Hulu paid approximately $96 million to stream the popular comedy series Schitt's Creek in the United States. This substantial investment covers the streaming rights for a period of three years.
Understanding the Acquisition Cost
The financial details of streaming rights acquisitions are often complex, but insights suggest a significant outlay for popular titles. For Schitt's Creek, Hulu's deal reflects the show's immense popularity and critical acclaim, especially after its sweep at the Emmy Awards.
The breakdown of the payment indicates a per-episode valuation:
- Per Episode Cost: Hulu is paying around $1.2 million for each episode of Schitt's Creek.
- Total Episodes: With 80 episodes across six seasons, this per-episode cost accumulates to the overall total.
- Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $96 million ($1.2 million/episode x 80 episodes).
This lucrative deal secured the exclusive streaming rights for Hulu within the U.S. market, preventing other platforms from carrying the beloved series during the specified three-year period. The move saw Schitt's Creek migrate from its previous streaming home, Netflix, to Hulu in October 2022.
Key Aspects of the Deal
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Cost | Approximately $96 million |
| Cost Per Episode | Around $1.2 million |
| Contract Duration | Three years |
| Geographic Scope | United States streaming rights |
| Previous Streamer | Netflix (left October 2022) |
| Current Streamer | Hulu |
This acquisition underscores the competitive landscape of the streaming industry, where platforms are willing to invest heavily to secure exclusive content that drives subscriptions and viewer engagement. Shows like Schitt's Creek, with their established fan base and critical recognition, are valuable assets in this high-stakes environment.
