15 Best Hulu Original Series

Oct. 4, 2023, 2:30 p.m.

Movies

15 Best Hulu Original Series

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Summary Hulu's original series rivals Netflix, boasting genres like animated comedies, powerful dramas, and star-studded talent for must-watch television.

Shows like "Solar Opposites," "The Handmaid's Tale," and "The Bear" highlight Hulu's diverse and critically acclaimed exclusive content offerings.

With big names like Nicole Kidman and Steve Martin, Hulu's original shows have garnered recognition at prestigious awards shows, cementing their status in the streaming world.

When it comes to Hulu original series, the streaming service has held its own against Netflix and other bigger platforms. The smaller streaming service has enjoyed success in various genres, and the service has seen recognition at the Primetime Emmy Awards, Golden Globes Awards, and more. Since 2011, Hulu has been making its own original content, and while it was a slower start at first, they are now responsible for some of the most popular and most acclaimed shows on television.

Along with Hulu's original movies, the streaming platform has delved into a wide variety of shows, offering viewing options for audiences of all kinds to enjoy their exclusive content. This includes wacky animated comedies like Solar Opposites, powerful dramas like The Handmaid's Tale, and shows that mix comedy and drama like the hugely acclaimed The Bear. With big-name talents involved in these shows, including Nicole Kidman, Steve Martin, and Elizabeth Moss, the best Hulu original shows are among the must-see television in the current world of steaming.

Related All 75 Movies & TV Shows Leaving Hulu This Month There are several movies and TV shows leaving Hulu this month, and there are only a few more chances to watch some notable dramas, comedies, and more.

15 Unprisoned (2023-)

A Single Mother Reconnects With Her Father Who Is Released From Prison

Unprisoned Based on the life of show creator Terry McMillan, Unprisoned is a comedy series that follows Paige, a relationship therapist who needs perfection but has a somewhat messy life. A single mother living at home with her teenage son, Paige's life is changed further when her father is released from prison with nowhere to go. Agreeing to take him in, the two will attempt to reconnect as Paige navigates a new day-to-day life. Cast Kerry Washington , Delroy Lindo , Marque Richardson , Faly Rakotohavana , Jordyn McIntosh Release Date March 10, 2023 Seasons 1 Main Genre Comedy

Unprisoned is a Hulu original comedy series that explores a family story with a unique twist elevated by two acclaimed actors in the lead roles. The show stars Kerry Washington as a single mother who has to deal with the fact that her father (Delroy Lindo) is getting out of prison and reentering her life. While he attempts to get used to life on the outside, he also tries to be the good father he never was when she was growing up.

Their relationship in the show highlights the tonal shifts of Unprisoned, as it is a funny and light series that can also get heavy at times.

Washington and Lindo are two award-winning actors who are not necessarily known for appearing in a lot of comedies. However, they are the biggest selling point of the show as they are funny and have great chemistry while also playing the more series elements well. Their relationship in the show highlights the tonal shifts of Unprisoned, as it is a funny and light series that can also get heavy at times.

14 Life & Beth (2022-)

A Successful Woman Reexamines Her Life

Another newer Hulu original comedy that has found a lot of fans and earned acclaim while featuring some standout performers is Life & Beth. Amy Schumer stars as a successful young woman with a stable career and attractive long-term boyfriend whose life changes when she has an unexpected incident that makes her look back on her life and how she got to where she is.

The show is a funny and insightful exploration of a person's life path and how priorities change over time. Schumer gives her best performance to date filled with humor and drama that shows her versatility as an actor beyond just being a successful comedian. Michael Cera is also a standout in the show as the man Beth encounters when reevaluating her life. They make for a funny duo with some charming moments.

13 Nine Perfect Strangers (2021-)

Strangers Escape To An Unusual Wellness Resort

Nine Perfect Strangers Based on the novel by Liane Moriarty, Nine Perfect Strangers follows nine people who discover dark secrets and hidden agendas as they attend a wellness retreat run by a mysterious woman. Nicole Kidman, Melissa McCarthy, Michael Shannon, Luke Evans, and Samara Weaving star in the 2018 limited series. Cast Melissa McCarthy , Grace Van Patten , Tiffany Boone , Bobby Cannavale , Samara Weaving , Manny Jacinto , Asher Keddie , Luke Evans , Regina Hall , Melvin Gregg , Michael Shannon , Nicole Kidman Release Date August 18, 2021 Seasons 2

Nine Perfect Strangers sets up a mystery in an isolated location while featuring one of the most star-studded casts on television. The first season of the show follows nine people who visit a health and wellness resort to escape the stress of big city life. Nicole Kidman plays the resort's director who pushes her guests to some wild extremes in her pursuit of changing their lives forever.

While not quite as successful as shows like The White Lotus that follow similar formulas, the series offers a terrific acting showcase for the talented cast in a tense setting. The first season featured Kidman at the center with the likes of Melissa McCarthy, Michael Shannon, Regina Hall, and Samara Weaving playing the guests of the resort. Nine Perfect Strangers season 2 promises a similarly starry affair with Kidman returning alongside new cast members, Henry Goulding, Annie Murphy, Murray Bartlett, and Mark Strong.

12 Solar Opposites (2020- )

Aliens Attempt To Make The Best Of Life On Earth

Solar Opposites Solar Opposites is a Hulu adult animation series that centers on a family of aliens. After moving to America, they bicker about whether the country is better than their home planet. The series was created by Mike McMahan and Rick and Morty co-creator Justin Roiland, with characters voiced by Thomas Middleditch, Sean Giambrone, and Mary Mack. Cast Thomas MIddleditch , Sean Giambrone , Mary Mack , Sagan McMahan , Justin Roiland , Tiffany Haddish Release Date May 8, 2020 Seasons 4

Solar Opposites takes it one step further by actually making the show about aliens living on Earth.

After helping co-create Rick & Morty, Justin Roiland co-created the Hulu original animated series Solar Opposites. Both shows are based in the world of sci-fi, but Solar Opposites takes it one step further by actually making the show about aliens living on Earth. While Roiland was fired from the series after the third season, the show continued with a fourth, and a fifth season of Solar Opposites is still to come.

The show hasn't reached the same level of critical acclaim as Rick & Morty, but it is still a clever and hilarious sci-fi satire that takes an interesting look at life on Earth. The show reached new levels in season 4 when Dan Stevens (Legion) replaced Roiland in the voice cast. The series has picked up honors at the Clio Awards and BMI Film & TV Awards, winning Best Streaming Series at the BMIs and taking a Bronze and Gold award at the Clios.

11 11.22.63 (2016)

A Man Goes Back In Time To Stop The Kennedy Assassination

11.22.63 11.22.63 centers on Jake Epping, a young high school English teacher, who develops a plan to travel back in time and save John F. Kennedy from being assassinated. The Hulu mini-series was based on the 2011 novel 11/22/63 by Stephen King and stars James Franco as Jake Epping. Upon release 11.22.63 received mostly positive reviews. Cast James Franco , Sarah Gadon , Josh Duhamel , Daniel Webber Release Date April 6, 2016 Seasons 1

There has been more than one Hulu original series based on the work of Stephen King but the best of these came in 2016 with the adaptation of 11.22.63. Unlike many King adaptations, this is not a horror story but is instead a time travel tale. James Franco stars as Jake Epping, a recently divorced teacher from Maine who finds a way to travel back in time where he always ends up in a specific time in the past. He then decides to try to stop the Kennedy assassination.

J.J. Abrams and Stephen King teamed up to executive produce the series, and it arrived on Hulu to critical acclaim. It only took home one award, which was not unusual for streaming services like Hulu at that time. However, that win was the Best Television Presentation at the Saturn Awards, which was a big deal for genre entertainment.

10 The Great (2020-2023)

A Comedic Look At Catherine The Great's Reign

The Great A drastic departure from the true story, The Great tells the story of Catherine The Great, who went from being an outsider to the most powerful and longest-ruling woman in Russia's history. But, after assuming the throne from a coup against her husband, she soon discovers enacting her form of liberation of the country will be a challenge - and she'll have to fight everyone she knows to get it done. Cast Sacha Dhawan , Adam Godley , Richard Pyros , Belinda Bromilow , Elle Fanning , Gwilym Lee , Sebastian de Souza , Phoebe Fox , Charity Wakefield , Nicholas Hoult , Douglas Hodge , Bayo Gbadamosi Release Date May 15, 2020 Seasons 3

The Great is a Hulu original series that is formatted like a historical show about the life of Catherine the Great. However, it is actually only loosely based on her rise to power and is mostly a fictional series that takes a humorous look at her time in Russia and her rise to power in the nation. Elle Fanning stars as Catherine the Great while Nicholas Hoult stars as Emperor Peter III in a series that tries hard never to take itself seriously.

The Great ended in 2023 after three seasons and the death of Emperor Peter III, which solidified Catherine as the new ruler of Russia. The series was also critically acclaimed, picking up several Primetime Emmy nominations, including acting nominations for both Fanning and Hoult though its only win was in the costume category. However, it also earned an award for Best Episodic Comedy at the Writers Guild of America Awards.

9 Love, Victor (2020-2022)

A Young Teen Struggles With His Sexuality After Moving To A New School

Love Victor Love, Victor is a spinoff of the 2018 film Love, Simon, starring Nick Robinson. Instead of focusing on Simon’s story, Love, Victor centers on Victor Salazar (Michael Cimino), who, after moving to a new city, must juggle the stresses of high school as he figures out his sexual identity. The series ran for three seasons between 2020 and 2022 on Disney+ and Hulu. Cast Michael Cimino , Ana Ortiz , George Sear , James Martinez , Anthony Turpel , Mateo Fernandez , Mason Gooding , Bebe Wood , Rachel Hilson , Isabella Ferreira Release Date June 17, 2020 Seasons 3

Love, Victor was a Hulu original series that is set in the same world as the 2018 movie Love, Simon. That original film was about a closeted gay high school boy named Simon who struggled to balance his friends and family while a blackmailer threatened to out him to the school. It was the first major Hollywood studio movie to be based on a gay teenage romance. The Hulu original series was based on the same general ideas.

In this series, Victor is a new student at a high school in Atlanta who is struggling with his sexual orientation. He then reaches out to Simon (Nick Robinson reprising his role from the movie) to ask for advice and help. The series has been praised as a romantic and grounded LGBTQ+ teen story that deals with complex storylines in touching ways. Love, Victor had three seasons and picked up accolated from the Imagen Awards, and was nominated for GLAAD Media Awards for its representation.

8 Pen15 (2019-2021)

Two Awkward Best Friends Deal With Middle School As Outcasts

PEN15 Created for Hulu, PEN15 is a comedy series that follows Maya Ishii-Peters and Anna Konkle, two best friends in middle school (though as their thirty-something selves) who are outcasts trying to make their way through the pitfalls of adolescence. Maya and Anna explore the taboos of their youth while learning to stand up for themselves in an experience claimed to represent the 2000s middle school experience. Cast Taj Cross , Anna Konkle , Richard Karn , Melora Walters , Taylor Nichols , Mutsuko Erskine , Dallas Liu , Maya Erskine Release Date February 8, 2019 Seasons 2

The two women, both 31 years old when they made the series, played themselves in the series - as 13-year-old girls.

Pen15 was an early Hulu original comedy series and one that was unique in how it was presented. The show is based on the middle school lives of the creators, Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle. The two women, both 31 years old when they made the series, played themselves in the series - as 13-year-old girls. However, all the other cast members in the middle school were played by actual teenagers, making for an interesting premise and an instant hit for Hulu.

The show embraces its quirkiness and weird energy in a big way with laugh-out-loud moments that range from wacky and absurd to awkward and cringe. Both Erskine and Konkly picked up Primetime Emmy Awards nominations for writing in both of the Hulu original series' seasons, and the show itself also picked up an Outstanding Comedy Series nomination in its second season.

7 We Were The Lucky Ones (2024)

A Jewish Family's Experiences During The Holocaust

We Were the Lucky Ones Based on the novel by Georgia Hunter, We Were the Lucky Ones is a 2024 drama-history television series created for Hulu by Erica Lipez. The film follows a Polish Jewish family who try to find one another decades after the aftermath of World War II. Cast Joey King , logan lerman , Henry Lloyd-Hughes , Amit Rahav , Hadas Yaron , Sam Woolf , Michael Aloni Release Date March 28, 2024 Seasons 1

The Hulu original miniseries We Were the Lucky Ones is one of the newest releases on the streaming platform but one that is already considered one of the best. Based on the book of the same name by Georgia Hunter, the show follows a Polish-Jewish family during the Holocaust, giving their perspectives on this dark time in human history. The show depicts how his affluent family sees their protection and position fade with the rise of Hitler's antisemitic reign.

The miniseries features Joey King and Logan Lerman as two of the siblings in the family, while it details the various experiences each family member faced with some going into hiding and others being sent to the concentration camps. As expected with the subject matter, the miniseries is not easy to watch with some harrowing moments, but it is also a life-affirming story made more powerful by the strong ensemble that makes up the central family.

6 Reservation Dogs (2021-2023)

Four Young Indigenous Friends Deal With Life On A Reservation

Reservation Dogs Reservation Dogs is a Hulu original series about teenage Native American friends who grow up together on a reservation in Oklahoma. The series stars D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Paulina Alexis, Lane Factor, and Devery Jacobs as the four friends and was created by Sterlin Harjo and Thor: Love and Thunder director Taika Waititi. Cast Zahn McClarnon , Bobby Lee Release Date August 9, 2021 Seasons 2

Reservation Dogs is a Hulu original comedy-drama series by Oklahoma indigenous filmmaker Sterlin Harjo and Thor: Ragnarok director Taika Waititi. The series follows four indigenous teenagers who live in rural Oklahoma and want to find a way out of their small town. They remain mostly bored, spending their days committing minor crimes, while also fighting crime in their spare time. Their one dream was to go to California to honor their friend, who died the year before the events of the series.

This Hulu original series ended after three seasons, despite universal critical praise. The show has a unique and quirky sense of humor that helps to bring these characters alive while the show deals with the culture and issues of the indigenous community in eye-opening ways. In 2022, it won the Independent Spirit Awards for Best New Scripted Series and Best Ensemble Cast in a New Scripted Series. It also won the Peabody Awards honor for Entertainment in 2022.

5 Only Murders In The Building (2021- )

Three Neighbors Begin A rue-Crime Podcast Together

Only Murders in the Building Starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, Only Murders in the Building follows an unlikely trio of true crime fans living in an affluent New York apartment building, who attempt to solve the murder of one of the building's residents and document it on their own true crime podcast. The three amateur sleuths soon find out that real crime solving isn't as simple or as glamorous as their favorite podcasts make it seem, and that all of their lives are inextricably linked to the mysteries they are pursuing. Cast Michael Cyril Creighton , Aaron Dominguez , Ryan Broussard , Selena Gomez Martin Short , Vanessa Aspillaga , Steve Martin , Amy Ryan , Jeena Yi Release Date August 31, 2021 Seasons 3

With three seasons completed and another ordered, Only Murders in the Building has become one of the best Hulu original series on the streaming service. The cast is top-notch, with Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez starring as three true crime podcasters who have taken it upon themselves to solve real murders that start happening around them. Season 3 of Only Murders in the Building ended with a twist that brings things even closer as someone near and dear to the three ended up murdered.

The three leads have terrific chemistry together, each of them bringing something different to the table. It is a lot of fun seeing them take on these cases while guest stars like Paul Rudd, Tina Fey, and Meryl Streep further elevate the show. It also picked up seven Golden Globes nominations, although it didn't win one, and 29 Emmy nominations, winning three of them. The fourth season hopes to add to those totals.

4 Shōgun (2024)

An English Sailor Shipwrecks In 1600s Japan

Shogun Shogun is an FX original mini-series set in 17th Century Japan. Shogun follows John Blackthorne, who becomes a samurai warrior but is unknowingly a pawn in Yoshii Toranaga's plan to become Shogun. The series stars Cosmo Jarvis as John Blackthorne and Hiroyuki Sanada as Yoshii Toranaga, along with Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano, and Yûki Kedôin. Cast Cosmo Jarvis , Hiroyuki Sanada , Anna Sawai , Tadanobu Asano , Yûki Kedôin Seasons 1

Shōgun is another Hulu original series that is very new yet has already become a sensation with its epic storytelling and complex characters. Based on the novel by James Clavell, it is a historical fiction drama set in the 1600s, following an ambitious sailor who finds himself shipwrecked in Japan where he becomes drawn into the culture and world of a powerful lord seeking to overthrow his political rivals. The show is an epic television experience with its incredible visual storytelling feeling like a blockbuster and the engrossing exploration of this ancient world creating a truly unique story. While it achieves the intense and fascinating political maneuvering as effectively as the early seasons of Game of Thrones, Shōgun stands on its own as an original bit of television storytelling. While it is unlikely the show will continue past its first season, it will stand as one of Hulu's best.

3 Dopesick (2021)

A Miniseries About The Opioid Crisis In America

Dopesick From Executive Producer Danny Strong and starring and executive produced by Michael Keaton, Dopesick, examines how one company triggered the worst drug epidemic in American history. The series takes viewers to the epicenter of America’s struggle with opioid addiction, from the boardrooms of Purdue Pharma to a distressed Virginia mining community, to the hallways of the DEA. Cast John Hoogenakker , will poulter , Jake McDorman , Kaitlyn Dever , Phillipa Soo , Michael Keaton , Peter Sarsgaard , Rosario Dawson Release Date October 13, 2021 Seasons 1

Based on a true story, Dopesick focused on America's battle with opioid addiction and its effect on families and individuals affected by it.

Released in 2021, Dopesick was a Hulu original miniseries that starred Michael Keaton. Based on a true story, Dopesick focused on America's battle with opioid addiction and its effect on families and individuals affected by it. While based on the true story, the characters in the series are fictional, although some are composite characters of people involved in the crisis. Only the Sackler family were based on real people - the family who owned Purdue Pharma and faced lawsuits over overprescription of drugs like OxyContin.

Keaton in the lead role was based on several doctors, including Dr. Stephen Loyd, who himself was addicted. It was a huge success for Hulu original series, picking up 13 Primetime Emmy nominations. Keaton won for Best Lead Actor, and it also won for cinematography. Will Poulter, Peter Sarasgaard, Michael Stuhlbarg, Kaitlyn Dever, and Mare Winningham also picked up nominations for their acting as well.

2 The Handmaid's Tale (2017- )

A Dystopian Drama In Which Women Are Ruled By Men

The Handmaid's Tale The Handmaid's Tale is a dystopian television series based on the 1985 novel by author Margaret Atwood. The series was created by Bruce Miller and stars Elisabeth Moss, Joseph Fiennes, and Yvonne Strahovski. The show follows the story of a young handmaid as she is forced to deal with a new totalitarian government that subjugates women in this dark societal twist. Cast O-T Fagbenle , Joseph Fiennes , Alexis Bledel , Elisabeth Moss , Amanda Brugel , Bradley Whitford , Max Minghella , Ann Dowd , Samira Wiley , Madeline Brewer , Yvonne Strahovski Release Date April 26, 2017 Seasons 5

The Handmaid's Tale is the show that really put the streaming service on the map. Based on the novel by Margeret Atwood, the Hulu series is a post-apocalyptic series that takes place after a second American Civil War that leads to a dystopia where men are the ruling class. On the other hand, women are controlled, and they are used mostly for breeding to ensure the male-dominated controlling class.

The series has become one of the most successful original shows for any streaming service, especially when it concerns awards season. Through the show's first five seasons, The Handmaid's Tale has won eight Primetime Emmy Awards in 13 nominations. Those are the most for any Hulu original series, and it was also the first series by the streaming service to ever win a major award. It also picked up a Golden Glove Award for Best Television Series - Drama.

DID YOU KNOW: Elisabeth Moss, the actress who plays the main character June, has directed six episodes of the series.

1 The Bear (2022- )

A Celebrated Chef Tries To Keep His Late Brother's Sandwich Shop Afloat

The Bear Set in a Chicago sandwich shop, The Bear follows Carmy Berzatto, a young professionally trained chef who returns to take over his family business after the unexpected death of his brother. At odds with many of the shop's employees due to his culinary training, Carmy struggles to maintain order and keep the shop from failing entirely. Jeremy Allen White stars as Carmy alongside Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Ayo Edebiri. Cast Jeremy Allen White , Ebon Moss-Bachrach , Ayo Edebiri , Lionel Boyce , Liza Colón-Zayas , Abby Elliott , Oliver Platt Release Date June 23, 2022 Seasons 2

The Bear ended up as a surprising critical hit as a Hulu original series when it premiered in 2022. This is a black comedy-drama series that features Jeremy Allen White as a classically trained chef who ends up returning home to Chicago to help run his family's restaurant. What really helps drive this story are the characters, as the mostly disinterested chefs in the restaurant and the overly driven Carmy Berzatto are often clashing in brilliant and always entertaining ways.

The second season premiered in 2023, cementing it as one of the best shows on television. The series has incredible versatility as it is able to be a funny exploration of these dysfunctional misfits, an intense thriller about the endless pressure of the culinary profession, and a deep, emotional drama about battles with self-worth. The cast itself picked up a plethora of Emmy nominations, including White, Oliver Platt, Jon Bernthal, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Ayo Edebiri. The series ultimately won 10 Emmy Awards and several Golden Globes, further proving that it's at the top of its genres.