Hulu’s getting ripped to shreds for overcharging and underperforming

Cable cutting is indeed becoming a common trend as streaming options proliferate, but the transition hasn’t been without its challenges, especially in the sports arena. The early 2020s have seen a mix of growing pains, as evidenced by the recent issues with Hulu’s live sports coverage.

Recent Hulu Outages

On October 17, during crucial MLB playoff moments, Hulu experienced significant outages, affecting around 83,000 viewers according to Downdetector. Fans took to social media to express their frustrations, lamenting, “I pay $100s of dollars and you go down during playoff baseball?” This outcry highlights the high stakes for viewers who have turned to streaming for live sports, particularly during pivotal playoff games.

The outages were particularly unfortunate for fans of the Dodgers and Mets, who were facing off in a National League Championship game. The disruptions began when the game was tied 1-1 in the second inning, with many viewers missing critical plays during the second through fourth innings. Reports indicated that login issues persisted until the evening, compounding viewer dissatisfaction.

The Cost of Streaming

Many Hulu customers are understandably frustrated, especially since the prices for streaming services with sports add-ons often mirror or exceed traditional cable costs—something that many consumers sought to escape in the first place. Over the past few years, nearly all streaming services, including major players like Disney Plus, Netflix, and Max, have raised their subscription prices. The reasons behind these increases range from bloated budgets and high-profile salaries to an evolving business model focused on producing extensive limited series, all while general inflation looms large.

Hulu’s Response

In response to the backlash, Hulu Support acknowledged the issue on social media, stating they were working to resolve the technical problems affecting live playback and login errors. They later updated customers, saying that the situation had improved but was not fully resolved. Many subscribers jokingly asked if they could expect credits on their next bills or refunds, but it’s unlikely that Hulu will accommodate such requests.

Watching MLB on Hulu

When functioning properly, Hulu Plus Live TV allows subscribers to access live MLB broadcasts, the MLB Network, and the option to record games. However, coverage is subject to regional availability, and users must ensure they have a compatible device and a stable home network. Unfortunately, the situation during the playoff games demonstrated that a functioning Hulu is just as essential as having peanuts and hot dogs for the full game-day experience.

For those who are less invested in MLB, a basic Hulu subscription offers access to NHL games and next-day WWE streams, providing alternative sports content without the premium costs associated with live TV.

The recent Hulu outages serve as a reminder of the complexities of transitioning from cable to streaming, particularly for sports fans who rely on these services for live events. As streaming services continue to evolve, it’s crucial for platforms like Hulu to address these technical challenges to retain their audience and justify the growing subscription costs. As the industry matures, consumers will likely keep a watchful eye on both performance and pricing.