hulu content, subscribing to Disney+ with Starhub remains the primary legal option.
Conclusion
Hulu’s absence in the UK stems from licensing laws, not a lack of demand. Content rights are often sold on a country-by-country basis, making it difficult for platforms like Hulu to operate globally. While Disney’s ownership of Hulu has led to some content being available on Disney+ in the UK, the full Hulu experience remains inaccessible without using a VPN. As the streaming industry evolves, will we ever see Hulu expand internationally? The future of global streaming remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: content distribution complexities will continue to shape the streaming landscape.