Which Hulu show should you watch first?
For an immersive drama, begin with Shōgun. For a mystery with humor, try Only Murders in the Building. For a character-focused coming-of-age story, choose Reservation Dogs.
“Best of all time” is our editorial selection, not an official Hulu ranking. We chose these shows for distinctive storytelling, memorable characters and the range of viewing experiences they offer. The list includes Hulu Originals and series from other networks; Hulu availability is the common thread.
Official Hulu listings were checked on October 10, 2026 for this U.S. guide. Catalogs and available episodes can change. Use the official link under each pick to confirm access with your plan.
1. Shōgun
Best for: Historical drama fans.
In Japan in 1600, rival political factions threaten Lord Yoshii Toranaga while the arrival of a European ship brings a new complication. Adapted from James Clavell’s novel, this is the pick for viewers who want an intricate struggle for power.
The attraction is patience: conversations, alliances and carefully weighed decisions carry as much tension as the spectacle. Choose it when you can give a show your full attention, rather than keep it on in the background.
2. The Bear
Best for: Restaurant drama fans.
Carmy and his restaurant team chase culinary excellence while personal pressures strain their working relationships. Food is the setting, but family, ambition and the difficulty of working together are the real reasons to stay.
Our pick for viewers who enjoy intense ensemble storytelling. The kitchen’s urgency makes small setbacks feel enormous. Expect an emotionally demanding watch rather than a relaxed cooking show.
3. Fargo
Best for: Crime anthology fans.
Inspired by the 1996 film, Fargo follows different crime stories across Midwestern communities. New characters and settings give each installment its own identity, with dark humor running alongside the violence.
Choose this if you like mysteries driven by bad decisions and unexpected consequences. Begin with the first season to meet the show’s style; the anthology format then gives you room to explore different stories.
4. Reservation Dogs
Best for: Coming-of-age comedy-drama fans.
Four Indigenous teenagers in rural Oklahoma dream of reaching California. Their schemes and friendships provide the starting point for a story about grief, belonging and the community around them.
This is our choice when you want humor with emotional weight. Its quieter moments matter as much as the jokes, and the sense of place gives the friendships a texture that a simple plot summary cannot capture.
5. Atlanta
Best for: Surreal comedy-drama fans.
Earn and his cousin Alfred, a rapper known as Paper Boi, work toward a future in music with Darius and Van in their orbit. The premise leaves room for episodes that move beyond a conventional career story.
Pick Atlanta if you welcome uncertainty and unusual shifts in tone. Its attraction is the way familiar social situations can become strange, funny or uncomfortable. Viewers seeking a straightforward weekly plot may prefer Justified.
6. Justified
Best for: Crime drama / modern Western fans.
Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens returns to Kentucky, where his work collides with people and conflicts from his past. The series is based on Elmore Leonard’s “Fire in the Hole.”
A strong starting point for anyone who likes sharp dialogue, complicated loyalties and a confident lead character. Start with the original Justified; Justified: City Primeval is a separate follow-up, rather than its first season.
7. Only Murders in the Building
Best for: Mystery comedy fans.
Three neighbors who share a fascination with true crime become involved in a mystery of their own. Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez anchor the unlikely investigative team.
Our recommendation for an evening when you want clues and character comedy together. The trio’s different personalities make the detective work entertaining even before the mystery is solved. Start at season one to follow the friendship from the beginning.
8. The Handmaid’s Tale
Best for: Dystopian drama fans.
Margaret Atwood’s novel provides the basis for a story set in Gilead, an authoritarian society that controls women’s lives and reproductive freedom. Elisabeth Moss plays the central character struggling within that system.
Choose it for a serious, unsettling drama about coercion and survival. This is among the heaviest selections here, with sexual violence and other distressing themes; a comedy from the list is a better fit for a light viewing session.
9. What We Do in the Shadows
Best for: Supernatural mockumentary comedy fans.
Longtime vampire housemates navigate everyday life through a documentary-style comedy. Their supernatural powers do little to protect them from petty disagreements and the awkwardness of sharing a home.
A good choice if you want the supernatural without a serious horror tone. The pleasure comes from the mismatch between ancient self-importance and ordinary problems. Expect adult humor rather than a family-friendly vampire adventure.
10. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Best for: Dark sitcom fans.
The people running Paddy’s Pub in Philadelphia repeatedly turn selfish plans into chaos. Mac, Dennis, Charlie, Dee and Frank supply a group dynamic built on arguments and spectacularly poor judgment.
Our pick for viewers who enjoy abrasive satire and characters who rarely learn their lesson. The humor deliberately pushes discomfort, so it is less suitable if you want a reassuring sitcom with likable role models.
Frequently asked questions
Are all of these Hulu Originals?
No. This guide covers shows listed on Hulu, including FX series and Hulu Originals. A streaming service’s catalog includes more than its own productions.
Do I need Hulu + Live TV for these picks?
These recommendations come from Hulu’s on-demand series listings. Check the individual listing and your plan before subscribing; live-channel access is a separate feature.
Which pick is best for a lighter evening?
Try Only Murders in the Building for a mystery-comedy mix, or What We Do in the Shadows for supernatural absurdity. Both include adult content, so check ratings if watching with children.
Where can I find more watchlists?
Browse our Hulu shows guide, explore Hulu movie picks, or read all CineVanta articles.
Sources and selection notes
The official Hulu series pages linked under each show provide the availability and premise references for this article. Recommendations and ordering are CineVanta’s editorial opinions. We have not included numerical review scores, award totals, or claims that every season will always remain available.
Related official resources: FX on Hulu and Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale series synopsis.