The best Hulu shows range from well-loved classics to Hulu Originals. Indeed, to be a competitive player in the streaming game, you’ve got to offer a library of choice so Hulu doesn’t only harbor its own content, it’s also become home to beloved series from across huge networks, including ABC and FX.
Hulu always adds new movies and shows to its library every month, so if you want something new to watch then read our everything new on Hulu in November 2024 guide. Meanwhile, you can also check out our everything leaving Hulu in November 2024 list in case you want to catch any of the titles before they are removed. Don't fancy a TV show? We've got you covered with the best Hulu movies to watch.
With such a plethora of choices, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s why in our guide to the best Hulu shows (we’ve got a Hulu review if you fancy delving a little deeper), we’ve narrowed down the vast amounts of content to the best TV series, so if you’re ready to find your next binge-worthy show, read on.
Best action shows on Hulu
Moving
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Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Runtime: ~47 minute episodes
Main cast: Ryu Seung-ryong, Han Hyo-joo, Zo In-sung, Cha Tae-hyun, and Ryoo Seung-bum
Creator: Kang Full
RT score: 100%
Based on a hugely successful webtoon by South Korean artist, Kang Full, Moving is a supernatural drama of epic proportions. Three high school students with extraordinary abilities find themselves being hunted down by a mysterious organization. As they fight to hide their powers, given to them by their parents, they fight against the world’s indecision as to whether they’re heroes or monsters. After achieving the status of the most-watched Korean original on the streamer, Hulu made it available in English from late-2023. Since then, all 20 episodes have been available to enjoy with viewers now making their own choice about who the bad guys really are.
Sons of Anarchy
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 7
Runtime: ~55 minute episodes
Main cast: Charlie Hunnam, Katey Sagal, Mark Boone Junior, Kim Coates, and Tommy Flanagan
Creator: Kurt Sutter
RT score: 87%
Sons of Anarchy certainly took me for a ride as it tells the story of single father Jax Teller (Charlie Hunnam) whose loyalty to his outlaw motorcycle club begins to wane as they operate an illegal arms business in the town of Charming, California. Much like his roles in Guy Ritchie's action flicks, Hunnam is on top form in Sons of Anarchy as he perfectly embodies a man struggling to juggle his responsibilities as a dad and his commitment to a motorcycle gang. Despite the violent and dark scenes, everything about Sons of Anarchy had me hooked - from the characters and plot, to the cliff-hangers and soundtrack. The series may seem that it's just about a biker gang, but the well-rounded characters will leave a long-lasting impact on you as they constantly grapple love, loyalty, family, betrayal, and redemption.
Justified
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 6
Runtime: ~43 minute episodes
Main cast: Timothy Olyphant, Nick Searcy, Jacob Pitts, Erica Tazel, and Joelle Carter
Creator: Graham Yost
RT score: 97%
Timothy Olyphant somehow always seems at home playing a cowboy, whether it's in the old West (Deadwood), outer space (The Mandalorian), or the present day (Justified). This series sees Olyphant as Marshal Raylan Givens, lawman who's expelled from Miami law enforcement after killing a criminal in broad daylight. He's then relocated to his hometown in Kentucky, where he deals with more small-time types of crime – not to mention his childhood friend, the unpredictable and fiery Boyd Crowder (Walton Goggins). Justified starts as a satisfyingly episodic modern Western, then becomes steadily more ambitious in telling serialized storylines. Don't miss it if you skipped the show when it aired on FX between 2010 and 2015.
The Old Man
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 1 (season 2 released on September 12)
Runtime: ~60 minute episodes
Main cast: Jeff Bridges, John Lithgow, Bill Heck, Alia Shawkat
Creators: Jonathan Steinberg, Robert Levine
RT score: 97%
The likes of Liam Neeson, Bruce Willis and Sylverster Stallone are known for big edge-of-your-seat action stunts that keep you hooked. Jeff Bridges? Less so. The Hollywood star is more about laidback roles in movies like The Big Lebowski, Starman and Crazy Heart, but in more recent years he's been taking on more tough guy characters (like the eyepatch wearing cowboy in the reboot of True Grit) that you don't want to mess with, which is why his performance in The Old Man is so compelling. The series, which is based on a novel of the same name by Thomas Perry, sees Bridges as a retired CIA agent that's forced to dust off his old combat skills to protect his daughter. Jeff Bridges pulls off an entrancing performance in the first season and you'll be able to see more of that when he returns for season 2 on September 13.
Best animated shows on Hulu
Archer
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 14
Runtime: ~22 minute episodes
Main cast: H. Jon Benjamin, Judy Greer, Chris Parnell, Aisha Tyler, and Jessica Walter
Creator: Adam Reed
RT score: 91%
Hulu is certainly not hurting for a lack of adult animated comedies. As well as being the home of perennial Fox favorites like Family Guy and Bob's Burgers, it's also where espionage-themed Archer lives. Essentially, it's a James Bond riff about pompous spy Sterling Archer (H Jon Benjamin) and his numerous colleagues in the espionage business – well, that's how the show starts, anyway. It's morphed into different forms over its many years on the air but, thankfully, never loses sight of its spy parody roots. Every single season of Archer is available to stream on the platform – and with each episode coming in at 20-25 minutes, it won't take you long to binge one of the best Hulu shows around.
Rick and Morty
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 7
Runtime: ~22 minute episodes
Main cast: Justin Roiland, Chris Parnell, Spencer Grammer, and Sarah Chalke
Creators: Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland
RT score: 90%
Need your fix of black humor and sci-fi gone wrong? Hulu’s got Adult Swim's brain-pummeling, universe-stretching, animated adventure Rick and Morty on tap. Sit back and allow the iconic grandpa and grandson duo to teach you a thing or two about psychology, bizarre family dynamics, and excellent scriptwriting through five seasons that promise to leave you scratching your head for days on end. It's as funny, surreal, and intellectually brilliant as I could possibly wish for.
Best comedy shows on Hulu
Extraordinary
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 2
Runtime: ~29 minute episodes
Main cast: Máiréad Tyers, Sofia Oxenham, Bilal Hasna, and Luke Rollason
Creator: Emma Moran
RT score: 100%
Extraordinary is a superhero comedy TV series made in the UK. It's set in a fantastical version of the real world in which most people get a superpower when they turn 18. But Extraordinary follows the story of Jen, a 25-year-old woman who is yet to get any powers even though all of her friends have one. So, she embarks on a journey to try and find hers, or induce it in weird and wonderful ways. Extraordinary has been praised for its refreshing take on the superhero genre, turning tired tropes into unique moments of heartfelt drama and laugh-out-loud comedy. If you're looking to get stuck into a new comedy with a fantasy twist, then get Extraordinary on your must-watch list. The first season of Extraordinary came out in early 2023 and the second season landed on Hulu in March 2024.
Life & Beth
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 2
Runtime: ~28 minute episodes
Main cast: Amy Schumer, Michael Cera, and Susannah Flood
Creator: Emma Moran
RT score: 89%
Life & Beth is comedy-drama series created by comedian and actor Amy Schumer (Trainwreck) that follows the story of Beth, a woman who's seemingly living a great life in New York with her long-term partner. However, a sudden incident forces Beth to relive her past and her present changes forever. The series follows Beth's current life and flashbacks to her teen self as she goes on a journey to better understand herself and her trauma. Life & Beth stars Amy Schumer as Beth alongside Michael Cera (Arrested Development, Barbie). It premiered on Hulu in 2022 with ten episodes and in 2024 a new second season landed on the streamer. Schumer is worlds away from her usual raunchy comedic roles and helps carry the funny and realistic tale that is Life & Beth.
Abbott Elementary
Age rating: TV-PG
Seasons: 4
Runtime: ~22 minute episodes
Main cast: Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Lisa Ann Walter, Chris Perfetti, and Sheryl Lee Ralph
Creator: Quinta Brunson
RT score: 99%
Abbott Elementary is a mockumentary-style TV series that follows the story of Janine Teagues (played by creator of the show Quinta Brunson), a second-grade teacher working at the underfunded Abbott Elementary, a fictional predominantly Black public school in Philadelphia. The premise is that the documentary crew are recording the lives of teachers who work in underfunded and mismanaged schools but Teagues is perpetually optimistic and determined to give her students the best education she can against all odds. Abbott Elementary premiered in December 2021 and has since been met with critical acclaim and garnered strong viewer numbers. It's no wonder it was renewed for a third season, which was released on Hulu in early 2024. In my opinion, fans of mockumentaries and sitcoms, including The Office, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and Derry Girls will want to give this piece of comedy gold a try.
What We Do in the Shadows
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 6
Runtime: ~24 minute episodes
Main cast: Kayvan Novak, Matt Berry, Natasia Demetriou, Harvey Guillén, Mark Proksch, and Kristen Schaal
Creator: Jemaine Clement
RT score: 96%
What We Do in the Shadows is a comedy mockumentary series, following a group of vampire housemates living on New York's Staten Island. The four lead characters (three traditional bloodsuckers, plus "energy vampire" Colin Robinson) deal with the ups and downs of living with the same beings for centuries, while negotiating the challenges of being a supernatural entity in the modern world. Building on the success of the Taika Waititi movie of the same name, it's an extremely funny show packed with memorable performances, most notably from The IT Crowd/Toast of London star Matt Berry. There are currently six seasons to indulge in on Hulu so, if you're yet to – ahem – take a bite out of this comedy show, what are you waiting for?
Schitt's Creek
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 6
Runtime: ~22 minute episodes
Main cast: Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Daniel Levy, Annie Murphy, Emily Hampshire, Chris Elliott, and Jennifer Robertson
Creators: Eugene Levy and Daniel Levy
RT score: 93%
Losing this award-winning show was a big blow for Netflix. Hulu acquired the US streaming rights to Schitt's Creek earlier this year, meaning all six seasons are now exclusively available on the Disney-owned platform. Schitt's Creek gets off to a slow-ish start, but this tale of a super-rich family forced to live in a motel quickly finds its mojo, becoming a genuinely heart-warming and beautiful thing with comedy that's often cutting but never cruel. Catherine O'Hara steals every scene as self-obsessed matriarch Moira, but Eugene and Dan Levy (who also created the show), Annie Murphy, and Emily Hampshire are all spectacular and hilarious, too.
Atlanta
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 4
Runtime: ~29 minute episodes
Main cast: Donald Glover, Brian Tyree Henry, LaKeith Stanfield, and Zazie Beetz
Creator: Donald Glover
RT score: 98%
Is there anything Donald Glover can't do? The multi-talented actor, producer, writer, director, comedian, and musician shows off his varied skillset in comedy drama Atlanta, which has wowed me throughout its four-season run. Atlanta charts the rise of two cousins Earnest (Glover) and Alfred (Brian Tyree Henry) as hip hop artists trying to make something of themselves. It's a smart, funny, and a fitting look at being black and middle class in America. And, with the likes of LaKeith Stanfield and Zazie Beetz among its starry supporting cast, TV aficionados all over the world will love this one.
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 16
Runtime: ~22 minute episodes
Main cast: Charlie Day, Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, Danny DeVito, and Kaitlin Olson
Creator: Rob McElhenney
RT score: 94%
For the benefit of anyone who's been living under a rock for the past 15 years, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is a hugely successful sitcom that's as provocatively funny and often controversial as they come. It features five alcoholic narcissists who run a bar in Philadelphia, and whose side hustles have a tendency to go spectacularly wrong – to laugh-out-loud effect. It's Always Sunny... is a boundary-pushing show that (almost) always gets it right, as proved by its fresh rating on review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes. Every single season is available on Hulu right now, and it's more than deserving of its place on our best Hulu shows list.
- Watch It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia on Hulu now
- Watch It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia trailer on YouTube
Only Murders in the Building
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 3
Runtime: ~35 minute episodes
Main cast: Selena Gomez, Steve Martin, and Martin Short
Creators: Steve Martin and John Hoffman
RT score: 98%
Only Murders in the Building stars Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez as three true crime podcast addicts who get pulled into the orbit of a crime themselves. The most notable aspect of this show? The murders happen in the apartment complex that the trio live in. Cue plenty of comedy capers and lots of guest-star appearances from a spectacular array of familiar household names that had me hooked throughout the three seasons. So it's good news that Only Murders in the Building season four airs on August 27. There are multiple reasons why Only Murders in the Building deserves its place in our best Hulu shows selection. It's built on a simple yet novel premise, makes the most out of its two veteran funnymen, is an easy watch, and contains plenty of humor and crime-based scenarios that I got a kick out of - and so will you.
The Great
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 3
Runtime: ~53 minute episodes
Main cast: Elle Fanning, Nicholas Hoult, Phoebe Fox, Charity Wakefield, and Gwilym Lee
Creator: Tony McNamara
RT score: 96%
If you've seen the terrific Oscar-winning movie The Favorite, don't miss The Great, because Tony McNamara (writer on both projects) manages to hit a similar tone with this historical comedy-drama. Starring Nicholas Hoult (X-Men, Mad Max: Fury Road), it's about the rise of Catherine the Great (Elle Fanning) and her relationship with the appalling Emperor Peter III of Russia (Hoult), who she plots to remove from power. This comedy is as dark as it gets – in episode one, Peter tries to drown his new wife as a joke – and its two leads are phenomenal. Add it to your best Hulu shows watchlist immediately.
Frasier (1993)
Age rating: TV-PG
Seasons: 11
Runtime: ~25 minute episodes
Main cast: Kelsey Grammer, Jane Leeves, David Hyde Pierce, Peri Gilpin, and John Mahoney
Creators: David Angell, Peter Casey, and David Lee
RT score: 95%
Of all the regulars propping up the bar at Cheers, Dr Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) never seemed the most likely candidate for his own spin-off. Nonetheless, when the stuffy psychiatrist moved to Seattle to host his own radio phone-in, Frasier was even more successful than its brilliant predecessor. Over 11 award-winning, ratings-topping seasons, the world was engrossed by the lives of Frasier, producer Roz (Peri Gilpin), dad Martin (John Mahoney), and the will they/won’t they romance between brother Niles (David Hyde Pierce) and Martin’s carer, Daphne Moon (Jane Leeves). It's a good opportunity to watch (or rewatch) one of the most iconic sitcoms of the ’90s before you head over to Paramount Plus to check out its recent revival.
Broad City
Age rating: TV-14
Seasons: 5
Runtime: ~22 minute episodes
Main cast: Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer
Creators: Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson
RT score: 99%
Ever find yourself screaming "Yas queen!" without really knowing how the term came to be? Let Broad City educate you. Comedy Central’s bangin' lady duo – Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer – are the reason this phrase will be forever lodged in your lexicon. Championing female friendship like no other show on TV, Broad City shines a hysterically real and infinitely positive light on how ridiculous life can be, all the while being perma-blazed on gingerbread blunts. You've got five seasons to work your way through, so get cracking.
Best drama shows on Hulu
Clipped
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Runtime: ~49 minute episodes
Main cast: Laurence Fishburne, Ed O'Neill, Jacki Weaver, Cleopatra Coleman, and Kelly AuCoin
Creator: Gina Welch
RT score: 88%
A decade ago, NBA team the LA Clippers were engulfed in scandal. Now, Hulu and Disney Plus have told the story through their six-part sports docudrama miniseries. Coach Doc Rivers (Laurence Fishburne) was striving for his team’s success, while owner Donald Sterling (Ed O’Neill) found himself between a rock and a hard place; his wife, Shelly, and his mistress-slash-assistant, V. As V. records Sterling’s racial slurs and broadcasts them to the world, the Clippers find themselves immersed in deep, deep problems that threaten to jeopardize their entire NBA career. In Clipped, you can watch it all unfold, and it’s a nail biting slam dunk watch.
Dark Side of the Ring
Age rating: TV-14
Seasons: 5
Runtime: 60 minute episodes
Creators: Evan Husney and Jason Eisener
RT score: 81%
We all know that wrestling is dangerous, even if there are arguments about what is and isn't staged. This raw, unflinching documentary series explores, you guessed it, the dark side of the ring. You can expect to see interviews with key figures, and re-enactments of the events described, and it really goes all in. Season 5 is the latest entry and it's now streaming on Hulu. Give it a go if you want to learn more about this fascinating, and often terrifying, side of the entertainment industry.
Dopesick
Age rating: M
Seasons: 1
Runtime: ~60 minute episodes
Main cast: Michael Keaton, Peter Sarsgaard, Michael Stuhlbarg, Will Poulter
Creators: Danny Strong
RT score: 89%
The opioid epidemic in the US has been the subject of many new movies and shows in recent years, from Pain Hustlers and All The Beauty And The Bloodshed to The Fall of the House of Usher and Painkiller on Netflix, but Hulu's Dopesick (2021) was one of the earlier shows to tackle the subject (alongside the likes of The Crime Of The Century and others before it). Based on the non-fiction book by Beth Macy, Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors and the Drug Company that Addicted America, this mini drama series is an in-depth look at how the opioid-based drug OxyContin wasn't the miracle cure it was made out to be by the pharmaceutical company Purdue Pharma. It weaves together stories from all key stakeholders in the crisis, including the individuals, families, companies and government involved, leaving you with a very bitter pill to swallow. Already seen the series? Why not try these six meaty dramas for your next TV binge.
Shōgun
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Runtime: ~59 minute episodes
Main cast: Hiroyuki Sanada, Cosmo Jarvis, Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano, Takehiro Hira, Tommy Bastow, and Fumi Nikaido
Creators: Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks
RT score: 99%
Shōgun is based on James Clavell’s 1975 popular historical fiction book of the same name that exposed audiences to many rich Japanese traditions. But it was also highly problematic with examples of cultural fetishization and some inaccuracies. The new Shōgun TV adaptation aims to introduce Clavell's story to new generations whilst also fixing some of his errors. The story is set in Japan in the early 1600s, which is at the beginning of the century-defining civil war. It follows the story of Lord Yoshii Toranaga, who is fighting for his life as his enemies unite against him, when a mysterious ship is spotted in a nearby village. Read my Shōgun review for more on my spoiler-light thoughts.
Reservation Dogs
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 3
Runtime: ~28 minute episodes
Main cast: Devery Jacobs, D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Lane Factor, and Paulina Alexis
Creators: Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi
RT score: 99%
Created by filmmakers Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi (What We Do In The Shadows, Thor: Love and Thunder), Reservation Dogs tells the story of a group of bored teenagers living in a small town in the Muscogee Nation in rural Oklahoma. They're desperate to escape their lives, going to great lengths in order to afford to move to California instead, including both committing and fighting crime. Reservation Dogs is one of the first TV shows to be made almost entirely by an Indigenous American team. It's received high praise for its storytelling, excellent casting and the way it deals with grief and life as a young Indigenous person. All three seasons are now available to watch on Hulu.
Fleishman is in Trouble
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Runtime: ~51 minute episodes
Main cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Claire Danes, Lizzy Caplan, Adam Brody, Meara Mahoney Gross, and Maxim Swinton
Creator: Taffy Brodesser-Akner
RT score: 87%
Boasting a stellar cast – including Jesse Eisenberg, Claire Danes, Lizzy Caplan, and Adam Brody – Fleishman is in Trouble is a drama focused on recently separated surgeon Toby Fleishman (Eisenberg). As he bravely enters the world of app-based dating, Fleishman finds more success than he did when he was a younger single man. However, he's left reeling when his ex-wife (Danes) disappears, leaving him with their kids. This eight-episode miniseries has stellar writing, brilliant performances, and poignant storylines that have made an impact on me.
The Bear
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 3
Runtime: ~34 minute episodes
Main cast: Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colón-Zayas, Abby Elliott, and Matty Matheson
Creator: Christopher Storer
RT score: 96%
Although The Bear and The Menu debuted last year and both center on elite chefs, that’s where the similarity ends. Where the Ralph Fiennes movie revels in satirizing the world of haute cuisine, this highly-acclaimed comedic drama is a much more down-to-earth affair. Shameless’s Jeremy Allen White plays the master cook who comes home to run the family sandwich café after the tragic death of his brother. The pressure cooker environment of the kitchen proves to be the perfect backdrop for tasty dialogue, memorable characters and some suitably tense culinary confrontations. There are currently three seasons of The Bear on Hulu, with The Bear season three debuting on the streamer in June 2024 - and it's just as delicious as the previous seasons if I do say so myself.
Fargo
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 5
Runtime: ~52 minute episodes
Main cast: Martin Freeman, Billy Bob Thornton, Allison Tolman, and Colin Hanks
Creator: Noah Hawley
RT score: 93%
While its origins lie in the 1996 Coen brothers cult classic movie of the same name, FX’s black comedy crime drama Fargo has made a name for itself as a show in its own right. An anthology series set in the same universe, it features multiple stellar casts including (but not limited to) Martin Freeman, Kirsten Dunst, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Chris Rock, Jessie Buckley, Ewan McGregor, Carrie Coon, and David Thewlis. While Fargo's first season pays homage to the vibe of the original movie – tracking a series of murders and the antics of a downtrodden insurance salesman – the later instalments venture into totally alternate storylines.
The Girl From Plainville
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Runtime: ~45 minute episodes
Main cast: Elle Fanning, Chloë Sevigny, Cara Buono, Kai Lennox, Colton Ryan, and Norbert Leo Butz
Creators: Liz Hannah and Patrick Macmanus
RT score: 91%
Elle Fanning is front and center in The Girl From Plainville, a drama that chronicles the events that led up to the death of Texas teenager Conrad Roy, who took his own life at the age of 18. Fanning plays Roy's girlfriend Michelle Carter, who was subsequently convicted for involuntary manslaughter after she was perceived to have encouraged him in text messages to kill himself. The drama takes us through the lead-up to the tragedy and Carter's subsequent trial. Fanning is the star of the show, but there are also top performances from Chloë Sevigny and Cara Buono. It's a grim tale, but one that's tastefully handled.
Under the Banner of Heaven
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Runtime: ~60 minute episodes
Main cast: Andrew Garfield, Gil Birmingham, Adelaide Clemens, Sandra Seacat, and Daisy Edgar-Jones
Creator: Dustin Lance Black
RT score: 87%
Andrew Garfield (The Amazing Spider-Man) leads this dark detective drama, which retells the events of the horrendous 1984 murder of Brenda Wright Lafferty and her 15-month-old daughter, Erica. Garfield plays Jeb Pyre, a devout Mormon and police detective whose faith is utterly shaken when he is asked to investigate the murder of a Mormon mother and her baby daughter that seems to involve The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Daisy Edgar-Jones, Sam Worthington, Rory Culkin, Denise Gough, Wyatt Russell, and Billy Howle are among the supporting cast, while Dustin Lance Black – writer of Oscar-winning drama Milk – adapted Jon Krakauer's book about the real-life case. Like The Girl From Plainville, it's not for the faint of heart. But if you're a fan of true-crime detective series, this could be for you.
The Dropout
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Runtime: ~50 minute episodes
Main cast: Amanda Seyfried and Naveen Andrews
Creator: Elizabeth Meriwether
RT score: 90%
Amanda Seyfried leads the way in The Dropout, a lavish drama that retells the rise and fall of Elizabeth Holmes, the founder of healthcare tech startup Theranos. Theranos had set out to revolutionize US healthcare by creating a machine that could undertake bloodtests in a matter of minutes. Along the way, she secured deals to put her machines in major US supermarkets and saw Theranos achieve a market value of $9 billion, with more than $400 million raised in venture capital. Sadly, the technology never worked and Holmes is now imprisoned after being convicted of fraud. Seyfried delivers a stellar performance as Holmes, while Naveen Andrews, Stephen Fry, and Laurie Metcalf head up a spectacular supporting cast. An eight-parter, this is a stirring, gripping, and superbly executed drama that had me engrossed from start to finish.
Veronica Mars
Age rating: TV-14
Seasons: 4
Runtime: ~44 minute episodes
Main cast: Kristen Bell, Teddy Dunn, Jason Dohring, Enrico Colantoni, Percy Daggs III, and Francis Capra
Creator: Rob Thomas
RT score: 92%
Mystery drama Veronica Mars felt like the heir to Buffy the Vampire Slayer when it debuted back in 2004. It's a smart-mouthed teen drama, but with a lot of crossover appeal, and a Twin Peaks-like mystery at the center of each season. The CW canceled the show after three seasons, bumping it off the schedule for a Pussycat Dolls reality show of all things. Fans didn't forget it, though, and in 2014 a Kickstarter-backed sequel movie was released. In 2019, Hulu surprised everyone by bringing it back from the dead for a fourth season that picks up with many of the same characters years later. Even with two revivals under its belt, Veronica Mars somehow feels underrated to me. This is still one of the best modern serialized dramas, though it's unlikely we'll see more seasons on Hulu.
The Good Mothers
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Runtime: ~60 minute episodes
Main cast: Gaia Girace, Valentina Bellè, Barbara Chichiarelli, Francesco Colella, and Simona Distefano
Creator: Alex Perry
RT score: 100%
Based on Alex Perry's book of the same name, Italian-British drama The Good Mothers tells the true story of how three brave women born into the notorious Calabrian ‘Ndrangheta mafia worked with a female prosecutor to take down the criminal empire. While Italian mafia dramas are usually all about guns and violence through the male's perspective, The Good Mothers is a refreshing take on the gangster genre as the ordeal unravels through the women's point of view. I love how The Good Mothers does the rare thing of putting women at the forefront of a mafia series and their show-stopping performances, along with the beautiful cinematography, proved to be an enthralling watching experience for me.
Rivals
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Runtime: ~54 minute episodes
Main cast: David Tennant, Aidan Turner, Emily Atack, Danny Dyer, and Alex Hassell
Creator: Jilly Cooper
RT score: 94%
Based on Dame Jilly Cooper's novel of the same name, Rivals takes place in mid-1980s Britain and follows a long-standing rivalry between the powerful Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) and Lord Tony Baddingham (David Tennant) that boils over into the world of the Corinium television station. Rivals is everything I could want from a period drama with its raunchy and rambunctious delight. Trust me when I say that Cooper's romantically-charged bestseller has not been toned down and rightfully so. Senior entertainment reporter Tom Power described Rivals as a curious cross between Succession and The Gentlemen, so get your champagne ready!
La Máquina
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Runtime: ~41 minute episodes
Main cast: Diego Luna, Gael García Bernal, and Eiza González
Creators: Fernanda Coppel and Marco Ramirez
RT score: 90%
Spanish-language boxing drama La Máquina is like "Rocky with some Hispanic flair" according to TechRadar's Tom Wardley as it charts the fall and rise of an acclaimed boxer. Following a devastating loss, Esteban “La Máquina” Osuna (Gael García Bernal) has hit rock bottom in his boxing career, but his best friend and manager Andy (Diego Luna) is determined to get him back on top. However, when a shady organization comes into the fold, the rematch becomes a matter of life or death and Esteban must confront his personal demons while protecting his family. One thing's for sure is that La Máquina is full of energy that provides endless entertainment.
Best fantasy shows on Hulu
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Age rating: TV-PG
Seasons: 7
Runtime: ~52 minute episodes
Main cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Nicholas Brendon, Alyson Hannigan, and Anthony Head
Creator: Joss Whedon
RT score: 85%
With more sass than you can shake a vampire-slaying stake at, Buffy the Vampire Slayer is so much more than your average undead-hunting drama series – with all due respect to Supernatural. Starring Sarah Michelle Gellar as the no-nonsense slayer of the title, Buffy's battles against (the still terrifying) villains who attempt to take down her nearest and dearest are but a small part of what makes this show so great. Expect wit, roundhouse kicks, tears, and tantrums, and – of course – myriad quintessentially '90s outfits and some other outdated stereotypes and themes. Seasons two and three are undoubtedly the peak of the show's seven-year run in my opinion.
Teen Wolf
Age rating: TV-14
Seasons: 6
Runtime: ~42 minute episodes
Main cast: Tyler Posey, Dylan O'Brien, Crystal Reed, Holland Roden, and Tyler Hoechlin
Creator: Jeff Davis
RT score: 81%
As a fan of The Vampire Diaries, I was drawn into this supernatural teen drama about high school student Scott McCall (Tyler Posey) whose life is drastically changed when he's bitten by a werewolf and becomes one himself. Scott tries to balance his new identity with his everyday life in the town of Beacon Hills. Teen Wolf took the world by storm when it first aired on MTV in 2011 with viewers becoming obsessed with the characters, supernatural creatures and fascinating plot. Teen Wolf had me erupting into laughter and crying my eyes out, so you're in for a rollercoaster ride of emotions if you decide to invest your time in this popular fantasy show - you won't regret it.
Best horror shows on Hulu
Castle Rock
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 2
Runtime: ~49 minute episodes
Main cast: André Holland, Melanie Lynskey, Bill Skarsgård, Jane Levy, and Sissy Spacek
Creators: Sam Shaw and Dustin Thomason
RT score: 88%
Based on the work of author Stephen King but not a direct adaptation of any specific novel, Castle Rock is a fantastic work of fiction brimming with a curious mystery, dark fantasy, and relatable characters. Set in the titular Castle Rock in Maine, the show is bursting with references that fans of the writer will appreciate. Like American Horror Story, you'll find each season (of which there are only two) tells a different story. While AHS is filled with jump scares and in-your-face spooky goings-on, though, Castle Rock does its best work via its foreboding and dread-inducing atmosphere, preferring to let your imagination scare you silly. Easily one of the best Hulu shows around.
The Exorcist
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 2
Runtime: ~43 minute episodes
Main cast: Alfonso Herrera, Ben Daniels, Kurt Egyiawan, Hannah Kasulka, Brianne Howey, Alan Ruck, and Geena Davis
Creator: Jeremy Slater
RT score: 89%
The Exorcist series is a sequel to the original 1973 film which sees the Rance family haunted by a vicious demonic presence in their home. That is until two very different priests team up to confront the face of true evil. It's a shame that Fox canceled it after two seasons as it's one of the most underrated horror shows and widely regarded as the best sequel to The Exorcist. The series adds heart to the horror genre with well-rounded characters, which is rarely seen nowadays, and incorporates the tension and atmosphere of one of the best horror movies. It's up there with one of my other favorite horror series, The Haunting of Hill House.
Best romance shows on Hulu
High Fidelity
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Runtime: ~30 minute episodes
Main cast: Zoë Kravitz, Jake Lacy, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, and David H. Holmes
Creators: Veronica West and Sarah Kucserka
RT score: 86%
Starring Zoë Kravitz (The Batman), the latest adaptation of High Fidelity – Nick Hornby's book of the same name – follows a record store owner and music obsessive (Kravitz) as she catalogues her break-ups. Like the brilliant John Cusack starring movie from 2000, this TV version shifts the action from London to the US. This breezy show is one of Hulu's better originals. Kravitz is a compelling lead, even if it's almost implausible that people under the age of 35 would still be obsessed with Dexys Midnight Runners' 'Come on Eileen' in 2020. Sadly, High Fidelity was cancelled after a single season, but if you're looking for an emotionally charged, witty, and somewhat charming series, this is the one for you.
Normal People
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Runtime: ~29 minute episodes
Main cast: Paul Mescal, Daisy Edgar-Jones, and Sarah Greene
Creator: Sally Rooney
RT score: 91%
Sally Rooney's bestselling novel was adapted tenderly and elegantly for the small screen in 2020, and it still remains an absolute must-watch today. Set on the Irish coast, the show follows the relationship between teenagers Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Connell (Paul Mescal) as they move from school through university and into adult life. Normal People took me on an emotional rollercoaster as the pair's complex love life takes turn after turn after turn. In Mescal and Edgar-Jones, it has two compelling and relatable leads, who provide drama, comedy, and a nostalgic longing for the years of your own youth. Unsurprisingly, the duo have gone to bigger and better things in the years since Normal People's arrival – surefire examples of just how talented they are and how much they poured into these roles.
Best sci-fi shows on Hulu
Devs
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Runtime: ~51 minute episodes
Main cast: Nick Offerman, Sonoya Mizuno, Jin Ha, Zach Grenier, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Cailee Spaeny, Karl Glusman, and Alison Pill
Creator: Alex Garland
RT score: 82%
Devs is a thriller from Ex Machina mastermind Alex Garland, who writes and directs every episode. After her boyfriend goes missing while working at an extremely successful but mysterious tech company, Lily (Sonoya Mizuno) investigates what happened to him. Parks and Recreation star Nick Offerman (who recently appeared in The Last of Us to memorable effect) also turns up as the company's boss, Forest, so I knew it would be a scintillating watch. This beautiful-looking thriller is imbued with sci-fi and horror sensibilities, so fans of these genres will also find plenty to enjoy here. It's slow-going at times, but one not to be missed.
Misfits
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 5
Runtime: ~48 minute episodes
Main cast: Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Iwan Rheon, Lauren Socha, Antonia Thomas, and Robert Sheehan
Creator: Howard Overman
RT score: 92%
Channel 4's irreverent sci-fi comedy Misfits follows a group of young offenders on community service who develop superpowers after an electrical storm. Prior to his star turn in The Umbrella Academy, the much-loved Robert Sheehan made a name for himself in Misfits as Nathan Young. I must admit that Misfits wasn't the same when Sheehan left the role after two seasons - but don't let that put you off as the sarcastic British humor, energetic performances and zingy special effects were enough to keep me watching despite his absence.
Best thriller shows on Hulu
A Murder at the End of the World
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Runtime: ~60 minute episodes
Main cast: Emma Corrin, Brit Marling, Harris Dickinson, Alice Braga, and Joan Chen
Creators: Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij
RT score: 88%
This highly-anticipated seven-part series comes from creators Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij, the minds behind the fantastic sci-fi show The OA. Which means you need to expect thrills, unexpected twists and plenty of mysteries from A Murder at the End of the World. The series stars Emma Corrin (The Crown) as Darby, an amateur sleuth and hacker who gets invited to a retreat by a mysterious billionaire. As you might expect, another guest at the retreat winds up dead and Darby enters detective mode in a bid to prove they were murdered. There's a great cast here alongside Corrin, including Clive Owen, Alice Braga, Jermaine Fowler, Harris Dickinson and co-creator Brit Marling. You can watch the whole first season on Hulu (and Disney Plus in the UK) to find out whether Darby solves the murder mystery.
- Watch A Murder at the End of the World on Hulu now
- Watch A Murder at the End of the World trailer on YouTube
The Clearing
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 1
Runtime: ~48 minute episodes
Main cast: Teresa Palmer, Miranda Otto, Guy Pearce, Erroll Shand, and Anna Lise Phillips
Creators: Matt Cameron and Elise McCredie
RT score: 90%
If you're looking to get stuck into a thrilling crime show, then The Clearing might be your new favorite binge watch. This is the first Australian original series made for Disney Plus – although Disney owns Hulu too, remember? – and it follows the dark story of a cult lead by charismatic leader Adrienne Beaufort (played by Miranda Otto). What makes The Clearing even more chilling is it's based on JP Pomare’s novel In the Clearing, which was inspired by the Family, a real-life doomsday cult led by a woman called Anne Hamilton-Byrne who claimed to be Jesus reincarnated. Finished The Clearing and want more of the same? We wrote this guide to four TV shows just like The Clearing before it came out, but it’s good if you want the same vibe after you’ve seen it, too.
The Handmaid's Tale
Age rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 5
Runtime: ~52 minute episodes
Main cast: Elisabeth Moss, Joseph Fiennes, Yvonne Strahovski, Alexis Bledel, Madeline Brewer, Ann Dowd, and O-T Fagbenle
Creator: Bruce Miller
RT score: 83%
An outstanding adaptation of Margaret Atwood's novel of the same name – and arguably the streaming platform's most acclaimed original series to date – The Handmaid’s Tale is one of the best Hulu shows ever. It might be based on a now three-decades-old book, but the series' haunting dystopia remains as relevant as ever. Following Offred (Elisabeth Moss), we're catapulted into a not-too-distant, totalitarian and theocratic future that dictates fertile women become 'handmaids' to elite couples who have trouble conceiving. Blessed be the fruit and all that. If you're yet to stream this gripping tale, it's absolutely worth your time. Many fans and critics agree with my sentiments, too – The Handsmaid's Tale winning numerous big awards throughout its run.
How we choose the best Hulu shows
To land a spot on our best Hulu shows list, the series needs to fulfil the following criteria: The first rule is that each series doesn't have to be a huge hit on one of the best streaming services (i.e. one of the most-streamed movies in the platform's entire history), the second is that the show needs to have an 80% score or higher from the critics on Rotten Tomatoes (RT) and finally, be recommended by a member of the TechRadar streaming team.
Our team of streaming writers includes Matthew Bolton, Amelia Schwanke, Tom Power, Lucy Buglass and Grace Morris, who all watch and write about movies and TV shows every day. Together we've put together this list of best Hulu shows to cover a wide-range of genres suitable for everyone.
Using this criteria and the team's different tastes on what makes a standout show has helped us put together a guide to stop subscribers from endlessly scrolling through the content mines. There's a broad selection of shows to watch in Hulu's library, which is constantly changing with new arrivals and removals, so check back in with us every month to see which shows we've added.
For more Hulu coverage, read our guides on the new action movies coming to Hulu with over 80% on Rotten Tomatoes and all of the new Hulu movies to be released this month. Yet to subscribe to the streaming giant? Read our guide on how to sign up to Hulu and how to get a Hulu student discount.
Best Hulu shows: FAQs
Can Hulu shows be downloaded?
Yes, Hulu subscribers with any of the No Ads plans can download content to watch offline at any time, so if you're watching on the go, this is the perfect option for you! To download episodes or movies, check out Hulu's step by step guide.
Does Hulu have a free trial?
Yes! Check out our guide on how to get a 30-day free Hulu trial.
Does Hulu have ESPN?
ESPN is available as part of a bundle with Disney Plus and Hulu. It can also be purchased as an add-on. Once signed up, ESPN programming can be watched via the Hulu app.
Does Hulu have live TV?
Yes, Hulu Plus Live TV is an option if you're looking to watch movies, shows, sports and 95+ live channels. These include ABC and ESPN.
Here's how you can get Hulu Plus Live TV, Disney Plus and ESPN Plus, all with ads, for $76.99 per month after a three day free trial.
