Overview of Hulu in September 2017
In September 2017, Hulu operated as a primarily ad-supported subscription service with a growing library of recent and classic TV shows, a smaller slate of newer originals, and a modest catalog of movies available for purchase or rental. This period reflected a platform balancing broad licensed content with rising investment in originals. For viewers new to Hulu, understanding what was new in September 2017 helps clarify how the service was shaping its identity and what kinds of titles were typically available around that time.
Key Context for New Users in 2017
By 2017, Hulu had established itself as a destination for current-season TV episodes, a robust back catalog of past seasons, and a handful of original series. The interface supported both the ad-supported plan and the subscription-ad-free plan, with differences in commercial load and content access. Families could add profiles, and parental controls were available, though broader parental control features would develop later. For someone new to the service, the first steps included signing up for a plan, setting up profiles, and learning how to use the cloud DVR, which was already a notable feature for many subscribers.
Hulu Originals Released in September 2017
Hulu continued to build its original programming slate in September 2017, favoring serialized narrative shows and documentaries. The timing of releases often aligned with broader awareness or cultural moments, and originals were positioned as a key differentiator from other streaming services. Below is a snapshot of notable Hulu original content that became available around that period, including series that were already live and titles launched specifically in September 2017.
| Title | Type | Release Status in September 2017 | Category / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live PD | Documentary/Reality | Ongoing series (premiered June 2016) | Police bodycam footage, aired live on Friday nights |
| Crashing | Scripted Series | Ended first season (premiered January 2017) | Pete Holmes comedy about stand-up comedians |
| Difficult People | Scripted Series | Ongoing (Season 3 in 2017) | Satirical comedy about struggling comedians |
| The Girlfriend Experience | Scripted Drama | Season 2 (premiered July 2017) | Based on the Steven Soderbergh film |
| Casual | Scripted Comedy | Ended with Season 3 (premiered October 2015) | Serialized character-driven comedy-drama |
| Future Man | Scripted Comedy | Renewed for Season 2 in late 2017 (launched November 2017) | Starring Josh Hutcherson, produced by Seth Rogen |
| Shrill | Scripted Comedy | First season premiered in March 2019 (announced in 2017) | In development during 2017, not yet released |
| Ramy | Scripted Comedy | Premiered in April 2019 (announced in 2017) | In development during 2017, not yet released |
Planned and Announced Originals Near September 2017
Throughout late 2017, Hulu was actively commissioning originals, including narrative dramas and comedies. Some projects moved from development to production in 2017, but their premiere dates extended into 2018 and beyond. This pipeline signaled Hulu’s intent to compete more aggressively in original content while leaning on its strength in niche and adult-skewing series.
Notable Non-Original Additions in September 2017
In addition to originals, Hulu regularly refreshed its library with new seasons of popular series and added newly licensed movies. September often served as a window for summer finale catches and early holiday content in certain regions. Content acquisition varied by country, with the US catalog typically leading global launches.
How Release Windows Affected Viewing in 2017
Many shows and movies arrived on Hulu with delays relative to their cable or theatrical runs. In September 2017, this meant that recent seasons of network and cable shows often appeared several weeks to a few months after their linear broadcast. Movies were frequently available for rental or purchase before joining the subscription library. These windows shaped how new users experienced the platform and influenced perceptions of value.
What 'New to Hulu' Meant in September 2017
For someone new to Hulu in September 2017, the experience combined familiar favorites with emerging originals. The catalog leaned heavily on TV-focused content, with a growing but still limited selection of movies. The platform emphasized social and shareable viewing through profiles and, in some regions, watch parties and improved discovery tools. Understanding this context helps frame how new users would have encountered Hulu at that time and what they could reasonably expect from the service.