WIGS And FOX Debut ‘Blue’ On Hulu, Other Series To Follow

The self-described “number one channel for drama on YouTube” is making a move that will give it a similar presence on a different platform. WIGS, the female-oriented YouTube Original Channel from Jon Avnet and Rodrigo Garcia, has debuted Blue, its most popular series, on Hulu.

Blue stars Julia Stiles as a single mom who moonlights as a prostitute, and it became the first WIGS series to receive a second season when it released the first of ten new episodes last March. Many of WIGS’ most viewed videos are related to Blue, a product of Stiles’ high-caliber acting and lots of pre-roll ad spots. Instead of simply copy-pasting the series to Hulu, WIGS is rearranging it in five TV-length episodes, which have all been posted to the premium distribution site.

The move is a calculated one. WIGS is now partnered with FOX

, and the Hulu move represents the major network’s intention to explore online distribution platforms beyond YouTube. “We’re delighted to see our multi-platform strategy is paying off, in this case partnering with YouTube to use their immense platform as a successful staging ground to launch a promising new series with great future potential to become a hit,” said Kiliaen Van Rensselaer, Senior Vice President of Multi-Platform Programming for FOX. “It’s early in the game, but we’re seeing evidence that providing our studios, like WIGS, the freedom to experiment creatively, while adding FOX’s marketing, promotional and distribution muscle, is getting results.”

Other popular WIGS series, such as Lauren and Jan, will soon follow Blue to Hulu. Thanks to the partnership with FOX, don’t be surprised if a network TV debut is next on the menu for WIGS’ crown jewels.