TVLine has compiled a list of Hulu's top 25 original series, spanning genres from dramas and true-crime miniseries to comedies and historical accounts. The ranking highlights standout performances and storytelling, with 'The Bear' claiming the top spot. This guide helps viewers navigate Hulu's extensive catalog of exclusive content.
Overview of the Ranking
TVLine's latest feature evaluates Hulu's original programming since its 2008 launch, focusing on shows produced exclusively for the platform. The selection includes limited series and multi-season hits, emphasizing diverse narratives from personal dramas to societal critiques. Factors like cast performances, writing quality, and cultural impact influenced the placements, providing recommendations for overwhelmed subscribers.
Top Five Series
At number one, 'The Bear' follows chef Carmen 'Carmy' Berzatto as he transforms his family's Chicago sandwich shop after his brother's death, featuring strong turns by Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri. Ranking second is 'Reservation Dogs,' a coming-of-age story set on an Oklahoma reservation with an all-Indigenous cast, including Devery Jacobs and D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, exploring teen life and community ties.
Third place goes to 'Ramy,' created by and starring Ramy Youssef, which delves into a Muslim-American millennial's experiences with faith, family, and identity in New Jersey. 'PEN15' secures fourth, with Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle playing awkward middle school versions of themselves in a mix of humor and heartfelt moments. Rounding out the top five is 'The Handmaid's Tale,' adapted from Margaret Atwood's novel, starring Elisabeth Moss as a woman resisting oppression in the dystopian Gilead society.
Notable Mentions and Themes
Lower rankings feature miniseries like 'Mrs. America' (number 25), starring Cate Blanchett as conservative activist Phyllis Schlafly opposing the Equal Rights Amendment, and 'Dopesick' (number 18), which examines the opioid crisis through Purdue Pharma's role, led by Michael Keaton. Comedies such as 'Shrill' (number 22) and 'Reboot' (number 12) address body image and Hollywood revivals, respectively. The list underscores Hulu's strength in true stories and ensemble casts, though some series like 'How to Die Alone' were cut after one season.
This ranking arrives amid Hulu's growth under Disney, offering a curated starting point for exploring originals amid broader content libraries.