If you like watching television shows online, you might want to take a look at hulu.com, which just launched on March 12, 2008. It’s similar to YouTube, in that you can watch clips and whole episodes of your favorite shows, but hulu has actually partnered with the content providers, so the videos aren’t going to be removed when the networks get mad.
You can’t download the clips, but you can share them via e-mail and embedding. Here’s a sample for you to check out. It’s a scene from the Family Guy Star Wars episode, where Princess Leia tries to record her desperate plea for Obi-wan Kenobi’s help, but she has trouble with the technology. 
So far, there are a good number of networks signed on, including NBC, Fox, Sci-Fi, G4, National Geographic, the Sundance Channel, The Onion, and Bravo, with more on the way.
There has been some grumbling about having to view ads along with clips (like commercial breaks, but only seconds instead of minutes), and the inability to download files, but I think it’s a nice alternative to YouTube, because it’s legal. I’m sure I’ll be spending even more time in front of my computer screen, re-watching some old favorite programs, and maybe getting hooked on some new ones!
What do you think of hulu? Will the ads drive you nuts, or will you give it a try?
I think it’s a step in the right direction for content providers. The ads might drive me nuts, but I’ll gladly give it a try for Battlestar Galactica! So glad to see Sci-Fi on that list. Ahhh, I’m a nerd. And gosh, it feels good.
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I watch Hulu and I think its cool! We don’t have cable so its the only way I get to see some of my fave shows. Plus it’s free!
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I wrote an article on this as well. I spent the rest of that day watching the Riches and Arrested Development. I love the site. I figure if big boys are going to make this kind of an effort I can meet them half way. I don’t mind the ads since the ads is what keeps it free.
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