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What Premium Channels Can You Add On To A Hulu Subscription?

Lauren Forristal
Lauren Forristal is a news writer for The Streamable, providing coverage on the most recent movies, TV series, and sports events.
Read full bio ›
Lauren Forristal

You may know Hulu offers a live TV option and a standalone on-demand option. But did you know you can add premium subscription channels to both? There are many add-ons and bundles to learn about as well. You can customize your Hulu experience with additional premium channels like Cinemax, HBO Max, SHOWTIME, and STARZ. We’ll discuss them in more detail later.

What is Hulu?

The term “Hulu” can refer to two different things:

  • Similar to Netflix or Disney+, there is an on-demand streaming service option that has a catalog of movies and TV shows.
  • However, there is also a TV service with many live channels (think YouTube TV or Sling TV). This gives viewers access to 0 channels. Subscribers to this service also get access to the Hulu on-demand catalog.

A basic ad-supported on-demand Hulu subscription is $6.99/month (students can get Hulu (ad-supported) for $1.99/month). If you want an ad-free experience with offline capabilities, Hulu (No Ads) costs $12.99/month. Luckily, Hulu has a 30-day free trial.

Hulu’s Live TV option is $69.99/month. You can remove ads from the on-demand library for just $6 more: $75.99/month. If you’d like to try Hulu Live TV, you can get a 7-day free trial. Hulu Live TV automatically includes a subscription to Disney+ and ESPN+.

Learn more about Hulu’s plans here: What is the Difference Between Each Hulu Plan?

Premium Channels on Hulu

Like some other services (Amazon Prime Video), you can build upon your plan with additional channels. That means you can take advantage of any of Hulu’s subscriptions with premium channel add-ons, and that way, you never have to worry about paying multiple bills or using different apps to watch content. There are four options: Cinemax, HBO Max, Showtime, and Starz.

You can manage your subscription on the site at any time to check out any of the various options.

Cinemax ($9.99/month)

The Cinemax premium channel, allows you to watch hundreds of popular movies and original series like “Strike Back,” “Banshee,” and “Outcast.” Plus, there are exclusive behind-the-scenes clips.

HBO Max ($14.99/month)

The HBO Max add-on includes all of HBO’s library, as well as popular documentaries, movies, and original series. HBO originals like “The Sopranos,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “The Wire,” and more are all available to watch. Also, the channel add-on offers licensed and original content like “Succession,” “Euphoria,” “The Sex Lives of College Girls,” among other favorites.

SHOWTIME ($10.99/month)

Showtime has award-winning exclusive content, movies, and even some sports. There are hits like “Billions,” “Homeland,” and “Shameless” or even championship boxing events. There are also live feeds available for select supported devices.

STARZ ($8.99/month)

Starz is the cheapest premium channel add-on for Hulu. Whether you want Hollywood classics, new blockbuster movies, or enthralling original series, like “Outlander” and “Power.” Starz constantly updates its library with the most-wanted titles.

How to Add Channels to Regular Hulu

On a computer, go to the upper right and hover over your initial, then click Account. Scroll down and click Manage Add-ons. You’ll see all the premium add-ons available. Select the one you want and it will be added to your bill.

Hulu Bundles – Disney+ and ESPN+

Save on your Hulu subscription by bundling it with Disney+ and ESPN+. It’s the best way to save and gives you a $6 discount. The least expensive bundle is $13.99/month — that gives you all three services (but you will get ads with Hulu). You can get rid of Hulu ads if you pay $19.99/month for the bundle. If you already subscribe to Disney+ or ESPN+, you can still add the bundle and save.

Hulu Live TV already comes with free access to Disney+ and ESPN+. You cannot opt out.

Hulu Live TV

Most of Hulu’s add-ons apply exclusively to its live TV packages.

Hulu Live TV Network Add-Ons

If you sign up for Hulu Live TV, you can add premium channels like Cinemax, HBO, Parmount+ with SHOWTIME, and Starz for $9-$15 each. There are also channel bundles available.

Hulu Live TV Feature Add-ons

  • Enhanced Cloud DVR: ($9.99/month) If 50 hours of DVR storage aren’t enough for your family of binge-watchers, you can upgrade to Enhanced Cloud DVR and expand the storage to a full 200 hours. You’ll also be able to fast-forward through commercial breaks in your recordings. If you bundle it with the Unlimited Screens Add-on you can get both for a total of $14.99/month.
  • Unlimited Screens: ($9.99/month) The Unlimited Screens Add-on gives you the ability to watch on an unlimited number of screens at home. Plus, while on the go, you can stream on three separate mobile devices.
Lauren Forristal
Lauren Forristal is a news writer for The Streamable, providing coverage on the most recent movies, TV series, and sports events.
Read full bio ›
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DIRECTV STREAM Cash Back

Let us know your e-mail address to send your $50 Amazon Gift Card when you sign up for DIRECTV STREAM.

You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.

Offer Terms

  • Only valid for new DIRECTV STREAM subscribers.
  • Only valid once per household.
  • You must pay and maintain service for at least one month to be eligible.
  • Purchase must be completed on the DIRECTV STREAM website.
  • You’ll receive gift card 4-6 weeks after purchase (~2 weeks after your first month).
  • Cannot be combined with any other promotion and won’t be eligible if you try to use a coupon code or cash back from another site.

Sling TV Cash Back

Let us know your e-mail address to send your $25 Uber Eats Gift Card when you sign up for Sling TV.

You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.

Offer Terms

  • Only valid for new Sling TV subscribers to Sling Orange, Blue, or Sling Orange + Blue.
  • Only valid once per household.
  • You must pay and maintain service for at least one month to be eligible.
  • You must click from The Streamable and complete your purchase on the Sling TV website.
  • You’ll receive gift card 4-6 weeks after purchase (~2 weeks after your first month).
  • Cannot be combined with any other promotion and won’t be eligible if you try to use a coupon code or cash back from another site.

Hulu Live TV Cash Back

Let us know your e-mail address to send your $35 Amazon Gift Card when you sign up for Hulu Live TV.

You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.

Offer Terms

  • Only valid for new Hulu Live TV subscribers.
  • Only valid once per household.
  • You must pay and maintain service for at least one month to be eligible.
  • You must click from The Streamable and complete your purchase on the Hulu Live TV website.
  • You’ll receive gift card 4-6 weeks after purchase (~2 weeks after your first month).
  • Cannot be combined with any other promotion and won’t be eligible if you try to use a coupon code or cash back from another site.