Why Hulu remains a strong choice for TV in 2025
Hulu combines next-day highlights from live broadcast and cable with a deep catalog of originals and licensed hits. Its value depends on your setup: the ad-supported plan is the most affordable, the ad-free plan costs more but removes interruptions, and the Live TV bundle brings linear news and sports. Because Hulu frequently rotates licensed series in and out, the “best” shows shift over time. Below you will find a practical, evergreen overview of what to watch now, how plans compare, and how to choose based on your preferences.
Top originals to watch on Hulu right now
The Handmaid’s Tale
A long-running, prestige dystopian drama anchored by Elisabeth Moss. New seasons are infrequent, but the series remains a flagship Hulu original with high cultural visibility and strong production values.
Fargo
An anthology crime drama renowned for sharp writing, dark humor, and standout performances. Each season tells a self-contained story with fresh characters, keeping the format feeling inventive year after year.
The Bear
A critically acclaimed, high-pressure kitchen drama celebrated for its intense pacing, realistic dialogue, and deeply human character work. It’s one of the strongest current original series for viewers who love workplace stories with emotional stakes.
Only Murders in the Building
A breezy, actor-driven mystery-comedy led by Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez. It’s designed for relaxed, weekly bingeing and remains popular for listeners who enjoy ensemble casts and nostalgic references.
Black Cake
A drama based on the best-selling novel, focusing on legacy, family secrets, and ambition. It offers a serialized, cinematic vibe with strong performances and stylistic flourishes.
Day by Day
A workplace-family hybrid following consultants balancing demanding jobs with parenting. It appeals to viewers who like gentle, character-first storytelling with modest plot twists.
Notable licensed and partner series
Hulu often carries well-known shows from broadcast and cable partners, though these titles can leave the service when licensing agreements change. As of the latest available information, the following series are confirmed or widely reported to be available:
| Show | Network / Origin | Hulu Status (typical) | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brooklyn Nine-Nine | Fox/NBC | Available; full run commonly offered | A popular, office-centric sitcom with broad appeal |
| The Mindy Project | Fox | Available; most seasons commonly offered | A well-regarded romantic-comedy workplace series |
| How I Met Your Mother | CBS | Available; often in rotation | A long-running sitcom with a devoted fanbase |
| Modern Family | ABC | Available; frequently included | A flagship multi-cam sitcom, strong for family humor |
| The Office (US) | NBC | Availability varies by season and region | A cornerstone mockumentary workplace series |
| Friends | NBC | Availability varies; often appears in rotations | A globally iconic sitcom with enduring demand |
| Clone High | MTV | Available; cult animated comedy | A clever, high-school satire with a devoted audience |
| Veronica Mars | Available; noir-tinged teen-detective drama | A smart, serialized mystery with a dedicated fanbase |
How Hulu subscription tiers typically compare
- Ad-Supported Plan: The most budget-friendly way to stream on Hulu. Includes all on-demand content and next-day broadcast access with limited, skippable ads.
- No Ads Plan: Higher monthly price, same library and next-day access, but without advertisements. Often the better value if you watch frequently.
- Live TV Plan: Combines on-demand Hulu with linear channels, regional sports, and local stations. Useful if you want to replace or supplement cable.
How to choose the best shows for your taste on Hulu
Use a simple two-step filter: genre first, then format. Ask whether you prefer plot-heavy prestige series, comforting sitcoms, tight procedurals, or binge-friendly mysteries. Then decide between weekly-episode pacing or full-season drops. If you like workplace stories, prioritize The Bear and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. If you prefer slow-burn, serialized drama, consider Black Cake or Fargo. If you want low-pressure comfort viewing, Only Murders and Modern Family work well. Hulu users often value next-day access to broadcast news and sports; if that matters to you, compare Live TV add-ons carefully.
Making the most of Hulu’s content rotation
Licensed series can leave Hulu when contracts expire, so treat availability as periodically refreshed rather than permanent. To stay current: enable notifications for shows you follow, check “New This Month,” and use in-app filters to sort by recently added. If a favorite moves off Hulu, it may reappear later or be available on another service, so it’s worth keeping a cross-service watchlist for high-priority shows.
Quick comparison snapshot
| Plan | Ads | Access | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ad-Supported | Yes (limited, skippable) | On-demand + next-day broadcast | Budget-conscious viewers who tolerate some ads |
| No Ads | None | On-demand + next-day broadcast | Frequent viewers who prefer smooth playback |
| Live TV | Varies by package | On-demand + linear channels + local | Viewers who want broadcast/cable-style lineups |
Final notes
The best shows to watch on Hulu right now depend on your preferred genres, tolerance for ads, and interest in next-day broadcast access. Prioritize originals like The Bear, Fargo, and The Handmaid’s Tale for high-effort, prestige viewing, and lean on licensed hits like Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Modern Family for dependable comfort. Confirm current availability inside the app or via the provider’s support page, because licensing can change. If you’re deciding between plans, calculate your expected monthly hours of viewing and compare that against the price difference to find the highest-value option for your habits.