Hulu continues to redefine the digital television landscape in January 2026, sustaining the momentum that began with its historic 2017 Emmy win for The Handmaid’s Tale. From the record-shattering 18-Emmy haul of Shōgun in 2024 to the culinary intensity of The Bear, the platform has evolved into the primary destination for prestige FX dramas and meticulously curated original content. While the streaming wars have intensified, Hulu’s strategic partnerships and high-caliber production slate keep it at the forefront of the industry.
For those exploring alternative platforms, consult our expert guides to the best TV shows on Amazon Prime, the best TV shows on Disney+, and the best shows on Netflix.
Historical Grittiness and Modern Drama
A Thousand Blows
Following the success of Adolescence, Stephen Graham reunites with Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight for this visceral Victorian-era crime drama. The narrative centers on the “Forty Elephants,” an all-female syndicate led by Mary Carr (Erin Doherty). The stakes escalate when Mary’s crew clashes with kingpin Sugar Goodson (Graham), forcing an alliance with Jamaican immigrants Hezekiah Moscow (Malachi Kirby) and Alec Munroe (Francis Lovehall). Season 2 debuted on January 9, just as Graham and Doherty secured Golden Globe victories, further cementing the show’s elite status.
Tell Me Lies
Adapted from Carola Lovering’s novel, this psychological drama explores the toxic, decade-long entanglement between Lucy Albright (Grace Van Patten) and Stephen DeMarco (Jackson White). What begins as a campus fling at Baird College devolves into a complex web of trauma and obsession. Season 3 launched its first three episodes on January 13, with Van Patten’s performance remaining the series’ emotional anchor.
International Thrillers and Nordic Noir
The Manipulated
This South Korean revenge thriller follows Park Tae-jung (Ji Chang-wook), a courier whose life shatters after returning a lost cell phone. Framed for a heinous crime, Park must navigate a conspiracy to clear his name while seeking retribution against those who orchestrated his downfall. It blends the high-stakes tension of The Fugitive with the raw emotion of a personal vendetta.
To Cook a Bear
Set in 1852 Sweden, this Nordic noir features Gustaf Skarsgård as a revivalist preacher whose arrival in a remote village coincides with a series of grisly deaths. While locals blame a rogue bear, the series delves into the darkness of the human psyche. Skarsgård’s performance stands out, continuing a family legacy of excellence following Stellan Skarsgård’s recent Golden Globe win.
True Crime Retellings and Social Satire
Murdaugh: Death in the Family
The Murdaugh dynasty’s collapse receives a dramatic dramatization starring Jason Clarke and Patricia Arquette. The series traces the 2019 boat crash involving Paul Murdaugh to the subsequent murders and the eventual downfall of Alex Murdaugh. It is a chilling exploration of power, privilege, and systemic corruption in the American South.
Abbott Elementary
Quinta Brunson’s mockumentary remains a beacon of network television excellence. Following the dedicated staff of an underfunded Philadelphia public school, the series balances sharp wit with genuine heart. Season 5 continues to deliver weekly episodes on ABC, arriving on Hulu every Thursday.
Solar Opposites
Now in its sixth season, this sci-fi animation explores human absurdity through the eyes of a displaced alien family from Shlorp. Despite its cynical premise, the show maintains a surprisingly optimistic core, offering a comedic respite from real-world chaos.
The Giants of Prestige Television
Only Murders in the Building
The iconic trio of Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez returns, with Season 6 shifting the investigative action to London. Known for its staggering list of guest stars—including Meryl Streep and Paul Rudd—the series remains a masterclass in the cozy mystery genre, where every resident of the Arconia hides a lethal secret.
Tempest
Jun Ji-hyun stars as a former ambassador in this high-stakes South Korean spy drama. Following the assassination of a presidential candidate, she partners with a mercenary (Gang Dong-won) to uncover a global conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of international government.
Alien: Earth
Noah Hawley expands the Alien franchise with this prequel set two years before Ridley Scott’s original masterpiece. The plot focuses on the Prodigy Corporation and its “hybrid” synthetics investigating a crashed Weyland-Yutani spacecraft. With a second season already greenlit for 2027, this is a cornerstone of Hulu’s sci-fi future.
Revivals and Literary Adaptations
King of the Hill
Mike Judge and Greg Daniels bring the Hill family back to Arlen, Texas, after a 15-year hiatus. The revival finds Hank and Peggy returning from Saudi Arabia to a world that has significantly moved on. Hulu has already committed to four new seasons, ensuring the show’s presence through 2027.
The Bear
The high-pressure world of Carmy Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White) continues to captivate audiences. Season 5 is slated for an early summer 2026 release, promising more of the frantic, award-winning kitchen drama that has made “Yes, Chef” a cultural staple. Jamie Lee Curtis remains a standout in her recurring role as the family matriarch.
The Handmaid’s Tale
The complete six-season saga of June Osborne’s (Elisabeth Moss) rebellion against the fundamentalist regime of Gilead is now available in its entirety. This series transformed Hulu into a serious contender in the streaming era and remains a definitive dystopian work.
New Discoveries and Cult Favorites
Dying for Sex
Michelle Williams delivers a Golden Globe-winning performance as Molly, a woman with terminal cancer who embarks on a journey of sexual self-discovery. Based on the 2020 podcast, the series balances tragedy with life-affirming humor.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
The longest-running live-action sitcom in TV history shows no signs of fatigue. Following the sociopathic antics of the Paddy’s Pub gang, Season 17 concluded in late 2025, with Season 18 potentially serving as the series’ final act.
Shōgun
Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai lead this epic adaptation of James Clavell’s novel. After sweeping the 2024 Emmys, the series has transitioned from a limited engagement to a multi-season saga, with the next chapter expected in 2027. It remains the gold standard for historical production design and narrative depth.
Fargo
Noah Hawley’s anthology continues to attract top-tier talent, with Season 5 featuring Juno Temple and Jon Hamm. Each standalone season offers a unique blend of Midwestern polite and brutal violence, maintaining its status as one of the most consistent dramas on television.
The Office (UK)
For fans of the cringe-comedy genre, the original Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant series remains essential viewing. Its two seasons and Christmas specials are a compact masterclass in workplace discomfort.
Reservation Dogs
The complete three-season run of this groundbreaking series is available for binging. Created by Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi, it stands as a landmark achievement for Indigenous representation in mainstream media.
The Great
Elle Fanning’s “anti-historical” portrayal of Catherine the Great concludes its three-season run. The show is a riotous, sharp-tongued exploration of power and the Enlightenment, anchored by Fanning and Nicholas Hoult’s electric chemistry.
