Hulu might not be as popular as other streamers like Netflix, but in terms of original content, I'd say it's got its competition beat, especially when it comes to its limited series, which have seen both critical and general audience acclaim. Anytime I see that Hulu's got a new limited series on the way, my interest is automatically piqued. The streamer just has a fantastic track record at this point, so even if the show ultimately isn't my cup of tea, it's always worth trying.
Just this year, Hulu has released multiple great limited series, including the Emmy Award-nominated drama Under the Bridge. Looking back over the past few years, we're breaking down the top seven best limited series under the Hulu original umbrella and vouching for why they're must-watches. Did we miss any of your favorites?
Under the Bridge
The most recent entry on this list is Under the Bridge, which premiered on Hulu on April 17, 2024. The true crime series is based on Rebecca Godfrey's book of the same name and follows the real-life story of a teenage girl who goes missing in Saanich, British Columbia. The show gives us multiple perspectives as we get to know the girl, Reena (Vritika Gupta), along with her friends, family, and the people who try to solve the case.
Among the investigators are police officer Cam (Lily Gladstone) and writer Rebecca (Riley Keough), the latter of whom comes back to her hometown to write a book. Gladstone was nominated for an Emmy Award for her performance.
Under the Bridge is a gripping mystery show that will keep you guessing until the very end. It's also very emotional as we get to know the characters and Reena's story.
Stream Under the Bridge on Hulu
Candy
Another crime story on Hulu is Candy, which also follows a real-life case. The show takes place in 1980s Texas when a housewife named Candy Montgomery is accused of killing her neighbor. You might remember the true story or have even seen other adaptations of the case, such as the more recent Max series Love & Death. Candy debuted in 2022 and stars Jessica Biel as the titular character, along with Melanie Lynskey, Pablo Schreiber, and Timothy Simons, in addition to Biel's husband, Justin Timberlake, who plays a minor role.
Candy tells a hard-to-believe story that will have you on the edge of your seat. The series was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Main Title Design, and I'm genuinely surprised Biel was snubbed for her performance.
Normal People
Normal People is one of my favorite Hulu shows ever, but disclaimer: you'll need to break out the tissues for this one. The romantic drama is based on the book of the same name written by Sally Rooney and premiered in 2020. I have such a distinct memory of watching this series when the COVID-19 pandemic began, and it totally consumed me. Following the on-again, off-again relationship of two Irish students, Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Connell (Paul Mescal), Normal People is an unflinching look at the human experience, primarily when you fall in love.
Taking place over about four years, we see Marianne and Connell come together, lose touch, reunite, and fall apart, making for a highly emotional watch. Normal People does a great job depicting insecurities and traumas, as well as genuine love and friendship. The show was nominated for four Emmy Awards, including one for writing, directing, and casting, and Mescal was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie.
Dopesick
Dopesick (2021) is another Hulu Original on the list that's based on a true story. Adapted from the book Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company that Addicted America by Beth Macy, the series is a relentless look at the impact of opioid use in the United States. Starring an ensemble cast, we get to see the many ways Oxycontin can affect a country, including those addicted, their loved ones, and the authorities who try to put a stop to the dangerous drug.
Like most of the other shows on this list, Dopesick is nearly impossible not to binge. The performances are fantastic, and the shocking, all-too-real moments are hard to look away from.
Dopesick stars Michael Keaton, Michael Stuhlbarg, Peter Sarsgaard, Kaitlyn Dever, Will Poulter, Rosario Dawson, and John Hoogenakker, along with a talented supporting cast. Netflix released its version of the story, Painkiller, but I'd highly recommend Dopesick over that one. It's much, much better.
Dopesick was nominated for multiple Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series. It took home an award for cinematography and Keaton's win for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie.
A Teacher
FX on Hulu drama A Teacher is one I still think about after watching it just once when it premiered in 2020. Based on the 2013 film of the same name directed by Hannah Fidell, the limited series was created by Fidell and stars Kate Mara and Nick Robinson. Following an illegal romantic relationship that forms between a 17-year-old student (Robinson) and his 30-something high school teacher (Mara), A Teacher explores topics like complicated emotions and the aftermath of trauma. Focusing on the abuse of power at play, the show is thought-provoking and undeniably engaging.
Mara and Robinson are so great in the leading roles, and Mara manages to bring a layer of humanity to her role you might not expect. A Teacher was nominated for a Film Independent Spirit Award for Best New Scripted Series.
The Dropout
Yet another limited series based on a true story on the list (and no, it's not the last one!) is The Dropout (2022), following controversial figure Elizabeth Holmes and her fraudulent company Theranos. Showing us Holmes' life as a budding entrepreneur, The Dropout spans multiple years as we get to see what drove her to launch her startup and her many ups and downs. As you might recall, Theranos allegedly created revolutionary blood tests, but as more and more came out about the company, it was discovered that the technology didn't actually work.
Amanda Seyfried is great in the leading role of The Dropout, and her performance as Holmes earned her an Emmy Award win. Alongside Seyfried, the cast includes Naveen Andrews, William H. Macy, Mary Lynn Rajskub, and other familiar faces. Along with Seyfried's Emmy win, the series was nominated for five other Emmys, including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series.
Pam & Tommy
Last but certainly not least is Pam & Tommy, the 2022 Hulu Original following the highs and lows of Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee's real-life whirlwind romance. The two celebrities got married just days after their first date in 1995 in a surprise Cancun ceremony. What followed was a tumultuous relationship full of drama, love, and controversy. Pam & Tommy focuses on the notorious sex tape scandal, in which a private video of the two was stolen from their house.
The series stars Lily James as Pamela and Sebastian Stan as Tommy, who both completely transformed for their respective portrayals. They're great in the show, as are their supporting cast, which includes Seth Rogen, Nick Offerman, and Taylor Schilling. Pam & Tommy was nominated for 10 Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, and the show took home an award for the impressive makeup.
Pam & Tommy is not a perfect show, but I do appreciate how much it sheds light on Pam's perspective after the sex tape goes viral, something the real-life actress called "devastating."
Now that you've got your watch list full of limited series, it's time to get to binging on Hulu!