Streaming services are everywhere these days. With Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Disney Plus, HBO Max, and others constantly competing for subscriptions, it's hard to know what to watch. This is especially the case when they shift their available programs seemingly every other week.
Hulu is no stranger to this. It currently has plenty of series worth checking out. Some are Hulu's own productions; others are outside programs they've simply secured the rights to. However they came to be, these shows have distinguished themselves among the TV landscape and the streamer's selection. Best to check them out now before they're gone.
10 Harrow
This caper revolves around a Welsh pathologist in Australia, but that's not what distinguishes Daniel Harrow. He's actually the best pathologist around, able to spot clues on corpses and in the environment that everyone else overlooks. Unfortunately, this attention to detail functions as a double-edged sword. It means he knows what his colleagues typically look for in a crime scene. This comes in handy when he works outside the law, which he often sees fit to do.
Actor Ioan Gruffudd suits such mischievous theatricality, and it makes him an amusing foil for the straight-faced Aussies surrounding him. Like the show itself, though, the character has a sinister underpinning that keeps viewers enraptured and slightly on edge.
9 Killing Eve
The quick wit of creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge is apparent from the get-go. Killing Eve is never short on biting rejoinders or gallows humor. Although these are a firm part of the series' identity, more instrumental is the central relationship between MI6 agent Eve and unhinged assassin Villanelle.
What starts as a cat-and-mouse game soon morphs into a twisted romance between the two main characters. Neither one can forsake the other, and it's compelling to watch both parties go mad with obsession. Much of the appeal comes from the electrifying performances by Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer. The show is worth watching for these two alone, as they carry one of the most unique character dynamics in modern television.
8 Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
The original Terminator film had a cool concept, but the slew of sequels watered that concept down in pursuit of blockbuster action. Most fans agree that the series peaked at the second entry and has gone downhill ever since. Ironically, the most inspired piece of Terminator media after Judgment Day was a TV show about the mother of mankind's savior.
The Sarah Connor Chronicles expands on its universe with compelling results. It creatively builds on the established world and finds consistently clever uses for these infiltrator bots. The most meangful part of this growth lies with the characters. The writers ably develop the mother-son relationship that fans know, and the dynamics with the new characters are engaging in their own right. Abandoning the blockbuster sensibilities gives this tale an emotional resonance not seen since the series' heyday.
7 Legion
Superhero stories usually boil down to bombastic action flicks nowadays. After a while, the CGI fight scenes all blend together thanks to the recycled narratives and flat presentation. The X-Men films experimented a bit more with their tones and genres, but this spinoff is on a whole other level. Legion is equal parts stylish and absolutely wild, which is fitting for someone not right in the head.
The show follows mutant David as he deals with not only his telepathic and reality-bending powers, but also debilitating mental illness. This is enough to drive him to insanity, a descent into madness that's beautifully presented through trippy visuals. The show comes from Fargo helm Noah Hawley, who brings that familiar dark humor here with an added coat of weirdness. It's a transfixing piece which leaves both David and the audience questioning what's real.
6 The Musketeers
It's easy to recommend this show as the only decent rendition of The Three Musketeers in recent years. Even taken on its own, however, the series has a lot to like, from its exciting action to the brotherly chemistry between the four leads. These both speak to a sense of balance.
The Musketeers strikes just the right chord between pulpy adventure and historical drama. Between the costumes, sets, dialogue, and acting, it never leans too far in either direction. Walking that tightrope deserves appreciation, especially for three seasons.
5 Vikings
The title says it all. Vikings chronicles the exploits of the Scandinavian explorers as they sail to new lands, encounter exotic peoples, and battle for supremacy in the medieval world. With that exploration comes the inevitable culture shock, particularly with religion, but the show doesn't favor one side over another.
Christianity and Old Norse beliefs receive equal care through the ethereal visuals and multi-faceted characters. As one generation gives way to the next, those beliefs evolve in poignant ways. What makes it so believable is the devoted writing of Michael Hirst. He also scripted The Tudors and the Elizabeth films, and he brings the same reverence and intrigue to this epic saga.
4 Shark
Legal dramas are often heavy affairs. That's hard to avoid when dealing with the more despicable crimes. Howeverl while Shark certainly has its share of drama, it's far outweighed by the fun. The show revolves around an LA lawyer who's notorious for two things: being a sleazeball and and always winning cases. Once he decides to put his gifts toward stopping crooks instead of defending them, it paves the way for his redemption and reconnection with his family. Of course, some things never change.
Sebastian Stark goes about this journey in his own way, sporting unstoppable energy and an egotistical attitude. As a result, the series benefits from the inimitable charisma of James Woods, who absolutely relishes this character. The only thing more entertaining than seeing him (and his legal team) skirt the system is watching him deliver rapid-fire put-downs to everyone else. Might as well flaunt it if you've got it.
3 Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Hulu hosts several Star Trek shows, so it's tough to settle on just one. What makes Deep Space Nine different is that it challenges many staples of the franchise. Serialized storytelling and taking place on a space station instead of a ship are just a couple of ways it breaks the mold.
These both serve the central issue: war. Throughout its run, the series deals with the cost of widespread conflict. It covers the tense leadup, the battles themselves, and the cataclysmic aftermath. This lets the writers explore how that can change a person and, moreover, how it truly tests Star Trek's optimistic version of the future. Unlike modern entries with their nonstop action, Deep Space Nine celebrates same thoughful intelligence that brought so many fans to the franchise in the first place.
2 The Glades
Jim Longworth goes through life with a casual attitude. He takes this approach to both his golf game and his policework. He strolls up to suspects, shakes the tree, and sees what comes out. There's never a dull moment with him as he pokes the bear. It's akin to seeing Deadpool or Nathan Drake as a cop.
There's never a dull episode because of that. He doesn't take the subject matter seriously, so neither do doe the viewer. Combined with the colorful supporting cast and sunny setting of Florida, this makes The Glades an infectiously irreverent gem in a stale sea of cop dramas.
1 Justified
A modern western in many respects, Justified lives and breathes on its setting. The series unfolds in Harlan, Kentucky, which brings a specifically mannered culture and nature to the relationships portrayed in the show.
This creates an intriguing dynamic between Timothy Olyphant and Walton Goggins, who comfortably slide into the steely-eyed lawman and slick outlaw, respectively. They detest each other most of the time, but they're nevertheless bound by the simple fact that they mined coal together as youths.It lends a dry, sometimes screwball humor that extends to the rest of the series. Justified is a deep dive into a particular branch of the South, one bursting with both enjoyment and seediness.