'Will & Grace' to start streaming via Hulu, NBC app Thursday

Sept. 20 (UPI) -- The 194 episodes of Will & Grace that have already aired on NBC will be available on-demand and via streaming services for the first time Thursday.

The sitcom -- which initially ran for eight seasons from 1998 to 2006 -- may be watched on the NBC app, Hulu and on-demand through satellite, cable and telco pay TV providers.

The re-runs are getting a new life one week ahead of the show's revival on NBC, which is to begin Sept. 28. New episodes will be available to stream across the aforementioned digital platforms after their television broadcast.

"As we gear up for the launch of the upcoming season premiere, I can't think of a better way to re-introduce Will & Grace to the cultural zeitgeist than by giving audiences the opportunity to watch this historic and hilarious series wherever and whenever they want," NBC Entertainment Chairman Robert Greenblatt said in a statement Wednesday. "With its witty comebacks, pop-culture references and social commentary, Will & Grace is one of the most bingeable comedies in television history, and I am certain fans both old and new will jump on this opportunity to devour it."

"There's no question that Will & Grace has resonated with audiences since the series made its broadcast premiere. To be able to bring such an iconic show into the streaming universe for the first time ever is an opportunity we couldn't pass up," added Joel Stillerman, chief content officer of Hulu. "This landmark deal will allow fans to re-watch their favorite moments ahead of the series premiere, as well as bring Will & Grace and its cast of characters to a whole new audience."

The show reunites the original cast of Debra Messing, Eric McCormack, Megan Mullally and Sean Hayes.