The 30 Best TV Shows On Hulu (May 2024)

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Abbott Elementary (2021 – Present)

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. 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.

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New Girl (2011-2018)

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.

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Adventure Time (2010-2018)

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.

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The Great (2020-2023)

Though The Great‘s historical inaccuracies are obvious from the get-go, this fun and funny period piece embraces its eccentricity in such a way that its embellishments become its greatest strength. The show tells a version of the story of Catherine the Great (Elle Fanning), a young woman who is plucked out of rural life in the 18th century to be married off to the emperor of Russia (Nicholas Hoult). Both Fanning and Hoult bring wit and charm to their historical characters while leading this entertaining and captivating look at this empowering woman.

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Reservation Dogs (2021-2023)

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.

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Modern Family (2009-2020)

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.

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Schitt’s Creek (2015-2020)

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.

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Atlanta (2016-2022)

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.

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Bob’s Burgers (2011-Present)

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.

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Best Drama TV Shows On Hulu

Shōgun (2024)

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.

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FEUD (2017-2024)

Ryan Murphy’s 2017 anthology series FEUD and the 2024 followup, FEUD: Capote vs. The Swans are both among the best drama shows currently available to stream on Hulu. While Capote vs. The Swans is still ongoing, it is already drawing a positive response for the show’s welcome return, which is all the more reason for Hulu subscribers to check out the original 10 episode first season.

Each series of FEUD tells a different story of a real-life rivalry from history. 2017’s FEUD focused on the backstage animosity between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, played by Susan Sarandon and Jessica Lange respectively. As the title suggests, FEUD: Capote vs. The Swans retells the incredible social warfare that ensued between author Truman Capote (Tom Hollander) and the many New York socialites he exposed in his writing.

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This Is Us (2016-2022)

Both life-affirming and devastating, This Is Us has a well-earned reputation as the biggest tearjerker on television. Cleverly told in different time periods, This Is Us examines the struggles, tragedies, and connections between a trio of siblings, the Pearsons. The talented ensemble of actors helps to make these stories all the more emotional and impactful, while still being a heartwarming multigenerational tale of a family’s journey.

The show was originally on NBC and created by Dan Fogelman. The cast also helps the story stand out significantly, with the likes of Milo Ventimiglia playing Jack, Mandy Moore as his wife Rebecca, and Sterling K. Brown as their adopted son, Randall. Across its six seasons, This is Us never dropped below an average viewership of 8 millions when originally on the air, and these impressive figures plus its multiple awards make it easy to see why it stands out today as one of the best TV shows on Hulu.

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Friday Night Lights (2006-2011)

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.

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The Handmaid’s Tale (2017-Present)

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.

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Tiny Beautiful Things (2023)

Tiny Beautiful Things is a miniseries based on the book of the same name by Wild author Cheryl Strayed. Based on Strayed’s real-life experience, this Hulu series sees struggling writer Clare Pierce (Kathryn Hahn) become a successful advice columnist despite her chaotic personal life. Like Wild, Tiny Beautiful Things is a heartfelt, emotional exploration of grief and its lingering effects, and the tearjerking miniseries is beautifully anchored by Hahn, who received an Emmy nomination for her performance.

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Best Sci-Fi & Fantasy TV Shows On Hulu

Rick And Morty (2013-Present)

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.

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Futurama (1999-Present)

Futurama

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.

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Firefly (2002-2003)

Firefly

Release Date

September 20, 2002

Cast

Ron Glass , Morena Baccarin , Alan Tudyk , Adam Baldwin , Summer Glau , Gina Torres , Nathan Fillion , Sean Maher , Jewel Staite

Seasons

1

Infusing Spaghetti Western elements into an original sci-fi setting makes Firefly stand out from other sci-fi shows

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.

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The X-Files (1993-2002)

The X-Files

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

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

Sons of Anarchy won acclaim from fans and critics for its nuanced characters

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.

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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.

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Fargo (2014-Present)

Fargo

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.

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Only Murders In The Building (2021-Present)

The zany comedy perfectly complements the genuinely compelling mystery.

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.

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Best Thriller TV Shows On Hulu

The Other Black Girl (2023)

The Other Black Girl

Release Date

September 13, 2023

Cast

Sinclair Daniel , Ashleigh Murray , Brittany Abebumola , Hunter Parrish , Bellamy Young , Eric McCormack

Seasons

1

Based on Zakiya Dalila Harris’ bestselling novel of the same name, The Other Black Girl centers on Nella Rogers, an editorial assistant and the only Black female employee at Wagner Books. This changes when the publishing house hires the charismatic Hazel-May McCall (Ashleigh Murray), whom Nella instantly befriends.

Hazel inspires and encourages Nella to be more confident and speak up for herself, but cracks begin to form in their relationship when Hazel becomes favored at work and Nella learns of a dark secret she’s been hiding. An allegory for how Black women are treated in white-collar institutions, The Other Black Girl is as thought-provoking as it is thrilling.

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The Old Man (2022-Present)

The Old Man

Release Date

September 28, 2022

Cast

Jeff Bridges , Amy Brenneman

Seasons

1

Violent and brooding, the show holds an impressive 97% on Rotten Tomatoes

A spin on the soldier-struggling-at-home formula popularized by the likes of Rambo, The Old Man is the perfect vehicle for acting talents like Jeff Bridges and John Lithgow to shine. Bridges’ protagonist is a Vietnam veteran who’s been living off-grid for decades. However, his peaceful solitude is shattered when he kills an intruder who breaks into his hope, leading John Lithgow’s Harper to kickstart a deadly and explosive game of cat-and-mouse. Violent and brooding, the show holds an impressive 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, underscoring its status as one of the best thrillers on Hulu.

The Old Man has received a slew of accolades, including Primetime Emmy nomination for Jeff Bridges for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.

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Prison Break (2005-2017)

Prison Break

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.

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Best Horror TV Shows On Hulu

American Horror Story (2011-Present)

American Horror Story

Release Date

October 17, 2012

Cast

Denis O’Hare , Emma Roberts , Dylan McDermott , Joseph Fiennes , Gabourey Sidibe , Taissa Farmiga , James Cromwell , Angela Bassett , Zachary Quinto , Sarah Paulson , Jamie Brewer , Evan Peters , Lizzie Brochere , Kathy Bates , Jessica Lange , Michael Chiklis , Connie Britton , Lily Rabe , Franches Conroy

Seasons

12

American Horror Story has left a huge mark on popular culture

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.

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The Strain (2014-2017)

the strain

Release Date

July 13, 2014

Cast

Kevin Durand , Jack Kesy , Mia Maestro , Richard Sammel , David Bradley , Corey Stoll , Jonathan Hyde

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.

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Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)

A young high school girl who learns she is next in line to be the world’s defender against vampires and other supernatural threats.

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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