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.

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.