Martha Stewart Franchise Begins Deal with Hulu Programming

The Internet TV marketplace is cooking up delicious food and more as of this week with the airing of three new shows on Hulu as part of The Martha Stewart Network. The September 10 launch included Martha’s Kitchen, Emeril’s Table with Emeril Lagasse, and DIY Crafts. Other special events programming from Stewart is also expected to air. In addition, other shows from Stewart are scheduled to debut on Hulu before the year is up.

Stewart, whose lineup of shows was cancelled earlier this year by the Hallmark Channel, has plans to rev up her Internet presence, not so much about her specifically, but the products she markets. It is a plan that has some financial experts predicting that Stewart's stocks are likely to double, if not more, in the next year and a half, probably jumping from its current sub-$3 per share to $7.

The shows will be available on both Hulu and Hulu Plus. First week guests include former Iron Chef Mario Batali cooking with Martha and talk show host Conan O'Brien appearing with her on the crafts show.

Lucinda Scala Quinn, whose Mad Hungry cooking show was a fan favorite on the Hallmark Channel, is expected to participate with Stewart on her series.

Also ahead for Stewart is a cooking show debuting on PBS in October and a deal with AOL to air Martha Stewart Living videos.