The 25 Best TV Dramas to Watch on Hulu Right Now

Hulu offers a massive library of TV shows, especially when it comes to drama. Whether you’re in the mood for a tense thriller, a sprawling historical epic, or a heartfelt family story, there’s something for you. With so many choices, it can be tough to decide what to watch next. This list highlights the best dramas available on the platform, from award-winning originals to classic network shows.

This selection covers a wide range of stories and characters, ensuring there’s a show to fit any taste. We’ve focused on series that have received critical acclaim and have captivated audiences. Get ready to find your next favorite show and dive into some of the most compelling stories ever told on television.

The Handmaid’s Tale (2017)

This series is based on Margaret Atwood’s famous novel. It takes place in a dystopian society called Gilead, where women are treated as property of the state. The story follows Offred, a woman forced to live as a concubine, as she navigates this terrifying world and fights for her freedom. The show is known for its powerful performances and suspenseful plot.

The Handmaid’s Tale has won numerous awards for its intense storytelling and relevant themes. It explores issues of power, gender, and resistance in a way that feels both timeless and current. The show’s striking visuals and gripping narrative have made it a cultural phenomenon and a must-watch for fans of thought-provoking drama.

The Bear (2022)

This show follows a young, talented chef who leaves the world of fine dining to run his family’s sandwich shop in Chicago. He faces a mountain of debt, a rundown kitchen, and a staff that is resistant to change. The series is a chaotic and emotional look at the high-stress environment of the restaurant industry.

The Bear has been praised for its realistic portrayal of kitchen life and its compelling characters. It’s a story about grief, family, and the passion for creating something meaningful. The fast-paced editing and incredible performances make it a unique and unforgettable viewing experience.

Shōgun (2024)

Set in feudal Japan in the year 1600, this historical drama is an epic tale of political intrigue and cultural clashes. The story begins when an English ship is found marooned in a fishing village. The ship’s pilot, John Blackthorne, is drawn into the complex power struggles of a country on the brink of civil war. He becomes a pawn in the game of Lord Toranaga, a powerful daimyo fighting for his life.

Based on the novel by James Clavell, Shōgun is a visually stunning series with a complex plot and rich character development. It explores themes of honor, ambition, and destiny against the backdrop of a fascinating historical period. The show has been widely acclaimed for its authenticity and gripping storytelling.

Under the Bridge (2024)

This gripping true-crime drama is based on the book by Rebecca Godfrey. It tells the story of the 1997 disappearance and murder of a fourteen-year-old girl in a small Canadian town. The series delves into the hidden world of the teenagers accused of the crime, revealing the surprising truths behind the shocking event.

Under the Bridge examines the complex social dynamics and personal struggles that led to the tragedy. It provides a compassionate yet unflinching look at the lives of the young people involved. The show’s compelling narrative and strong performances make it a powerful and thought-provoking watch.

Fargo (2014)

This anthology series is inspired by the classic 1996 film of the same name. Each season features a new story, a different set of characters, and a new time period, but they all share a connection to the Midwest and a blend of dark humor and sudden violence. The stories often revolve around ordinary people who get caught up in extraordinary and dangerous situations.

Fargo has been praised for its clever writing, unique style, and talented ensemble casts. It masterfully balances suspense and comedy, creating a world that is both bizarre and familiar. Each season stands on its own as a compelling crime story, making it one of the most consistently excellent dramas on television.

Justified (2010)

This modern Western is centered on Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens, who is reassigned to his hometown in the mountains of Kentucky. He is a tough, old-school lawman with his own brand of justice, which often puts him at odds with his superiors and the criminals he pursues. The show is known for its sharp dialogue and memorable characters.

Based on a short story by Elmore Leonard, Justified is a character-driven drama with plenty of action and suspense. The central conflict between Raylan and his childhood friend turned criminal mastermind, Boyd Crowder, is one of the best in television history. The show’s smart writing and strong sense of place make it a standout in the crime genre.

The Americans (2013)

Set during the Cold War in the 1980s, this series follows two KGB spies posing as an American married couple in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. They live a double life, juggling the demands of their espionage work with the challenges of raising a family. The show is a thrilling spy story and a deep exploration of marriage and identity.

The Americans is a slow-burn thriller that builds suspense over its six seasons. It is praised for its complex characters, intricate plot, and moral ambiguity. The series offers a fascinating look at a historical period filled with paranoia and political tension, making for a gripping and emotional viewing experience.

Reservation Dogs (2021)

This comedy-drama follows four Indigenous teenagers in rural Oklahoma who dream of saving enough money to move to California. They spend their days committing petty crimes and navigating the challenges of life on the reservation. The show is a unique coming-of-age story with a distinct voice and sense of humor.

Reservation Dogs has been celebrated for its authentic representation of Indigenous people and its blend of humor and heart. It tackles serious issues with a light touch, creating a world that is both funny and poignant. The show’s fresh perspective and talented young cast have made it a critical favorite.

A Murder at the End of the World (2023)

This mystery series introduces a new kind of detective for the 21st century. It follows a tech-savvy amateur sleuth who is invited to a remote retreat hosted by a reclusive billionaire. When one of the other guests is found dead, she must use her skills to solve the murder before the killer strikes again.

A Murder at the End of the World is a modern take on the classic whodunit, blending suspense with a commentary on technology and isolation. The show’s atmospheric setting and intriguing characters create a compelling mystery. It’s a stylish and suspenseful thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end.

The X-Files (1993)

This iconic science fiction series follows two FBI agents, Fox Mulder and Dana Scully, who investigate unsolved cases involving paranormal phenomena. Mulder is a believer in the existence of aliens and the paranormal, while Scully is a skeptic who is assigned to debunk his work. Together, they uncover a vast government conspiracy and encounter a wide range of strange and unexplained events.

The X-Files became a cultural touchstone in the 1990s and continues to be influential today. Its blend of standalone monster-of-the-week episodes and a complex overarching mythology captivated audiences. The chemistry between the two lead actors and the show’s exploration of belief and skepticism are key to its enduring appeal.

Lost (2004)

This mystery-box series begins with the survivors of a plane crash who find themselves stranded on a mysterious and seemingly deserted island. They must work together to stay alive while confronting the island’s many secrets, including a strange monster, an enigmatic group of “Others,” and a series of underground hatches. The show is known for its large ensemble cast and its use of flashbacks and flash-forwards to develop its characters.

Lost was a massive hit that sparked countless fan theories and online discussions. Its intricate plot and compelling character arcs kept viewers hooked for six seasons. The series broke new ground for network television with its serialized storytelling and high production values, making it a landmark in modern television history.

Sons of Anarchy (2008)

This gritty crime drama centers on a close-knit outlaw motorcycle club in a fictional town in California’s Central Valley. The story follows Jax Teller, the vice president of the club, as he struggles with the direction of the group and his loyalty to its president, who is also his stepfather. He finds a manifesto written by his late father that challenges the club’s lawless ways.

Sons of Anarchy is a modern-day take on Shakespeare’s Hamlet, exploring themes of loyalty, brotherhood, and betrayal. The show is known for its intense action sequences and complex characters. It provides a raw and unflinching look at the violent world of outlaw motorcycle clubs.

Twin Peaks (1990)

This groundbreaking series begins with the discovery of the body of a high school student, Laura Palmer, in the small town of Twin Peaks, Washington. FBI Agent Dale Cooper is called in to investigate the murder, but he soon discovers that the town is full of strange and surreal secrets. The show is a unique blend of murder mystery, supernatural horror, and quirky comedy.

Created by David Lynch and Mark Frost, Twin Peaks is a landmark in television history that has influenced countless shows. Its dreamlike atmosphere, eccentric characters, and unconventional storytelling set it apart from anything else on TV at the time. The show’s enduring mystery and surreal charm have made it a cult classic.

The Good Wife (2009)

This legal and political drama follows Alicia Florrick, a woman whose husband, a prominent state’s attorney, is imprisoned after a public scandal. To provide for her family, she returns to her old job as a litigator after a thirteen-year absence. The series follows her journey as she navigates the competitive world of law and politics while rebuilding her life.

The Good Wife was praised for its intelligent writing, complex characters, and compelling case-of-the-week format. It offered a sophisticated look at the intersection of law, politics, and personal relationships. The show’s strong performances and timely storylines made it a critical and popular success.

ER (1994)

This medical drama is set in the emergency room of a fictional Chicago hospital. The series follows the lives of the dedicated doctors and nurses who work in the fast-paced and high-stress environment. The show is known for its medical accuracy, large ensemble cast, and its ability to balance intense medical crises with the personal lives of its characters.

ER was a television juggernaut that ran for 15 seasons and launched the careers of several of its stars. It was groundbreaking for its realistic portrayal of emergency medicine and its use of a single-camera, cinematic style. The show’s compelling human stories and high-stakes drama made it a long-running hit.

The Great (2020)

This satirical historical drama is a fictionalized and comedic take on the rise of Catherine the Great, the Empress of Russia. The series follows a young and idealistic Catherine who arrives in Russia to marry the Emperor, only to find a dangerous and backward court. She plots to kill her husband and take the throne for herself.

The Great is a witty and irreverent show that plays fast and loose with historical facts in favor of entertainment. It is filled with sharp dialogue, absurd situations, and over-the-top performances. The series offers a fresh and funny perspective on a historical figure, making it a unique and enjoyable watch.

We Were the Lucky Ones (2024)

This limited series is based on the bestselling novel and tells the true story of a Jewish family separated at the start of World War II. The show follows the family members across continents as they do everything in their power to survive and reunite. It is a tale of hope and resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship.

We Were the Lucky Ones is a powerful and moving story of a family’s determination to find each other. The series provides an intimate and personal perspective on the Holocaust, focusing on the human cost of the war. Its emotional depth and strong performances make it a memorable and important drama.

Better Things (2016)

This comedy-drama is a semi-autobiographical series created by and starring Pamela Adlon. She plays a single mother and working actress raising her three daughters in Los Angeles. The show offers a raw and honest look at the messy and beautiful moments of motherhood and middle age.

Better Things is praised for its authenticity and its unique, slice-of-life storytelling. It finds humor and poetry in the everyday struggles and joys of family life. The show’s artistic direction and deeply personal narrative have made it a critical darling.

Friday Night Lights (2006)

This drama series is set in the small, football-obsessed town of Dillon, Texas. It follows the lives of the high school football team, their coach, and their families. The show uses football as a backdrop to explore issues of race, class, and family in a small American town.

Friday Night Lights is known for its realistic portrayal of its characters and its emotional depth. It is not just a show about football, but about the dreams and struggles of the people in the community. The series has been praised for its strong writing, naturalistic acting, and heartfelt storytelling.

Homeland (2011)

This psychological thriller centers on a bipolar CIA officer who comes to believe that a rescued U.S. Marine has been turned by al-Qaeda and is plotting an attack on the United States. The series is a cat-and-mouse game filled with suspense, twists, and moral ambiguity. It delves into the complexities of counter-terrorism and the personal toll it takes on those involved.

Homeland was a critically acclaimed series known for its gripping plot and powerful performances, especially from its lead actors. The show’s first few seasons, in particular, were praised for their tight plotting and intense suspense. It offered a compelling look at the post-9/11 world and the challenges of national security.

The Shield (2002)

This crime drama follows the corrupt and effective leader of an experimental anti-gang unit in a fictional district of Los Angeles. He and his team use criminal methods to reduce crime and maintain peace on the streets, all while trying to cover their tracks and make a profit from their illegal activities. The show is a gritty and unflinching look at police corruption.

The Shield is known for its intense and morally complex storytelling. It broke new ground for basic cable with its raw content and anti-hero protagonist. The series is a fast-paced and brutal drama that constantly challenges viewers’ perceptions of right and wrong.

Normal People (2020)

This limited series is based on the novel by Sally Rooney and follows the complicated relationship between two young people in Ireland, from their high school days to their time at university. It is a tender and intimate portrait of first love, heartbreak, and the challenges of communication. The show is known for its realistic dialogue and powerful performances.

Normal People was praised for its honest and emotional depiction of a modern relationship. The chemistry between the two lead actors is a key part of the show’s success. It’s a beautifully crafted and deeply moving story about the profound impact two people can have on each other’s lives.

Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2024)

This series is a reimagining of the 2005 film of the same name. It follows two lonely strangers who land jobs for a mysterious spy agency that offers them a glorious life of espionage, wealth, and a dream home in Manhattan. The catch is they must enter into an arranged marriage and pretend to be a couple. The show follows them as they navigate high-risk missions and the milestones of their new relationship.

Mr. & Mrs. Smith blends action, comedy, and romance in a stylish and compelling package. It explores the challenges of building intimacy and trust under extraordinary circumstances. The show’s strong lead performances and clever writing make it an entertaining and smart spy drama.

It’s a Sin (2021)

This British miniseries follows a group of young gay men who move to London in the early 1980s. Their lives are full of joy, friendship, and love, but the series charts the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic on their community. It is a heartbreaking and life-affirming story about a generation lost to the virus.

It’s a Sin was praised for its vibrant energy, emotional depth, and powerful storytelling. It brings a human face to the AIDS crisis, celebrating the lives of those who were lost while also highlighting the fear and prejudice they faced. The show is both a joyous tribute and a poignant memorial.

Killing Eve (2018)

This spy thriller follows a bored but brilliant MI5 security officer whose desk-bound job doesn’t fulfill her fantasies of being a spy. She begins to track a talented and psychopathic assassin, and the two women become obsessed with each other. The series is a stylish and darkly comedic cat-and-mouse game that spans across Europe.

Killing Eve is known for its sharp writing, unexpected humor, and incredible performances from its two leads. It subverts many of the conventions of the spy genre, creating a show that is both thrilling and funny. The complex and obsessive relationship between the two main characters is the heart of the series.