There is no official quality ranking for Hulu Originals, so the best choice depends on what you want to watch. For kitchen-floor intensity, try The Bear; for a murder mystery with comic leads, Only Murders in the Building; for bleak dystopian drama, The Handmaid’s Tale; and for comedy-drama, Reservation Dogs. These four make a useful starting point across very different moods and viewing commitments.
How to choose a Hulu Original
Hulu’s Originals hub is a catalog, not a ranked list, and there is no single authoritative order of “best” shows. Start with genre and tone, then consider how much of the series you want to take on. Hulu’s [Originals hub] lists shows available through a Hulu plan, but catalog access can change and may vary by territory. Check the current listing where you watch.
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| Series | Best fit | Commitment shown on Hulu listings |
|---|---|---|
| The Bear | High-pressure workplace and character drama | Hulu’s June 2026 schedule called season five the complete final season; the schedule is not independent confirmation of release timing. |
| Only Murders in the Building | Ensemble mystery with comic leads | Five seasons listed in Hulu Press’s episode guide, accessed October 4, 2026. |
| The Handmaid’s Tale | Bleak dystopian drama | Six seasons and 66 episodes listed by Hulu, accessed October 4, 2026. |
| Reservation Dogs | Offbeat comedy-drama | Three seasons and 28 episodes listed by Hulu, accessed October 4, 2026. |
Best Hulu Originals by mood
The Bear: a pressure-cooker workplace drama
Hulu’s description follows Carmy, Sydney, and Richie as they work to transform a sandwich shop. Restaurant operations and personal change are intertwined, making this the pick for viewers who want intense character drama in a culinary setting. Hulu’s June 2026 schedule listed “FX’s The Bear: Complete Fifth and Final Season” for June 25, 2026. That is the published schedule; check the current series page for the latest release and availability details.
Only Murders in the Building: an accessible ensemble mystery
Charles, Oliver, and Mabel are true-crime podcasters who investigate murders. Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez star. The blend of a murder investigation and comic leads makes this a lighter entry point than the other dramas here. Hulu’s current press description sets a new case in London, and its episode guide lists five seasons.
#1 Best Overall
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The Handmaid’s Tale: dystopian drama with a grim premise
Hulu describes a woman forced into sexual servitude as she tries to survive in a totalitarian society; the series adapts Margaret Atwood’s novel. Its premise is bleak, so it is a deliberate choice for viewers ready for harrowing material rather than casual background viewing. Hulu’s listing showed six seasons and 66 episodes when accessed October 4, 2026.
For the source material, the series is based on Margaret Atwood’s novel The Handmaid’s Tale.
Rank #2
- A Hulu subscription offers unlimited streaming of today’s hottest shows with next-day air.
- Watch This is Us, Empire, The Voice, plus get exclusive past seasons of Seinfeld, South Park, The Golden Girls, and more. Stream originals like the Emmy Award-winning The Handmaid’s Tale, get new movies all the time, and plenty of stuff for the kids—including every season of Curious George
- Activate on your favorite supported devices to watch wherever you are. Limited Commercials and No Commercials plans available,
- Live TV plan required. Regional restrictions, blackouts and additional terms apply.
- No returns and no refunds on gift cards
Reservation Dogs: a comedy-drama option
Hulu labels Reservation Dogs an Original and tags it as drama, crime, and comedy. Its listing showed three seasons and 28 episodes when accessed October 4, 2026. Those official catalog details make it a shorter commitment than the six-season Handmaid’s Tale; consult Hulu’s current series page for a fuller synopsis and current access information.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to watch first
- Choose The Bear for intense workplace drama and restaurant life.
- Choose Only Murders in the Building for a comic ensemble solving murders.
- Choose The Handmaid’s Tale if you want a long, dark dystopian drama.
- Choose Reservation Dogs for a comedy-drama with a three-season listing.
Hulu reported that The Handmaid’s Tale won ten Emmy Awards at the 2017 ceremony, including Outstanding Drama Series. That is a historical distinction from that year, not a current ranking of the four shows.
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- Watch This is Us, Empire, The Voice, plus get exclusive past seasons of Seinfeld, South Park, The Golden Girls, and more. Stream originals like the Emmy Award-winning The Handmaid’s Tale, get new movies all the time, and plenty of stuff for the kids—including every season of Curious George
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