Roku is working to resolve a technical issue causing the Hulu app to freeze during playback of live recordings, according to recent updates from Roku’s support team. The problem appears to primarily affect Roku devices, with users reporting frozen screens, stuttering audio, and crashes when trying to watch recorded shows.
The issue gained attention over the past week as dozens of Roku users shared nearly identical complaints on the main thread discussing the bug. Many described recordings suddenly freezing mid-playback, sometimes after the video briefly slows down or the audio continues without matching visuals. “I have several Roku devises and all are freezing when playing back a recorded HULU program. I also have a smart TV which is not a Roku product, and it is NOT freezing when playing back a HULU recording,” wrote one user who first flagged the problem on Tuesday. Others confirmed the same pattern, noting that non-Roku devices like PCs and non-Roku TVs worked fine.
Roku’s support team acknowledged the problem, calling it “under investigation” as of January 30. Moderators asked affected users to share details like their Roku device model, operating system version, Hulu app version, and a unique “tracker ID” generated during freezes. Reports from users suggest the bug impacts a range of Roku hardware, including Express models, Streaming Stick 4K devices, and Roku TVs.
While Hulu hasn’t issued a public statement, Roku moderators confirmed they’re coordinating with Hulu’s team to identify the cause. Some users were advised to contact Hulu directly, though temporary fixes like app reinstalls or device restarts haven’t worked. “It’s clearly a Roku-Hulu compatibility problem,” wrote another user after troubleshooting with both companies.
No timeline for a fix has been provided, but Roku’s team promised updates as the investigation continues. For now, frustrated viewers say the issue makes recorded shows nearly unwatchable. At the time of this writing, there don’t appear to be any temporary fixes for the issue. So users will just have to wait for Roku or Hulu to resolve the bug.
Dwayne Cubbins
590 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
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