Looking for a show that grabs you from the first scene and doesn't let go? Hulu has a treasure trove of series that deliver exactly that. Whether you're into dystopian dramas, murder mysteries, or real-life scandals, these picks promise a satisfying journey from beginning to end. Some are still airing, but they've already proven their staying power. Others are complete, ready for a weekend binge. What ties them together? Compelling characters, high stakes, and storytelling that rewards your investment.
Paradise (2025–Present)
Don Fogelman, the mastermind behind This Is Us, brings his knack for emotional payoffs to this genre-blending thriller. Paradise follows a group of elites saved from a catastrophic tsunami by a billionaire's underground bunker. But when survivors emerge from the wasteland above, Secret Service agent Xavier Collins (Sterling K. Brown) risks everything to unite two fractured worlds. The show shifts from political thriller to post-apocalyptic drama to sci-fi, keeping you guessing. With a planned three-season arc, it's built to deliver a killer finale.
The Testaments (2026–Present)
This sequel to The Handmaid's Tale is already shaping up to be a must-watch. Based on Margaret Atwood's novel, it follows Agnes (Chase Infiniti), the grown daughter of June Osborne, and Daisy (Lucy Halliday), a Canadian teen infiltrating Gilead. With Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd) as an unlikely ally, their mission to overthrow the oppressive regime is tense and gripping. Even in its first season, The Testaments proves it's a worthy successor—but you'll want to watch The Handmaid's Tale first for full impact.
Only Murders in the Building (2021–Present)
Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez star in this hilarious murder mystery comedy. Three true-crime-obsessed neighbors in a fancy New York building start a podcast after a death in their building. Each season tackles a new case, with the trio's amateur sleuthing leading to laugh-out-loud moments. The chemistry between the leads—Oliver's insults, Mabel's sarcasm, Charles's deadpan—is pure gold. It's a feel-good spin on the genre that keeps you coming back for more.
Shrill (2019–2021)
Aidy Bryant shines in this comedy about Annie, a young woman determined to change her life—but not her weight. Based on Lindy West's memoir, Shrill tackles body positivity and self-confidence with sharp humor. Annie's journey from self-doubt to empowerment is both relatable and inspiring. The show's message lands perfectly because it's wrapped in laugh-out-loud moments. It's a short, sweet binge that leaves you feeling good.
The Dropout (2022)
This eight-episode miniseries dives into the Theranos scandal with Amanda Seyfried delivering an award-winning performance as Elizabeth Holmes. You'll watch the rise and fall of the healthcare startup that promised the world but delivered fraud. It's gripping, insightful, and hard to believe it's based on real events. For more true-crime thrills, check out our list of 5 Psychological Thrillers from the 2010s That Are True Masterpieces.
Why These Shows Work
Each of these series shares a common thread: characters who grow through challenges. Whether it's surviving a dystopian future, solving a murder, or confronting societal pressures, they keep you invested. Hulu's lineup proves that great storytelling doesn't need to drag—these shows hook you from start to finish. For more binge-worthy picks, check out Netflix's 'The Boroughs' Sci-Fi Thriller or Sylvester Stallone's New Crime Series.
