Hulu Grabs CSI Streaming Exclusive (Sorry, Netflix)

The on-demand content grab continues, with Hulu announcing it'll be the only place to go if you're a CSI: Crime Scene Investigation fan thanks to an exclusive licensing deal. Notable for being the first time any of the CSI shows have been offered through a subscription video-on-demand service, the agreement – described as "multi-year" though with nothing more specific than that – will see over 300 existing episodes offered for binge-watching, in addition to making Hulu the place for new episodes as CBS airs them. That includes CSI: Cyber, the newest addition to the franchise which is about to debut.

Exclusive deals over popular series aren't new in the on-demand space, as the key players – generally centered Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu – scrabble to lock up the juiciest content and make themselves the only place to consume it.

That sometimes means persuading networks like CBS to license content for VOD for the first time, as is the case with the first season of CSI, or occasionally even poaching a show from a rival. Back in December, Hulu struck a similar deal with FX Productions for exclusive access to shows like The Strain.

Meanwhile, content owners themselves aren't afraid to yank their shows from a network if there's a better deal to be found elsewhere. Amazon, for instance, is losing Doctor Who and other BBC shows in the coming weeks.

Hulu also confirmed that CBS's Elementary, the Sherlock Holmes reboot which sees the famous detective relocated to New York City, will also soon be available on its service as an exclusive.

All of the CSI episodes will be available through Hulu Plus from early April.

SOURCE Hulu