We also welcome a new series from PBS, Independent Lens. Each episode, hosted by Terrance Howard, introduces a new documentary or drama shot by independent filmmakers. So far topics range from stem cell research to hate crimes in a post-9/11 world.

Meanwhile, CNBC offers a report on the American marijuana industry, Marijuana Inc.. Focusing on Mendocino County, Calif., Trish Regan breaks down the numbers of this booming cash crop.

Also debuting this week, the new Fox procedural Lie to Me starring Tim Roth (a familiar face to Tarantino and The Incredible Hulk fans). He’s a detection expert who can read a person’s facial expressions and body language to determine whether they’re lying. It’s sparked a lot of conversation on our discussion boards; you can get a taste of Dr. Lightman and his team in the embedded video below.

Rebecca (rebecca.harper@hulu.com),
Editor

With election day just around the corner, news reports about the candidates keep pouring in. Hulu’s Election ‘08 Spotlight page is updated twice a day with the latest clips from MSNBC and Fox News, plus more humorous fare from shows like SNL, The Colbert Report, The Tonight Show and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart — including Stewart’s recent interview with Barack Obama. To get you in the mood to vote, Hollywood celebs have teamed up to bring you this PSA, featured in our “Daily Humor” section.

We’ve also put together a collection of all of the Paul Newman movies currently available on Hulu. We’ve been working to acquire as many of the legends films as we can since his death, and now we’re able to offer his Oscar-nominated performance in Nobody’s Fool, as well as his turn as Buffalo Bill Cody in Robert Altman’s Buffalo Bill and the Indians. The page also features three other titles, including Rally ‘Round the Flag, Boys!, Newman’s second on-screen appearance with Joanne Woodward, his wife of 50 years.

And finally, with Halloween — er, Huluween — here, don’t forgot to get your scare on over at our Huluween spotlight page. This week’s videos include The Thing with Kurt Russell, the original Night of the Living Dead and, by popular demand, last week’s SNL send-up of Vincent Price — but there’s a lot more to check out.

Happy Huluween,

Rebecca

rebecca.harper@hulu.com

Editor

I only discovered Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles this summer. And thanks to the Season 2 premiere, “Samson & Delilah,” I’m hooked for life. All it took was Shirley Manson (the lead singer from the band Garbage) — the show’s new bad girl — and the remaining question of why Cromartie, a T-888 cyborg from the future, didn’t kill off Agent Ellis in last season’s finale. (Besides, I’m still not sure about Cameron…)

Meanwhile, Fringe brings a little of that old X-Files feeling back to the airwaves, thanks to its focus on the paranormal. And while some might think Agent Dunham is a little like Scully, the show is J.J. Abrams through and through, from the initial plane crash to the score by composer Michael Giacchino — both elements that should seem familiar to anyone familiar with Lost. As a little extra for ReGenesis fans, Peter Outerbridge (Dr. Sandstrom himself) makes a brief appearance as a doctor in the pilot.

If fashion’s more your thing, we’ve added highlights from the Spring 2009 collections at New York Fashion Week. With runway highlights, interviews and backstage coverage from our partners at Style Network, Style.com and Chic.TV, it’s your chance to see the hottest looks for spring.

And for the ultimate fashion fix, check out the premiere episode of Bravo’s new series, The Rachel Zoe Project. Zoe (rhymes with “doe”) has been a fashion it-girl for years now, styling A-list celebs like Anne Hathaway and Jennifer Garner. Her new reality show covers everything from her hunt for red carpet-worthy looks to her plans to create her own line of denim, sunglasses and handbags. Throw in some scenes with her testy assistant, Taylor, and you’ve got a reality TV show.

Enjoy,

Rebecca

rebecca.harper@hulu.com

Editor

More Movies

This week has been all about the mega-movie stars: Brad Pitt, Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Robert Redford … Cheech & Chong? From Legends of the Fall and Sleepless in Seattle to Robert Redford’s Oscar-winning directorial debut, Ordinary People, drama is finding its place on Hulu — but we’re not all about the tear-jerkers.

New-to-Hulu movies like Jackass 2.5 — outtakes from Jackass 2 — and Yellowbeard — a swashbuckler spoof starring Cheech & Chong — ensure there’s still plenty to laugh about.

And if you prefer thought-provoking war movies, check out Saints and Soldiers, a low-budget film loosely based on actual events that occurred following the Melmedy massacre during World War II’s Battle of the Bulge. Without relying on special effects or gore, it still manages to depict the fear and struggle this band of Allied soliders experienced as they made the dangerous journey from Nazi territory back to their troops.

More TV Favorites

Can’t get enough teen drama? Get your fix with select episodes of One Tree Hill and The O.C.. We have the first half of each show’s first season available right now; we’ll introduce more episodes as they become available.

More Web Originals

While this past year’s writers’ strike may have slowed down Hollywood, a bunch of top-notch writers and producers got together to create their own new comedies and dramas specifically for the Web. From The Line, directed by Saturday Night Live’s Seth Meyers, to Gemini Division, starring Rosario Dawson, and Coma, which headlines a number of Hollywood regulars, including Michael Madsen, we continue to bring you the top web originals around.

We’ll continue to add more programming to the site every day. Stay tuned next week: Fall premieres are just around the corner. We’ll have more updates on Tuesday.

Rebecca (rebecca.harper@hulu.com),
Hulu Editor

Sarah Connor’s Back!

To get you ready for the start of the second season, we’re posting an episode from the first season of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles every day. The story starts around the time Terminator 2: Judgment Day leaves off, with Sarah and 15-year-old John Connor on the run from love, the government and, of course, the robots from the future. But soon enough they realize it’s time to stop running. The first four episodes of Season One are already posted (and will be available for about a month); the second season begins September 8.

Remembering Bernie Mac

Comedian Bernie Mac passed away last Saturday due to pneumonia-related complications. The funny man starred alongside Brad Pitt and George Clooney in the Oceans franchise, with Ashton Kutcher in Guess Who, and in his own sitcom, The Bernie Mac Show. In his memory, Broadway Video released a few clips from his appearance on Saturday Night Live: his monologue and a few skits, including one where he shares in a special moment between Sully and Denise on the JumboTron.

Metropolitan

Ah, to be a disaffected, upper-class youth in Manhattan in the ’70s… You can get a taste for the world of rich debutantes and prep-school grads in Whit Stillman’s Metropolitan. And while fans of Gossip Girl might not flock to this dialogue-driven indie film (after all, it’s light on the melodrama), it’s possible to see the similarities between the two. There’s the outsider intellectual who finds himself caught up in the world of balls, shopping and fireside chats, and then there are the jaded, cynical girls of the Upper East Side — even one named Serena. Metropolitan precedes Stillman’s Barcelona and The Last Days of Disco, two other films about coming of age. It’s a different sort of film, one that’s centered on conversations, but something you can let soak in as you make the comparisons to F. Scott Fitzgerald and Dorothy Parker.

Rebecca (rebecca.harper@hulu.com),
Editor

New HD Videos

We’ve updated our HD Gallery with select, full-length episodes of hit shows like 30 Rock, The Office, Bones and 24. It also has Joss Whedon’s Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog in 720p, so you can get up close and personal with the singing supervillain.

Web Originals from SNL Stars

You can get a dose of comedy in less five minutes with the help of SNL’s Seth Meyers, Bill Hader and Simon Rich in The Line. The State’s Joe Lo Truglio joins superfan Bill Hader in line for the world premiere of Future Space, the summer’s biggest film. As the guys sit on the verge of going “line crazy,” they face all sorts of challenges: spoiler man, ex-girlfriends, and the freaky Telepathic Triplets of Cybar.

A few other SNL alums — Tim Meadows and David Spade — team up in Carpet Bros. Full of groovy ’70s costumes and seriously dry wit, it’s the story of three very different brothers who inherit a carpet store, only to discover their father left the company in serious debt. As they dream up ways to save the business, entrepreneur Raymond Davies Allen (Spade), plans a takeover.

What We’re Watching

This week, I began diving into old episodes of the critically acclaimed — and very underrated — Friday Night Lights. I’m hooked. From the first scenes of the pilot, I was in. I’d discounted the show as another football drama, but now I’m rooting for the Dillon Panthers through and through. Yeah, it’s about high-school football, but the drama is so much more than touchdowns and jocks dating cheerleaders: Kyle Chandler offers a complex, extremely likable Coach Taylor who carries the weight of this Texas town on his shoulders, and Connie Britton deserved an Emmy nomination for her performance as Tami, the coach’s strong-willed wife. With the first two seasons available here on Hulu, it’s worth giving the show a try.

Go Panthers, (rebecca.harper@hulu.com),
Rebecca

Web Exclusives

The Office team returns with another round of web-only episodes for the summer. While last year’s focus was on finding $3,000 that went missing from the accounting ledger, this time Kevin is looking for a loan to fund Malone’s Cones. In the first 2-minute webisode, “Money Trouble,” Kevin quizzes Oscar on the dos and don’ts of getting a loan.

Another NBC favorite, Heroes, is also running a series of web episodes called “Going Postal.” In the first webisode, “A Nifty Trick,” a typical postman discovers an extraordinary talent after a run-in with a Doberman.

Back from Summer Break

They’re back in the news: Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert return in full episodes of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report. Get your dose of the daily headlines, from Indecision 2008 to The Word.

Gaming News

For video game buffs, G4’s E3 ‘08 Live offers coverage of this year’s Gamers’ Conference. From a hands-on demo of Sierra’s Ghostbusters: The Video Game to the E3 trailer for Resident Evil 5, it covers the latest news from this week’s E3 conference.

Guilty Pleasures

Finally, here’s something about watching starlets meet their maker in slasher flicks. It’s even better when that starlet is Paris Hilton or even the pop star Pink. Sure, the scripts aren’t the best and the celebs won’t be winning Oscars any time soon, but Nine Lives (starring Paris Hilton) and Catacombs (featuring Pink) rely on psychological chills, screams and celebrity appearances for thrills.

Enjoy,

Rebecca

rebecca.harper@hulu.com

Hulu Editor

We’ve also introduced new keyboard shortcuts to make mouse-free viewing a little easier. Now you can press the space bar to pause and resume playing, while hitting the “F” key switches to full-screen mode.

More Movies

The Secret of NIMH is a trip down memory lane, the 1982 animated adaptation of the Newbury prize-winning Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. Touching, inspiring and at times a little scary, The Secret of NIMH tells the story of a family of field mice and a society of super-intelligent rats who want to free themselves from their dependence on humans.

Another classic tales comes to Hulu this week: Nicholas Nickleby, based on the Charles Dickens story. It takes us to 19th-century England while a penniless young Nicholas Nickleby (Charlie Hunnam) struggles to overcome the obstacles his scheming uncle (Christopher Plummer) places in front of him. Anne Hathaway (just after her turn in the first The Princess Diaries), Nathan Lane and Alan Cumming are also featured in smaller roles.

More Classic Television

Ann Romano is a recently divorced mom raising her two strong-headed daughters on One Day at a Time.
We have the first season of its nine-year run, complete with Schneider, the lovable building superintendent; Julie, the rebellious older daughter; and Barbara, the more mature younger daughter. Like many shows of the mid ’70s, it broached sensitive subjects, including birth control, pre-marital sex and suicide.

After leaving WJM-TV, Mary Richards’ famously gruff boss, Lou Grant (played by the Emmy-winning Lou Asner), returned to his roots as a newspaper editor in Los Angeles. Like One Day at a Time, Lou Grant touched on the era’s hot topics, as well as the ethics involved with journalism. Season 2 is now available on Hulu.

And the winner is…

In case you missed it, Chef Ramsey picked a winner on last night’s Hell’s Kitchen finale. Did Chef choose the creative Petrozza or the more reliable Christina? Tune in to find out:

Rebecca (rebecca.harper@hulu.com),
Editor

More from MOJO

MOJO continues to serve up more content on Hulu this summer. This week, we’ve added two new MOJO shows that appease your need for more sports and more technology. Fields of Glory, hosted by college sports broadcaster Brent Musburger, offers an insider’s view of college football’s greatest stadiums. Take a look and see if your alma mater is represented. Meanwhile, The Circuit’s geek-chic host Deepak Ananthapadmanabha (just call him Mr. Ananthapadmanabha) delivers gadget- and tech-related news with wonderfully dry delivery — what better way to learn about glow-in-the-dark pigs? (Of course, enlisting the help of Howard Stern’s Bowling Beauties to demonstrate Wii Bowling doesn’t hurt, either.)

Talent Show

Think America has talent? You can be the judge with clips from America’s Got Talent. Whether the Southern Belles wow you with their synchronized clogging, Miss PussyKatt makes you blush with an act that’s straight out of shop class, or 9-year-old David Militello melts your heart with his spot-on rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Ben,” there’s a little bit of entertainment for everyone.

Hill Street Blues

Before The Shield and even NYPD Blue, there was Hill Street Blues. Covering the work and personal lives of Captain Furillo, Sergeant Esterhaus and the rest of their squad, it offered a “real,” detailed view of the grittier side of life on the force. What made Hill Street Blues remarkable was its accurate portrayal of the force, the large ensemble cast, and the interwoven plot lines that arced over the course of several episodes. We’re happy to be able to bring another season on board for its devoted fans.

Be careful out there, (Rebecca),
Editor

Rescue Me Minisodes

Although new episodes of Rescue Me aren’t due until next spring, Hulu offers an alternative to fill in the gap: Rescue Me Minisodes featuring the 62 Truck guys. Although the storylines are typically unrelated to the series, it’s a chance to see the crew at its finest — giving each other a hard time at the firehouse. In the first five-minute installment, pretty boy Sean goes on a cleansing fast, abstaining from food, booze and caffeine because he’s been “feeling toxic.” The rest of the company, of course, takes issue with this, beginning a tirade of toilet humor that culminates in the ultimate temptation: Lou’s homemade doughnuts.

The Latest News, Now on Hulu

To help you stay on top of current events, Hulu now offers segments from three of NBC’s leading news programs — all updated daily. Clips from NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams cover important topics and stories from around the world, while our excerpts from the Today Show include great interviews, summer recipes and in-depth human interest stories, letting you tune in to the segments you’re most interested in. Finally, for more in-depth political coverage, NBC’s Meet the Press asks tough questions of policy makers. Several of the current clips (including this one) feature the best moments from the late host, Tim Russert.

You Asked For It: More Lost in Space

Lost in Space fans, we’re listening. Episodes from the third season of the space-age classic are now available. In this final season, the Robinson family travels to far-flung worlds in an attempt to reach Earth or Alpha Centauri. Lost in Space is a fun, fast-paced adventure filled with 1960s-era special effects and explosions, aliens, spaceships and kitschy costumes and sets.

A Cosmic Voyage

Brush up on your science knowledge with a sweeping view of the universe. Morgan Freeman narrates Cosmic Voyage, a compelling short film about the big bang theory, particle physics and evolution, keeping the terminology light enough for novices to follow. The first portion explores the outer reaches of our universe before moving inward to protons, electrons and quarks. It’s an interesting recap of modern science delivered with beautiful cinematography and cutting-edge computer animation.

Enjoy, (Rebecca),
Hulu Editor

Hulu Heats Up

One of our favorite summer shows is back on Hulu: The complete first season of USA’s Burn Notice, just in time to catch us up for the second season. Michael’s a former spy who’s been burned (spy-speak for getting fired). With no money to his name, he returns home to Miami to piece his life back together — and to figure out who burned him and why. Along the way, he uses his Special Ops skills to help others in need, giving us the lowdown on the ins and outs of being a secret agent. Fun fact: Star Gabrielle Anwar, who plays Michael’s fierce ex, Fiona (below), danced the tango with Al Pacino in Scent of a Woman.

Now Available: Complete Episodes of Silver Spoons, Season 1

Child stars often have a hard time crossing over into adult roles, and Silver Spoons star Rick Schroder spent years trying to live down his teen idol status. He eventually succeeded with major roles in Lonesome Dove and on NYPD Blue. With full episodes of the first season of Silver Spoons now available from Hulu, you can see the charm that got Rick on the cover of Tiger Beat — and check out an old-school Jason Bateman:

New Season: 30 Days

Morgan Spurlock made headlines when he went on a 30-day McDonald’s diet for his documentary Super Size Me. His critically acclaimed series 30 Days gives a diverse group of people the chance to experience radically different lives for a month. In Working in a Coal Mine, Spurlock signs himself up to work in a coal mine in his home state, West Virginia. 30 Days is about as real as reality shows get — and definitely worth a watch. Like this episode? Watch the first season and subscribe to the series (click on “subscribe to episodes”) so new episodes go straight to your queue.

Fashion First

For fashionistas who can’t wait for the next season of Project Runway, Hulu has just the thing. CHIC.TV Models gives you the scoop on the world of modeling, from manicures and makeup to life off the runway. You’ll recognize some of the featured models from Project Runway, including Season 4’s Lea Rannells and Marcia Mitchell. For fashion trends, CHIC.TV Fashion offers designer interviews and runway wrap-ups; FashionMojo covers everything from prom dresses to shoes that would make Carrie Bradshaw proud.

Remembering The Duke

Academy Award-winning actor John Wayne passed away on June 11, 1979. The epitome of rugged masculinity, he was an American icon, the star of Westerns and war movies, as well as John Huston’s The Barbarian and the Geisha, a historical drama about an American ambassador in 1850s Japan. Tune in to pay homage to a true legend.

Check back soon for more updates, (Rebecca),
Hulu Editor

New Series

Federal marshals Mary Shannon (played by West Wing’s Mary McCormack) and Marshall Mann help witnesses adjust to their new lives and identities. Dealing with mobsters, drug dealers and call girls on In Plain Sight, Mary and Marshall do it all, from picking up groceries and dealing with the cable company to roughing up suspects and tracking down murderers. With Mary’s tough-but-sexy demeanor and witty remarks, this is one summer show you don’t want to miss.

Reality Check

After watching the first batches of clips from Living Lohan and Denise Richards: It’s Complicated, we can tell LiLo’s mom and the former Mrs. Charlie Sheen will give us plenty to watch this summer. Our collection of clips from each show gives you the highlights of each episode in convenient, one- to two-minute doses like this one from Denise Richards: It’s Complicated.

Finals Fever

With the Red Wings leading the Stanley Cup finals 3-2, tonight’s matchup in Pittsburgh could determine who gets to have their names engraved on The Holy Grail. Game 5 of the series on Monday featured some of the best moments in NHL history. If you missed any of the action, check out the Red Wings vs. Penguins, Game 5 in its entirety right here on Hulu. More of a basketball fan? Catch highlights of the Lakers vs. the Celtics as the NBA Finals get underway tomorrow night.

Series Spotlight

After Hours with Daniel features acclaimed French chef Daniel Boulud as he hosts after-hour dinner parties at the hottest restaurants in New York and Los Angeles. As a recent transplant to L.A., I’m looking forward to eating at all of the spots Daniel visited in season 2. I can already check Father’s Office off my list; I think Pizzeria Mozza is next.

Remembering Earle Hagen

Composer Earle Hagen passed away on May 26 at the age of 88. He wrote and performed the theme songs to many classic TV shows, including the whistled theme to the Andy Griffith show, plus songs for Mod Squad, Eight is Enough, That Girl and The Dick Van Dyke Show. Earle, you’ll be missed.

Enjoy the show! (Rebecca ),
Hulu Editor

New Series

Before there was Jack Shephard, there was Party of Five’s Charlie Salinger — the eldest of five brothers and sisters whose parents were tragically killed in an accident. As Charlie copes with being in charge — and the inheritance dwindles — Bailey, Julia, Claudia and Owen learn about life, love and growing up. Catch the third season, now on Hulu.

Not just another web series about blogging, 2/8 Life is a humorous riff on life on and off the Internet. Part of the generation that’s racing to change the world, aspiring writer Angela is pacing herself— and when she starts blogging about the lives of her group of friends, she finds that none of them are really all that interesting.

Episode Spotlight

In a moving two-part season finale, House first recreates a bus accident in order to discover which passenger’s life is at risk in House’s Head, and then puts his life on the line for Wilson as they fight to save a loved one in Wilson’s Heart. Did House make the right decision? Share your review with the rest of Hulu.

Sports Spotlight

Do the Red Wings have what it takes to shut out the Penguins in the Stanley Cup Finals? Watch as Detroit vies for a 3-0 lead in the series. Meanwhile, as the Lakers face off with the Spurs and the Pistons try to shut down the Celtics, we have all the excitement of the NBA Playoffs, from full games to highlight reels, anytime, right here on Hulu.

Show Spotlight

Want some wine with attitude? Tune in to The Thunder Show for host Gary Vaynerchuk’s color commentary on the world of wine. Whether you tune in for more info about the wines, Gary’s contagious enthusiasm about his subject, or the sight of him spitting into a New York Jets bucket, you’re sure to walk away a little more knowledgeable about grapes. Check out the Costco wine tasting episode — where he tastes three Kirkland-brand wines — and see if he found any winners.

Have a favorite Hulu show you’d like to see in the spotlight? Share it with us in the comments section.

Rebecca
Hulu Editor