Candy is a popular true crime drama miniseries that debuted on Hulu in May 2022. The show has gained a lot of attention, but some viewers are disappointed to find it is only available on Hulu. So where else can you watch Candy if you don’t have Hulu?
What is Candy about?
Candy is based on the real-life story of Candy Montgomery, a housewife in Texas who murdered her friend Betty Gore with an axe in 1980. The show depicts the events leading up to the murder and its aftermath. It stars Jessica Biel as Candy and Melanie Lynskey as Betty. Some key details about the show:
- It takes place in Texas in 1980
- Candy is married with two kids but is bored with domestic life
- She begins an affair with Betty’s husband Allan (played by Pablo Schreiber)
- When Betty finds out about the affair, conflict escalates between the two women
- Ultimately Candy kills Betty with an axe in a violent confrontation
The show is based on a real case but takes some creative liberties. It aims to explore flaws in the American dream and gender dynamics of the late 1970s. Candy received positive reviews for its acting and cinematography.
Why is it only on Hulu?
Candy is a Hulu original series, meaning it was produced specifically for and commissioned by Hulu. The streaming service had exclusive rights to distribute the show upon its release in May 2022. It is currently not available on any other platforms or services.
Some reasons Candy is only on Hulu right now:
- Hulu paid for the production costs and rights to distribute it
- Making it a Hulu original draws subscribers to the platform
- Hulu negotiated exclusive streaming rights for a period of time
- The creators felt Hulu was the best fit for the show’s target audience
However, rights don’t always remain exclusive forever. Many shows eventually make their way to additional platforms. So there is a chance Candy could expand beyond Hulu in the future.
How to watch Candy without Hulu
Since Candy is not currently available on any other streaming platforms, watching without Hulu requires alternative methods. Here are some ways to access the show:
Wait for DVD release
Most shows that stream on services like Hulu are eventually released on DVD/Blu-ray. This allows audiences without that streaming platform to purchase the show. Candy has not yet been confirmed for DVD release, but it is very likely it will get a DVD/Blu-ray release in the future.
The DVD set would include all episodes of the first season. It may also come with bonus behind-the-scenes footage or commentary. Possible release dates could be late 2022 or early 2023.
Buy episodes from VOD services
While the show is not on any subscription streaming platforms besides Hulu, you may be able to purchase episodes individually on video-on-demand (VOD) services. Here are some to check:
- Amazon Prime Video – Prime members can often buy episodes of shows not included with Prime. This allows you to purchase just the Candy episodes you want.
- Apple TV – iTunes sometimes sells episodes from streaming originals after they air. Check if Candy is available for individual purchase.
- Google Play – Google Play Movies & TV lets you buy TV show episodes and seasons without a subscription.
- Vudu – Walmart’s VOD service sells shows by the episode in SD, HD, and sometimes 4K.
The availability on these platforms can vary, so check back frequently. Buying full seasons may also be an option.
Use live TV streaming
Some live TV streaming services that offer Hulu’s library of on-demand content may have Candy available. The following options are worth exploring:
- YouTube TV – YouTube’s live TV service includes some Hulu on-demand content. Check their VOD library for Candy.
- Hulu + Live TV – Hulu’s own live TV tier includes their full streaming catalog. It’s more expensive but gives you live TV and Candy.
- AT&T TV – AT&T’s live TV service includes Hulu on-demand shows from certain networks.
The availability varies on these services, so you’ll want to check before committing to a subscription. But they present possible ways to stream Candy without regular Hulu.
Use a Hulu trial
If you want to watch Candy on Hulu but don’t want to pay, you could sign up for their free trial. Here are details on accessing Candy with a Hulu free trial:
- Hulu’s free trial is seven days for new subscribers
- No payment info is required to start the trial
- You get full access to the Hulu streaming library, including Candy
- You can binge watch the entire first season within the trial window
- Just be sure to cancel before the trial ends to avoid being charged
This is a good option if you only need temporary access to watch Candy. Just be sure to set a reminder to cancel the trial so you don’t forget.
Use a friend’s login
If you have a friend or family member who already subscribes to Hulu, you could try borrowing their login to watch Candy. Things to keep in mind:
- Hulu’s terms don’t allow account sharing outside a household
- It’s best to have permission to avoid getting your friend in trouble
- Use a private browsing window so their account isn’t logged in on your devices
- Don’t share the password beyond your own use to maintain security
While not exactly allowed, sharing logins is common. Just be mindful not to take advantage and always respect their account security.
When will Candy be on other platforms?
It’s hard to say for sure when Candy may expand to other platforms. These things vary on a case-by-case basis. But here are some possible timelines based on typical streaming windows:
- DVD release – Late 2022 or Early 2023
- Transactional VOD – Late 2022 or 2023
- International Netflix – 12-18 months after premiere (Late 2023/Early 2024)
- U.S. Netflix – After 2 or more years (Late 2024 or beyond)
- Other U.S. Streamers – 1-3 years after premiere (2023-2025)
Original streaming shows often remain exclusive to their initial platform for an extended window. But increased competition means shows are expanding to more platforms faster than ever.
Candy is likely to reach DVD, VOD, and international Netflix first. Wider streaming and U.S. Netflix could take over a year. It requires patience but more options should open up over time.
How to know when Candy is on other platforms
Here are some tips to stay updated on when and where Candy becomes available beyond Hulu:
- Follow the show’s official social media accounts on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram etc.
- Set Google Alerts for news on “Candy Netflix”, “Candy DVD”, etc.
- Routinely check platforms like Amazon, iTunes, Google Play for new episode listings
- Look for announcements from Netflix and other streamers of new title acquisitions
- Search entertainment news sites for stories on streaming rights
With patience and persistence, you should eventually find Candy on a platform that works for you. Don’t resort to illegal streaming or downloading, which only poses risks. If you stay on top of the latest streaming developments, you’ll find a legitimate way to watch Candy outside of Hulu.
Other shows to watch meanwhile
While you wait for access to Candy on other platforms, here are some similar shows to enjoy in the meantime:
| Show | Where to Watch | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Act | Hulu | True crime drama about the murder of Dee Dee Blanchard by her daughter Gypsy Rose. |
| The Girl From Plainville | Hulu | Dramatizes the “texting suicide case” of Michelle Carter and her boyfriend Conrad Roy. |
| Gaslit | Starz, Amazon Channels | Tells the Watergate scandal story from the perspective of untold stories like Martha Mitchell. |
| American Crime Story | Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime | Anthology drama series exploring real historical criminal cases in each season. |
| Dirty John | Netflix | Scripted drama based on the true crime podcast about con man John Meehan. |
| Little Fires Everywhere | Hulu, Amazon Prime | Kerry Washington and Reese Witherspoon star in this miniseries about two mothers and their families living in 1990s Ohio. |
From compelling performances to production design, these all offer elements that fans of Candy will appreciate. You may also want to explore Hulu add-ons like Cinemax, Showtime, or STARZ to access even more complementary shows.
Is Candy worth watching?
If you’re debating whether Candy is worth your time without access on Hulu, here are some key points:
- Performances by Jessica Biel and Melanie Lynskey earn strong praise
- Compelling directing and cinematography create an immersive period atmosphere
- The writing succeeds at humanizing Candy rather than villainizing her
- It sheds light on an intriguing, relatively unknown true crime case
- Some say it moves slowly at times with uneven pacing
- Might not appeal to those who dislike graphic violence or gore
Overall, Candy earns positive marks for acting, visuals, and a nuanced take on the story. While not perfect, it generally succeeds at delivering an engaging dramatization of this shocking real-life case. For true crime fans, it’s worth going out of your way to find access.
Conclusion
Candy has unfortunately not yet expanded beyond Hulu to be more widely accessible. But for those intrigued by the buzz around this new true crime drama, there are still ways to watch without a Hulu subscription. Options include buying episodes, using a free trial, or borrowing a friend’s login in the short term. Longer term, you can count on the miniseries eventually reaching DVD, VOD, Netflix, and additional streamers. Set alerts and keep checking platforms to stay updated on Candy’s availability. With some patience and creativity, you can find alternative access beyond Hulu.
