Hulu unveils original series for 2013

US streaming and catch-up and service Hulu has unveiled three new original properties that it will launch this year including a coproduction with the BBC and its first original animated series.

Six-part series The Wrong Mans will be a Hulu-BBC Worldwide coproduction. It will star James Corden (Gavin & Stacey) in a story of lowly office workers who get caught up in a criminal conspiracy. BBC Worldwide is expected to handle international sales.

The Awesomes is a grown-up animated show created by Saturday Night Live’s Seth Meyers. It is the story of the greatest superhero team in history, The Awesomes, and what happens after all the most powerful members leave. The team is led by Professor Doctor Awesome who is voiced by Meyers

The third show is Behind the Mask, a factual show that takes a behind-the-scenes look at the world of sport mascots. The ten-episode series was created by filmmaker Josh Greenbaum and will be produced by Occupant Entertainment.

All three shows will debut this summer on the ad-supported Hulu service and its premium subscription offering Hulu Plus.

“It’s a thrill to share what we have planned in 2013,” said Andy Forssell, Hulu’s senior VP of Content. “We’re working with innovative showrunners such as Seth Meyers and Michael Shoemaker, Josh Greenbaum and James Corden and Mathew Baynton, while releasing a full slate of highly anticipated series exclusive to stateside audiences with beloved stars like Eva Longoria.”

Hulu also announced several shows to which it has secured exclusive rights. The line-up of acquired shows includes cop series Braquo, season two of Prisoners of War, the Israeli drama that inspired Homeland and season four of British reality show The Only Way is Essex.

Hulu bought the abovementioned shows from Zodiak Media, Keshet International and All3Media International respectively.

Hulu also acquired Mother Up!, which TBI covered here.