20 Must-Watch Hulu Original Series That Put Other Streaming Platforms To Shame

The Handmaid's Tale showcases Elisabeth Moss's tour-de-force performance in this haunting adaptation of Margaret Atwood's dystopian masterpiece. The series transforms Gilead's theocratic nightmare into visceral television, earning multiple Emmy Awards for its unflinching portrayal of resistance against systemic oppression. Bruce Miller's adaptation expands beyond the novel's boundaries, crafting new storylines that complement Atwood's vision while maintaining the story's core themes of survival and defiance. The show's stunning cinematography and distinct visual language, marked by its use of saturated reds against stark landscapes, have redefined prestige television aesthetics.

Only Murders in the Building masterfully blends classic mystery elements with contemporary true-crime podcast culture. Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez create an unlikely comedic trio whose chemistry drives this clever whodunit series. The show's intricate plotting weaves complex murder mysteries through the halls of a luxurious Upper West Side apartment building, while seamlessly incorporating commentary on modern media consumption and urban isolation. Each season builds upon its predecessor's success, introducing fresh suspects and complications while maintaining the show's signature wit.

Castle Rock crafts a sophisticated psychological thriller by interweaving Stephen King's expansive literary universe into an original narrative. The series transforms King's fictional Maine town into a dark canvas for exploring generational trauma and supernatural horror. André Holland and Sissy Spacek lead a talented ensemble that brings depth to the show's complex mythology, while Bill Skarsgård's enigmatic performance in season one adds another layer to the psychological tension. The show's ability to honor King's source material while creating its compelling mythology sets it apart in the horror genre.

The Bear revolutionizes kitchen-focused storytelling through Jeremy Allen White's raw portrayal of Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto, a fine-dining chef inheriting his family's Chicago sandwich shop. Christopher Storer's creation captures the chaotic energy of professional kitchens with documentary-style precision, while exploring themes of family legacy, grief, and perfectionism. The show's innovative sound design and frenetic pacing mirror the pressure-cooker environment of restaurant life, creating an immersive experience that's earned widespread critical acclaim and transformed our cultural understanding of kitchen dynamics.

The Great reinvents historical drama through Tony McNamara's irreverent lens, with Elle Fanning's Catherine the Great and Nicholas Hoult's Peter III engaging in a darkly comic battle for Russia's future. The series artfully balances sharp political satire with genuine character development, while its anachronistic approach to period storytelling allows for modern sensibilities without sacrificing historical intrigue. Lavish production design and costume work create a sumptuous backdrop for the show's exploration of power, gender politics, and social reform in 18th-century Russia.

Shōgun transforms James Clavell's epic novel into a gripping television event, with Cosmo Jarvis and Anna Sawai leading a predominantly Japanese cast that brings feudal Japan to vivid life. The series delves deep into the political intrigue and cultural clash of 1600s Japan as English sailor John Blackthorne navigates treacherous alliances within the complex world of samurai warfare. Hiroyuki Sanada's commanding presence as Lord Yoshii Toranaga anchors the show's authentic portrayal of this pivotal historical period, while stunning battle sequences and meticulous attention to period detail create an immersive viewing experience.

Veronica Mars follows Kristen Bell's razor-sharp private investigator as she navigates both high school politics and serious crimes in the fictional Neptune, California. Rob Thomas creates a unique blend of noir mystery and teen drama, examining class warfare and corruption through a sophisticated lens. The show's sharp dialogue and complex season-long mysteries established new standards for young adult television, while Bell's chemistry with Enrico Colantoni as her PI father Keith grounds the series' emotional core.

Future Man blends science fiction and comedy through Josh Hutcherson's everyman gaming janitor turned reluctant time-traveling hero. The series pays homage to classic sci-fi films while crafting its own absurdist mythology, with Eliza Coupe and Derek Wilson's future warriors providing perfect counterpoints to Hutcherson's reluctant protagonist. Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg's production brings cinematic scope to the show's time-hopping adventures while maintaining a sharp satirical edge throughout its run.

Letterkenny reinvents rural comedy through creator Jared Keeso's rapid-fire wordplay and distinct Canadian perspective. The show transforms small-town Ontario life into a playground for sharp cultural commentary and linguistic gymnastics, while maintaining a core authenticity in its portrayal of rural relationships. The ensemble cast's precise comedic timing and the show's commitment to its unique rhythm have created a devoted following and expanded the boundaries of contemporary comedy.

Chance showcases Hugh Laurie's magnetic performance as Dr. Eldon Chance, a forensic neuropsychiatrist drawn into San Francisco's criminal underworld. The psychological thriller weaves noir elements with complex character studies, exploring the blurred lines between professional ethics and personal obsession. Ethan Suplee's portrayal of D adds a volatile energy to the series, while the show's moody cinematography transforms familiar city locations into a landscape of moral ambiguity.

The Patient delivers a claustrophobic psychological drama through Steve Carell's nuanced portrayal of therapist Alan Strauss, held captive by a serial killer seeking treatment. Joe Fields-Eisik and Joel Fields create an intimate two-handler that explores trauma, faith, and the boundaries of psychological healing. Domhnall Gleeson's unsettling performance as Sam Fortner creates a complex dynamic with Carell, while the confined setting amplifies the psychological tension driving the narrative.

11.22.63 adapts Stephen King's time-travel narrative into a taut historical thriller, with James Franco portraying Jake Epping's mission to prevent JFK's assassination. The series meticulously recreates 1960s America while exploring the consequences of altering history. Executive producer J.J. Abrams maintains tension throughout the limited series, balancing period drama with science fiction elements while examining the personal cost of changing the past.

Unprisoned explores family reconciliation through Kerry Washington's portrayal of a therapist adapting to her father's release from prison. Delroy Lindo brings complexity to his role as the formerly incarcerated parent seeking redemption. The series balances comedy with serious examination of incarceration's impact on families, while Washington and Lindo's chemistry drives the narrative's emotional core.

Dopesick transforms Beth Macy's investigative work into a powerful examination of America's opioid crisis, with Michael Keaton leading an ensemble cast that brings humanity to this devastating narrative. The series traces Purdue Pharma's calculated marketing of OxyContin while weaving together stories of doctors, patients, and investigators. Danny Strong's adaptation balances corporate expose with intimate portraits of addiction's impact across rural Virginia, while Keaton's portrayal of Dr. Samuel Finnix provides an emotional anchor to the sprawling narrative.

Little Fires Everywhere adapts Celeste Ng's novel into an incisive exploration of motherhood and privilege, with Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington embodying opposing forces in suburban Shaker Heights. The series examines race, class, and identity through the intertwined Richardson and Warren families while expanding the novel's themes. Creator Liz Tigelaar maintains the book's tension while deepening its examination of maternal relationships and societal expectations.

Nine Perfect Strangers transforms Liane Moriarty's novel into a psychological thriller, with Nicole Kidman's enigmatic Masha presiding over a wellness retreat hiding dark secrets. David E. Kelley and John Henry Butterworth create an atmosphere of mounting tension as the ensemble cast, including Melissa McCarthy and Michael Shannon, reveal their characters' hidden traumas. The show's lush cinematography and surreal elements complement its exploration of grief, healing, and manipulation.

Life & Beth showcases Amy Schumer's dramatic range in this semi-autobiographical series exploring midlife reinvention. The show weaves together present-day narrative with childhood flashbacks, examining how past trauma shapes adult relationships. Michael Cera's performance as a straightforward farmer provides an effective counterpoint to Schumer's Beth, while the series balances comedy with an honest exploration of personal growth and family dynamics.

We Were the Lucky Ones adapts Georgia Hunter's Holocaust survival story with Logan Lerman leading a stellar ensemble cast. The series follows the separated Kurc family across continents as they navigate World War II's devastation. Erica Lipez's adaptation maintains the novel's intimate focus on family bonds while depicting historical events with stunning accuracy, creating a powerful testament to human resilience.

PEN15 transforms middle school awkwardness into compelling comedy through Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle's commitment to playing their teenage selves. The show examines millennial adolescence with unflinching honesty, capturing the intensity of early-2000s teenage friendship. The series' innovative casting choice allows for authentic exploration of middle school experiences, while period-specific details and emotional depth elevate it beyond simple nostalgia.

Reservation Dogs brings authentic Indigenous storytelling to television through Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi's groundbreaking vision. The series follows four Indigenous teenagers in rural Oklahoma, combining surreal comedy with a poignant exploration of community and identity. The young cast delivers natural performances while the show weaves traditional storytelling with contemporary narrative, creating a unique perspective on modern reservation life.