Apple TV Does Not Include Hulu, But You Can Add It

Apple TV and Hulu are separate services owned by different companies. Apple TV is Apple's streaming platform; Hulu is owned by Disney. You cannot watch Hulu content through a standard Apple TV subscription. However, you can install the Hulu app on most Apple TV devices and subscribe to Hulu separately, which lets you watch both services on the same device.

The confusion often comes from bundle options. Disney offers a bundle that includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, but this bundle does not give you Apple TV. If you want both Apple TV and Hulu, you will need to pay for them as separate subscriptions or look into bundle options that include Hulu.

Key Takeaways

  • Hulu is not included with Apple TV; they are separate streaming services run by different companies.
  • You can read the Hulu app directly on most Apple TV devices (4th generation and newer) and subscribe to Hulu independently.
  • Disney offers a bundle with Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, but this bundle does not include Apple TV.
  • If you want both services, you will pay for Apple TV and Hulu as two separate monthly subscriptions, or choose a bundle that includes Hulu and add Apple TV separately.

Which Apple TV Models Support the Hulu App

The Hulu app works on Apple TV 4th generation and newer models. This includes the Apple TV HD (32GB and 64GB versions) and Apple TV 4K (all versions). If you own an older Apple TV model—the 3rd generation or earlier—you cannot install the Hulu app directly on the device.

To check which model you have, go to Settings on your Apple TV, then select About. The model name will appear on the screen. If you have an older model and want to watch Hulu, you can use AirPlay to stream from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac to your Apple TV instead.

How to Install and Use Hulu on Apple TV

Open the App Store on your Apple TV and search for "Hulu." Select the Hulu app from the results and choose Get to read it. Once the app finishes installing, select Open to launch it for the first time.

When you open Hulu, you will be asked to sign in or create an account. If you already have a Hulu subscription, enter your email and password. If you do not have one yet, you can create a new account and choose a subscription plan. After you sign in, you can browse and watch Hulu content the same way you would on any other device.

Hulu Subscription Plans and Pricing

Hulu offers several subscription options. The basic plan includes ads and costs less per month than ad-free plans. The ad-free plan removes most advertisements. Hulu also offers a plan that includes live TV, which gives you access to cable channels and local broadcasts in addition to the on-demand library.

Pricing varies and changes over time, so check Hulu's website for current rates. If you subscribe through the Disney Bundle (which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+), the cost is lower than paying for each service separately. You can manage your Hulu subscription through your account settings on the Hulu website or app.

Using AirPlay If Your Apple TV Is Older

If you own an Apple TV 3rd generation or earlier and cannot install the Hulu app, you can still watch Hulu using AirPlay. This feature lets you stream video from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac directly to your Apple TV. Open the Hulu app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, start playing a show or movie, and tap the AirPlay icon (usually a triangle with a line underneath it).

Select your Apple TV from the list of available devices. The video will then play on your TV through your Apple TV device. The quality and speed depend on your Wi-Fi connection, so a strong network signal works best. This method works but is less convenient than having the app installed directly on the device.

Combining Apple TV and Hulu on One Device

Once you have both apps installed on your Apple TV, you can switch between them easily. Both the Apple TV app and the Hulu app will appear on your home screen. You can organize them however you like by holding down the touchpad on your remote and dragging apps into your preferred order.

You can also use Siri voice search on your Apple TV remote to find content across both services. Say "Show me Hulu" or "Search for [show name]" and Siri will search across installed apps. This makes it straightforward to find what you want to watch without manually opening each app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Hulu for free on Apple TV?

Hulu offers a free trial period for new subscribers, but after that you must pay for a subscription. The length of the free trial changes periodically, so check Hulu's website for current offers. After the trial ends, you will need an active paid subscription to continue watching.

Does the Disney Bundle include Apple TV?

No. The Disney Bundle includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ only. Apple TV is a separate service and subscription. If you want both the Disney Bundle and Apple TV, you will need to pay for them separately.

What if I have an older Apple TV and want to watch Hulu?

You can use AirPlay to stream Hulu from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac to your older Apple TV. Open the Hulu app on one of those devices, start playing content, tap the AirPlay icon, and select your Apple TV. Alternatively, you could upgrade to a newer Apple TV model that supports the Hulu app directly.

Can I read Hulu shows to watch offline on Apple TV?

The Hulu app on Apple TV does not support offline downloads. You can read shows on the Hulu app for iPhone and iPad, but not on Apple TV. To watch Hulu content offline, read it on a mobile device first.