The 30 Best TV Shows On Hulu (August 2024)


Summary

  • Hulu offers a diverse selection of TV shows, icluding both popular hits and unique, innovative series.
  • Hulu’s roster includes critically acclaimed shows like
    Only Murders in the Building
    and
    The Handmaid’s Tale
    .
  • The streaming service also features comedies like
    Schitt’s Creek
    and
    Abbott Elementary
    , as well as shows that cater to specific audiences, like
    Reservation Dogs
    .



Offering an eclectic mix of popular network hits and more obscure hidden gems, the best TV shows on Hulu form a great collection. Including properties from 20th Century Studios, Searchlight Pictures, Disney Television Studios, ABC, Freeform, and FX Networks, as well as original programming, Hulu provides an impressively diverse slate of TV shows. As a result, there’s something to suit every taste, whatever a viewer might be in the mood for.

Some of the most impressive series in Hulu’s roster include award-winning, critically lauded shows. Hits like Only Murders in the Building and The Handmaid’s Tale not only demonstrate the quality of content available but also the range. Hulu also makes room for creative new content by hosting series like Reservation Dogs and Atlanta, which often showcase either overlooked or unusual premises. Consequently, Hulu’s top shows mark the streaming service out as a home for interesting, innovative content.


Related

The 30 Best Movies On Hulu (August 2024)

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Best Comedy TV Shows On Hulu

What We Do In The Shadows (2019-Present)

What We Do in the Shadows Season 5 Poster

What We Do in the Shadows

What We Do in the Shadows is a mockumentary-styled comedy series that follows the exploits of four vampires and a familiar living in Staten Island in the twenty-first century. Unrelated to the film of the same name, the show’s vampires attempt to acclimate to the modern world but tend to find themselves lost often, leaving familiar-hoping-to-become-a-vampire Guillermo de la Cruz to pick up the pieces in the wake of their accidental destruction.

Cast
Doug Jones , Natasia Demetriou , Matt Berry , Mark Proksch , Kayvan Novak , Harvey Guillen , Kristen Schaal

Release Date
March 27, 2019

Seasons
5


The sixth and final season of the hit mockumentary comedy What We Do In The Shadows arrives in 2024, and Hulu subscribers can catch up with the show so far thanks to it being present as one of the funniest series on the streamer. Developed by Jermaine Clement and Taika Waititi from their 2014 film of the same name, What We Do In The Shadows follows a group of vampires living in the United States. However, while they initially arrived to take over the “New World”, Nandor the Relentless (Kayvan Novak), Laszlo Cravensworth (Matt Berry), and Nadja of Antipaxos (Natasia Demetriou) have instead found themselves simply enjoying everything the modern world has to offer.


Alongside Nandor’s familiar, Guillermo de la Cruz (Harvey Guillen), and energy vampire Colin Robinson (Mark Proksh), the group finds themselves forgetting their duties to pursue other interests, such as opening a Vampire nightclub, attending local council meetings on Staten Island, and tormenting their human neighbor (and Laszlo’s best friend), Phil. It’s one of the most surreal comedies of the last decade and perfectly blends the mockumentary style of shows like The Office with pitch-perfect horror parody.

What We Do In The Shadows
has incredible ratings on
Rotten Tomatoes
, with several seasons receiving the coveted 100%, and has been nominated for multiple awards, including Primetime Emmys.

It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia (2005-Present)

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia Season 16 Poster

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is a Sitcom and Black Comedy created by Rob McElhenney. It stars Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day, Kaitlin Olson, Glenn Howerton, and Danny DeVito. The series follows a group of friends that own and frequent the Irish bar, Paddy’s Pub, and get into all sorts of troubling adventures.

Cast
Charlie Day , Rob McElhenney , Kaitlin Olson , Glenn Howerton , Danny DeVito

Release Date
August 4, 2005

Seasons
16

Showrunner
Rob McElhenney


It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia is one of the longest-running live action sitcoms currently on air, and it’s no secret why if fans of the show are asked. However, for the uninitiated, IASIP is a little difficult to summarize. The premise is simple enough — friends Charlie (Charlie Day), Dennis (Glenn Howerton), Mac (Rob McElhenney), Dee (Kaitlin Olson), and Frank (Danny DeVito), own and run a bar in Philadelphia named Paddy’s Pub. However, the premise reveals little about what It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia is actually about, or why it’s so popular.


The five owners of Paddy’s Pub are, without a doubt, some of the most morally corrupt sitcom characters ever conceived. Whether it’s faking illnesses to get free lap dances, pretending to suffer from HIV to skip lines at a water park, or deliberately developing a crack cocaine addiction for welfare, there’s seemingly no low “the gang” won’t sink to. However, IASIP is also an incredibly cerebral show and incredibly cutting-edge satire, with the antics of the central characters always used to make some kind of commentary on modern society. As far as cult comedy shows on Hulu go, it doesn’t get much better.

Welcome To Wrexham (2022-Present)

FXs Welcome to Wrexham Season 3 poster Featuring Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney

Welcome to Wrexham

Welcome to Wrexham is a documentary sports series created for FX/Hulu, led by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny. Reynolds and McElhenny partner together to purchase Wrexham’s football club, one of the oldest ones in the league, and hope to turn them into champions. However, these two actors have little experience in football or working with one another, so they’ll have to learn to work together and navigate the world’s most popular sport to have a chance at turning the team around.

Cast
Rob McElhenney , Ryan Reynolds , Humphrey Ker , Fleur Robinson , Shaun Harvey , Phil Parkinson , Paul Mullin , Jordan Davies , Aaron Hayden , Ollie Palmer

Release Date
August 24, 2022

Seasons
2


Welcome to Wrexham proves that documentaries can be incredibly hilarious with the right subject-matter and focus — and the combination of Deadpool‘s Ryan Reynolds and It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia’s Rob McElhenney purchasing a minor-league soccer team in the UK (despite knowing nothing about the sport) was always going to be a recipe for some genuinely laugh-out-loud moments. The Hulu show focuses on Reynolds and McElhenney after they become owners of the Welsh soccer team, Wrexham A.F.C.

Wrexham is a club with a long history, but it hasn’t performed incredibly well in recent years. Reynolds and McElhenney set out to change this, although they know they’re going to need some help as they’re both, by their own admission, completely clueless when it comes to professional soccer. Thanks to the pair’s genuine friendship and lack of knowledge before setting out on such an incredible undertaking, Welcome to Wrexham is genuinely hilarious throughout, and it’s clear to see why the show (which originally aired on FX) has become a global sensation.


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Abbott Elementary (2021 – Present)

Abbott Elementary Season 3 TV Series Poster

Abbott Elementary

Created by and starring Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary is a workplace comedy/mockumentary that follows a group of passionate teachers working with – and against – a difficult principal in the Philadelphia public school system. From the bright-eyed idealists who desire to change to the battle-tested “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” classicalists, these teachers are Underfunded, outnumbered, and consistently facing new odds stacked against them daily. However, they will work together to provide the best educational experience for the children they teach. Along the way, they’ll navigate their own messy personal relationships and find benefits from the younger and older generations as they try to bridge the gaps left by a less-than-stellar school system. 

Cast
Quinta Brunson , Tyler James Williams , Janelle James , Lisa Ann Walter , Chris Perfetti , Sheryl Lee Ralph , William Stanford Davis

Release Date
December 7, 2021

Seasons
3

Showrunner
Quinta Brunson

Miracle Workers and A Black Lady Sketch Show star Quinta Brunson found acclaim when she created and starred in Abbott Elementary, the acclaimed mockumentary comedy that seems to grow its fan base exponentially with each passing season. The show has an incredible amount of accolades already, including three Golden Globe wins in 2023 — Best Comedy, Best Actress in a Drama or Comedy (for Quinta Brunson), and best Supporting Actor in a Drama of Comedy (for Tyler James Williams).


The premise is relatively straightforward, as it simply takes the mockumentary format which made shows like
The Office
and
Modern Family
so popular and focuses on the staff of the fictional Willard R. Abbott Elementary School.

The premise is relatively straightforward, as it simply takes the mockumentary format which made shows like The Office and Modern Family so popular and focuses on the staff of the fictional Willard R. Abbott Elementary School. As with most mockumentary shows, it’s the charming characters and hilarious dialogue that make Abbott Elementary one of the best shows to watch on Hulu, with Quinta Brunson’s Janine Teagues and Tyler James William’s Gregory Eddie among the most endearing new sitcom characters to come out of the 2020s so far.


New Girl (2011-2018)

New Girl Poster

New Girl

Zooey Deschanel stars as Jess in New Girl, a comedy series that follows a group of twentysomething roommates in their day-to-day lives. When Jess decides to leave her boyfriend of seven years after discovering he’s been unfaithful, she finds a craigslist ad and becomes the roommate of three men around her age who desperately need to rent a room in their loft. Occasionally joined by Jess’ best friend, the group builds a quirky, dysfunctional family dynamic as they enjoy life in Los Angeles. 

Release Date
September 20, 2011

Cast
Zooey Deschanel , Max Greenfield , Hannah Simone , Damon Wayans Jr. , Lamorne Morris , Jake Johnson

Seasons
7

Showrunner
Elizabeth Meriwether

Gentle, frequently hilarious, and available on Hulu in its entirety, New Girl is another terrific sitcom perfect for binging.The show stars Zooey Deschanel as Jessica Day, a bubbly and optimistic young woman who, following a breakup, moves in with three men.

It is another show that benefits from its incredible cast with Jake Johnson, Max Greenfield, and Lamorne Morris rounding out the winning ensemble. New Girl gained a huge following over the seven years it aired, and its arrival on Hulu should help maintain its understandable popularity.


Adventure Time (2010-2018)

Adventure Time

Adventure Time is a science fiction/fantasy animation from Cartoon Network. Adventure Time follows Finn (Jeremy Shada) and his dog Jake (John DiMaggio) as they go on adventures in the near future. The series was created by Pendleton Ward and ran for a total of 10 seasons on the network. Adventure Time was critically acclaimed while it was on the air and managed to pull in younger audiences, as well as adults.

Release Date
May 10, 2010

Cast
Tom Kenny , Hynden Walch , Jeremy Shada , John DiMaggio , Niki Yang

Seasons
10

Following the psychedelic adventures of self-described heroes Finn the Human and Jake the Dog in the Land of Ooo, Adventure Time is a cult hit whose popularity spans generations. The winner of eight Primetime Emmys, one Peabody, two British Academy Children’s Awards, and nominated for so much more, Adventure Time is a crowning achievement in Western animation and storytelling.


Underneath the clever absurdity and colorful action of Adventure Time lie clues about the fantastical mysteries of Ooo, post-apocalyptic and fantasy-inspired lore, and some of the most relatable surreal characters in animation history. Consequently, Adventure Time is one of the best Hulu shows for adults and children alike.

Adventure Time
has also received two spinoffs –
Distant Lands
and 2023’s
Fionna and Cake.

Reservation Dogs (2021-2023)

reservation dogs

Reservation Dogs

Reservation Dogs is a Hulu original series about teenage Native American friends who grow up together on a reservation in Oklahoma. The series stars D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Paulina Alexis, Lane Factor, and Devery Jacobs as the four friends and was created by Sterlin Harjo and Thor: Love and Thunder director Taika Waititi.

Release Date
August 9, 2021

Cast
Zahn McClarnon , Bobby Lee

Seasons
2


A coming-of-age story that spotlights one of the most underrepresented groups in mainstream entertainment, Reservation Dogs provides welcome relief from typical teen comedies. Featuring Indigenous writers and directors, along with a cast made up of nearly all Indigenous actors, the series follows a group of four friends in rural Oklahoma as they dream of running away to California, all while dealing with the stresses of growing up.

For its hilarious and unique takes on the social realities of reservation life, Reservation Dogs won the Peabody Award for Entertainment in 2022, alongside two Independent Spirit Awards, and was named by the American Film Institute as one of the Top 10 Programs of the Year.

While
Reservation Dogs
has concluded, co-creator Sterlin Harjo has revealed intentions to bring the cast back
for a
Reservation Dogs
movie

at some point in the future.


Modern Family (2009-2020)

Modern Family Poster

Modern Family

Modern Family is a comedy series that follows the unconventional Pritchett-Dunphy-Tucker family as they redefine what makes a family in their modern age. Broken into sub-families, the three diverse groups shake up the nuclear formula with empty nesters, adopted children, gender neutrality, and more as they attempt to navigate the various pitfalls and comedic misadventures of their dysfunctional but warm-hearted family dynamic.

Release Date
September 23, 2009

Cast
Ed O’Neill , Sofia Vergara , Julie Bowen , Ty Burrell , Jesse Tyler Ferguson , Eric Stonestreet , Sarah Hyland , Ariel Winter , Nolan Gould , Rico Rodriguez

Seasons
11

Although Modern Family‘s documentary-style camera work was nothing new, the hit comedy nonetheless manages to be completely original thanks to its colorful characters and domestic setting. An ensemble cast of Julie Bowen, Sofia Vergara, Ed O’Neil, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Eric Stonestreet, and Ty Burrell star as branches of a family as they live their day-to-day lives. Focusing on and celebrating each family member’s individuality allows Modern Family to revel in creating chaotic, hilarious situations, without losing sight of the warm heart that makes the show such an enjoyable viewing experience.


Almost all of the Modern Family cast received consecutive Emmy nominations during their time on the show, with Julie Bowen, Ty Burrell, and Eric Stonestreet all winning awards. Ty Burrell received the most nominations, with an astounding 8 consecutive Emmy nods and two wins for his role as Phil. The show itself has won 22 Primetime Emmy Awards.

Schitt’s Creek (2015-2020)

Schitt’s Creek

Schitt’s Creek is a sitcom series created by and starring Dan and Eugene Levy. When the Rose family’s business manager embezzles funds from their fortune, they discover that all of their money is gone except for one last piece of property – a small town called Schitt’s Creek that they purchased for fun years ago. Now forced to acclimate to an average, borderline impoverished life, the Rose family will attempt to make due with what they have while trying to revitalize the town.

Release Date
January 13, 2015

Cast
Catherine O’Hara , Dan Levy , Noah Reid , Emily Hampshire , Tim Rozon , Dustin Milligan , Eugene Levy , Jennifer Robertson , Chris Elliott , Annie Murphy

Seasons
6


One of the most heartwarming comedy hits of recent years, Schitt’s Creek chronicles the fall and redemption of the affluent Rose family as they’re forced to rebuild their lives. An innovative take on the classic fish-out-of-water trope, the show’s comedy comes from the Roses’ wealthy sensibilities bumping against the down-to-earth and provincial citizens of a small town.

Schitt’s Creek swept the comedy acting awards during the 72nd Emmy ceremony, winning nine in total. As such, it’s easily a can’t-miss show for Hulu subscribers seeking a joyous modern take on classic comedy.

Atlanta (2016-2022)

Atlanta

Atlanta is a TV series created by and starring Donald Glover as Earnest “Earn” Marks as he navigates life in the Georgia capital. Most of Earnest’s focus is on improving his and his daughter’s life. From attempting to make amends with his former girlfriend Vanessa (Zazie Beats) to helping his cousin Alfred “Paper Boi” Miles, Earnest does what he can. Atlanta tends to follow separate story arcs in an anthology-like approach in the later seasons with a surreal style.

Release Date
September 6, 2016

Seasons
4


Created by and starring Donald Glover, Atlanta is a dark fairy-tale and comedy-drama that follows college dropout and music manager Earn (Glover) as he tries to make it big. The show is only partially interested in following that plotline, however, and much of Atlanta is told through short anthology-style stories rather than an overarching narrative.

Through this fresh, unorthodox structure, Atlanta examines themes of race, class, America, and existentialism. It’s a unique story only Glover could tell, and his efforts have earned him multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nods. It’s inarguably one of the best TV shows on Hulu for audiences looking for something out of the ordinary.

Among the many awards won by
Atlanta
are a Golden Globe for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy, and a Best Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy for Donald Glover.


Bob’s Burgers (2011-Present)

Bobs Burgers TV Poster

Bob’s Burgers

Bob’s Burgers is an Adult Animated Sitcom created by Loren Bouchard and starring H. Jon Benjamin, Dan Mintz, Eugene Mirman, Larry Murphy, John Roberts, and Kristen Schaal. The series follows Bob Belcher and his family as they struggle to run their Burger restaurant in an unnamed sea-side town.

Release Date
January 9, 2011

Cast
H. Jon Benjamin , Dan Mintz , Eugene Mirman , Larry Murphy , John Roberts , Kristen Schaal

Seasons
15

Showrunner
loren bouchard , Jim Dauterive , Nora Smith

Among the many great animated series on Hulu, Bob’s Burgers is perhaps one of the most underrated, yet undeniably brilliant. The show follows the oddball Belcher family as they run their small and struggling burger joint while trying to keep their madcap members together. The show’s easy sense of humor and likable wacky characters have helped it develop a passionate following, and even led to a feature film in 2022.

Bob’s Burgers is especially notable for managing to feel remarkably grounded for an animated sitcom, almost like King of the Hill, despite the fact its many characters wouldn’t feel out-of-place in a show like Family Guy or The Simpsons.


Unfortunately,
The Bob’s Burgers Movie
isn’t available to stream on Hulu, but can be rented or purchased digitally on platforms like Amazon, Google Play, and AppleTV.

Best Drama TV Shows On Hulu

Lost (2004-2010)

While there is no shortage of gripping drama and mystery shows on Hulu right now, one title that still stands out is Lost, the J.J. Abrams-created series that was a cultural phenomenon in the 2000s and arguably laid the foundation for many series that followed. It’s difficult to overstate just how much of a talking point Lost was when it was on the air, especially during its earlier seasons, with only perhaps Game of Thrones matching just how widely-discussed what may happen on the next episode was.


Lost still holds a 90% average audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, with season 2 holding a coveted 100% Tomatometer score too. The plot of Lost became a little convoluted as the show continued, but the initial premise — a group of survivors from a crashed plane find themselves on a seemingly abandoned island — laid a solid groundwork for everything that followed. Thanks to all six seasons being available on Hulu, watching Lost from start to finish is a thoroughly enjoyable experience for subscribers whether they’ve seen the show before or not.


The Bear (2022-Present)

The Bear TV Poster

The Bear

Set in a Chicago sandwich shop, The Bear follows Carmy Berzatto, a young professionally trained chef who returns to take over his family business after the unexpected death of his brother. At odds with many of the shop’s employees due to his culinary training, Carmy struggles to maintain order and keep the shop from failing entirely. Jeremy Allen White stars as Carmy alongside Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Ayo Edebiri. 

Release Date
June 23, 2022

Seasons
2

A Hulu original that’s proved a major critical hit for the service, The Bear is a black comedy-drama about a classically trained chef (Jeremy Allen White) who has to return to his hometown in Chicago to help run the family restaurant. White, in one of his best roles, won a SAG and a Golden Globe for Best Actor for his work, and the series cemented its status with a stellar season 2.


The often spiky atmosphere between the uninterested chefs in the restaurant and White’s driven Carmy Berzatto is a delight to watch. The Bear is a funny and inspiring antidote to the self-serious Chef’s Table-like shows that have become ubiquitous in food programming. There’s also heavy themes when it comes to the trials and tribulations of working families too, as Carmy struggles to both honor his father’s legacy and simultaneously step out of his shadow.

The Rookie (2018-Present)

The rookie tv poster

The Rookie

The Rookie is a police procedural television series that stars Nathan Fillion as police officer John Nolan. At 45 years old, John becomes the oldest rookie at the Los Angeles Police Department. The show premiered on ABC in 2018.

Release Date
October 16, 2018

Seasons
6

Showrunner
Alexi Hawley

Some actors manage to garner an incredibly dedicated fanbase who’ll flock to anything they put out, and there’s perhaps no better example of this today than Nathan Fillion, the star of Firefly and Castle. By the same token, there are certain subgenres that almost guarantee a viewership for new shows when they debut, which is the case with police procedural dramas. It’s no surprise then that when Fillion took the lead role in ABC’s cop show The Rookie in 2018, it became an instant hit, and continues to be 6 seasons in, especially among Hulu subscribers.


Fillion stars in The Rookie as John Nolan, a freshly-divorced construction company owner in his mid-40s. After helping the police thwart a bank robbery, Nolan realizes that the event wasn’t traumatizing but the most alive he’d felt in decades. So he decides to shut down his company and enrol with the LAPD. As the oldest rookie on the force, Nolan has many obstacles to overcome, but he proves himself time and time again, eventually helping to train new cops as the show progresses and becoming a force for positive change within the department.

Shōgun (2024)

Shogun 2024 Poster

Shogun

Shogun is an FX original mini-series set in 17th Century Japan. Shogun follows John Blackthorne, who becomes a samurai warrior but is unknowingly a pawn in Yoshii Toranaga’s plan to become Shogun. The series stars Cosmo Jarvis as John Blackthorne and Hiroyuki Sanada as Yoshii Toranaga, along with Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano, and Yûki Kedôin.

Cast
Cosmo Jarvis , Hiroyuki Sanada , Anna Sawai , Tadanobu Asano , Yûki Kedôin , Takehiro Hira , Tommy Bastow

Seasons
1

Writers
Maegan Houang , Rachel Kondo , Justin Marks , Emily Yoshida

Directors
Frederick E.O. Toye , Jonathan van Tulleken


Of all the new TV shows released on Hulu in 2024, few have been as much of a sensation as the 2024 miniseries Shogun, which arrived to instant acclaim from both audiences and critics alike. Based on the novel of the same name by James Clavell, Shogun primarily follows two characters and is set in feudal Japan. The first is Englishman John Blackthorne, a sailor who finds himself shipwrecked in Japan, and Lord Toranaga, a powerful ruler who imprisons Blackthorne and the rest of his crew.

Shogun is primarily a tale about the clashing of cultures, with Blackthorne learning to navigate the strange new world he finds himself and, ultimately, striving to become a Samurai. He also learns of the many intricacies of the world Toranaga inhabits, and just how dangerous political intrigue can be in feudal Japan. The production quality on Shogun is astounding, with everything from the costume design, set-pieces, and action scenes instantly making it stand out as one of the best historical dramas released in the 2020s so far.


Friday Night Lights (2006-2011)

Friday Night Lights TV Poster

Friday Night Lights

Based on the book of the same name, Friday Night Lights is a sports drama series that centers around the Dillon Panthers, a high school football team in Texas. The show focuses on the small town and the community they share, tackling major social and political issues and the players’ challenges as they go through an increasingly difficult season.

Release Date
October 3, 2006

Cast
Taylor Kitsch , Jesse Plemons , Kyle Chandler , Connie Britton

Seasons
5

Also available on streaming services such as Netflix, Friday Night Lights is an inspiring, thrilling, and heartwarming sports story tailor-made for the small screen. Kyle Chandler stars as Coach Taylor, a charismatic leader charged with leading a high school football team in a small Texas town where success on the field is everything.


The series follows Taylor and the players on and off the field as they seek to be the best in the sport while also realizing that there’s more to life than football. Triumphant and enjoyable melodramatic, Friday Night Lights also helped launch the careers of future stars like Michael B. Jordan and Taylor Kitsch.

The Handmaid’s Tale (2017-Present)

The Handmaid's Tale Poster

The Handmaid’s Tale

The Handmaid’s Tale is a dystopian television series based on the 1985 novel by author Margaret Atwood. The series was created by Bruce Miller and stars Elisabeth Moss, Joseph Fiennes, and Yvonne Strahovski. The show follows the story of a young handmaid as she is forced to deal with a new totalitarian government that subjugates women in this dark societal twist.

Release Date
April 26, 2017

Cast
O-T Fagbenle , Joseph Fiennes , Alexis Bledel , Elisabeth Moss , Amanda Brugel , Bradley Whitford , Max Minghella , Ann Dowd , Samira Wiley , Madeline Brewer , Yvonne Strahovski

Seasons
5

Based on the novel of the same name, The Handmaid’s Tale is a post-apocalyptic original series by Hulu that’s become one of the most popular shows on television. The show takes place after a fictional second American Civil War, which leads to a dystopia where men are the ruling class and women are strictly controlled – especially regarding bodily autonomy.


The Handmaid’s Tale not only secured 15 Primetime Emmys, but is the first Hulu original series to win a major award. While the series can be uncomfortable and upsetting, it is also thought-provoking, and the struggling characters at the center of the story make The Handsmaid’s Tale one of the best shows Hulu has available in any genre.

While it’s yet to receive an official release date,

The Handmaid’s Tale
season 6

remains in development, and will pick up directly after the explosive events of the season 5 finale.

Best Sci-Fi & Fantasy TV Shows On Hulu

Rick And Morty (2013-Present)

Rick and Morty Poster

Rick and Morty

Rick and Morty is an adventure/Sci-Fi animated series that follows the intergalactic, inter-dimensional adventures of super-genius Rick Sanchez and his less-than-average grandson Morty Smith. Rick’s daughter, Beth, his granddaughter, Summer, and his hated stepson, Jerry, also take center stage more often than not. Hailing from creators Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon, the series blends comedy with science fiction as a way of exploring a wide variety of themes aimed at an adult audience.

Release Date
December 2, 2013

Cast
Spencer Grammer , Kari Wahlgren , Chris Parnell , Sarah Chalke , Ian Cardoni , Harry Belden

Seasons
7


Irreverent, vulgar, and surprisingly heartfelt, Rick and Morty has quickly established itself as one of the most popular sci-fi comedies of the past decade. Subverting Back to the Future‘s central dynamic, the show centers on misanthropic genius Rick Sanchez, who travels the multiverse with his skittish grandson in tow.

While Rick and Morty was initially known for its inventive standalone stories, its wider overarching narrative has come to the fore in later seasons, rewarding long-time viewers and newcomers alike.


Futurama (1999-Present)

Futurama Season 11 Poster

Futurama

Futurama follows the exploits of Philip J. Fry, a pizza delivery boy from 1999 who is cryogenically frozen for 1000 years. Waking up in the year 3000, Fry befriends a cyclops named Leela and a roguish robot named Bender, and the three find employment with Planet Express, an interplanetary delivery service. Their work takes them to all corners of the universe, exploring space and the future as imagined by Matt Groening and the creators of The Simpsons.

Release Date
March 28, 1999

Cast
Katey Sagal , Billy West , Lauren Tom , Maurice LaMarche , David Herman , Tress MacNeille , John DiMaggio , Phil LaMarr

Seasons
11

While somewhat overshadowed by creator Matt Groening’s cultural monolith The Simpsons, Futurama remains one of the best and most consistently funny sci-fi shows to ever appear on television. Following the crew of fictional delivery ship The Planet Express as they embark on journeys across a futuristic galaxy, Futurama is hailed for its colorful cast of characters, satirical look at contemporary concerns through a futuristic scope, and inventive world-building.


Despite multiple cancelations and revivals, the show remains hugely popular and one of the best sci-fi shows on Hulu. While it currently lives as one of the funniest shows on Hulu, Futurama has managed to survive being canceled twice and has moved between multiple networks, with continued demand ensuring the Planet Express crew have never stayed away from screens for too long.

Firefly (2002-2003)

Firefly

Set in the year 2517, Firefly follows the crew of the Serenity, a smuggling ship operating on the fringes of Alliance space. Captain Malcolm “Mal” Reynolds (Nathan Fillion) is a veteran of a civil war, bitter about having fought for the losing side and now making his living as an outlaw smuggler out among the distant colonies forgotten and ignored by the Alliance. However, after taking on paying passengers, Mal finds himself caught up in a conspiracy likely to bring the whole Alliance military down on him and his crew. 

Release Date
September 20, 2002

Seasons
1

One of the most notorious and oft-cited one-season wonders in the history of television, Firefly is perhaps the quintessential cult classic show. Despite its short lifespan, Joss Whedon’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer follow-up enjoys a dedicated following of fans to this day, many of whom still wonder what might have been had the show avoided cancelation.


Nathan Fillion leads the cast as the captain of a ragtag crew of outlaws taking on various criminal jobs in the war-torn intergalactic world. Infusing Spaghetti Western elements into an original sci-fi setting makes Firefly stand out from other sci-fi shows, and the continuation of the mythos with the Serenity movie only helped secure its status further.

Firefly
may have been underappreciated critically when it was originally on the aire, but it did scoop the Emmy for Outstanding Special Visual Effects for a Series in 2003.

The X-Files (1993-2002)

x-files

The X-Files

The X-files takes the police procedural formula and applies it to sci-fi mysteries. Conspiracy theorist Fox Mulder and skeptic Dana Scully team up to solve cases surrounding alien invasions and other unexplained, paranormal phenomena.

Release Date
September 10, 1993

Cast
Gillian Flynn , David Duchovny , Robert Patrick , Annabeth Gish , Mitch Pileggi

Seasons
11


It’s easy to forget what a phenomenon The X-Files was when it first started airing in the 90s. The eerie and intense show followed FBI agents Mulder (David Duchovny) and Scully (Gillian Anderson) as they investigated strange and unexplained cases as an unseen threat sought to stop them. The show ignited fan interest, launching the online fan community with theories and fan fiction. Its blend of horror, sci-fi, and classic mystery made for an engrossing story that captured the 90s zeitgeist and dominated pop culture for a decade.

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Best Crime TV Shows On Hulu

Sons Of Anarchy (2008-2014)

Sons of Anarchy Final Poster

Sons of Anarchy

Sons of Anarchy, created by Kurt Sutter, follows a notorious outlaw motorcycle club, the Sons of Anarchy, as they confront drug dealers, corporate developers, and law enforcement to protect their livelihoods and their hometown of Charming, CA. Loosely based on William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” Sons of Anarchy explores what happens when the seduction of money and power comes between family. The show follows the Teller and Morrow family legacies, with Jackson ‘Jax’ Teller handling his duties as the V.P. of the club while dealing with the new president – his stepfather – Clay Morrow.

Release Date
September 8, 2008

Cast
Kim Coates , Charlie Hunnam , Theo Rossi , Mark Boone Junior , Maggie Siff , Katey Sagal , Tommy Flanagan , Ron Perlman

Seasons
7


Painting a somewhat romanticized portrait of biker culture, Sons of Anarchy won acclaim from fans and critics for its nuanced characters, exploration of complex ideas, and thrilling story. The series revolves around Hunnam’s Jax Taylor, who serves as Vice President (and later President) of the titular gang.

Living on the wrong side of the law leads Taylor and his closely-knit compatriots to engage in vigilantism and other criminal acts, all while contending with the morality of their actions. The show never shies away from questioning the efficacy of the group’s actions, while still placing them as heroes in a chaotic and morally confusing world.


Fargo (2014-Present)

Fargo Season 5 Poster Cropped

Fargo

Fargo is a Black Comedy Crime Drama television series that is based on the film of the same name, which was originally created by the Coen Brothers. The TV adaptation was developed by Noah Hawley and follows an anthology format for each of its seasons, taking place in a different time period or location within the “Fargo” universe. So far, the series has seen big-name stars like Billy Bob Thornton, Ewan McGregor, Chris Rock, and Kirsten Dunst.

Release Date
April 15, 2014

Cast
Billy Bob Thornton , Allison Tolman , Martin Freeman , Kirsten Dunst , Patrick Wilson , Jesse Plemons , Ewan McGregor , Carrie Coon , Chris Rock , Jessie Buckley , Jason Schwartzman , Juno Temple , Jon Hamm

Seasons
5

As the original Fargo film is such a cultural and critical touchstone, the announcement of a spin-off series was met with some surprise and no small amount of skepticism. First premiering in 2014, Fargo follows an anthology format and takes place in the same continuity and Midwestern settings as the film. However, the crime series takes an entirely different approach from the Coen brothers’ classic.


Each season tells a different story, with the complex narrative allowing a new compelling cast of characters to shine. Fargo has seen gripping performances from the likes of Martin Freeman, Chris Rock, Ewan McGregor, and Jon Hamm establishing it as a showcase for some of the best talent working in the entertainment industry.

Fargo
season 5 wrapped in January 2024 and is available to stream on Hulu along with every other
Fargo
episode.

Only Murders In The Building (2021-Present)

Only Murders In the Building Season 3 Poster

Only Murders in the Building

Starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, Only Murders in the Building follows an unlikely trio of true crime fans living in an affluent New York apartment building, who attempt to solve the murder of one of the building’s residents and document it on their own true crime podcast. The three amateur sleuths soon find out that real crime solving isn’t as simple or as glamorous as their favorite podcasts make it seem, and that all of their lives are inextricably linked to the mysteries they are pursuing. 

Release Date
August 31, 2021

Seasons
3


One of the most celebrated original Hulu crime series, Only Murders in the Building is a joy from start to finish. Starring Selena Gomez (Mabel Mora), Steve Martin (Charles-Haden Savage), and Martin Short (Oliver Putnam), the series follows three strangers living in the same apartment building who bond over their love of true-crime podcasts.

Things change, however, when a real murder happens in their building, leading the trio to start investigating and develop a podcast of their own. The chemistry between the three leads powers the series, and the zany comedy perfectly complements the genuinely compelling mystery. Each season of Only Murders in the Building focuses on a different case that Mabel, Charles, and Oliver have to solve, and the genuine mystery and intrigue is just as integral to the show’s success as the chemistry between the central cast.


Best Thriller TV Shows On Hulu

Sherlock (2010-2017)

Sherlock Show Poster

Sherlock

In this incarnation of Sherlock from creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman assume the roles of Sherlock and Watson as they establish their partnership and begin solving strange mysteries throughout the U.K. and beyond. Set in a more 2010’s modern setting, Sherlock’s eccentric and complex nature is accentuated as he solves seemingly supernatural crimes with unparalleled intellect while struggling to connect with others on a human level. Meanwhile, Watson blogs the stories summarizing their cases while building a strained but caring friendship with his new partner.

Release Date
August 8, 2010

Seasons
4

Showrunner
Steven Moffat

Few literary works have been adapted as widely as Arthur Conan Doyle’s 19th century detective novels about London detective Sherlock Holmes, and one of the best versions ever seen on screen is available for Hulu subscribers — Benedict Cumberbatch’s turn as the famed sleuth in Sherlock. Originally airing on the BBC between 2010 and 2017, Sherlock stars Cumberbatch’s titular detective alongside Martin Freeman as his incredibly reluctant sidekick, Watson. It’s a unique take on Sherlock Holmes and is set in present-day London.


Created by famed Dr Who creative Steven Moffat alongside Mark Gatiss (who also plays Sherlock’s brother Mycroft), Sherlock was an instant hit with both audiences and critics, and has won multiple accolades including Emmys, BAFTA’s, and Critics’ Choice Television Awards. The show stands as a near-perfect modernization of a classic literary property, and thanks to the incredibly intricate cases Sherlock and Watson work, Sherlock still stands as one of the best thrillers on Hulu despite several years passing since it debuted.


Prison Break (2005-2017)

Prison Break TV Series Poster

Prison Break

Prison Break tells the story of two brothers who must unravel a political conspiracy while escaping from one of the most secure places on Earth. When petty criminal Lincoln Burrows (Dominic Purcell) is falsely convicted of murdering the Vice President’s brother, his own brother, Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller), has himself incarcerated in order to stage a daring prison break using the blueprints of the facility he has tattooed on his body.  

Release Date
August 29, 2005

Cast
Curtis Lum , Sarah Wayne Callies , Marina Benedict , Amin El Gamal , Wentworth Miller , Steve Mouzakis , Dominic Purcell , Bobby Naderi , Christian Michael Cooper

Seasons
5

A huge hit with audiences on release, Prison Break remains an essential 00s thriller, thanks largely to its exceptional first few seasons. The show revolves around two brothers, one of whom has been sentenced to death for a crime he didn’t commit.

Vowing to help his sibling, the other brother devises an elaborate plan to help him escape and avoid a tragic miscarriage of justice. Nail-bitingly tense – especially during its acclaimed first season – Prison Break is a classic thriller TV show that will delight genre fans.


Best Horror TV Shows On Hulu

The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch (2020-Present)

THe Secret of Skinwalker Ranch Poster

The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch

For decades, a Utah ranch has been a hotspot of strange, unexplained phenomena. A new owner brings in investigators to unlock the property’s mysteries.

Cast
Robert Clotworthy , Travis S. Taylor , Erik Bard , Bryant Arnold , Tom Winterton , Jim Segala

Release Date
March 31, 2020

Seasons
3

Outside the realms of ghost investigation shows, horror and reality TV are two genres that rarely blend well — at least for those who are looking for incredibly gripping and well-made watches instead of borderline-trash TV. However, one incredibly notable exception is also one of the best and most popular horror shows on Hulu. This is, of course, The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch, the series that manages to transcend the foibles most viewers find in horror-themed reality TV shows and is instead regarded as incredibly high-quality and gripping throughout.


The show focuses on the now-infamous Skinwalker Ranch in Utah, a location that’s known for a host of paranormal and unexplained phenomena. While it’s been criticized by some for its lack of scientific evidence to back the claims made by many of those on the show, The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch has found a strong footage and fanbase regardless. For Hulu subscribers that enjoy investigations into the paranormal and unexplained, there are very few options that cater quite so well.

American Horror Story (2011-Present)


Responsible for catapulting producer/director Ryan Murphy to superstardom, American Horror Story has left a huge mark on popular culture. The anthology series takes a new horrific setting and premise with every season, dealing with everything from alien abduction to cults, circuses, and covens in the process.

Fiendishly inventive and effectively scary throughout, the series has become a staple of horror on the small screen and continues to shock well over a decade after its debut.

Anthology spin-off
American Horror Stories
is also available on Hulu.


The Strain (2014-2017)

The Strain TV series poster

the strain

Dr. Ephraim Goodweather (Stoll), the head of Center for Disease Control Canary team, and his colleagues are tasked with investigating a viral outbreak in New York that has the characteristics of an ancient and evil strain of vampirism. The Strain was created by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan and stars Corey Stoll, David Bradley, and Kevin Durand.

Release Date
July 13, 2014

Seasons
4

Created by horror auteur Guillermo del Toro and based on his co-authored novel series of the same name, The Strain is a bold reinvention of the vampire myth. Instead of the usual suave and seductive creatures of the night, The Strain imagines vampires as a literal plague, brought to life by infectious viral worms that have the power to consume the planet.

Corey Stoll’s Dr. Goodweather leads a team of underground survivors as they attempt to combat the menace as it reaches America. Boasting some truly unsettling imagery, The Strain is one of the most original vampire series to be found anywhere.

The Strain
picked up several awards during its run, including a Critics Choice Television Award for Most Exciting New Series in 2014.


Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Poster

Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a supernatural comedy-drama series released in 1997. The show follows the exploits of Buffy, a woman born into a line of “Slayers” destined to do battle with vampires, demons, and monsters. Aided by her close group of friends and a Watcher who helps her hone her craft, the crew solves mysteries and battles the forces of evil to protect their town – and the world.

Release Date
March 10, 1997

Cast
Sarah Michelle Gellar , Nicholas Brendon , Alyson Hannigan , Charisma Carpenter , Dan Rubin , David Boreanaz , Seth Green , James Marsters

Seasons
7

Though it started out as a forgettable and poorly received movie, Buffy the Vampire Slayer found redemption as a dark, funny, and much-loved television series. Created by Joss Whedon, it follows Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar), a young high school girl who learns she is next in line to be the world’s defender against vampires and other supernatural threats.


Due to Whedon’s alleged abusive behavior during the making of the show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer has a complex legacy. Yet it still means so much to many fans who enjoy it as its own piece of pop culture.

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