Hulu's Podcast Power Play: Comedy Show Acquisition Stuns Industry!

Hulu is officially jumping into the podcast game, and they’re doing it with a splash of comedic absurdity. The streaming giant has inked a deal to exclusively license "We're Here To Help," the hilarious advice podcast hosted by none other than Jake Johnson (of "New Girl" fame) and comedian Gareth Reynolds.

Hulu's Podcast Power Play: Comedy Show Acquisition...

For those unfamiliar, "We're Here To Help," produced by the comedy powerhouse Headgum, is exactly what it sounds like – or at least, aspires to be. Johnson and Reynolds tackle listener problems with a healthy dose of often terrible, yet always entertaining, advice. Think Dear Abby meets a particularly chaotic improv session. The show, which launched back in August of last year, has quietly built a loyal following thanks to its laid-back charm and the undeniable chemistry between its hosts. I've only caught a few episodes, but their willingness to just go completely off the rails is strangely addictive.

Starting February 10th, Hulu subscribers can get their dose of comedic counsel twice a week, with new episodes dropping every Sunday and Tuesday. And to kick things off right, Lamorne Morris, Johnson's beloved "New Girl" co-star, will be gracing the first Hulu episode as a guest. It's a smart move, considering "New Girl" found a whole new audience when it landed on streaming platforms – first Netflix, and then Hulu and Peacock last year. Clearly, Hulu understands the power of tapping into that existing fanbase. Plus, who *doesn't* love a good "New Girl" reunion, even in podcast form?

The deal is pretty straightforward: Hulu gets exclusive streaming rights to both the entire back catalog of "We're Here To Help" *and* all new episodes. This means Hulu viewers get to listen a day *before* the episodes hit the podcast's revamped YouTube channel and other audio platforms. It's a clever strategy, giving Hulu a unique edge and incentivizing listeners to tune in there first.

It's worth noting that this isn't Johnson's first foray into the Hulu-verse. The streaming service already hosts "Self Reliance," his 2023 directorial debut, a comedic thriller that definitely showcases his quirky sensibilities. And of course, as mentioned above, "New Girl" is a major player on the platform. So, in a way, this podcast acquisition feels like a natural extension of their relationship.

"Jake and Gareth have amassed such an incredible fanbase over the years, and we’re looking forward to sharing 'We’re Here to Help' with an even broader audience," said Kaiti Moos, Headgum’s Vice President of Content. "Hulu is the perfect partner to help us bring the series into this exciting next chapter, with their creator-first philosophy and global reach.” With guests like Zooey Deschanel, Dakota Fanning, and even Jimmy Kimmel having graced the show with their presence, it seems like "We're Here to Help" is poised to become a major player in the comedy podcast world. And now, thanks to Hulu, a whole new audience is about to discover the joy of hilariously bad advice.