Hulu Brings Israeli Series to the Network, First Foreign Language Series
posted Saturday Jul 14, 2012 by Scott Ertz
Since its inception, Hulu has been known as the place for Americans to watch American programming. This is not to say there isn't foreign language programming available. In fact, Hulu has more anime available than Manga Entertainment, as well as Spanish language programming. What Hulu has never offered, however, is exclusive foreign language programming.
This week, Hulu has changed that. Their first exclusive foreign programming is the critically acclaimed Israeli drama Prisoners of War. The series, whose first episode is available now, is the highest rated Israeli television drama, and even won nine Israeli Emmy Awards. The series, which will be published in 10 parts, follows the lives of two soldiers as they try to reintegrate into modern society after being in a prison camp for 17 years. As if that is not enough, during their debriefing, their stories do not match, initiating an investigation into who they are.
The CEO of Keshet Broadcast, Avi Nir, who owns the rights to the program, said,
We are looking forward for this great opportunity to bring the unique voice of 'Prisoners of War' to a worldwide audience. We are happy and proud to partner with a market leader such as Hulu in this U.S. debut.
It is good to see Hulu expanding its lineup, especially so close to the possibility of the company going up for sale. Obviously foreign broadcasters are starting to get excited about the Hulu platform, and if they can gain more traction with foreign exclusive programming, they could solidify their place in the industry, worldwide.