Must-Watch Hulu Originals to Stream Right Now

If you’re looking for the Hulu original shows worth your time, the short answer is: start with The Bear, Only Murders in the Building, and Shōgun—these three represent the service’s best across comedy, mystery, and prestige drama. Beyond those, Hulu’s originals span sci-fi, documentaries, and animation, so there’s a strong pick for nearly every taste. This guide breaks down the essential shows, how to choose based on what you like, and what makes each one stand out.

The Heavyweights: Three Shows You Can’t Skip

These are the Hulu originals that have defined the platform and earned widespread critical and audience acclaim.

• The Bear – A high-intensity dramedy about a young chef who returns to Chicago to run his late brother’s sandwich shop. It’s famous for its frantic kitchen scenes, deep character work, and emotional payoff. The show has won multiple Emmy awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series. It’s a must-watch for anyone who appreciates character-driven stories, even if you don’t care about cooking.
• Only Murders in the Building – A comedic mystery starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez as three true-crime-obsessed neighbors in a New York apartment building who start their own podcast to investigate a death in their building. The chemistry is electric, the mystery is genuinely engaging, and each season brings a new case. It’s the rare show that balances humor and suspense perfectly.
• Shōgun – A sweeping historical epic set in feudal Japan, based on James Clavell’s novel. It follows an English ship pilot who becomes entangled in a power struggle between two Japanese lords. The production values are stunning, the performances are top-tier, and it’s a slow-burn political thriller that rewards patience. It dominated the 2024 Emmy Awards, winning Outstanding Drama Series.

Sci-Fi and Fantasy: Worlds Beyond Our Own

Hulu has invested heavily in genre fiction, and these are the standouts.

• The Handmaid’s Tale – The show that put Hulu on the map. Based on Margaret Atwood’s novel, it’s a dystopian drama about a woman forced to serve as a surrogate in a totalitarian society. It’s bleak, harrowing, and unflinching, but it’s also a powerful piece of television with incredible performances, especially from Elisabeth Moss. It’s not an easy watch, but it’s essential.
• Devs – A mind-bending sci-fi thriller from Alex Garland (Ex Machina). A young engineer investigates the death of her boyfriend and discovers a secret tech division that might be able to predict the future. It’s philosophical, visually stunning, and asks big questions about free will and determinism.
• The Great – While more of a historical comedy, it plays fast and loose with history. It’s a satirical, darkly funny take on the rise of Catherine the Great of Russia. Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult are fantastic, and the show is full of anachronistic dialogue and absurdist humor. It’s a great pick if you want something that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Comedy Gems: Laugh-Out-Loud Originals

Beyond the big names, Hulu has a deep bench of original comedies that are worth a binge.

• Ramy – A semi-autobiographical comedy about a first-generation Egyptian-American navigating his faith, family, and dating life in New Jersey. It’s a thoughtful, honest, and often uncomfortable look at identity and hypocrisy. It’s not a typical sitcom; it’s more of a dramedy with a distinct voice.
• PEN15 – A unique comedy where two adult women play their 13-year-old selves in the year 2000. It’s painfully accurate and hilarious, capturing the awkwardness of middle school with a mix of cringe and heart. It’s a nostalgic trip for anyone who grew up in that era.
• Reservation Dogs – Co-created by Taika Waititi, this is a coming-of-age comedy about four Indigenous teenagers in rural Oklahoma. It’s grounded, funny, and deeply human, celebrating community and resilience. It’s a critical darling that won a Peabody Award and is a must-watch for its authentic storytelling.

Documentaries and Docuseries: Real Stories, Told Well

Hulu’s documentary slate is often overlooked but consistently strong.

• Welcome to Wrexham – This docuseries follows Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as they buy a struggling Welsh football (soccer) club. It’s not just about sports; it’s about community, hope, and the business of entertainment. It’s surprisingly emotional and accessible even if you don’t follow football.
• The 1619 Project – Based on the New York Times Magazine’s Pulitzer Prize-winning project, this series reframes American history around the legacy of slavery. It’s an educational, visually compelling, and important watch that sparked national conversation.
• Hulu’s true-crime docs – Titles like The Act (a dramatized true-crime series) and Captive Audience (a docuseries about a kidnapping) show Hulu’s range in the true-crime space. They’re well-produced and offer new angles on familiar stories.

How to Choose What to Watch Next

With so many options, here’s a quick guide based on your mood:

• If you want something intense and award-winning: Start with The Bear or Shōgun.
• If you’re in the mood for a light mystery: Only Murders in the Building is the perfect pick.
• If you like dystopian sci-fi: The Handmaid’s Tale or Devs.
• If you want a comedy with heart: Reservation Dogs or Ramy.
• If you prefer reality or docs: Welcome to Wrexham is a crowd-pleaser.

What Makes a Hulu Original Different?

Hulu originals are produced or co-produced by Hulu, meaning they’re exclusive to the platform. They often have a distinct voice compared to Netflix or Apple TV+. Hulu tends to lean into character-driven stories with a mix of comedy and drama, and they’re not afraid to take risks on smaller, quirky projects. The service also has a strong partnership with FX, so many FX shows (like The Bear and Shōgun) are considered Hulu originals for streaming purposes. This gives Hulu a library that feels both premium and eclectic.

Common Misconceptions About Hulu Originals

One common misconception is that Hulu originals are all low-budget or second-tier compared to Netflix. That’s outdated. Shows like Shōgun had a reported budget of over $150 million, and The Handmaid’s Tale has won 15 Emmys. Another misconception is that you need a live TV subscription to watch them. That’s false—all Hulu originals are available on the basic on-demand plan. Finally, some people think Hulu originals are only for American audiences, but Hulu has expanded internationally through Disney+ (as the Star hub), so many of these shows are available globally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Hulu originals available on the ad-supported plan?

Yes, all Hulu originals are available on the basic plan with ads. You’ll see commercial breaks, but you won’t miss any content. If you want ad-free viewing, you’ll need to upgrade to the no-ads tier, which costs a few dollars more per month.

What is the best Hulu original to start with?

If you want a quick binge, start with Only Murders in the Building. It’s light, fun, and each episode is under 40 minutes. If you’re ready for a heavier commitment, The Bear is only two seasons (so far) and episodes are short, making it an easy weekend watch.

Do I need a Hulu + Live TV subscription to watch originals?

No. Hulu originals are included with the standard on-demand subscription. Live TV is a separate add-on that includes live channels, but it’s not required for any original series.

Are Hulu originals available outside the US?

Many are. Hulu has licensed its originals to Disney+ internationally, where they appear under the Star brand. For example, The Bear and Only Murders in the Building are available on Disney+ in many countries. However, availability varies by region.

What is the most critically acclaimed Hulu original?

The Handmaid’s Tale is historically the most awarded, but Shōgun and The Bear have recently taken the lead in critical acclaim, winning major awards at the Emmys and Golden Globes.

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