Hulu nabs exclusive streaming rights to kids’ TV series ‘Curious George’

Hulu is monkeying around: The streaming service has scooped up the exclusive streaming rights to “Curious George.”

The Santa Monica-based company and NBCUniversal, the studio behind the kids’ series, have inked a multiyear deal that would give Hulu the exclusive streaming rights to TV episodes and future seasons of “Curious George.” The deal also includes TV specials and original movies.

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The deal underscores how children’s programming has become the new front line in the streaming wars as services like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon look to maintain interest among young viewers, who are responsible for much of the shift toward digital consumption.

All of the offerings of “Curious George” will be available to stream in Hulu’s commercial-free Hulu Kids’ environment beginning March 31. The catalog already includes nine seasons -- and more than 100 episodes -- of the series.

“‘Curious George’ is one of the most beloved characters in kids’ programming and we are delighted to bring the TV series to Hulu,” Craig Erwich, Hulu’s content chief, said in a statement. “As we continue to add the best of premium television to our service, this partnership represents both an expansion and a commitment to our kids and family offering.”

The popular children’s series, based on the books by Margret and H.A. Rey and geared to the preschool set, airs daily on PBS KIDS.

“We are thrilled to partner with Hulu on ‘Curious George,’and we salute them for recognizing the value of this important children’s series and the significance of its addition to their kids and family offering,” Frances Manfredi, president NBCUniversal TV & New Media Distribution, said in a statement.

The deal boosts Hulu’s offerings in the kids’ programming space. Last year it renewed and expanded its partnership with Viacom, giving it more content from Nickelodeon. In addition to Nickelodeon and PBS, Hulu also has content partnerships with Disney and Turner’s Cartoon Network.

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