Are you looking for some of the best shows to binge on Hulu? We’ve got you covered.
Whether It’s a timeless classic, original programming, or something new, there’s plenty to watch on Hulu. Sometimes you have the urge to binge-watch a show throughout an entire weekend. Other times you need some quality background noise to get through your day. Some people even need one of these shows as they fall asleep at night.
Whatever the reason, we’ve got 15 great shows to binge-watch on Hulu for you.
King of the Hill
Disclaimer: This is my wife’s favorite show, and for a good reason.
King of the Hill highlights the stories of the fictional small town of Arlen, Texas. Hank Hill, the show’s titular character, is a conservative American who loves his country, his family, and propane (and propane accessories).
The strength of King of the Hill is the writing. Everything is perfectly fleshed out, from the characters, their individual growth, and the seamless integration of comedic moments alongside more mature themes and stories.
Mike Judge has demonstrated he is on another level regarding his work. King of the Hill may be his magnum opus.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Creators Rob McElhenney and Glenn Howerton take the Seinfeld “show about nothing” formula to the extreme with It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
There aren’t any lessons learned at the end of each episode, characters continuously become worse people as time passes, and there isn’t much in terms of season-long plotlines or overarching narrative stories. It’s Always Sunny doesn’t need any of that, though, instead succeeding thanks to the strength of its writing and characters.
The main cast of -insert- are all perfect in their roles. Everyone has a chance not just to shine but truly evolve and grow. Later seasons sometimes feel like they’re running on empty before they win you over with a complete masterpiece that transcends the genre.
Sunny has rightfully earned its place as one of the best shows to binge on Hulu due to the impressive quality of its episodes, top to bottom. There’s an occasional stinker here or there, but they’re 100% the exception.
Peep Show
What if It’s Always Sunny was not just British but also filmed from a first-person view? That’s Peep Show, starring David Mitchell and Robert Webb.
Whereas Sunny’s characters are completely unredeemable, Peep Show instead focuses on the awkwardness of its characters as we get a glimpse into their lives.
The result is a beautiful and hilarious chaotic mess of hilarity.
Peep Show is an unfiltered show about the constant introspection most people keep on the inside. It preys on the humor produced through its awkwardness while also forgoing any hope of redemption for the characters.
American Dad
Initially viewed as a complete knock-off of Family Guy, American Dad has arguably become the superior Seth MacFarlane cartoon.
American Dad isn’t afraid to embrace the personalities of its characters. Thankfully, the show’s characters are much more fleshed out than the sitcom caricatures of Family Guy.
The initial run of episodes morphs from “Family Guy but different characters” to “Seth MacFarlane humor without the sitcom trappings.” Eventually, the show becomes its own vehicle, best described as hysterical chaos.
Scrubs
The strength of Scrubs is its ability to navigate between genres at will successfully. The show does this without any loss of quality; one minute, you’ll be laughing off the couch, and the next, you’ll reach for a box of tissues as you ball your eyes out crying.
Zach Braff is perfect for the show’s role as titular character and narrator, but the performances from the rest of the cast are what elevate4 Scrubs to top-tier status. John C. McGinley, in particular, steals the show as the often quoted Dr. Perry Cox.
Whether watching it for the 100th time or finally giving the series a shot, the eight seasons of Scrubs is the perfect choice for a Hulu binge-watch.
Yes, you heard me; eight seasons. There is no ninth season.
Nathan For You
How do you describe a show like Nathan For You?
First, it’s important to state that creator Nathan Fielder graduated from one of Canada’s top business schools with really good grades.
Second, it follows the formula set by Sacha Baron Cohen of putting real people into awkward circumstances. The major difference is that Fielder doesn’t play a character like Cohen does in his shows. Fielder plays himself, giving some of the worst business advice imaginable.
There’s no way to describe Nathan For You other than one of the funniest television shows. I have never laughed as hard as I did while watching this show. It is an easy inclusion on our list of the best shows to binge on Hulu.
Dave
From rapper Lil Dicky comes Dave, the next entry on our list of Hulu binge shows.
Originally a look at the “life” of the popular rapper, Dave morphed into something bigger than it may have ever anticipated.
Season One follows the Seinfeld “show about nothing” formula well, showcasing the comedic talents of David Bird alongside the story of Bird trying to make it as a rapper. The second season elevated beyond this, leaning heavily into “dramedy” territory with amazing results.
Dave pulls off the miracle of featuring characters we continuously want to root for, despite constantly finding themselves in compromising situations. Not ones for comedic events, but scenarios where you grow to dislike them genuinely. Yet, in the end, you’re still rooting for them.
Weeds
The tale of Nancy Botwin is extremely relatable. A widowed mother of two is forced to start her own business to make ends meet for her family. It turns out that her business is selling weed.
Jenji Kohen’s debut show has its ups and downs; many would stop their Hulu binge after the third season, and for a good reason. Die-hard fans that make it through the entire run are rewarded with an uneven but satisfying conclusion to the show.
The supporting cast helps carry the load when Weeds loses its footing. Kevin Nealon is perfect for helping keep the laughs coming, and performances from Justin Kirk and Alexander Gould help keep viewers interested when the show has signs of losing steam.
30 Rock
The stars align for 30 Rock, one of the best television series of all time. The writing is sharp and witty, and the jokes come at you every second. There’s something new to discover on second, third, and even fourth watches.
Part of the show’s brilliance is because it’s never afraid to make fun of itself. With the basis of the series being about working on Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock wisely spends less time on the actual variety show and more time on the behind-the-scenes chaos. The result is writing and jokes that are filled with plenty of shots rightfully taken at not just NBC but other people in the industry.
30 Rock’s star power is truly a sight to behind. With Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, and Tracy Jordan headlining the cast and Donald Glover in the writer’s room, this inclusion is a no-brainer. Putting 30 Rock on our list of the best Hulu shows to binge-watch is one of the easiest decisions we can make.
Freaks and Geeks
The Judd Apatow vehicle only received one season, but it’s worth it. Freaks and Geeks not only helped launch the careers of several superstars but also gave us one of the best shows for our next Hulu binge.
Like some of the other best entries on our list of best shows to binge on Hulu, Freaks and Geeks has the perfect balance of comedic and serious storylines. It’s a beautiful coming-of-age story with enough star power to impress even the most stubborn viewers.
Best of all, Freaks and Geeks balances the perfect amount of nostalgia without shoving it down our throats. Taking place in the early 80s, you’ll be drawn in by the sights and wonders of the era and won over by one of the greatest seasons of Television ever produced.
Futurama
While Matt Groening’s second animated series may not have the immortality of The Simpsons, some argue that Futurama is the superior show.
The opinion is divided on later seasons after the Comedy Central revival. The original run, however, is unmatched in terms of quality. Futurama combines some of Television’s funniest moments and characters alongside some heart-wrenching and tear-jerking episodes.
What’s most remarkable is that Futurama does this without diving too much into mature themes or messages. Instead, the show focuses on making its main cast of characters not just likable but also relatable. You’re not invested in massive story arcs but rather the growth and journeys the characters embark on.
The Bear
Looking back at my time working in the restaurant industry, it’s definitely something I glamorize. Any service industry job is stressful beyond belief. The Bear captures this perfectly.
Few shows offer an experience that’s as authentic and unflinching as The Bear. There’s a reason why so many restaurants were talking about it on its release. The look inside the chaos of the kitchen is a perfect analogy for the relationship building and development of the show’s characters.
There are plenty of anxiety-inducing moments that make The Bear difficult to watch. Because of this, its inclusion on a list of shows to binge on Hulu is a little ironic. Yet if you can overcome the moments where you may need to hit pause, you’re rewarded with one of the greatest television experiences of the year.
Only Murders in the Building
It’s no surprise that Steve Martin and Martin Short have an insane amount of chemistry together. Their work in the industry for decades speaks for itself. Selena Gomez is such a natural fit alongside the two that it’s almost like she’s been working with them all these years.
Only Murders in the Building is an easy Hulu binge show, thanks to the strength of its cast. That’s not to say the show’s writing is holding anything back because it’s not. If anything, it enhances the power of the cast, allowing Martin, Short, and Gomez to shine and succeed truly.
Murders has rightfully earned its place as the most-watched comedy on Hulu.
The Orville
If you’re looking for what might be the best version of Star Trek, check out The Orville.
The second Seth MacFarlane vehicle on our list of best shows to binge on Hulu proves that Fox had no idea what to do with this series.
After its rough first season, The Orville finally found its footing when it stopped trying to be a Family Guy version of Star Trek. While MacFarlane has made a fortune with that brand of comedy, there’s no denying his love of traditional science-fiction. It’s something you can feel in his cartoons, and finally, The Orville gives MacFarlane a chance to write a love letter to his inspiration.
American Horror Story
American Horror Story has been delivering terrifying tales to its fans for over a decade. Between the main series and the new spin-off American Horror Stories, those looking for anthology-style horror have found one of the best shows for your next Hulu binge.
Every season brings a new story to tell, but the cast of actors often returns. For a good reason, Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters have become synonymous with American Horror Story. They continually deliver gripping performances.
One of the show’s best qualities is how it’s never afraid to gamble or take risks. Between tackling real-live headlines or events or diving into stories inspired by urban legends or tall tales, American Horror Story is never afraid to shoot for the moon. It may not always fully come together, but you must commend the series for never being afraid to try something new.
Wrapping Up
There’s a lot more to watch on Hulu, but these are just some of our favorites. What would you have added to our list of the best shows to binge-watch on Hulu? What’s your favorite comfort show? Do you put anything on at night to help you fall asleep; it’s what we do with King of the Hill.
Sound off in the comments below!
