Best Hulu Shows: Top Picks, Hidden Gems, and What Makes Them Stand Out

When you think of Hulu, a streaming service that blends original content with live TV and classic series, offering a unique mix of exclusives and network hits. Also known as the streaming home of FX and 20th Television shows, it’s not just another platform—it’s where storytelling gets bold, messy, and real. Unlike Netflix or Disney+, Hulu doesn’t try to be everything to everyone. It leans into the grit: adult dramas that don’t sugarcoat, comedies with edge, and reboots that actually improve on the originals. You won’t find a ton of animated kids’ shows here (that’s Disney+), but you will find shows that make you pause, argue, or binge until 3 a.m.

What makes a Hulu original series, a show produced or exclusively licensed by Hulu, often with high production value and narrative risk-taking stand out? It’s not just the budget. It’s the freedom. Shows like The Handmaid’s Tale or Only Murders in the Building got made because Hulu said yes to uncomfortable truths, unreliable narrators, and slow-burn tension. These aren’t just shows—they’re cultural moments. And then there’s the cable alternative, a streaming package that replaces traditional TV with live channels, on-demand content, and no long-term contracts. Also known as Hulu + Live TV, it’s the reason millions ditched their satellite dishes. You get ESPN, ABC, and NBC alongside Shogun and Reservation Dogs, all in one place. No box. No installer. Just your phone, tablet, or TV.

Some people think Hulu is just for people who missed out on network TV. That’s wrong. It’s for anyone who wants stories that don’t end after 22 minutes. It’s for fans of tightly written character studies, dark comedies that make you laugh then feel guilty, and thrillers that leave you checking your locks. You’ll find everything from cult classics like Arrested Development to new hits like Black Doves—all curated, not just dumped. And unlike other services that flood you with 50 new shows a week, Hulu picks fewer but means them.

There’s no magic formula. But if you’re looking for shows that stick with you—not just ones that look good on a thumbnail—Hulu’s the place to look. Below, you’ll find real reviews, deep dives, and honest takes on what’s actually worth your time. No hype. No filler. Just what works.