Hulu is a popular streaming platform known for its extensive collection of TV shows, movies, and exclusive original content. Unlike Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, Hulu’s availability is limited to a few countries, primarily the United States and Japan. Due to licensing agreements, the content on Hulu varies between these regions. Let’s take a look at how Hulu’s libraries differ across countries and what makes each one unique.

The US Hulu Library

The United States has the most extensive Hulu library, offering a massive selection of TV shows, movies, and original series. Since Hulu is majority-owned by Disney, it provides access to content from networks like ABC, FX, and 20th Century Studios. Some of the most popular Hulu Originals include The Handmaid’s Tale, Only Murders in the Building, and The Bear.

Additionally, Hulu in the US offers next-day streaming for many network TV shows, making it an excellent option for viewers who want to keep up with the latest episodes. Hulu also provides add-ons like HBO Max, Showtime, and Starz, allowing users to expand their content library further.

The Japan Hulu Library

Japan is the only other country where Hulu is officially available. However, Hulu Japan operates independently from its US counterpart and is owned by Nippon TV. The Japanese Hulu library focuses on local content, including anime, J-dramas, and exclusive Japanese movies. Popular anime like Attack on Titan and Demon Slayer are available alongside international hits.

Why Is Hulu Not Available in More Countries?

Unlike Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, which have expanded globally, Hulu remains largely restricted due to licensing deals and its US-based business model. Since Hulu relies on agreements with American networks for much of its content, expanding internationally would require renegotiating many of these deals. Instead, Disney has chosen to offer Hulu content through its Disney+ Star service in countries outside the US and Japan.

Accessing Hulu from Other Countries

Since Hulu is not available in many regions, some users attempt to access it using a UK VPN, US VPN, or India VPN to bypass geo-restrictions. However, Hulu actively detects and blocks VPNs, making it difficult to stream content from outside authorized locations.

Final Thoughts

Hulu remains one of the best streaming services for US viewers, offering a vast selection of TV shows, movies, and originals. While its availability is limited outside the US and Japan, its exclusive content continues to attract audiences worldwide. For those looking for Hulu-like content in other countries, Disney+ Star has become an alternative platform offering many of the same TV shows and movies.