Business Insider India has updated its Privacy and Cookie policy. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the better experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we\'ll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Insider India website. However, you can change your cookie setting at any time by clicking on our Cookie Policy at any time. You can also see our Privacy Policy.
While Netflix was the pioneer of original content and still leads the pack in quantity, Hulu has made a successful effort in the last few years to join the ranks of quality original content providers. Its bread and butter - the must-see, multiple-Emmy-winning series "The Handmaid's Tale" - makes it worth the price of a subscription alone.
But that's not the only series that's gained Hulu its must-subscribe status. Other standouts include the Emmy-nominated "Pen15," "Shrill" starring SNL-alum Aidy Bryant, and the true-crime-chronicling series "The Act." In my experience, Hulu has a much higher success rate than Netflix when it comes to their productions, meaning there's a higher likelihood that the Hulu original series you take a chance on will actually be binge-worthy. But still, there's a lot of content to weed through, so we've gathered the best of Hulu's original content below.
If you're not a Hulu subscriber yet, it couldn't be easier to start streaming. Most smart TVs already come equipped with the Hulu app, and it's as simple as registering here and signing in. If you're looking to upgrade to a smart TV, check out our guide to the best 4K Smart TVs on the market. If you're not sure what level of Hulu service is right for you, here's an extensive breakdown of all they have to offer and what it'll cost. Once you're all set up, we suggest you start with one of the shows below to really get a taste of how Hulu is innovating.
Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the Insider Picks team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.
Hulu Originals' bread and butter, this series based on Margaret Atwood's novel of the same name is set in a dystopian future in which women have been forced into sexual servitude. Elisabeth Moss has won two Emmy Awards for her outstanding and emotional performance as June. Three seasons are currently on Hulu, and it's been renewed for a fourth.
"Pen15"
Comedians Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle star as their 13-year-old selves in a show that captures all of the awkwardness of middle school in the year 2000. The rest of their classmates are portrayed by actual teenagers adding a hilarious twist to this clever comedy. Season 1 is currently available to stream, and Season 2 is on the way.
"The Act"
In 2015, the murder of Dee Dee Blanchard captured the nation's attention after it was revealed to be orchestrated by her daughter in an attempt to escape Dee Dee's abusive Munchhausen syndrome by proxy. "The Act" chronicles all the twists and turns of this captivatingly complex true crime story.
Based on the true story of the rise of the Wu-Tang Clan, this miniseries follows Bobby Diggs aka The RZA as he tries to lead his group of friends away from the drug- and crime-riddled streets on New York. The music they create together chronicling their daily struggles and triumphs eventually leads them to meteoric success. Four episodes are currently available to stream with a new one being added weekly.
"Shrill"
Aidy Bryant stars as Annie, an overweight woman who, despite societal pressures, has no interest in changing her body. But she's out to make improvements in other areas, namely her career, love life, and family life, but of course having it all is never easy. Season 1 of the comedy from executive producers Lorne Michaels and Elizabeth Banks is streaming now and has been picked up for Season 2.
"Harlots"
In 18th-century London, Margaret Wells butts heads with a rival brothel owner as they vie for control of the city's underground. Plus, she's got daughters to raise amidst her dangerous business dealings. This British drama's three seasons are currently streaming on Hulu.
"Marvel's Runaways"
These six teenagers couldn't be more different, except one important commonality — their parents are all evil. Now they must find a way to work together to take down their parents' criminal enterprise. Based on a Marvel Comics series of the same name, the two seasons of "Runaways" are available to stream. Season 3 premieres on December 13.
Billy Eichner and Julie Klausner star as best friends navigating life in New York City. They're both struggling comedians, but their careers aren't the only thing they're struggling with. They're, well, difficult people, and they can't stand anyone but each other. Al three seasons of "Difficult People" are currently streaming.
"Casual"
Valerie has just gotten a divorce, and now she and her teenage daughter must move in with her bachelor brother, Alex. With Valerie ready to get back on the horse, Alex must help her navigate the craziness of the dating scene — using the dating app he's invented. All four seasons of "Casual" are currently streaming.
"The Bisexual"
Leila has identified as a lesbian her entire adult life, but when her 10-year relationship with Sadie ends, she finds herself attracted to men for the first time. Her new roommate helps her navigate dating both men and women and deal with the upheaval of her entire life and identity. The first season of "The Bisexual" can be streamed now.
"11.22.63"
James Franco stars as Jake, a high school English teacher faced with the opportunity to travel back in time to change the past. His task: prevent the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and discover the answers to one of the most persistent conspiracy theories in American history. The entire 8-part miniseries executive-produced by J.J. Abrams is streaming now.
Hugh Laurie stars as Dr. Eldon Chance, a forensic psychiatrist drawn into the orbit of an alluring patient struggling with multiple personality disorder. After he vows to help her escape her abusive husband, Chance learns that her husband is a high-ranking police detective, and now he's in his crosshairs. Both seasons of this thriller based on the novel by Kem Nunn are available to stream.
"Catch-22"
Produced by George Clooney and based on the novel by Joseph Heller, this 6-part miniseries follows an army pilot during World War II who's furious that the army keeps increasing the number of missions he must fly before he's discharged. Ever-trying to find a way out, he shirks his duties by injuring himself, feigning illness, and forging the results of his missions. Fun fact: The novel this is based on is where the phrase "catch-22" originated.
"Castle Rock"
If you're a fan of Stephen King, you're familiar with the town of Castle Rock, Maine. A geographical anchor in many of King's works, it's the setting of "Cujo" and "The Dark Half" and is referenced in "IT," "The Mist," and many more. This series gives the town a life of its own, exploring the darkness that continues to plague it, making nods to many of King's novels and short stories along the way. Season 1 is streaming now, and season 2 is set to premiere on October 23, just in time for spooky season.
"The Path"
Aaron Paul stars as Eddie, a member of a new-age religion. He's steadily rising to the top of the ranks and is slated to become a prominent leader, but during a retreat, he has a vision about the religion's founder that leads him to question everything. Is this religion that's given him a new beginning actually a cult? All three seasons of "The Path" are streaming now.
Sam and Phil, two hapless city employees, are caught in a criminal mastermind's web when Sam answers a cell phone he finds at the site of a fatal car accident and receives a threat that was never meant for him. Created by and starring James Cordon and Mathew Baynton, both seasons of this British comedy-drama co-produced by BBC TV are available to stream.
