Hulu Signs First-Look Deal With Switchboard Magazine

Disney continues to build out its documentary lineup for Hulu with a new first-look deal with Switchboard Magazine, which will give the streaming service the first right to develop documentary features, docuseries, and other unscripted projects originated by Switchboard’s editorial team or adapted from the magazine’s reporting.

According to the company’s official description, Switchboard Magazine is a digital publication committed to reshaping the landscape of narrative storytelling. Once a month, they publish original nonfiction and fiction that celebrate diverse voices and viewpoints, sharing stories grounded in emotional truth. They prioritise quality writing, character-driven narratives, and rigorous craft.

Celia Aniskovich, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Switchboard Magazine, said in a statement to Deadline regarding the deal:

“The team at Hulu are some of the best in the business when it comes to non-fiction, and we couldn’t ask for a better collaborator as we build what’s next for Switchboard. Our model depends on partners who care about the story and the storytellers, first — and that’s exactly what we’ve found in Hulu.”

The company launched in early 2025 and has worked on many documentaries including “Livestreams with GrandmaPuzzles”, and “Saving Superman”.

Roger’s Take: Disney is in constant need for inspiration for new documentaries to fill its streaming service and having access to these articles could hopefully bring us more variety in what types of documentaries will be heading to Hulu and Disney+ in the future. 

What do you think of Hulu signing this first-look deal? Let me know on social media!