Los Angeles (CA) - Hulu.com, a Youtube clone created jointly by NBC and Fox, has launched with a preview version today, allowing users to view legitimately posted clips of their TV shows.

The site, which is supported by advertisements, lets users have access to full episodes of select shows from the two networks, as well as full-length films from the site's flagship partners Sony and MGM.

Ahead of the site's preview launch, NBC has pulled all of its content that if officially posted on Youtube.  It was the most prolific TV network contributor to the Google-owned site before it decided to focus exclusively on Hulu.

Shows available immediately will be Fox's hit The Simpsons and NBC comedy 30 Rock, as well as a collection of older shows including Lost in Space.  NBC also already offers full episodes of Late Night with Conan O'Brien at NBC.com.

Forrester Research TV analyst James Quivey told the Associated Press that the technology behind Hulu is actually ahead of most Flash video sites.  "I think they have moved a couple of steps forward compared to their competitors in the industry," he said.

The final version of Hulu is expected to launch by the beginning of 2008.

Another stupid move by NBC

Oct 29, 2007 11:08     

and I thought stupid was pulling youtube clips by fans of your own shows until this. NBC shareholders should wake up and fire someone
Tor report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Simpsons...

Oct 29, 2007 12:10     

Does this mean all Simpsons episodes will be available online, for free, legally? ... Ugh, but let me guess, they will have the commercials in the middle of the show just like on TV. lol
m report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

What's the fuz

Oct 30, 2007 02:28     

What's the fuz about? I can already watch Conan, Heroes and other shows on NBC without commercial interruption and for free. I haven't watch a single episode live again for more than a month. /me is happy
J report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Re: another stupid

Oct 30, 2007 05:27     

NBC was one of the biggest contributors to YouTube. Now they have a joint venture with Fox. How is this dumb? Internet TV is the future. And they get to advertise on their site. How much advertising do you see on YouTube?
TomWaddle report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

This is not stupid.

Nov 02, 2007 06:20     

Just go to NBC.COM and see what is already available. Full episodes of hit shows, free to watch! This is a preview of what is to come for Hulu. You missed a show or missed the entire season, logon my friend and enjoy the shows in much better quality. It's legal and free. I'm catching on Heros right now.
Doug_d report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0