14 Best Series on Hulu To Watch

Estimated read time 14 min read

As the year comes to a close, top streaming services have already premiered some major shows. Netflix is still enjoying the success of The Witcher’s second season, which debuted at the end of last year and quickly amassed over two billion minutes of viewing within its first week. HBO Max is also riding high on the popularity of Peacemaker, which has become the highest-rated property in the DCEU. Both platforms offer a wide range of content for fans to binge-watch.

Unfortunately, when people discuss streaming services, Hulu often gets overlooked. However, it shouldn’t be underestimated. Hulu boasts an impressive collection of narrative-driven series, whether they are original or from other networks. Additionally, Hulu allows fans to watch their favorite shows as they air on television. Their shows often focus on more relatable and realistic stories, leading to numerous award nominations and wins. Some of the most highly acclaimed series are available on Hulu, along with other top-notch shows from networks like FX, ABC, AMC, and more. As we embark on the new year, here is a list of the best series currently available on Hulu.

Updated as of September 9th, 2023, by Yosra Ben Lagha: This article has been refreshed with additional content to provide the latest information and introduce new entries.

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14 Best Series on Hulu To Watch

Ramy3 Seasons

Ramy is a popular Hulu original series that follows the journey of a first-generation American Muslim man navigating his way through a politically divided New Jersey. The main character, Ramy, faces a unique struggle as he grapples with his native Muslim community’s perspective that life’s challenges are spiritual tests, while also trying to embrace the opportunities and freedoms of the Millennial generation, all under the belief that God is always watching. Despite his religious turmoil, Ramy attempts to live a typical life, including going on dates.

This critically acclaimed show offers an insightful portrayal of an everyday Muslim man in America, drawing inspiration from the real-life experiences of its creator and star, Ramy Youssef. It captures the inner conflict of someone torn between observing religious practices on Fridays and enjoying Friday night social activities. Unlike many Western media depictions that rely on stereotypes, Ramy has received praise for its nuanced portrayal of Muslim characters. The series has been confirmed for a third season, offering viewers even more to look forward to if they enjoy the show.

Pen15 2 Seasons

Pen15 is a unique teen comedy and coming-of-age series that delves into the challenges of two middle school girls, Maya Ishii-Peters and Anna Kone. Maya is a shy and sensitive Japanese-American seventh-grader who forms friendships through her class clown antics despite her immaturity. Anna, on the other hand, is more mature but struggles with her parents’ divorce and is susceptible to peer pressure.

What sets Pen15 apart is its unconventional approach. Both 13-year-old characters are portrayed by 31-year-old adult actresses who interact with actual 13-year-olds. This unconventional casting choice contributes to the show’s cringe factor, making it stand out in the genre. Despite its odd premise, Pen15 has garnered praise from both critics and fans and enjoyed two hilarious seasons, with the second and final season concluding recently.

Only Murders In The Building 3 Seasons

“Only Murders in the Building” brings together comedy icons Steve Martin and Martin Short along with pop sensation Selena Gomez in an intriguing blend of mystery and comedy that has garnered critical acclaim. The show revolves around a once-prominent Broadway director, a former actor, and an artist who share a fascination with true crime. Their lives take an unexpected turn when a murder occurs in their Upper West Side New York apartment building.

As avid followers of true crime, they take it upon themselves to investigate the murder while simultaneously recording a podcast detailing their discoveries. However, their obsession starts to backfire as they uncover not only the building’s hidden secrets but also each other’s undisclosed truths. It becomes apparent that the killer may be living among them. Can they uncover the truth before it’s too late? Tune in to watch and find out.

Reservation Dogs 3 Seasons

“Reservation Dogs,” a comedy series created by Taika Waititi and Sterlin Harjo for FX, tells the story of four Indigenous teenagers living on an Oklahoma reservation. They resort to theft in order to gather enough money to escape their challenging daily lives and head to what they believe is a magical place in California, a dream inspired by their late friend Daniel. However, achieving this dream is far from easy, as they encounter obstacles such as substance abuse, law enforcement, a rival gang, and the burden of guilt. In their race to fulfill Daniel’s vision, they are determined to resolve their past issues before embarking on their journey, aiming to leave with no regrets. “Reservation Dogs” is not only humorous but also groundbreaking, as it features an all-Indigenous cast, writers, and directors. The series has been renewed for a second season by FX.

Wu-Tang: An American Saga 3 Seasons

“Wu-Tang: An American Saga” is a TV series that dramatizes the fictionalized story of the iconic rap group Wu-Tang Clan. It is set in the early 1990s during the peak of the crack cocaine epidemic in New York City. The show chronicles the formation of the group under the leadership of Bobby Diggs, also known as The RZA, and their journey to fame amidst the challenges and dangers posed by the epidemic. Unlike his older brother, who is involved in the drug trade to support their family, Diggs pursues a different path by using music as a means to escape the drug-infested environment.

Over the course of three seasons, the series explores how this influential hip-hop group came together as a collective of young Black men driven by their passion for music. They strive for recognition, confront the drug trade plaguing their community, and face various obstacles without giving up. The upcoming third season will bring the series to its conclusion.

Lost 6 Seasons

The popular ABC original series from the 2000s, “Lost,” is now available in its entirety on Hulu. The show initially appears to be a survival drama, following plane crash survivors stranded on a remote island, but it quickly evolves into a complex mystery. Just as viewers think they have answers, the series introduces new questions. The characters on the island come from diverse backgrounds and were dealing with personal dilemmas before the crash, adding depth to their stories. As they grapple with the island’s enigmatic and sinister nature, they must contend with external forces determined to protect its secrets. Those who watched the series years ago can rediscover their love for it, while newcomers can experience the buzz that preceded later hits like Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead.

Normal People 1 Season

Nominated for two Emmys in 2020, this popular Hulu original series centers on the lives of two Irish students who experience the highs and lows of romantic relationships. Connell, while in high school, enjoys popularity despite coming from a less privileged background and grappling with hidden anxiety. Marianne, on the other hand, excels academically but faces a troubled family life and struggles with self-worth. Their paths cross when Connell’s mother works as a cleaner in Marianne’s household.

The two embark on a discreet romance, but societal pressures and personal challenges create obstacles. However, when they both attend college, their roles seem to reverse, and they give love a second chance. “Normal People” tells a heartfelt, relatable story of love, acceptance, and the journey to adulthood, evoking nostalgia and bringing tears to the eyes of viewers. It’s a show that resonates with audiences, leaving a lasting impact.

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What We Do In The Shadows 5 Seasons

In a side-splitting and comically inventive twist on the documentary-style format, “What We Do in the Shadows” centers around a group of vampires causing chaos and hijinks in Staten Island. This popular FX series is an extension of Jemaine Clement and producer Taika Waititi’s 2014 film of the same name, offering a more expansive storyline. The show follows the lives of three vampire roommates, their human servant, and an extraordinarily boring individual who drains the life out of anyone unlucky enough to converse with him.

These characters possess distinct personalities that frequently clash as they navigate everyday roommate issues while adapting to a technologically advanced world that simultaneously adores and fears them. On paper, this series might seem like an unlikely success, but its inventive concepts and unique characters have consistently made it the most hilarious show on network television for three consecutive seasons, with a fourth season in the pipeline.

It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia 16 Seasons

“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” is a show that intentionally avoids character development and instead portrays its main characters as progressively more reprehensible individuals. The series revolves around “the gang,” a group of morally bankrupt and awful people who run a bar called Paddy’s Pub. With its 30-minute format, the show constantly puts its characters in absurd and problematic situations, only to reset everything in the next episode.

When you accept that these characters won’t change or become more likable over time, the show shines. It has delivered over 15 seasons of bad people finding themselves in ridiculous and often irrational predicaments and facing consequences for their terrible behavior. This approach has resonated with audiences, and the show is expected to continue for at least three more seasons. “It’s Always Sunny” is well on its way to becoming the longest-running comedy in TV history, and it has earned this distinction by consistently making fans laugh.

Cruel Summer 2 Seasons

“Cruel Summer” offers a gripping experience for fans of psychological thrillers and teen dramas. In its first season, the show delves into the mysterious disappearance of the popular teenager Kate and the obsession of her less popular friend, Jeanette, who tries to assume her identity during her absence. The narrative unfolds over three years in the early ’90s, presenting contrasting viewpoints from both the victim and her socially marginalized friend. As the story progresses, Jeanette’s hidden motives come to light, and her struggle to combat the damaging accusations against her proves challenging.

The second season takes a different direction, focusing on a classic teen drama theme: a love triangle. Megan’s family hosts Isabella, an exchange student, for a year, leading to a complex and intense relationship between the two girls. Matters are further complicated by the presence of Luke, Megan’s best friend. “Cruel Summer” is a thrilling and suspenseful series that promises an engaging experience for its target audience.

Saint X 1 Season

Hulu’s limited series, Saint X, is a psychological drama adapted from Alexis Schaitkin’s acclaimed 2020 novel of the same title. The story revolves around the horrific rape and murder of Alison Thomas, the older sister of Emily Thomas, during a vacation in the Caribbean two decades ago. Rather than focusing primarily on the details of the murder, the series delves deep into Emily’s psychological trauma and her quest to find closure after losing someone she greatly admired.

Saint X is a gripping series that employs non-linear storytelling, mirroring Emily’s fragmented perception of time and self following the tragedy. Beyond the central narrative, the show also subtly addresses themes such as race, class, Christian upbringing, and the social taboos surrounding grief, offering a thought-provoking commentary on these aspects.

The Great 3 Seasons

If you’re seeking a visually stunning experience where costumes, design, and production come together as a masterpiece, look no further than “The Great.” Crafted by the Oscar-nominated Tony McNamara and featuring the exceptionally talented Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult, the series is a historical and satirical dark comedy centered on a woman who ascends to the elite class in Russia by marrying Emperor Peter III. However, her idealized life is shattered when she discovers Peter’s unchanging selfish and immature behavior. After enduring numerous hardships at her husband’s cruel hands, she resolves to overthrow him and seize his position.

Her unwavering belief that she’s destined for greatness, as she puts it, “a Great life, I felt. Like God himself had spat me forth to land on this Earth and in some way transform it. That I was here for a reason, a purpose,” empowers her to pursue her remarkable destiny at any cost. Apart from being Hulu’s most visually captivating show, “The Great” stands as a powerful testament to female resistance in the face of unrelenting masculine aggression. Despite garnering numerous award nominations and immense popularity, it’s unfortunate that Hulu decided to cancel its fourth season.

Tiny Beautiful Things 1 Season

“Tiny Beautiful Things” is a comedy-drama series adapted from Cheryl Strayed’s 2012 book of the same name, featuring Kathryn Hahn in an outstanding performance as Claire. Claire, a 49-year-old columnist, grapples with the impact of her mother’s sudden and untimely death on her present life. The storyline alternates between the present, where Claire unknowingly brings her past trauma into her current relationships, particularly with her husband Danny and daughter Rae.

The show also delves into Claire’s teenage years, portrayed by Sarah Pidgeon, during the early stages of her mother’s passing. Be prepared to experience a rollercoaster of emotions, from guilt and loss to anger and shame, as you connect deeply with Claire’s character. Despite the heavy themes, the series does offer moments of beauty and simplicity, in line with its title. “Tiny Beautiful Things” is a must-watch for anyone embarking on a journey of self-reflection and introspection, guaranteed to evoke tears and resonate with your heart.

UnPrisoned 1 Season

The comedy series “UnPrisoned” features Kerry Washington in the charming role of Paige, a therapist and single mother who is very active on Instagram. Her peaceful daily routine takes an unexpected turn when her father, who has spent 17 years in prison, unexpectedly shows up at her doorstep. The show explores various issues related to reintegrating former inmates into society and highlights the crucial role that family plays in this process.

The clever and humorous dialogue in the series helps balance the seriousness of the subject matter, allowing the audience to see Kerry Washington’s comedic talent, which is sometimes overshadowed by her excellence in delivering dramatic performances. She manages to make the challenging task of reconnecting with an absent father who has endured 17 years of trauma in prison seem more manageable than it appears. With an impressive 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, “UnPrisoned” has become an unexpected hit for Hulu.

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