Buzz
While Hulu boasts an extensive library of movies, it has also earned acclaim for its exceptional original series, alongside standout FX productions and hidden gems you might have overlooked. Explore this curated list of the finest TV shows available for streaming on Hulu today.
Abbott Elementary (2021-present)
Quinta Brunson’s mockumentary sitcom masterfully fills the void left by The Office, offering a hilariously authentic portrayal of life in an underfunded school. Brunson shines as Janine Teagues, an optimistic second-grade teacher in Philadelphia, navigating the challenges of a struggling school system alongside her colleagues and a clueless principal.
Shōgun (2024-present)
James Clavell’s 1975 novel, sharing the same title, has sparked numerous adaptations, with the latest being a standout entry that aligns perfectly with today’s era of premium, high-caliber television. Set in feudal Japan around 1600, this war epic captures a transformative time of intense power struggles among rulers vying for dominance. As Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) battles for his survival, an English vessel carrying the half-dead John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) arrives, introducing a mysterious outsider into the fray.
The Bear (2022–present)
This intense, high-energy series delves into the chaos of a bustling restaurant kitchen. A young chef (Jeremy Allen White) leaves his prestigious fine-dining job to return to Chicago and revive his family’s struggling sandwich shop.
Fargo (2014-present)
Inspired by the 1996 cult classic from the Coen brothers, this anthology series initially faced doubts but quickly silenced critics with its gripping performances and dark narratives that peel back the veneer of Midwestern politeness to reveal humanity’s grim underbelly. Starting with the cunning Lorne Malvo (Billy Bob Thornton) manipulating the residents of Bemidji, Minnesota, the series has expanded into a collection of riveting small-town stories, featuring an exceptional ensemble cast including Ewan McGregor, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Juno Temple, Kirsten Dunst, and more.
The Old Man (2022–present)
Jeff Bridges makes a triumphant return to television in his first leading role since appearing alongside his father, Lloyd Bridges, in Sea Hunt (1958–1961). Playing retired CIA agent Dan Chase, his peaceful life is upended by a deadly adversary and a former CIA superior (John Lithgow) determined to pull him back into the agency’s orbit.
The Dropout (2022)
Amanda Seyfried (Mean Girls) delivers a captivating portrayal of Elizabeth Holmes, the enigmatic tech entrepreneur who captivated Silicon Valley with her Theranos healthcare innovation. Holmes’ bold claims of revolutionary blood testing technology ultimately unraveled under scrutiny, leading to her dramatic downfall.
Only Murders in the Building (2021–present)
Steve Martin and Martin Short shine in this dramedy about three unlikely neighbors (including Selena Gomez) who team up to solve a murder in their building for their budding true-crime podcast. Martin plays Charles Haden-Savage, a faded TV star from the ’90s cop show Brazzos, while Short portrays Oliver Putnam, a struggling theater director hoping the podcast will revive his career. Gomez’s character, Mabel Mora, harbors secrets about the victim. Season three introduces Paul Rudd and Meryl Streep to the ensemble.
Reservation Dogs (2021–2023)
Co-created by Taika Waititi, this comedy follows a group of Indigenous teenagers in Oklahoma who turn to petty crime as a way to break free from their monotonous lives.
Atlanta (2016–2022)
This groundbreaking FX series, created by Donald Glover, follows Earnest “Earn” Marks as he navigates the complexities of the rap industry alongside his cousin Alfred (Brian Tyree Henry) in Atlanta. The show defies traditional storytelling with its shifting perspectives, genre-bending episodes, and boundless creativity. LaKeith Stanfield and Zazie Beetz also star.
Normal People (2020)
Sally Rooney co-adapted her acclaimed novel into this poignant series, tracing the evolving relationship between two classmates, Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Connell (Paul Mescal), as they navigate adolescence and early adulthood. Over 12 episodes, the show delves into their personal struggles with family, academics, and their complex bond, offering an intimate and unflinching exploration of love, identity, and self-discovery.
Lost (2004-2010)
A pioneer of binge-worthy television, Lost remains a timeless classic worth revisiting. The series follows a diverse group of survivors stranded on a mysterious island after a plane crash. As they grapple with survival and uncover secrets about their pasts, characters like Jack (Matthew Fox), Sawyer (Josh Holloway), and Kate (Evangeline Lilly) encounter bizarre phenomena that deepen the island’s enigma.
The X-Files (1993-2002; 2016-2018)
This legendary sci-fi series blends the eerie mystique of The Twilight Zone with the surreal intrigue of Twin Peaks, establishing a benchmark for paranormal storytelling. FBI Special Agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny), a conspiracy theorist, and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson), a scientifically grounded skeptic, team up to investigate unexplained phenomena. Over 11 seasons, they pursue the elusive truth hidden in the shadows.
Broad City (2014–2019)
Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer lead this hilariously unconventional sitcom, portraying two best friends navigating chaotic escapades in New York City. Originally a web series, it evolved into a Comedy Central hit with Amy Poehler’s support, running for five memorable seasons.
Snowfall (2017–2023)
FX’s gripping crime drama offers a raw portrayal of the crack cocaine epidemic that reshaped 1980s America. Set in Los Angeles, the series traces the drug’s impact on users, dealers, and law enforcement, painting a vivid picture of a transformative era.
Little Fires Everywhere (2020)
Following her success in Big Little Lies, Reese Witherspoon joined forces with Kerry Washington in this acclaimed adaptation of Celeste Ng’s novel. The series delves into the lives of two mothers from contrasting worlds, whose encounter sparks a chain of events that challenge societal norms around race, class, and privilege. With powerful performances by Witherspoon, Washington, and a stellar supporting cast, the show raises profound questions about identity, opportunity, and the weight of expectations.
What We Do In The Shadows (2019–present)
As Taika Waititi’s star continues to rise, his earlier collaborations, like the 2014 horror comedy co-created with Jemaine Clement, remain fan favorites. Clement, of Flight of the Conchords fame, expanded the concept into this series, relocating a new group of ancient vampires to Staten Island. The show humorously explores their struggles to adapt to modern life while maintaining their vampiric allure, offering a fresh take on the original film’s charm.
Ramy (2019–present)
Ramy star and co-creator Ramy Youssef earned a Golden Globe for his portrayal in this groundbreaking series, which delves into the life of a young American Muslim with unparalleled honesty and wit. Youssef navigates the complexities of faith, cultural stereotypes, and personal aspirations, all while balancing the expectations of his family and religious community. Blending sitcom humor with profound insights, Ramy offers both the familiar comforts of a half-hour show and unexpected depth.
PEN15 (2019–2021)
Co-creators and stars Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle, both in their 30s, portray 13-year-old versions of themselves in this hilariously raw and heartfelt series. PEN15 captures the awkward, often painful journey of adolescence, tackling themes like peer pressure, young love, and self-discovery. By leveraging the actresses’ real ages, the show also explores emerging sexuality, the looming responsibilities of adulthood, and the complexities of friendships and family dynamics during formative years.
The Handmaid’s Tale (2016–present)
Based on Margaret Atwood’s seminal novel, this series starring Elisabeth Moss paints a chilling dystopian world where plummeting fertility rates lead to the enslavement of women for reproductive purposes. The show meticulously examines the societal collapse that enabled such oppression, from legislative failures to societal apathy and entrenched patriarchal systems. Moss’s portrayal of June Osborne is both harrowing and empowering, making the series a compelling and essential watch.
The Shield (2002-2008)
Vic Mackey (Michael Chiklis) is no ordinary cop—he’s a self-proclaimed “different kind of cop” whose morally ambiguous tactics to take down criminals (and skim some profit) spiral into increasingly intricate and dangerous schemes. As his actions grow harder to conceal, the stakes rise, pulling him deeper into a web of corruption and consequences.
Archer (2009–2023)
FX’s (and later FXX’s) animated hit Archer brilliantly parodies James Bond and spy film tropes, centering on the egotistical title character and his chaotic entourage of agents, family, and coworkers. Known for its sharp wit and iconic catchphrases (“phrasing!”), the show also surprises with its ability to evolve its characters amidst the absurd, action-packed humor.
Schitt's Creek (2015–2020)
Eugene and Daniel Levy co-created and star in this sitcom, which follows a wealthy family forced to relocate to a small town they once purchased as a gag after losing their fortune. Inspired by reality TV, Daniel Levy envisioned a scenario akin to the Kardashians losing their wealth. The cast also includes Sarah Levy, Eugene’s daughter, adding a familial touch to the ensemble.
It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia (2005–present)
In the realm of “shows with lovably terrible characters,” Seinfeld paved the way for Rob McElhenney’s long-running series. Dennis, Sweet Dee, Mac, Charlie, and Frank consistently make the worst decisions (e.g., buying a gun after a robbery), yet the show masterfully evolves their personalities, like Mac’s journey to embracing his sexuality. The writers balance character growth with absurd humiliation, while injecting meta-commentary on Hollywood tropes, like McElhenney’s drastic body transformations. It’s a brilliant mix of awful characters and brilliant storytelling.
Justified (2010–2015)
Timothy Olyphant delivers a career-defining performance as Raylan Givens, a U.S. Marshal with a Wild West approach to law enforcement. Returning to his Kentucky roots, he faces off against Boyd Crowder (Walton Goggins), a former friend turned criminal. The series, based on Elmore Leonard’s works, captures the author’s sharp dialogue and gritty charm. A new limited series, Justified: City Primeval, continues the legacy on the platform.
Moonlighting (1985-1989)
After years of delays due to music rights and other hurdles, this iconic 1980s ABC dramedy has finally made its way to streaming. Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis star as private investigators navigating both complex cases and their unresolved romantic tension.
