Watch Hulu on Linux: A Guide for Ubuntu & Other Distributions

Getting Hulu to Function on Linux Systems

Out of the box, Hulu is not directly compatible with current Linux distributions. Unlike Netflix, which often functions seamlessly within the Google Chrome browser, Hulu’s Digital Rights Management (DRM) system presents challenges.

Achieving functionality requires some configuration adjustments. While not immediately operational, accessing Hulu on a Linux environment is certainly possible.

Historical Context and Current Challenges

The situation hasn't always been this complex. Previously, when Netflix presented obstacles for Linux users, Hulu actually provided a dedicated desktop application for Linux systems.

However, this application has since been discontinued. Currently, Hulu’s operation is dependent on Adobe Flash, and the DRM implementation within Flash is becoming increasingly unreliable on Linux platforms.

The core issue stems from the aging and deteriorating DRM code associated with Adobe Flash. This impacts Hulu’s ability to reliably stream content on Linux operating systems.

Here's a summary of the key points:

Initial Compatibility: Hulu doesn't natively run on modern Linux.
Netflix Comparison: Netflix generally works with Chrome, unlike Hulu.
Past Solution: A dedicated Linux desktop app was once available.
Current Dependency: Hulu relies on Adobe Flash.
DRM Issues: Flash's DRM is failing on Linux.

Accessing Hulu on Linux Requires Firefox

Related: Is your Flash Player current when using Firefox on Linux? Outdated versions can cause issues!

A challenge arises when attempting to stream Hulu on Linux systems. Hulu’s platform depends on legacy Adobe Flash DRM technology, which in turn necessitates a Linux library called HAL. Unfortunately, this HAL software is considered obsolete and is no longer included as a standard installation on contemporary Linux distributions.

Consequently, specific compatibility packages must be installed to enable the proper functioning of this HAL-dependent DRM system.

Furthermore, viewing Hulu content requires the use of the Mozilla Firefox web browser. The older HAL-based DRM is exclusively compatible with the legacy Flash plug-in provided by Firefox. The more recent PPAPI (Pepper API)-based Flash Player, integrated within Google Chrome, is not supported by Hulu’s older DRM implementation.

Therefore, a dual-browser approach is necessary: utilize Google Chrome for Netflix and Mozilla Firefox for Hulu. This workaround, while functional, highlights the complexities of maintaining compatibility across platforms.

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Enabling Flash Player for Firefox

Initially, the Adobe Flash Player plug-in must be installed within your Firefox web browser. If Flash isn't already present on your system, a notification will appear indicating that Hulu requires it when you attempt to stream content.

Typically, Flash installation can be accomplished through the software repositories provided by your Linux distribution. As an illustration, on Ubuntu systems, launch the Ubuntu Software Center and conduct a search for "flash." Subsequently, install the software package labeled "Adobe Flash plug-in."

It is crucial to select the Flash plugin specifically designed "for Mozilla," "for Firefox," or the "NPAPI" variant of the plug-in. The "PPAPI" or "for Chromium" Flash version is exclusively compatible with Chrome and browsers built upon the Chromium engine.

Confirming the correct plugin is installed will ensure Hulu functions as expected within Firefox.

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Installing the Legacy HAL Library for Hulu Access

After installing Firefox and the necessary Flash plugin, attempting to stream content on Hulu may result in an error. Specifically, users often encounter error code 2203, indicating a problem with protected content playback.

Hulu’s guidance directs users to install a “hal” package, however, this package is frequently unavailable for download on current Ubuntu and other contemporary Linux systems.

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Instead of installing the complete, outdated HAL package – sometimes referred to as the “zombie HAL PPA” within the Ubuntu community – a more streamlined approach is recommended.

Martin Wimpress, the lead developer for Ubuntu MATE, maintains a “hal-flash” PPA. This provides the necessary components for DRM-protected Flash content playback without requiring the full HAL layer.

To implement this solution, the PPA must be added to your Ubuntu system. This process is also applicable to Linux Mint and other distributions based on Ubuntu. Launch a Terminal window and execute the following commands sequentially, pressing Enter after each one. The initial command adds the PPA, the second updates the package information, and the third installs the libhal1-flash library.

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:flexiondotorg/hal-flash

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install libhal1-flash

For users of Linux distributions other than Ubuntu, Linux Mint, or their derivatives, locating a HAL package specifically for Flash will be necessary. This package may be available within your distribution’s official repositories or through a third-party source.

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Following the installation, revisit Hulu in Firefox and attempt to play a video. The error message should now be resolved, allowing for successful playback.

Should the error persist, closing and reopening Firefox is advised. If the issue remains, a complete system restart may be required before proceeding.

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This issue has been ongoing for an extended period. Adobe’s documentation references HAL installation for Ubuntu versions 10.x and later, dating back to releases from 2010.

Adobe’s current development efforts are no longer focused on Flash for Linux. A permanent resolution will require Hulu to adopt a modern, HTML5-based video playback system, similar to the one utilized by Netflix in Google Chrome. Until this transition occurs, Linux users will likely experience some difficulties with Hulu playback.