Vulture reports that while this sounds encouraging, it’s not a sure thing yet. “Talks” are more or less industry speak for two sides seeing if an idea makes financial sense, whereas “negotiations” means a deal is on the way.
However, both Vulture and Entertainment Weekly see this as a good thing for Hulu. Community was the most streamed show on Hulu this January, As well, Netflix is trying to expand its original programming lineup — so far it’s got The Awesomes and Deadbeats, but they haven’t attracted anyway near the amount of acclaim as Netflix shows like House of Cards or Orange is the New Black.
Community would no doubt be a flagship property for Hulu, but it would also be the most expensive show Hulu has ever purchased, according to Vulture, no matter how financially attractive Sony makes it.
The AV Club also notes that reports like this can sometimes be used as a negotiating tactic — media reports have resulted in more seasons of The Killing and Breaking In, but the tactic failed to resurrect Pan Am.