Hulu has quietly become one of the best streaming services for television shows. Not because of their originals alone, but because of something nobody else has. Next day network TV. FX on Hulu. And a growing library of critically acclaimed originals that rival anything on Netflix.
I have watched hundreds of hours of Hulu content over the past few months. This list is updated for April 2026 and includes new releases, returning favorites, and hidden gems you might have missed. Every show here is currently streaming on Hulu as of this week.
I have organized this list by category. Hulu Originals. FX on Hulu. Next day network TV. Reality hits. And underrated gems.
Part of our guide to best streaming services in 2026
Also see: Best Shows on Netflix 2026 → | Best Trending Shows 2026 →
Quick Navigation – Browse by Category
Best Hulu Originals (2026)
The Beauty (2026)
Episodes: 8 | Runtime: 24-51 min | Genre: Horror comedy drama
Ryan Murphy is back on his freaky Nip/Tuck style with this timely and gruesome horror series [citation:1]. Evan Peters and Rebecca Hall play FBI agents investigating deaths related to a viral drug treatment called “the Beauty,” connected to a billionaire tech entrepreneur played by Ashton Kutcher. The supporting cast includes Ben Platt, Megan Trainor, Bella Hadid, and Isabella Rossellini.
Why watch: Ryan Murphy signature style, provocative storytelling, stacked cast, episodes are short and bingeable.
Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette (2026)
Episodes: 10 | Runtime: 45-60 min | Genre: Biographical drama
America tragic prince and princess get their own version of The Crown in this anthology series from creator Connor Hines and executive producer Ryan Murphy [citation:1]. Paul Anthony Kelly (in his first acting role) plays JFK Jr., and Tony nominee Sarah Pidgeon plays Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. The show has been controversial, with Daryl Hannah objecting to her negative portrayal via a New York Times op-ed.
Why watch: Ryan Murphy controversy, 90s nostalgia, compelling tragic love story.
Chad Powers (2026)
Episodes: 8 | Runtime: 30-40 min | Genre: Sports comedy
Based on the prank sketch character created by two-time Super Bowl winner Eli Manning [citation:1]. Glen Powell plays Chad, a disgraced college football quarterback who adopts a new persona to try out for a Southern football team. Steve Zahn co-stars as the team coach.
Why watch: Glen Powell charisma, sports comedy, inspired by viral Eli Manning sketch.
Only Murders in the Building – Season 5 (2026)
Episodes: 10 | Runtime: 30-35 min | Genre: Comedy crime mystery
The unlikely but wonderful trio of Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez returns [citation:1]. This season features Academy Award winners Christoph Waltz and Renée Zellweger as guest stars. The show remains one of Hulu most reliable hits.
Why watch: Old school mystery, incredible guest stars, hilarious and heartfelt.
Read our full Hulu review →
Best FX on Hulu Shows (The Real Reason to Subscribe)
FX on Hulu is the secret weapon. Every FX show streams on Hulu the day after it airs. That means you get award winning television without cable.
The Bear – Season 4 (2026)
Episodes: 10 | Runtime: 25-45 min | Genre: Comedy drama
The most stressful and beautiful show about food ever made returns. Jeremy Allen White leads an ensemble cast that has won every award possible. Season 4 continues the story of The Bear restaurant as the crew tries to earn a Michelin star.
Why watch: Best show on television, incredible performances, emotional and chaotic.
Shōgun – Season 2 (2026)
Episodes: 10 | Runtime: 55-70 min | Genre: Historical drama
The Emmy winning limited series became a hit. Now it is returning for a second season. The show set in feudal Japan follows Lord Toranaga as he navigates political intrigue and warfare. The production values are cinema quality.
Why watch: Epic scope, beautiful cinematography, compelling power struggles.
American Horror Story – Season 13 (2026)
Episodes: 10 | Runtime: 40-50 min | Genre: Horror anthology
Ryan Murphy horror anthology returns with a new theme and a new cast. The show remains one of FX longest running hits. Each season stands alone, so you can jump in anywhere.
Why watch: Horror anthology done right, incredible guest stars, bingeable.
Best Next Day Network TV on Hulu
This is what makes Hulu unique. ABC, NBC, and Fox shows appear on Hulu the day after they air. You cannot get this anywhere else.
Abbott Elementary – Season 5 (2026)
Runtime: 22 min | Genre: Workplace comedy mockumentary
The Emmy winning comedy continues to be one of the best shows on television. Quinta Brunson leads a cast of teachers at an underfunded Philadelphia public school. The show is warm, funny, and smart.
Why watch: Best network comedy, excellent writing, quotable moments.
The Rookie – Season 8 (2026)
Runtime: 42 min | Genre: Police procedural drama
Nathan Fillion has been playing John Nolan for eight seasons. He joined the LAPD at 40. Now he is almost 50. The show is consistently one of the most popular on Hulu [citation:1].
Why watch: Solid procedural, Nathan Fillion charm, easy binge watching.
9-1-1 – Season 8 (2026)
Runtime: 42 min | Genre: Emergency procedural drama
Ryan Murphy procedural about first responders in Los Angeles. The show is ridiculous in the best way. Characters survive impossible situations. The emergencies are creative. The drama is high.
Why watch: Guilty pleasure, creative emergencies, Angela Bassett.
Will Trent – Season 4 (2026)
Runtime: 42 min | Genre: Crime drama
Based on Karin Slaughter novels. Will Trent is a special agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation who has a high clearance rate and difficult past. The show has built a loyal following.
Why watch: Strong lead performance, compelling cases, character driven.
Best Reality & Unscripted on Hulu
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives – Season 2 (2026)
Episodes: 12 | Runtime: 40-50 min | Genre: Reality TV
Hulu most watched unscripted series ever. Bigger than The Kardashians [citation:1]. The show follows a group of Mormon moms who are TikTok influencers. Drama includes “soft swinging” and claims about being related to Ben Affleck.
Why watch: Addictive reality TV, TikTok fame culture, genuinely surprising.
Scrubs (Revival Season) – 2026
Runtime: 22 min | Genre: Medical comedy drama
The beloved 2000s comedy is back. J.D., Turk, Elliot, and most of the gang return to Sacred Heart Hospital [citation:1]. The first nine seasons are also available on Hulu.
Why watch: Nostalgia, still funny, emotional moments, quick episodes.
Underrated Gems You Might Have Missed
Paradise (2026)
Runtime: 45 min | Genre: Sci-fi thriller drama
From This Is Us creator Dan Fogelman. Sterling K. Brown stars as a Secret Service agent investigating the murder of the President inside a post-apocalyptic bunker where 10,000 people are what remains of America [citation:1]. The show walks the line between serious and silly perfectly.
Why watch: Twist filled plot, This Is Us emotional beats, Lost style mystery.
A Thousand Blows (2026)
Runtime: 50-60 min | Genre: Period drama boxing
From Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight. Set in 1880s London underground bare-knuckle boxing [citation:1]. Jamaican immigrants get sucked into unsanctioned fighting by the leader of the Forty Elephants.
Why watch: Peaky Blinders style, incredible fight sequences, Stephen Graham.
The Lowdown (2026)
Runtime: 45 min | Genre: Noir crime drama
From Reservation Dogs creator Sterlin Harjo. Ethan Hawke stars as a “truthstorian” and freelance journalist who exposes secrets in Tulsa [citation:1]. TV Guide gave it a 9.5/10 rating, calling it “fearless and gonzo, easily one of the best new shows of the year.”
Why watch: Ethan Hawke, noir vibes, critical acclaim, unique setting.
Tell Me Lies – Season 3 (2026)
Runtime: 45 min | Genre: Psychological drama romance
Hulu sexiest show returns. Based on the novel by Carola Lovering, the show follows Lucy and Stephen, television most toxic couple [citation:1]. The second season took the backstabbing and psychological torment to another level.
Why watch: Addictive drama, toxic relationship exploration, group chat conversation starter.
Full List – Best Shows on Hulu 2026 (By Category)
| Category | Show Title | Seasons | Why Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hulu Original | The Beauty | 1 | Ryan Murphy horror, Evan Peters, Ashton Kutcher |
| Hulu Original | Love Story: JFK Jr. & Carolyn Bessette | 1 | Ryan Murphy controversial biopic |
| Hulu Original | Chad Powers | 1 | Glen Powell, Eli Manning sketch, sports comedy |
| Hulu Original | Only Murders in the Building | 5 | Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez |
| FX on Hulu | The Bear | 4 | Best show on television, stressful and beautiful |
| FX on Hulu | Shōgun | 2 | Epic feudal Japan drama |
| FX on Hulu | American Horror Story | 13 | Horror anthology |
| Next Day TV | Abbott Elementary | 5 | Best network comedy |
| Next Day TV | The Rookie | 8 | Nathan Fillion procedural |
| Reality | The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives | 2 | Most watched unscripted on Hulu |
| Underrated | Paradise | 1 | From This Is Us creator, sci-fi thriller |
| Underrated | A Thousand Blows | 1 | From Peaky Blinders creator, boxing drama |
| Underrated | The Lowdown | 1 | 9.5/10 TV Guide rating, Ethan Hawke |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best show on Hulu right now? The Bear is the best show on Hulu. It has won every award and is critically acclaimed. For comedy, Only Murders in the Building is excellent.
What new shows came out on Hulu in 2026? New 2026 Hulu shows include The Beauty, Love Story: JFK Jr., Chad Powers, Paradise, A Thousand Blows, and The Lowdown [citation:1].
Does Hulu have next day network TV? Yes. This is Hulu unique advantage. ABC, NBC, and Fox shows appear on Hulu the day after they air. Abbott Elementary, The Rookie, and 9-1-1 are all available next day.
What is FX on Hulu? FX on Hulu means every FX show streams on Hulu the day after it airs. This includes The Bear, Shōgun, American Horror Story, and What We Do in the Shadows.
Related guides:
Hulu Review 2026 →