Hulu today launched its live streaming service with roughly 50 channels for $39.99 a month.

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The company said the lineup includes local network affiliates in select markets as well as such basic cable channels as the Disney Channel, ESPN, the Fox News Channel, CNN, TBS and TNT.

In addition to the live channels, the $40 a month will give you access to Hulu’s subscription video on demand service, which normally starts at $7.99 a month. 

Showtime is also available for $8.99 a month, but HBO is not available.

Hulu Live will compete with such live streaming services as Dish’s Sling TV, AT&T’s DIRECTV Now and Sony’s PlayStation Vue as well as traditional pay TV operators from the cable and satellite industries.

While the combination of live channels and an on-demand service may appeal to some, Hulu could be hurt by not offering AMC, HBO, Discovery, Starz or Viacom-owned channels such as MTV and Comedy Central. Fox and NBC regional sports channels will be available, but not in every market.


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Hulu is also offering a ‘cloud DVR’ for $14.99 a month, which might be too steep for online viewers.


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The live service is available on the 4th generation Apple TV, the XBox One, Google Chromecast, iOS devices such as the iPhone and iPad and Android devices. More devices such as Roku and the Amazon Fire TV suite of products are expected to be added soon.

— Phillip Swann