14 DAY TRIAL // Watching TV shows online is becoming increasingly popular largely thanks to Hulu, the online video site set up by three of the four major TV networks in the US. Online video, though, isn't yet a complete alternative to actual TV watching, but that may be a good thing. There is a number of things that come naturally online, but are nearly impossible to replicate on TVs and Hulu is making the best of the online environment with a new Facebook app that allows users to share the viewing experience complete with live comments.
“To mark the onset of fall’s TV season, Hulu has just released some new Facebook applications that allow you to tune in to some of your favorite shows and share your thoughts with other Facebook users as you watch. The Hulu: Watch Now Fall Premieres app offers all of Hulu’s fall premieres — including shows from NBC, Fox and ABC — for streaming on Facebook as soon as they are posted to Hulu,” Hulu's Eric Yellin wrote on the company's blog. “You can post real-time updates as you watch, sharing them with your friends and others via the Hulu: Watch Now activity feed.”
Similar functionality has been seen from Facebook before and was first introduced earlier this year during US President's Barack Obama inaugural speech. The feature has seen a wider release over the summer, allowing users to add a chat component to live streaming videos. With Hulu's Watch Now app, users get to share their thoughts live while watching season premieres on the site with a wide selection of titles to choose from, with shows like Heroes, Family Guy, The Office, and others.
What's even more interesting is the fact that users can tune into a live screening of some season premieres. Users sign up to be notified of the upcoming premieres, which will be actual Facebook events and they can choose to watch them when they go live. The first premiere event will be the first episode from the fourth season of Heroes, which will air tomorrow.