TL;DR
WIRED compiled a list of 51 recommended shows available on Hulu, highlighting a mix of original series, network partnerships, and international hits. The roundup spotlights recent seasons and notable entries such as A Thousand Blows, Tell Me Lies, and a range of crime, drama, comedy, and animated titles.
What happened
WIRED published a curated guide naming 51 of the best shows currently available on Hulu. The story traces Hulu’s trajectory from early original efforts—like its pop-culture news program The Morning After—to award-winning prestige dramas such as The Handmaid’s Tale and later successes like Shōgun and The Bear. The list spans a variety of genres and origins: British period crime drama A Thousand Blows; the time-jumping relationship drama Tell Me Lies; Korean crime thrillers including The Manipulated and Tempest; Nordic noir To Cook a Bear; and true-crime dramatizations such as Murdaugh: Death in the Family. The guide also flags popular comedies and animated series streaming on the platform, including Abbott Elementary, Only Murders in the Building, and Solar Opposites. WIRED’s selection emphasizes both Hulu originals and shows available through network partnerships.
Why it matters
- Hulu’s catalogue mixes original productions with strategic network partnerships, offering viewers a diverse set of high-profile series.
- The platform has a track record of industry recognition, including early Emmy success and record-setting wins tied to shows like The Handmaid’s Tale and Shōgun.
- A single curated list helps subscribers and prospective viewers navigate a crowded streaming environment and find recent seasons and notable titles.
Key facts
- WIRED’s feature lists 51 shows it recommends watching on Hulu at the time of publication.
- The article references Hulu’s early original program The Morning After, which debuted in 2011 and ran for roughly 800 episodes over three years.
- Hulu was the first streaming service to win the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series with The Handmaid’s Tale.
- Shōgun earned a record 18 Emmy wins in a single season in 2024, cited as an example of Hulu’s high-profile content.
- Highlighted scripted titles include A Thousand Blows (season 2 arrived Jan. 9), Tell Me Lies (season 3 episodes arrived Jan. 13), and The Manipulated.
- The list covers a range of genres and origins: British period drama, Korean crime thrillers, Nordic noir, comedy, animation, and true-crime dramatizations.
- Abbott Elementary airs on ABC and new episodes debut on Wednesdays before arriving on Hulu the following day.
- Only Murders in the Building is noted for its rotating roster of high-profile guest stars and an upcoming sixth season expected to set scenes in London.
What to watch next
- A Thousand Blows — season 2 arrived Jan. 9 and features Stephen Graham and Erin Doherty in a British historical crime story.
- Tell Me Lies — season 3 began with the first three episodes on Jan. 13; Grace Van Patten is highlighted for her performance.
- The Manipulated and Tempest — recent South Korean crime/spy dramas noted for revenge and global-conspiracy storylines.
- not confirmed in the source
Quick glossary
- Streaming service: An online platform that delivers audio and video content to subscribers over the internet without requiring downloads or physical media.
- Original series: A television show produced or commissioned by a streaming platform or network, often exclusive to that service.
- Network partnership: An arrangement where a streaming platform distributes shows produced by a broadcast or cable network, making them available to the streamer’s audience.
- Emmy Awards: Annual awards recognizing excellence in the television industry, covering creative, technical, and performance categories.
Reader FAQ
How many shows are on WIRED’s Hulu list?
The guide highlights 51 shows.
Does the list include both Hulu originals and network shows?
Yes. WIRED’s selection includes Hulu originals and series available through Hulu’s partnerships with networks like FX and ABC.
Are all shows on the list current or in active production?
The list includes recent seasons and current series, but the publication does not state the production status for every title.
Where can I find the full guide?
not confirmed in the source
JENNIFER M. WOOD WIRED STAFF CULTURE JAN 13, 2026 3:00 PM The 51 Best Shows on Hulu Right Now A Thousand Blows, Tell Me Lies, and Paradise are just a…
Sources
- The 51 Best Shows on Hulu, WIRED’s Picks (January 2026)
- The 5 Best Hulu Shows & Movies To Watch In January 2026
- What's New on Hulu: January 2026
- New on Hulu in January 2026: All the new shows and …
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