It can be tough to keep an account of everything running on a multitude of platforms these days: from traditional broadcast and cable to premium networks to a multitude of streaming options, knowing where to find the best TV and movies can be a nearly impossible task.
But we are here to help! For those who are already subscribed to Hulu (or who are thinking about it), we've compiled a list of our favorite series available, from new classics to old favorites, and everything in between. We'll also be updating the list as the library changes, or new original series debut that make their case for being some of TV's best.
For more recommendations, check out our list of the best movies on Hulu, best shows to binge-watch, and best comedy shows on Hulu.
Editor's note: This article was last updated on February 3rd to include The 1619 Project.
Under the Banner of Heaven (2022)
Created by: Dustin Lance Black (based on the book of the same name by Jon Krakauer)
Cast: Andrew Garfield, Sam Worthington, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Denise Gough
It takes a lot to make a true-crime series memorable these days, but this FX latest (which is dropping exclusively on Hulu, just to make it a little more confusing) is one that delves into the intricacies of religion and humanity in a way that makes it a can't-miss. Andrew Garfield continues his reign over the last year or two on our screens in a leading role as Mormon detective Jeb Pyre, who finds his beliefs challenged firsthand when he's tasked with investigating the murder of a mother (Edgar-Jones) and child — and the case might be more entangled within the Church of Latter-Day Saints than anyone could have predicted. The Lafferty family has a reputation within the Mormon community, compared to celebrities of a sort, but it turns out they may be hiding a darker side — and rising tensions between the members have clearly led to a terminal breaking point. - Carly Lane
The 1619 Project (2023)
Creator: Nikole Hannah-Jones
Cast: Nikole Hannah-Jones
The 1619 Project is a powerful, six-episode docuseries from Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones. Centered around the consequences of slavery, the unflinching series touches on polarizing topics like democracy, capitalism, and justice. The 1619 Project is a groundbreaking confrontation of our nation’s history intended for Americans of all backgrounds. Through personal stories, along with historical moments and recent events, The 1619 Project finds an incredibly moving way to make delicate and deliberate connections. Unpacking experiences, The 1619 Project is a critically important series that aims to empower audiences with reframing, understanding, and raw access to American history. – Yael Tygiel
Superstore (2015-2021)
Created by: Justin Spitzer
Cast: America Ferrera, Ben Feldman, Mark McKinney, Lauren Ash, Colton Dunn
If you love shows like The Office and Parks and Recreation, you'll fall for Superstore in a heartbeat. The half-hour NBC comedy series ran for six seasons and is a workplace comedy that takes place in a fictional Big Box store in St. Louis. America Ferrera plays one of the store's veteran employees who works hard to make a living for her husband and daughter; Ben Feldman is a new hire fresh out of college whose naive optimism bumps up against the harsh realities of working retail. Indeed, anyone who's worked retail will relate hard to the struggles of the characters in Superstore, which hits that sweet spot of funny and emotional that made shows like The Office so irresistible. - Adam Chitwood
Schitt's Creek (2015-2020)
Created by: Daniel Levy and Eugene Levy
Cast: Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Daniel Levy, Annie Murphy, Emily Hampshire, Chris Elliott, and Jenn Robertson
If you want to watch a TV show that's bound to make you feel happy and warm, watch Schitt’s Creek ASAP. The Emmy-winning Canadian series follows a wealthy family who loses everything and is forced to move to a tiny, backwoods town where they own a rundown motel.They slowly begin to accept their new lives and even love their new town and its citizens, despite their many, many quirks, and it's that focus on humanity that really makes this one special. This is the perfect feel-good TV. – Adam Chitwood
Koala Man (2022-present)
Creator: Michael Cusack
Cast: Michael Cusack, Sarah Snook, Hugh Jackman, Jemaine Clement, Demi Lardner
Created by and starring Michael Cusack, Koala Man is a hilarious, adult animated comedy about a middle-aged family man named Kevin – who is also a bumbling wannabe hero named Koala Man. After mediocre attempts at protecting his town from petty criminals, Koala Man is finally called upon when real evil is unleashed in Australia. Produced by the clever people behind Rick and Morty and Solar Opposites, Koala Man features a selection of brilliant Australian actors such as Sarah Snook (Succession) and Hugh Jackman (X-Men), as well as New Zealander Jemaine Clement (Men in Black 3). – Yael Tygiel
The Bisexual (2018)
Creators: Desiree Akhavan, Rowan Riley
Cast: Desiree Akhavan, Maxine Peake, Brian Gleeson
Co-created by and starring Desiree Akhavan, The Bisexual is a clever and raw dramedy that examines both the fluidity of sexuality and the universal challenges in relationships, both platonic and romantic. While the first season follows Leila (Akhavan) through a breakup, as well as the blossoming of a new relationship, The Bisexual allows Leila to reflect on her own perception of herself and the people in her community. Set in London, The Bisexual plays with UK and US differences, especially emphasized by Leila’s New Yorker attitudes. With broad yet relatable circumstances, The Bisexual is entertaining for people from all walks of life. – Yael Tygiel
The Golden Girls (1985-1992)
Creator: Susan Harris
Cast: Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan, Estelle Getty
One of the most progressive comedies to ever be on television, The Golden Girls is an ensemble sitcom starring Bea Arthur, Betty White(The Proposal), Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty as four older women who share a home in Miami, Florida. Truly ahead of its time, The Golden Girls explores human sexuality and the hundreds of variations within the topic delicately, comically, and with the genuine sensitivity often required. The award-winning female-led sitcom was created by Susan Harris, who infuses the series with personal stories, anecdotes, and life lessons, allowing her beloved characters to be relatable for generations of viewers.
The Sister (2020)
Creator: Neil Cross
Cast: Russell Tovey, Bertie Carvel, Amrita Acharia
Russell Tovey (American Horror Story) stars in the chilling mini-series from Neil Cross (Luthor), The Sister. Tovey plays Nathan, a man whose life is turned upside down when a visitor arrives at his door. Over the course of four episodes, The Sister slowly and deliberately reveals secret after secret to expose Nathan’s sins while setting off catastrophic choices. Co-starring Bertie Carvel as Bob, the mysterious man from Nathan’s past, and Amrita Acharia (Game of Thrones) as Nathan’s wife, The Sister is a compelling suspense thriller with a story of passion, obsession, and dread. – Yael Tygiel
Kindred (2022-present)
Creator: Branden Jacobs-Jenkins
Cast: Mallori Johnson, Micah Stock, Ryan Kwanten, Gayle Rankin
Kindred, based on Octavia E. Butler’s novel and adapted for television by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, follows Dana James (Mallori Johnson), a young, modern, Black aspiring writer who uncovers secrets of her family when she’s mysteriously pulled through time, landing on a 19th-century plantation. Supporting Johnson in Kindred are accomplished actors, including Micah Stock, Ryan Kwanten, and Gayle Rankin. Although emphasized by fantasy elements in the vein of Outlander, Kindred is a drama at its core, with a focus on history, both generally and for this family in particular, allowing Johnson to enthrall viewers with her performance instead of distracting plot points with science-fiction heavy explanations. – Yael Tygiel
This Fool (2022-present)
Creators: Pat Bishop, Chris Estrada, Matt Ingebretson,
Cast: Frankie Quinones, Chris Estrada, Laura Patalano
This Fool was created by Pat Bishop and Matt Ingebretson with star Chris Estrada who plays Julio, a “punk-ass bitch” attempting to better his community in South Central Los Angeles. While heavily leaning into Latino culture and inspired directly by Estrada’s personal life, This Fool is an uplifting series with scenes and experiences relatable for many immigrant families, regardless of origin. Exploring themes of family, codependency, and class, This Fool is an unexpectedly cinematic comedy allowing stars like Laura Patalano and even recurring actors like Michael Imperioli(The White Lotus) to present their truths. – Yael Tygiel
Mike (2022)
Created by: Steven Rogers
Cast: Trevante Rhodes, Russell Hornsby
An unauthorized version of boxer Mike Tyson’s life story, Mike showcases the athlete’s life through a difficult childhood filled with domestic violence and an unsupportive educational system until finding fame – and controversy – with the sport. The show reunites many of the forces behindI, Tonya, including director Craig Gillespie and executive producer Margot Robbie. Though Tyson didn’t have any involvement with the show and criticized it, the series is an interesting look at a fascinating and divisive figure. – Taylor Gates
Welcome to Chippendales (2022-present)
Created by: Robert Siegel
Cast: Kumail Nanjiani, Murray Bartlett, Annaleigh Ashford
Many people know Chippendales to be a male strip revue that role to fame in the 80s, but what the general public may be less aware of is the more scandalous side to the business – particularly in terms of its founder, Somen “Steve” Banerjee (played by Kumail Nanjiani in the show). Filled with poor financial decisions and even murder, the show is chaos personified in a deliciously entertaining way. Intriguing and stylish, come for the skin and stay for the scandal. – Taylor Gates
Fleishman is in Trouble (2022)
Created by: Taffy Brodesser-Akner
Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Lizzy Caplan, Claire Danes, Adam Brody
Fleishman is in Trouble centers on 40-something doctor Toby Fleishman (Jesse Eisenberg), who, after getting divorced from his wife Rachel (Claire Danes), steps into the world of online dating. He finds great success on the apps, easily going on dates with exceptional women. However, things get infinitely more complicated when Rachel goes missing. Not only does he find himself juggling his dating life and parenting his two children alone, but he must also reflect on why his marriage fell apart to figure out what may have happened to his ex. – Taylor Gates
Dollface (2019-2022)
Creator: Jordan Weiss
Cast: Kat Dennings, Brenda Song, Shay Mitchell, Esther Povitsky, Beth Grant
Dollface is easily one of the most disappointingly short-lived series to ever exist on Hulu. Although Dollface was unable to find an audience, it is undoubtedly authentic – in part due to the phenomenal ensemble cast of brilliant actresses of Kat Dennings (WandaVision), Brenda Song, Shay Mitchell(Pretty Little Liars), and Esther Povitsky (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend), who offer brutally honest perspectives on female friendship post-college. Dollface creator Jordan Weiss permits each scene to expose uncomfortable realities with a supportive shoulder while setting the series apart with the unexpected use of whimsical fantasies, like a literal Cat Lady (Beth Grant). Dollface is a delightfully vulnerable series, relatable to many millennial women’s lives, and it will be missed. – Yael Tygiel
God Forbid: The Sex Scandal that Brought Down a Dynasty (2022)
Directed by: Billy Corben
There has been a slew of scandalous docuseries that have recently dropped, from Discovery+’s House of Hammer to the second season of The Vow to another Hulu series about the crumbling reputation of Victoria’s Secret due to its leadership under Les Wexler and his connections to Jeffrey Epstein. God Forbid: The Sex Scandal that Brought Down a Dynasty fits right in. The series centers around evangelical televangelist Jerry Falwell Jr.’s downfall after having a relationship with a 20-year-old pool boy. From politics to mind games, it’s a wild watch from start to finish. – Taylor Gates
Alaska Daily (2022-present)
Created by: Tom McCarthy
Cast: Hilary Swank, Jeff Perry, Grace Dove, Meredith Holzman
After a scandal forces her to leave her job at a paper in New York, journalist Eileen (Hilary Swank) moves to Anchorage, Alaska looking for a fresh start. Her aggressive reporting style immediately causes her to clash with her new small-town coworkers at The Daily Alaskan, but she does end up finding a passion: investigating missing and murdered Indigenous women that most of the world is simply ignoring. Created by Tom McCarthy, who wrote and directed the award-winning film Spotlight, Alaska Daily is a powerful and intriguing show masterfully helmed by the always wonderful Swank. – Taylor Gates
Reservation Dogs (2021-present)
Created by: Sterlin Harjo, Taika Waititi
Cast: Devery Jacobs, D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Lane Factor, Paulina Alexis
Reservation Dogs is a refreshing and hilarious coming-of-age dramedy that centers around four Indigenous teens in Oklahoma. The group is still mourning the death of one of their friends a year prior and hopes to make the move to California as he dreamed of doing. Before they can, however, they need to tie up some loose ends and make a plan – something that proves to be difficult. Though Reservation Dogs integrates some heavy themes, it always does so with a sharp sense of humor. Almost everyone involved, from the writers to the directors to the actors, are Native American, making the show an authentic and highly enjoyable watch. – Taylor Gates
Pose (2018-2021)
Created by: Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, Steven Canals
Cast: Evan Peters, Kate Mara, James Van Der Beek, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez
A fascinating drama about New York City’s ballroom culture in the 80s and 90s, Pose focuses on a community that hasn’t often gotten its chance to shine in media. The main cast consists mostly of Black and Latino LGBTQ characters, including Michaela Jaé Rodriguez as Blanca, a trans woman living with HIV/AIDS, and Billy Porter as Pray Tell, a fashion designer, mentor, and emcee of the balls. The show was critically acclaimed, and Porter was the first openly gay Black man to win an Emmy in a lead acting category. Pose offers a masterful blend of glamour a grit, exposing harsh realities while never forgetting the joy of community. – Taylor Gates
Ramy (2021-present)
Created by: Ramy Youssef, Ari Katcher, Ryan Welch
Cast: Ramy Youssef, Hiam Abbass, Amr Waked, Dave Merheje
Starring comedian Ramy Youssef as the titular character, Ramy is a sharp dramedy that offers groundbreaking representation for American Muslims. Living in New Jersey, Ramy is torn between his Egyptian community that’s constantly concerned with morality and his other, more reckless millennial friends. Exploring themes of faith, politics, and growing, Ramy is a compelling, thought-provoking watch. – Taylor Gates
Reasonable Doubt (2022-present)
Created by: Raamla Mohamed
Cast: Emayatzy Corinealdi, Christopher Cassarino, Brooke Lyons, Michael Ealy
If you’re looking for a sharp, soapy legal show like Scandal, look no further than Reasonable Doubt. Kerry Washington herself even executive produces the series and directed the pilot episode. The show centers around Jax (Emayatzy Corinealdi), an LA defense attorney and partner at one of the city’s top firms. Jax’s life is complicated, to say the least, as she often finds herself having to defend clients with morals she doesn’t necessarily agree with. In addition, her home life is a bit of a mess, too, as she and her husband are on a trial separation – and she starts developing feelings for the overnight security guarding her house. Sexy and smart, Reasonable Doubt is a great new watch. – Taylor Gates
