The Best Original Series on Hulu: A Comprehensive Guide
Since its inception, Hulu has been at the forefront of original streaming content, sometimes overshadowing other networks like Netflix. Debuting a year before Netflix’s notable entry with “Lilyhammer,” Hulu launched “The Morning After” in 2011, marking its early commitment to original programming. The network quickly followed up with “A Day in the Life,” a documentary series by Morgan Spurlock.
Hulu’s Emmy Milestones
In 2017, Hulu achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first streaming network to win an Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series with its adaptation of “The Handmaid’s Tale.” This accolade established Hulu as a serious player in the realm of high-quality television. Following this, the network produced hit series like “The Bear,” which garnered 11 Emmys in 2024, and “Shōgun,” which set a record with 18 Emmy wins in a single season.
Current Favorites on Hulu
As competition in the streaming arena has intensified, Hulu has maintained its edge by offering a carefully curated selection of original series. Below is a look at some stand-out shows currently streaming on Hulu.
The Handmaid’s Tale
Margaret Atwood’s dystopian classic became a landmark series for Hulu with its dramatic portrayal of a totalitarian regime in the near future. Following June Osborne (Elisabeth Moss), who fights against her subjugation as a handmaid, this series delves into themes of control and resistance. The sixth and final season is set to premiere on April 8, 2024.
Big Boys
This semi-autobiographical dramedy from Jack Rooke introduces viewers to Jack (Dylan Llewellyn), a closeted 19-year-old navigating university life after the death of his father. Paired with the carefree Danny (Jon Pointing), Jack’s story tackles issues of sexuality and self-discovery with humor.
Deli Boys
Featuring two Pakistani American brothers, Mir (Asif Ali) and Raj (Saagar Shaikh) Dar, the series offers a comedic yet poignant take on their attempts to manage their father’s convenience store, which unbeknownst to them is a front for a drug operation. The show balances humor with a depiction of the immigrant experience.
A Thousand Blows
Set against the backdrop of historical crime, this British drama centers on an all-female crime syndicate led by Mary Carr (Erin Doherty). The series showcases the intersection of crime and survival, as Mary must navigate challenges posed by a powerful adversary.
Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke
This three-part docuseries examines the journey of Ruby Franke, a once-celebrated YouTube mom whose parenting style raised eyebrows. Following the alarming police report regarding one of her children, the documentary offers exclusive insights into her life and controversial parenting methods.
Paradise
From “This Is Us” creator Dan Fogelman comes a gripping political thriller. The story unfolds around a Secret Service agent (Sterling K. Brown) entangled in a conspiracy involving the president’s mysterious death, complete with unexpected twists.
Scamanda
This true-crime docuseries delves into the life of Amanda C. Riley, a woman who fabricated a cancer diagnosis to gain sympathy and support. The series analyzes her journey through deception and the consequences that followed.
Accused
Adapted from the acclaimed British series, “Accused” invites viewers into a courtroom setting where the story unfolds through the eyes of the accused. Each episode is framed around a new case, highlighting the complexities of the justice system.
Say Nothing
This historical drama, based on Patrick Radden Keefe’s novel, explores the lives affected by the Troubles in Belfast, focusing on the Disappeared. The narrative examines unresolved questions about their fates, enhancing the historical context of the events.
Interior Chinatown
Centered on Willis Wu (Jimmy O. Yang), a waiter who imagines life as a background actor, this innovative comedy merges entertainment with cultural commentary. The series navigates identity and familial ties as Wu gets drawn into a local investigation.
What We Do in the Shadows
A hilarious mockumentary, this series follows a group of vampires navigating modern-day Staten Island. Initially rooted in the 2014 film, the show has evolved over six seasons, maintaining its unique blend of dark comedy.
La Máquina
Starring Gael García Bernal, this boxing drama follows an aging boxer, Esteban, who contemplates a return to the ring. As he confronts the sport’s darker aspects, the series examines personal sacrifice and ambition.
Rivals
Based on Jilly Cooper’s novel, “Rivals” is a comedic take on two neighboring aristocrats embroiled in a scandalous rivalry. With themes reminiscent of classic soap operas, the series addresses class conflict amidst a backdrop of intrigue and lust.
How to Die Alone
This darkly comedic series features Mel (Natasha Rothwell), a JFK Airport employee who reassesses her life after a near-death experience. The show intertwines humor with poignant themes of mortality, capturing the nuances of everyday life.
English Teacher
Set in a Texas high school, this series follows an English teacher navigating the challenges of engaging students while learning from them as well. It portrays the complexities of the teaching profession through a comedic lens.
Only Murders in the Building
Starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, this series follows three true-crime podcast enthusiasts investigating a murder in their building. With celebrity guest appearances, including Meryl Streep and Paul Rudd, the series combines mystery with humor.
Solar Opposites
This animated sci-fi comedy portrays a family of aliens adapting to life on Earth. Despite its comedic premise, it explores deeper themes about humanity’s quirks and societal norms.
Marvel’s Hit-Monkey
This action-oriented animated series introduces a snow monkey on a revenge quest against Tokyo’s criminal underworld, guided by the ghost of a former assassin.
Futurama
Returning after a lengthy hiatus, Matt Groening’s iconic animated series continues to entertain with its satirical takes on contemporary society while showcasing witty humor and science fiction themes.
We Were the Lucky Ones
This poignant series depicts the Kurc family as they navigate the trauma of World War II, emphasizing themes of survival and resilience as they attempt to reunite amidst the Holocaust’s devastation.
The Bear
Focusing on Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White), a chef who faces the challenges of a family-run sandwich shop after a personal tragedy, this series accurately portrays the intensity of kitchen life and emotional turmoil.
Queenie
Adapting her own novel, Candice Carty-Williams introduces Queenie Jenkins (Dionne Brown), who copes with the fallout of a breakup while struggling with cultural identity and family dynamics.
Black Twitter: A People’s History
This docuseries chronicles the emergence of Black Twitter as a cultural force, detailing significant moments that shaped the community and its impact on broader social movements.
Under the Bridge
Based on Rebecca Godfrey’s book, this limited series follows a police officer and an author as they investigate a teenage murder in a Canadian town, highlighting the real-life horrors of tragedy.
Shōgun
With a record 18 Emmy wins, this adaptation of James Clavell’s novel explores political intrigue in feudal Japan. The series has already confirmed plans for additional seasons, suggesting its narrative depth and popularity.
Such Brave Girls
Created by Kat Sadler, this comedy delves into the chaos of a dysfunctional family following a parental abandonment, delivering a darkly humorous exploration of relationships.
Abbott Elementary
Highlighting the struggles of teachers at a failing public school, this acclaimed series features educators striving to make a difference despite systemic challenges. Its popularity has secured multiple seasons and critical acclaim.
Fargo
Noah Hawley’s anthology series brilliantly adapts the Coen brothers’ narrative style, with each season offering fresh stories filled with crime and black comedy. The widely praised fifth season continues this tradition.
A Murder at the End of the World
This limited series follows hacker Darby Hart (Emma Corrin) as she attempts to solve a murder among a group of guests at a secluded estate, delivering thrilling twists in this murder mystery.
Moonlighting
Iconic for its innovative blend of comedy and drama, this series centers on the often-tense relationship between its detective agency owners, showcasing a unique take on workplace dynamics.
The Other Black Girl
This horror-comedy series spotlights Nella Rogers, a Black book editor in a predominantly white publishing house, as she contends with eerie occurrences following another hire. This insightful narrative tackles industry racism with clever wit.
The Full Monty
Revisiting characters from the beloved film, this series captures the ongoing challenges faced by the protagonists in contemporary life, balancing comedy with poignant moments.
The Office (UK)
The original British version of “The Office” remains a classic, presenting cringe humor in a unique workplace setting, driven by the antics of its unforgettable characters.
Cheers
This iconic sitcom about the interactions among bar patrons and employees remains celebrated for its clever writing and character development, providing a timeless viewing experience over four decades later.
Dopesick
Back in 2021, this series tackled the opioid crisis through the lens of Purdue Pharma’s marketing strategies that misled the public about the dangers of OxyContin, with Michael Keaton delivering a powerful performance.
Reservation Dogs
With a majority Indigenous cast and crew, this series provides a fresh look at the lives of four teens on a reservation in Oklahoma as they plot their escape while grappling with their identities.
The Great
Starring Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult, this comedic retelling of Catherine the Great’s rise to power is rich with humor and social commentary, all wrapped in a historical context filled with lush production values.
Tiny Beautiful Things
A moving series intertwined with both humor and heart, Kathryn Hahn stars as a writer turning her life’s trials into advice for others, based on Cheryl Strayed’s advice column.
Dave
Exploring the life of comedian Lil Dicky as he navigates the music industry, the series tackles issues of mental health and personal ambition while offering a humorous yet insightful perspective on fame.
Atlanta
Set in the Atlanta rap scene, Donald Glover’s groundbreaking series extends beyond the typical narrative to examine social issues and human experiences in a creative and unconventional format.
Baskets
This unique comedy features Zach Galifianakis in a dual role, delivering an unexpectedly touching portrayal of familial dynamics woven with absurd humor.
The Dropout
Amanda Seyfried stars in this limited series about Elizabeth Holmes and the controversies surrounding Theranos, showcasing the rise and fall of a tech mogul driven by ambition.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
This long-running sitcom continues to deliver unapologetically outrageous antics from its characters, reflecting their self-centered schemes with humor and a lack of conventional morality.
Letterkenny
Originating from a web series, “Letterkenny” vividly depicts rural life in Canada with humor and unique character portrayals, showcasing a variety of social archetypes without falling into stereotypes.
The Patient
In a gripping psychological thriller, Steve Carell portrays a therapist held captive by a patient confessing to being a serial killer, exploring themes of trust and survival within confined settings.
Pen15
This unique series captures the awkwardness of middle school life through the lens of adult actresses playing their younger selves, providing a full-circle understanding of youth’s complexities.
Conclusion
Hulu continues to innovate and expand its library of original series, contributing significantly to the streaming landscape. With a diverse range of content, from impactful dramas to absurd comedies, viewers are guaranteed to find something that suits their tastes. Whether you’re in the mood for a thought-provoking narrative or a lighthearted laugh, Hulu’s offerings present a wealth of options.
