Hulu reportedly adds NBC cable networks to live TV service

Hulu’s live TV service, which is still being tested by consumers, reportedly added NBC-owned cable networks including Bravo and E! to its programming mix. Those networks appeared on the service starting last Friday, according to a Bloomberg report.

But Hulu has yet to reach a deal with NBC for its broadcast channels—including its flagship network.

NBC is the lone holdout among the big four TV broadcasters, as ABC/Disney, CBS and Fox have all reached terms with Hulu for inclusion of their broadcast channels and regional sports and cable networks.

As the report pointed out, NBC is the only major broadcaster owned by a cable company, Comcast. Pay-TV providers like Comcast and DirecTV compete directly with virtual MVPDs like Hulu, and could end up losing subscribers to the service.

RELATED: Hulu signs on A+E Networks for live TV service but Viacom may be out

Hulu’s live TV service will be priced under $40 when it becomes available in the coming months. The service will feature a 40-plus channel lineup, cloud DVR and access to Hulu’s large on-demand library.

Hulu’s other co-owners Disney, Fox and Time Warner have all signed on for the live TV streaming service, meaning NBC/Comcast is the only company with an ownership stake in Hulu yet to reach terms for the service.

Hulu recently announced a deal with A+E Networks that will include A&E, History, Lifetime, LMN, FYITM and Viceland as part of the live streaming TV channel lineup.

“As we begin to finalize our new live TV service, we’re pulling together the most valuable, well-rounded package of channels available for under $40,” said Mike Hopkins, CEO of Hulu, in a statement. “We know the A+E Networks brand of award-winning storytelling is important to our viewers, and we’re very excited to add their networks to the core service we launch this spring.”

However, Viacom and its slate of channels are being left out of the service. Hulu was unable to come to terms with Viacom for carriage of its channels including Nickelodeon, Comedy Central and MTV.