• by Wayne Friedman , Staff Writer, September 23, 2014

It’s no coincidence that Hulu announced its big TV series-- “11/22/63,” a time-traveling thriller featuring the big entertainment names of producer-director J.J. Abrams and writer Stephen King -- on the day the 2014-2015 network season started.

Few are afraid of going head to head with the broadcast networks these days in terms of new efforts or new series.

In addition to Hulu, Amazon Prime has been looking to get traction for “Transparent,” a new series that will start Sept. 26.

Mind you, these aren’t the first original scripted projects for either Hulu or Amazon Prime. It's still to be seen  whether their new shows can get the same type of impact as Netflix did with “House of Cards”: big press coverage, big viewer interest, and recognition (nominations) for big awards silverware.

Hulu’s “11/22/63” -- which surrounds the events of the JFK assassination -- is set to be a nine-hour series. No word on how that series will be distributed or marketed. What can Hulu and Amazon Prime do to up their game to get their brand names top-of-mind with viewers?

In addition to subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) platforms, cable networks also continue to be on the hunt during the dangerously competitive broadcast network premiere season -- but not always with big new series or season premieres.

Syfy has already begun another season of “Haven” and a new show, “Z Nation.” Comedy Central has started “Brickleberry” and “South Park,” with “Key & Peele” to come. MTV has another season of “Awkward” and “Faking It.” Bravo will start another season of “Shahs of Sunset.” And other cable shows will be starting in the coming few weeks.