Top 30 TV Shows Currently Available on Hulu

This guide features three categories on Hulu: Drama, Comedy, and Horror, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy. Though Hulu is renowned for providing the opportunity to catch up on shows a day after they air, it is also famous for its original and exclusive content deals, like its partnership with FX. This guide thus comprises such Hulu originals and FX shows, alongside shows that have already run their course. Few platforms outdo Hulu with its vast original programming and FX deal, making it one of the most exceptional streamers. Hence, this guide will receive regular updates and rotation, and there is a broad range of content to pick from.

The Bear

Years: 2022-presentLength: 1 season, 8 episodesCreator: Christopher Storer

The Bear is one of 2022's best new shows, and it tells the story of a sandwich shop owner striving to keep his company afloat in Chicago. Jeremy Allen White gives a spectacular performance in the lead role, alongside brilliant supporting turns from Ebon Moss-Bacharach and Ayo Edibiri. It is both a witty and nerve-wracking TV show, and all three actors are poised to be in the spotlight during awards season, while the show returns for a second season in the summer.

The Americans

Years: 2013-2018Length: 6 seasons, 75 episodesCreator: Joe Weisberg

The Americans is perhaps the best show from the 2010s. It follows Elizabeth and Philip Jennings, played by Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys, a seemingly ordinary couple living in suburban America with two children. However, they are undercover Russian spies and are always one step ahead of the FBI agent (Noah Emmerich), who happens to be their neighbor. It is a daring and brilliantly written program that was groundbreaking at the time. Undoubtedly, future generations will recognize the show as a classic.

Fargo

Years: 2014-presentLength: 4 seasons, 41 episodesCreator: Noah Hawley

Arguably one of the best series ever made, Fargo's first season features Billy Bob Thornton and Martin Freeman, with the latter season exceeding the first in many respects. Although seasons three and four may not match the first two, Noah Hawley's brilliant series remains must-see TV exclusively on Hulu. It is a critical darling due to its unique plots and brilliant character development.

Fleishman Is in Trouble

Year: 2022Length: 1 season, 8 episodesCreator: Taffy Brodesser-Akner

Adapted from Taffy Brodesser-Akner's book, Fleishman is in Trouble, the author herself makes this limited series one of the best of 2022. Jesse Eisenberg plays Toby Fleishman, a divorced man, played by Claire Danes, who becomes the subject of a mystery when she goes missing. Forced to investigate his life to determine where he is, he is drawn to reunite with former friends, including Lizzy Caplan, who gives an outstanding performance. It is a brilliant character study with clever dialogue and outstanding performances that earned Caplan many accolades.

Years: 1999-2000 Length: One season, comprising 18 episodes Creator: Paul Feig

Despite NBC pulling the plug on this show after broadcasting only 12 episodes, it has since emerged as a coming-of-age comedy classic that ranks among the most cleverly crafted of such series to grace television. Notably, it served as a launchpad for emerging stars in the field of comedy, including James Franco, Jason Segel, Martin Starr, John Francis Daley, and Linda Cardellini.

Years: 2013-2015 Length: Three seasons, comprising 39 episodes Creator: Bryan Fuller

It's hard to imagine that such a twisted and compelling series ever made it onto network television. Bryan Fuller took the Hannibal Lecter books by Thomas Harris and brilliantly constructed a narrative universe independent of Sir Anthony Hopkins' seminal portrayal. Mads Mikkelsen is utterly captivating in the lead role, playing a forensic psychiatrist whose games with FBI investigator Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) are evocative of a cat toying with a mouse. Daring and sophisticated, Hannibal has no flaw other than leaving fans wanting more.

Years: 2010-2015 Length: Six seasons, comprising 78 episodes Creator: Graham Yost

FX brought one of the finest Elmore Leonard adaptations to life with Justified, introducing audiences to the beloved Raylan Givens, portrayed masterfully by Timothy Olyphant. Givens is a classic hero attempting to navigate the forces of evil in the Eastern Kentucky area, particularly the incorrigible Walton Goggins. A character-driven thriller, it's a pity there aren't more shows like Justified, though fans can look forward to the upcoming limited series follow-up, Justified: City Primeval.

Years: 2002-2008 Length: Seven seasons, comprising 88 episodes Creator: Shawn Ryan

One of the best police dramas ever produced can only be found on Hulu. Shawn Ryan's The Shield helped redefine TV by offering grittier portrayals of cops who exist in a moral grey zone. Michael Chiklis and Walton Goggins' performances are particularly noteworthy, while Glenn Close and Forest Whitaker's later season arcs are also worthwhile. The Shield is a must-watch for fans of gritty, engaging drama.

Years: 2008-2014 Length: Seven seasons, comprising 92 episodes Creator: Kurt Sutter

Kurt Sutter's incendiary reinterpretation of Hamlet set in a California biker gang's world is often criticized as little more than posturing bravado. If you take the time to appreciate the show's daring storytelling, however, you'll discover a gem. The show features stunning performances by Ron Perlman and Katey Sagal, the latter of whom deserved at least one Emmy nomination for portraying the role. With the occasional subpar season, Sons of Anarchy is a bumpy ride, but well worth the journey overall.

Years: 2016-2022 Length: Four seasons, comprising 41 episodes Creator: Donald Glover

The divisive last couple of seasons of Atlanta were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but as the show's run concluded, it became clear that it was a creative juggernaut. Looking back on it, the series' singular artistic choice and sweeping arcs are more coherent. Additionally, the talent of its stars, including Donald Glover, Brian Tyree Henry, LaKeith Stanfield and Zazie Beetz, enhances its overall impact.

Years: 2016-2022 Length: Five seasons, comprising 51 episodes Creators: Pamela Adlon, Louis C.K.

Better Things may have been created by controversial comedian Louis C.K., but it's Pamela Adlon who owns the series. Adlon portrays Sam Fox, a divorced actress raising three kids in Los Angeles, and completely holds her own against all comers. Adlon's choices are intimate and real, creating a disarming tone for the series. With each passing season, the show only gets better.

Pamela Adlon's self-created and acted comedy gem is one of the most intelligent shows on television. The comedian brings her own life into the story, balancing her career as an actress with parenthood. The outcome is a daring, confessional, and hilarious comedy that stands shoulder to shoulder with the greats. It is unfortunate that this comedic masterpiece still seems to fly under the radar of the mainstream. Perhaps as time passes, it will receive the recognition it deserves.

Years: 1982-1993Length: 11 seasons, 275 episodesCreators: Glen Charles, Les Charles, James Burrows

It would be blasphemy to not include Cheers on any list of the greatest TV comedies of all time. For most of the 1980s, it was simply the best program on television. Decades later, it still holds its own as a laugh-out-loud, witty, and intelligent comedy. Cheers boasts a brilliant ensemble and sharp writing that has won 28 Emmys.

Years: 2009-2015Length: 6 seasons, 110 episodesCreator: Dan Harmon

If you don't get the reference about the movie, you should watch this hilarious Dan Harmon creation. Though struggling with low ratings, the show with a loyal fan base lasted six seasons on NBC and stood equal to 30 Rock and Parks and Recreation at their creative peak. The showrun was indeed rocky, but the entire run is worth watching to prepare for the upcoming movie.

Years: 2020-presentLength: 2 seasons, 20 episodesCreator: Tony McNamara

This wickedly hilarious fictional reimagining of Catherine the Great is one of a few period comedies. The series, starring Elle Fanning, is about Catherine, who enters a loveless marriage with Emperor Peter III, played by Nicholas Hoult, and plays political and sexual games to manipulate what she wants. This witty and creative examination of power and ego feels oddly timely, even though it is inspired by historical events centuries ago.

Years: 2005-presentLength: 15 seasons, 162 episodesCreator: Rob McElhenney

This dark comedy about a group of selfish, misanthropic lunatics who own a bar in Philadelphia is the longest-running show in FX's history. It has a dedicated following and has remained consistent even after 16 seasons under production. It's a must-watch for those who enjoy watching people behave very badly.

Years: 2020-presentLength: 2 seasons, 20 episodesCreators: Steve Martin, John Hoffman

Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez star in this well-crafted original streaming comedy series. It's about an unlikely team of allies who solve murder mysteries. The first season revolved around a suspicious death in their high-class apartment building that had ties to Gomez's character's youth. The second season adds a fresh murder to the mix, and it features several memorable guest stars. The third season, featuring Paul Rudd and Meryl Streep, is currently in production and expected to premiere later this year.

Years: 2021-presentLength: 2 seasons, 18 episodesCreators: Sterlin Harjo, Taika Waititi

This amazing comedy portrays the coming-of-age story of young people on a reservation. The writers blend emotional resonance and universal themes for a fresh and inventive feel. This alternates between funny and incredibly moving and is a must-see for people from all generations.

Years: 2015-2020Length: 6 seasons, 80 episodesCreators: Eugene Levy, Daniel Levy

This television sensation took off with a whisper and ended with raucous laughter. Its meteoric rise owed much to the impeccable timing of Eugene Levy, his son Daniel Levy, Catherine O'Hara, and Annie Murphy. However, it's the inspired work of supporting players like Emily Hampshire and Chris Elliott that make this show truly great. Its comedic genius is timeless and can hold up to multiple viewings.

Years: 2001-2010Length: 9 seasons, 182 episodesCreator: Bill Lawrence

Scrubs brought laughter to audiences throughout the aughts with its hilarious ensemble cast, network moves, and cast changes. Zach Braff's career launched thanks to his breakout performance in this show, which delivers more laughs than most comedies can dream of.

Years: 2011-presentLength: 11 seasons, 123 episodesCreators: Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk

American Horror Story continues to captivate audiences as a powerhouse brand, helmed by Ryan Murphy and a team of regular collaborators. Though it may not be as hip as it once was, fans of this anthology series remain loyal to its twisted and disturbing storytelling. Standouts include Murder House, Asylum, and Cult.

Years: 1997-2003Length: 7 seasons, 144 episodesCreator: Joss Whedon

Anyone dismissing Buffy as a "fang-filled teen drama" simply hasn't grasped its genius and cultural importance. This series redefined audience expectations, demonstrating how deep and progressive social commentary could be embedded in a show about monsters. Whedon proved that people of all ages could enjoy it. Buffy's influence continues to echo in today's genre television, from Stranger Things to Westworld.

Year: 2020Length: 1 season, 8 episodesCreator: Alex Garland

Alex Garland, the visionary behind Ex Machina and Annihilation, challenged viewers' minds with a daring and visually stunning limited series. Cast standout Sonoya Mizuno stars as a software engineer hired by a brilliant, but eccentric, genius played by Nick Offerman. Deviating from the usual Hollywood formula, this show dared to be different, pushing boundaries in both theme and aesthetics.

Year: 2002Length: 1 season, 14 episodesCreator: Joss Whedon

Firefly's legacy transcends its short-lived run on FOX, where it remains one of the most critically acclaimed shows ever. Its unfortunate cancellation became a lesson in network shortsightedness, heralding a time when networks were losing talent to HBO. See for yourselves why fans are still clamoring for more of Whedon's genius world-building, witty dialogue, and stellar cast.

Years: 2012-2016Length: 2 seasons, 40 episodesCreator: Alex Hirsch

This Disney animation follows the adventures of two siblings and their uncle, who runs a mysterious tourist trap store. In its two-season run, Alex Hirsch's Gravity Falls delivered a tightly-written series with no bad episodes. Hirsch broke the mold for children's television programming, creating something that both kids and adults could enjoy.

Years: 2017-present Duration: 5 seasons, 56 episodes Developer: Bruce Miller

Despite Hulu's lag in producing original dramas compared to Netflix, "The Handmaid's Tale" stands out as an exception. This Emmy-winning series, based on Margaret Atwood's novel, imagines a dystopian future that increasingly resembles life in the 2020s. While the show's quality has somewhat declined since its universally acclaimed first season, it remains worth watching for the performances and especially Elisabeth Moss's leading role, making her one of the best actresses of her generation. The final season is coming up, and viewers are eager to see how this saga ends.

Years: 2015-2018 Duration: 4 seasons, 67 episodes Developer: Will Forte

It's incredible that this sci-fi comedy made it through four seasons on network TV, given how delightfully strange it is. It's even more frustrating that FOX canceled the show on a cliffhanger, robbing Tandy (Will Forte) and his friends of the narrative closure they deserved. All we can do is watch the show on Hulu and hope it becomes their top streaming show, so maybe the network will reunite the cast for a Deadwood-style closure movie.

Years: 2017-2019 Duration: 3 seasons, 27 episodes Developer: Noah Hawley

With the exception of "Twin Peaks: The Return," few TV shows are as baffling as this loose adaptation of the Marvel series, featuring Dan Stevens. It's difficult to convey the show's essence to those unfamiliar with it, which is part of what makes it so fantastic. Each of the three seasons brings a new level of weirdness, making the series a mind-boggling experience that viewers must see for themselves and try to make sense of.

Years: 2004-2010 Duration: 6 seasons, 121 episodes Developers: Jeffrey Lieber, J.J. Abrams, Damon Lindelof

The current age of twisty TV dramas, exemplified by hit shows like "Yellowjackets," would not exist without this ABC masterpiece. The first season took the world by storm and told the story of a group of plane crash survivors who find themselves stranded in an unusual place. The show's writing and direction were expertly crafted and continue to hold up well over time, even in the latter seasons that fans criticized.

Years: 2019-present Duration: 4 seasons, 40 episodes Developer: Jemaine Clement

Based on his own 2014 film, Jemaine Clement has created an even better mockumentary series. Aptly dubbed "The Real World with vampires," it follows the lives of a group of immortals living in Staten Island. The writing is top-notch, but it's the chemistry between the cast members, including Kayvan Novak, Matt Berry, Natasia Demetriou, Harvey Guillen, and Mark Proksch, that sets the show apart - they never fail to bring the laughs.

Years: 1993-2002, 2016-2018 Duration: 11 seasons, 218 episodes Developer: Chris Carter

In the '90s, "The X-Files" changed the way audiences viewed genre TV, paving the way for two decades of successful sci-fi and supernatural programs. During its peak, it was one of the best shows on television, and certain episodes have stood the test of time. Whether you're reliving your favorites or discovering the saga of Mulder, Scully, Skinner, and the Cigarette Smoking Man for the first time, this show is a must-see.

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The 30 Best TV Shows on Hulu Right Now