The Best Shows on Hulu Right Now (January 2021)

For the last three seasons, this show has given viewers one of the best cat and mouse games on television to date--and it’s (finally) between two badass women. The show doesn’t just stand out for plot---both Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer finally have roles that stand up to their acting skills.

The characters’ mutual infatuation with each other throughout the series makes for a great watch, though season one definitely comes out on top.

What makes a great book to film adaptation? It involves much more than just being true to plot. Having the know-how to externalize such an internal novel as Atwood’s heady Handmaid’s Tale was truly an incredible feat. And this achievement was almost overshadowed by Elizabeth Moss’s (and the entire cast) acting chops throughout the series.

If Season 1 grabbed you, but you fell off somewhere in the middle, jump back in.  You’ll be happy you did.

Not everyone was super thrilled when Hulu announced this remake. But once Zoe Kravitz was attached as the new lead, instead of a John Cusack look-alike, it got a little exciting. Kravitz’ character revisits old loves through music and pop culture, modernizing the original story and honestly, making it one of the better remakes we’ve seen in awhile. But unfortunately, Hulu canceled the show after one season---no one really knows why and it’s yet another heartbreak we have to get over.

Top Shows on Hulu

Pen15 (2019)

An actual account of what middle school was like but as an adult comedy. The trailer alone is perfect. Maya Erskine and Anna Konle star in Pen15 playing the 13 year old versions of themselves, and it’s just spectacular. 

Hilarious and everything we need.

Comedy Shows on Hulu

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005)

For 14 seasons, It’s Always Sunny, has consistently provided viewers with ill-fated schemes, and dumb arguments, and enough absurdly hilarious plots, rotten Tomatoes overall score has been 100% for the majority of its years. I think only a few times did it ever fall to 90.  

Five egomaniacs, Mac, Dennis, Charlie, Sweet Dee, and Frank Four operate the bar, Paddy’s Pub in Philadelphia and never fail to cause and revel in each other’s misery.  

Ramy explores the highs and lows of finding yourself as a 20-something year-old caught between a Muslim upbringing and a millenial generation. It’s raw, it’s funny, and gives a fresh perspective on how a young person navigates their future.

Golden Globe winning, and Emmy nominated Ramy Youssef, produces and stars in this Hulu hit.

Popular Shows on Hulu

Atlanta (2016)

Created by Donald Glover, Atlanta shows how two cousins work their way up through the Atlanta rap scene. Alfred Miles is an up and coming rapper, managed by his cousin Earn, (played by Donald Glover), who gets wrapped up in the scene and his cousin’s career. 

The series provides profound perspective into what it means to be Black in America with timely observations and balanced with perfect doses of humor. 

Educational Shows to Watch on Hulu

Cosmos: Possible Worlds (2020)

Neil deGrasse Tyson returns to host yet another Cosmos documentary series. He takes audiences on exploratory voyages that are  both spiritual and scientific. Ann Druyan who worked with Carl Sagan is an executive producer for this docu series along with Seth MacFarlane.

Comedy Shows to Watch on Hulu

Dave (2020)

"Dave" is about a guy in his late 20s who truly believes he will be the greatest rapper of all time. But now he just needs to convince his family and friends. With their help, he just might show the world what he’s really made of. Based on rapper and comedian Dave Burd, better known as “Lil Dicky.” 

Forgotten Shows to Watch on Hulu

Terriers (2010)

An undeserved series cancellation, we’re glad that Terriers’ only season made its way to Hulu. While former cop, Hank Dolworth and his best friend Britt Pollack, start an investigative agency, they won’t let a lack of proper licensing get in the way. But they are pros in avoiding danger and any form of responsibility.

Western Shows to Watch on Hulu

Justified (2010)

Based on Elmore Leonard’s short story, “Fire in the Hole,” the series was further developed by Graham Yost and even executive produced by Leonard himself. Timothy Olyphant stars as Deputy Marshal Raylan Givens. Givens enforces his own Wild Wild West ways of upholding and restoring justice when he gets sent to his hometown in Kentucky.  It’s a compelling Western drama filled with just the right amount of humor.

Since 2015 we’ve been able to watch Billy Eichner from Billy on the Street  in a real life sitcom. Difficult People is about two best friends living in Manhattan, and how their quirky selves get them into some pretty awkward situations. It’s funny, raw, a little existential, and worth the watch. Julie Klausner stars alongside Billy Eichner, who both give great performances.

Deutschland 89 is a sequel to the 2015 Deutschland 83 series, and the 2018 Deutschland 86. It’s a German-American show, coming from the Sundance Channel, that stars Jonas Nay as Martin Rauch, an agent of East Germany after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 89. 

Executive producers and creators, Anna and Jörg Winger wanted to capture Germany’s next attempt to reinvent themselves. The main characters are spies in the national security sector of a country that seemingly has collapsed overnight. The characters find themselves at a dramatic crossroads, both professionally and personally. 

Okay, so this one isn’t a Hulu original, it hails from FX, but I wanted to add it to the list. A young software engineer begins to investigate the company she works for after she suspects foul play when her boyfriend takes his own life. As she learns more, she uncovers a tech conspiracy that could change the world.

A unique Sci-fi limited series from FX. If you stick with it for the first several episodes, the end will be worth it. Stars Nick Offerman and Sonoya Mizuno.

18th century drama set in London. A brothel owner and mother to two daughters is under attack by a rival madam. As a war breaks out over this profitable sex industry, the brothel owner risks everything, even her family, to protect her business.

Comedy Shows to Watch on Hulu

Legit (2013)

A Jim Jeffries and Peter O’Fallon creation, a comedian tries to seek out legitimacy through his career and life. It’s crude, hilarious, and heartfelt. The writing is sharp and stands out against the background of another comedian writing about a comedian. Crass but usually charming.

An emotionally driven comedy, feel-good and real. After his sister’s divorce, Alex and her move back in together and navigate dating life while trying to raise his sister’s teenage daughter.

Comes from the director of Juno and Up in the Air. An enjoyable twist on the struggles of dating and what it means to be family. Potentially cut off too soon, But at least there are four seasons. Stars Michaela Watkins, Tommy Dewey, and Tara Lynne Barr.

Animated Shows on Hulu

Archer (2009)

Created by Adam Reed comes an outlandish adult cartoon filled with deadpan humor from workplace to drama to foreign espionage. 

Archer is a confident, handsome spy who tries to save the world but can barely solve the problems between his friends and co-workers who are consistently trying to betray each other. 

The humor and tone---you’ll likely either love it or hate it. 

Remake Shows on Hulu

The Hardy Boys (2020)

The iconic book series has been around since the 1920’s and has made it to the screen several times. But the last remake hasn’t been released since the 70s. While it’s unclear how this one will fare, the first season seems filled with enough tension to get us interested. After a family is struck by tragedy, brothers Frank and Joe Hardy move from the city to their parents’ hometown. Their dad, Detective Fenton Hardy takes on a secret investigation, and soon after, the boys realize their pops may be onto something pretty big and so start their own investigation. 

Based on Celeste Ng’s bestselling book with the same title, Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington bring solid performances to a story exploring motherhood through a set of very different lenses. The nature of identity, race, and what secrets can do to relationships is explored.

Lynn Shelton was a light on this show---directing many episodes and being a huge contributor to its success.

Welcome to Stephen King’s multi-universe. This psychological-horror combines many of his beloved works into one television series. King fans will love discovering all of the Easter eggs from Cujo to IT. 

A show that weaves a ton of King’s works into one series. Perfect for the horror fanatic. Stars Bill Skarsgård, André Holland, Lizzy Caplan.

Based on the book by John Green, this mini series strays from original material but we’re not mad a bit but in a very good way. The book keeps us inside the head of our protagonist, Miles, relying on his view of the world to give us enough satisfaction about what we learn and who he cares most about. This adaptation takes time fleshing out the character in a way that feels rich and honest to the original story without actually following the original story.

It’s no wonder it comes from the teen-tv titans Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage who were part of The O.C. and Gossip Girl.

Josh Futturman (Josh Hutcherson from The Hunger Games), is a janitor by day and a gamer by night. His life goes from completely boring to living a video game that will actually save the world. He travels through time, completing missions to prevent the extinction of mankind.

Coming from Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg it’s no surprise that….

This love story comes from Sally Rooney’s beloved best-selling book and viewers have been equally enamored with it on screen. The series follows Marianna and Connell as they explore the many versions of themselves over several years during their on and off again relationship. Stars Daisy Edgar-Jones, Paul Mescal, and Desmond Eastwood.

A love story that actually shows just how complicated intimacy is, at any age.

Coming to Hulu October 2nd, this anthology series is based on the book of short stories North American Lake Monsters: Stories  by Nathan Ballingrud. Just in time for Halloween, odd creatures take shape becoming a real nightmare in Monsterland. Stars Kaitlyn Dever, Erinn Anova, and Tina Benko.

Encounters with mythical creatures like mermaids and fallen angels, inspire broken people to do desperate things.

With seven seasons available, Hulu brings us back to the underworld in the late 90s. Sarah Michelle Gellar is none other than Buffy the Vampire Slayer, a teenage girl somehow gifted with a strong and albeit, comedic ability, to hunt vampires. Nostalgic and just in time for Halloween.

Hulu brings Buffy back from the dead.

New Shows on Hulu

Woke (2020)

Based on the life and work of the artist, Keith Knight, Keef is a cartoonist on the verge of serious success when something unexpected happens and changes everything. We watch as Keef navigates the new ideas that confront and challenge him without ruining everything he’s created so far. 

The legendary Supermarket Sweep is getting a reboot. The iconic grocery store game show will be premiering on ABC on October 18th, set to hit Hulu the following day. Leslie Jones is set to host.

Really hoping Leslie Jones plays up the cheese for this reboot. Pun intended. The last thing we need is an attempt to make it dramatic and modern.

Documentary Shows on Hulu

A Wilderness of Error (2020)

From the producers of the HBO’s hit, “The Jinx,” this original FX series, is a five-part documentary based on the true story and Errol Morris’ book “A Wilderness of Error." It’s about the Green Beret Army surgeon Jeffrey MacDonald who is sent to prison following his conviction of killing his pregnant wife and two daughters. The documentary brings to light some new possibilities that perhaps MacDonald is innocent. 

Writer/Director and Producer, Marc Smerling works with writers Andrew Jarecki and Zachary Stuart-Pontier, as they re-investigate this 40 year case to find the truth.