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1. The Act (2019)
Hulu Original
Munchausen syndrome by proxy is put under the microscope in this stranger-than-fiction, limited true crime series based on the events that led to the murder of Dee Dee Blanchard in 2015 by her own daughter. To say that Gypsy Rose (expertly portrayed by Joey King) is a prisoner in her own home would be an understatement. She's endured years of medical torture and infantilization as the helpless victim of her abusive mother, Dee Dee, who parades Gypsy and her many feigned "ailments" around as a show pony for money, clout, and mass pity. Eventually, though, Gypsy realizes her mother is the one making her sick, and begins to open a Pandora's box of dark family secrets that grow increasingly unsettling up until the show's pulse-pounding climax. —J.L.R.
Watch it on Hulu.
2. Archer (2009–)
20th Television / Hulu
Where some shows follow the exploits of capable US intelligence agencies, this deadpan animated comedy chooses to center on one of the most dysfunctional imaginable. Zany, insightful, and very, very adult (though still recognized and acclaimed by some of the stuffiest award bodies, including the Emmys and the Critics' Choice Television Awards), Archer feels like a direct response to the idea that animation is only for kids, blending exciting espionage with rapid-fire, laugh-out-loud satire and characters you'll come to feel are your friends (or coworkers). Great news: It was also recently renewed for its 12th season. —J.L.R.
Watch it on Hulu.
3. Arrested Development (2003–18)
20th Century Fox / Courtesy Everett Collection
This is the story of a wealthy family who lost everything and the one son who had no choice but to keep them altogether. Arrested Development began as a beloved cult show that was canceled too soon but has grown into one of the most respected and beloved TV shows of this century. The show has a perfect cast and hysterical writing, but what Arrested Development does best is callbacks and recurring jokes. The show will quietly build up a joke in the background for an entire season before finally making it pay off in the most ridiculous and hilarious way imaginable. This makes it endlessly rewatchable, as you will keep discovering new jokes you never noticed before. —B.H.
Watch it on Hulu.
4. Atlanta (2016–)
Guy D'Alema / FX / Courtesy Everett Collection
Two of the city of Atlanta's top rappers who just happen to be cousins are looking to make a name for themselves in this comedy drama created by Donald Glover (also known by his stage name of Childish Gambino). Ambitious and eccentric, Atlanta proves that Glover's acting and writing chops are just as sharp as his musical skills. The show feels like a natural extension of the famed city, capturing the daily grind of life as well as the myth and magic of modern hip-hop. Glover made history with this show by becoming the first Black actor to win in the Outstanding Directing category of the Emmys. —J.L.R.
Watch it on Hulu.
5. Bob's Burgers (2011–)
Disney-ABC Domestic Television / Hulu
Bob Belcher is a third-generation restaurateur who firmly believes that the quality of his food should speak for itself, and while his wife, Linda, supports his dreams and at times offbeat culinary creations, she's tired of the slowness and the risk they run of going out of business. This beloved animated comedy series features a family so adorable and relatable, you probably know real-life versions of each member. There's also a delightful cast of recurring characters, including the kind but bumbling handyperson Teddy and the wonderfully antagonistic health inspector Hugo, who is always seemingly out to make Bob's life miserable. It's also one of the longest-running animated series of all time, with a whopping 208 episodes under its belt and a new season on the way, and it may soon even crack the top 10 and join the likes of The Simpsons and Looney Tunes. —J.L.R.
Watch it on Hulu.
6. Broad City (2014–19)
Cara Howe / Comedy Central / Courtesy Everett Collection
What began as a buzzy comedy web series ended as a true Comedy Central juggernaut with Broad City stars Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer finding their young and adoring audience. The titular characters played versions of themselves as twentysomething best friends trying to navigate the nuances of young adulthood in New York City, though their misadventures would often lead them down some truly bizarre and hilarious paths. Both actors and comedians are graduates of New York's Upright Citizens Brigade Theater, cofounded by funny lady herself Amy Poehler, who would go on to executive-produce the series. Much like the beloved "boy" buddy comedies Superbad and The Big Lebowski, Broad City carved out a space for women to fully (and proudly) take part in stoner culture. The show also addressed the double standards of "female likability," allowing its stars to be as wacky as possible while providing a healthy amount of meta-commentary and self-awareness (in one amazing scene, Ilana visits a sex therapist because she hasn't been able to orgasm since Donald Trump's election). As witty as it is endearing, Broad City will keep you laughing until the very end, and by then, you won't want it to be over. —J.L.R.
Watch it on Hulu.
7. Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013–)
Fox / Courtesy Everett Collection
Brooklyn Nine-Nine flew under the radar for its first few seasons, but it eventually grew a dedicated online following and has become the internet's favorite sitcom. In fact, the passion of Brooklyn Nine-Nine's fanbase kept the show alive, since, after it was canceled by Fox, NBC picked up the show in response to the internet's collective outrage. The show's biggest strength is its phenomenal ensemble cast, with everyone working together to strike the exact right blend of goofy humor and shameless sentimentality. With the eighth and final season set to debut next month, you still have time to catch up on (or rewatch) all seven previous seasons by the time it premieres. —B.H.
Watch it on Hulu.
8. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2003)
20th Century Fox / Courtesy Everett Collection
Buffy was based on a mildly successful film of the same name, but it took no time at all for the TV adaptation to take on a life of its own. The show's intricate storytelling, thoughtful character development, and quick-witted sense of humor earned it a rabid fanbase, and for seven seasons, those fans delighted in watching Buffy protect Earth from vampires, demons, and whatever other evil forces popped up. During its time on the air, Buffy was often dismissed by critics, but in the years since it ended, it's received a massive critical reevaluation, with some people even giving it credit for its role in ushering in TV's golden age. —B.H.
Watch it on Hulu.
9. Casual (2015–18)
Hulu / Courtesy Everett Collection
After discovering that her husband is cheating on her with a younger woman, Valerie (Michaela Watkins) tries to figure out what's next in her life while living with her brother, Alex (Tommy Dewey), and teen daughter, Laura (Tara Lynne Barr). Dewey and Barr are both fantastic, but the show is unquestionably carried by Watkins, who delivers the best performance of her career as a divorced mom trying to figure out what the hell she wants in the endlessly complex world of modern dating. Watkins never tries to hide Valerie's flaws or insecurities, but she also never loses sight of why it's impossible not to root for her. —B.H.
Watch it on Hulu.
10. Cheers (1982–93)
NBC / Courtesy Everett Collection
In a chaotic, miserable world filled with pesky responsibilities, wouldn't it be nice to have a place where you can forget life's mundane troubles and just take it easy for a while? That simple but resonant idea is the engine that kept Cheers running for over a decade. Sure, there were love triangles and occasional workplace debacles, but the reason millions of viewers kept coming back every week was to watch Sam (Ted Danson), Norm (George Wendt), Carla (Rhea Perlman), and the rest of the gang share a couple of laughs over a few ice-cold beers. And almost three decades later, that appeal remains as potent as ever. —B.H.
Watch it on Hulu.
11. Devs (2020)
Raymond Liu / FX / Courtesy Everett Collection
If you've been craving something as eerie as Black Mirror that isn't an anthology, Devs might be your ticket to sci-fi heaven. The FX limited series takes you inside the cutting-edge Silicon Valley company called Amaya, a fictional tech giant that feels much like a character itself. Following her boyfriend's apparent suicide, software engineer Lily Chan (played by Sonoya Mizuno, who crushed it in Alex Garland's equally eerie feature films Annihilation and Ex Machina) begins to suspect foul play. During her investigation, Lily realizes all roads lead to Amaya's enigmatic CEO Forest (played brilliantly by Parks and Recreation's Nick Offerman) and Devs, the company's secret development division. While a limited series, the show manages to tackle a vast number of talking points both philosophical and scientific, and with vivid cinematography and clever storytelling, it keeps viewers guessing every step of the way. —J.L.R.
Watch it on Hulu.
12. Difficult People (2015–17)
Linda Kallerus / Hulu / Courtesy Everett Collection
Julie Klausner and Billy Eichner are two jaded 30-year-old comics living in New York City, and life for them is...well, difficult. While seemingly everyone around them is finding success and love, the pair struggle with their unrewarding day jobs while performing at a local comedy club by night. It's a good thing they have each other, though, since all too often, they land themselves in increasingly awkward situations. The 30-minute comedy executive-produced by Amy Poehler is deftly written and, unfortunately, lasted for only three short yet awesome seasons. Oscar winner Gabourey Sidibe takes on a surprising comedic supporting role, and rising comic Cole Escola also appears. —J.L.R.
Watch it on Hulu.
13. East Los High (2013–17)
Todd Williamson/ Hulu / Courtesy Everett Collection
In this gritty teen drama featuring an all-Latino cast, two teen cousins fall in love with the same popular football player. Issues like violent crime, immigration, sex, drugs, and teen pregnancy are all approached in thoughtful, culturally relevant ways, and you root for each high school senior who walks through the doors of fictional high school East Los High. Much like Skins and its rotating generations, every new season of the show features a new group of kids in a teen soap that finds strength in its many absorbing characters. The more you know: East Los High was originally a social experiment conducted by a team of social scientists and health workers in cahoots with screenwriters and studio executives working to reframe issues of sex and sexual health for young Latinas. —J.L.R.
Watch it on Hulu.
14. Everything's Gonna Be Okay (2020–)
Avalon Distribution / Hulu
Created by Australian comedian Josh Thomas, the funnyman who gave us the award-winning series Please Like Me, this show, his latest venture, follows Nicholas, a neurotic Australian man in his twenties who travels to visit family in Los Angeles, where he learns that his father is terminally ill and wants him to be the guardian to his two teenage half sisters because, as luck would have it, their mother is already dead. While it may not sound like a barrel of laughs, the show manages to be simultaneously sweet, poignant, warm, and witty. Oh yeah, and awesomely, there's an actor in the cast (Kayla Cromer) who plays an autistic character and is actually on the autism spectrum herself. Cromer made headlines when she publicly spoke about her disability at a press event, and following the absolute disaster that was Sia's film Music, it's great to have positive representation in a show that seems to deeply respect each of its characters. —J.L.R.
Watch it on Hulu.
15. Fargo (2014–)
FX / Courtesy Everett Collection
Before the first season aired, there was some confusion over why Fargo needed to exist at all. After all, was anyone really asking for the critically acclaimed 1996 film of the same name to be turned into a TV show? And to make matters worse, the Coen brothers' involvement seemed to be almost nonexistent. But despite having all of the ingredients of a disaster, Fargo ended up working tremendously well, as creator Noah Hawley managed to retell the Coens' story in a way that felt completely fresh, using the longer, looser medium of television to explore the characters in depth. Rather than continue the story into multiple seasons, Fargo treats each season as its own self-contained story, making it one of the most distinct and compelling shows on TV. —B.H.
Watch it on Hulu.
16. Frasier (1993–2003)
NBC / Courtesy Everett Collection
Spinoffs rarely work out, but Frasier is the major exception to that rule, as Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) has proved to be television's little engine that could. The character was supposed to be on only a few episodes of Cheers as Diane's love interest, but instead, Crane became one of the bar's regulars until the show's end. He then got his own show, which focused on the psychiatrist's move to Seattle to reunite with his estranged father and brother. Frasier ended up lasting 11 seasons and remains a fan favorite to this day, so much so that Paramount+ is planning to revive the series for a new season in 2022. —B.H.
Watch it on Hulu.
17. The Golden Girls (1985–92)
Touchstone Television / Courtesy Everett Collection
We've all (likely) been through enough hardship to last us a lifetime this past year, so why not enjoy one of TV's best and most "golden" comedies? You really can't go wrong with this long-running, Emmy-winning television sitcom. It stars four delightful older single women who share a friendship and a home in Miami. Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia will forever be engraved fixtures in pop culture, still frequently quoted for their quick-witted dialogue and the excellent way the actors play off one another as an ensemble. It's rare to find a show about womanhood this progressive, and even rarer to find one this darn good. The show consistently took on a number of important issues that weren't really talked about on television (drug addiction, homelessness, gay rights, HIV) without ever feeling heavy-handed. Instead, the characters drove the storyline, with a premise that was inherently feminist in nature. —J.L.R.
Watch it on Hulu.
18. The Handmaid's Tale (2017–)
Hulu / Courtesy Everett Collection
Based on the scorching novel by Margaret Atwood and starring the incredible Elisabeth Moss, The Handmaid's Tale television adaptation goes beyond where the book ends and takes viewers deep into the dystopian alternative America known as Gilead. It's a totalitarian, neo-Puritanical regime, and a complete nightmare of a place for anyone who's not a straight white male in charge. June (Moss) is our protagonist, traumatized by the incidents that led her to become a "handmaid" (read: sex slave), but headstrong enough to be willing to join the growing underground resistance. The first season won eight Emmy Awards out of a whopping 14 nominations, including Outstanding Drama Series, making it the first series on a streaming service to take home this award. (Yes, that was just four years ago.) Moss has taken home her share of accolades as well, including Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (she's also credited as a producer on the show). The series returned for a fourth season April 28 and is expected to be renewed for a fifth. —J.L.R.
Watch it on Hulu.
19. Harlots (2017–19)
Ollie Upton / Hulu / Courtesy Everett Collection
Set in the grimy streets of 18th-century London, Harlots is all about the women who run a city brothel and their ongoing war with a ruthless rival madam. It stars greats like Lesley Manville and Samantha Morton, if you weren't sold already. Here, sex is the city's most profitable business, and moral ambiguity is the name of the game. Outlandish and hedonistic in all aspects (the costumes and makeup are reason enough to tune in), Harlots tackles topics (like classism) that are just as relevant in the 21st century as they were hundreds of years ago, in a rare show that may just treat sex workers with the onscreen respect they deserve. —J.L.R.
Watch it on Hulu.
20. High Fidelity (2020)
Phillip Caruso / Hulu / Courtesy Everett Collection
The sublime Zoë Kravitz stars in this gender-flipped adaptation of Nick Hornby's 1995 novel (which was also adapted into a John Cusack film in 2000). The resulting show is empathetic, sweet, and anchored by excellent performances. Record store owner Rob (Kravitz) stews and obsesses over heartbreaks, recent romantic encounters, and failed relationships, always managing to find the perfect top-five hits to match her emotions. Even though it's an adaptation, the new High Fidelity is anchored by modernity, including the messiness of millennial dating, using social media to stalk an ex, and grappling with just how oppressive Instagram culture and expectations can feel. While the show was sadly canceled after one season, it's well worth a watch and may go down as a cult classic in a few years' time. —J.L.R.
Watch it on Hulu.
21. HouseBroken (2021–)
Fox / Hulu
Formerly titled Therapy Dog, this brand-new adult animated sitcom was co-created by Veep alums Clea DuVall (we've seen her nail roles on Broad City and The Handmaid's Tale), Jennifer Crittenden (who got her start writing for The Simpsons), and Gabrielle Allan (a former producer of the goofy yet profound classic Scrubs), so we already know we're in great hands here. The satirical show follows a standard poodle named Honey (voiced by Lisa Kudrow) who runs group therapy sessions to help neighborhood animals manage their neuroses, whether these were brought on by their owners or each other. We've seen animated shows try (and succeed) to get into the minds of animals before, including the beloved BoJack Horseman, and this clever, zany show with a knockout voice cast is no exception. Whether dealing with a coyote appearance, a disastrous haircut at the groomer's, or anxiety about pooping inside, the show humorously poses and attempts to answer the eternal pet owner's question: What are our pets really thinking? —J.L.R.
Watch it on Hulu.
22. Justified (2010–15)
FX Networks / Courtesy Everett Collection
Raylan Givens (Timothy Olyphant) just wasn't made for these times. The deputy US marshal believes in the Old West style of justice, which obviously does not fit in with the more modern sensibilities of law enforcement. After gunning down a fugitive, Givens is reassigned to Kentucky, where he was born and raised, forcing him to confront his past while also bringing his unique brand of law and order to the crime-ridden jurisdiction. Justified has absolutely no basis in reality, feeling more like a combination of an old Western and a classic action movie, with totally awesome results. The heart of the show is Olyphant's performance, as he keeps you rooting for Givens even as he does things that are extremely questionable from a moral perspective. —B.H.
Watch it on Hulu.
23. Key & Peele (2012–15)
Viacom Media Networks / Hulu
Remember the smash 2017 horror flick Get Out, which took Hollywood by storm with its razor-sharp writing? How could you forget it? It was written and directed by Jordan Peele, one-half of the brilliant comedy duo Key (Keegan-Michael Key) and Peele. This is, arguably, their comedy magnum opus, a sketch show from the brilliant minds of two men who previously worked on Mad TV. Each episode has sketches featuring characters played by both stars who have inspired countless memes that remain popular on Twitter to this day (who can forget the Obama meet and greet that got reconfigured to lampoon a number of franchises, including DC Comics and even the NBA?). —J.L.R.
Watch it on Hulu.
24. Killing Eve (2018–)
BBC America / Courtesy Everett Collection
Eve Polastri (Sandra Oh) is an MI5 agent who ends up on a team that is after an extremely dangerous international assassin who goes by the name of Villanelle (Jodie Comer). After the two cross paths, Villanelle becomes obsessed with Eve, and surprisingly, that feeling proves to be mutual, as Eve becomes consumed by her desire to understand Villanelle. Killing Eve is a smart, exciting show that explores a variety of different themes and ideas, but make no mistake: The thing that makes the show so addicting is the relationship between Eve and Villanelle. Despite being on extreme opposite sides of the law, the two are undeniably drawn to each other, and no matter how hard they try, neither of them is able to completely walk away. —B.H.
Watch it on Hulu.
25. Letterkenny (2016–)
WildBrain / Hulu
Siblings Wayne and Katy run a small farm and produce stand in rural Letterkenny, Canada, where they are often bombarded by their small town's many kooky and at times abrasive inhabitants, including townies, farmers, drug addicts, and members of the local hockey team, to name a few. What began as a YouTube comedy series called Letterkenny Problems has evolved into the wonderfully weird and smartly written series it is today, with the same sort of goofy, off-the-cuff wit that made comparable shows like Trailer Park Boys and Schitt's Creek so darn popular. —J.L.R.
Watch it on Hulu.
26. Little Fires Everywhere (2020)
Hulu Original / Courtesy Everett Collection
The bestselling 2017 novel by Celeste Ng became an Emmy Award–winning limited series in March 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, back when we all needed some escapism to get us through the beginning of quarantine. The story takes place in the Cleveland suburbs of Shaker Heights, Ohio, during the late '90s. Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington give some of the best performances of their careers as high-strung mothers whose fates become intertwined and upended in ways that can only be described as beautifully tragic. The show leans heavily into its melodrama but is peppered with plenty of humor and heart, so it never comes across as corny. —J.L.R.
Watch it on Hulu.
27. Love, Victor (2020–)
Michael Desmond / Hulu / Courtesy Everett Collection
When Becky Albertalli's debut novel, Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, hit it big, a film adaptation soon followed. That was the smash hit Love, Simon, a 2018 coming-of-age teen rom-com in which closeted teen Simon Spier struggles to balance friends, family, and a cruel blackmailer while trying to solve the mystery of an anonymous classmate he's fallen in love with online. Now we have Love, Victor, a spinoff of the film that was, amazingly, the first major Hollywood studio production to focus on a gay teenage romance. It also grossed a whopping $66 million worldwide at the box office. Love, Victor stars Michael Cimino as the charismatic Victor, a new student at Creekwood High School, the same universe in which the book and first film took place. The show allows Victor to grapple with both his orientation and ethnic identity (he's Puerto Rican and Colombian American) while remaining sensitive and nuanced in its portrayal of marginalized teens. Throughout the series, Victor regularly reaches out to the famed Simon Spier to help him navigate the ups and downs of high school. It may sound angsty, but the breezy rom-com is often anything but, offering a delightfully charming and lighthearted addition to the franchise and teen television at large. The show entered its second season last month. —J.L.R.
Watch it on Hulu.
28. Misfits (2009–13)
E4 / Hulu
This campy, high-energy British science fiction thriller was all the rage with teens when it aired in the 2010s. It follows a group of five London juvenile offenders doing community service who develop strange superpowers after a freak electrical storm hits town. As we learn their complicated, sometimes tragic backstories and watch their personalities and newfound powers clash, we grow more in love with this hilarious and divisive group of misfits. There was a big push to develop a stateside adaptation for Freeform in 2016, but by 2018 the idea had fizzled out completely. And that's probably for the best, if the American reboot of the E4 teen show Skins is any sort of blueprint. —J.L.R.
Watch it on Hulu.
29. Mrs. America (2020)
Sabrina Lantos / FX / Courtesy Everett Collection
This 2020 historical drama received a whopping 10 nominations at the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Limited Series and Outstanding Writing. Its stars (who include Cate Blanchett and Uzo Aduba) also received noms for their ensemble work in this loose dramatization of 1970s activists working to pass the Equal Rights Amendment and the unexpected backlash led by conservative activist Phyllis Schlafly. The story is told through the eyes of women working in that era and expertly explores one of the nation's toughest battlegrounds during the culture wars. —J.L.R.
Watch it on Hulu.
30. My Mad Fat Diary (2013–15)
Channel 4 UK / Courtesy Everett Collection
Based on the book by Rae Earl, this BAFTA-winning British teen drama was critically acclaimed and beloved by audiences for its frank, funny, and realistic portrayal of a teen girl's journey with mental illness and body image. Sixteen-year-old Rae is snarky, sensitive, and struggling after spending four months in a psychiatric hospital, though the show never speaks down to her or its audience. The cast is beyond lovable, and because the story unfolds in the mid-'90s, we get plenty of fun nods to Oasis and forgotten expressions of adolescent angst. —J.L.R.
Watch it on Hulu.
31. *Nine Perfect Strangers (2021–)
Vince Valitutti / HULU
She was riveting on Big Little Lies, and now Nicole Kidman is back as star and executive producer of Nine Perfect Strangers, yet another adaptation of bestselling author Liane Moriarty’s work, set in a boutique health-and-wellness resort that promises restoration for nine of its highly stressed city dwellers over the course of a 10-day retreat. Melissa McCarthy, Luke Evans, Michael Shannon, Regina Hall, Bobby Cannavale, Samara Weaving, Melvin Gregg (American Vandal), Asher Keddie (Offspring) Manny Jacinto (The Good Place), and Tiffany Boone (The Following) also star in this ensemble piece in which each character we’re introduced to is more colorful than the next. And like any good cult does (if that’s indeed what this eerie group turns out to be, as I have yet to reach the inevitable twist), the resort staff helpfully cuts each of them off from communication from the outside world about the second they step through the doors, confiscating their phones under the guise of “healing” as they lay on the hypnotic love-bombing. It’s a subtle, creepy, yet effective start to an intriguing and trippy new mystery-drama that takes its time letting you get to know everyone and settle into its strange new world before the really weird stuff starts go down. Believe me, it does get strange.
Available to watch August 18.
32. Normal People (2020)
Enda Bowe / Hulu / Courtesy Everett Collection
Based on the bestselling novel of the same name that was ranked by numerous publications as one of the best books of the 2010s, Normal People could've gone in a different (more commercial and slightly more predictable) direction. Instead of leading with known stars as many adaptations are wont to do, the series broke out two new actors: Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal. It used the award-winning source material as a jumping-off point to a smash-hit series, which gave BBC Three its best-ever week on iPlayer by receiving over 16.2 million program requests across the 12 episodes. Marianne and Connell are from the same small town in Ireland, but their backgrounds couldn't be more different. High-achieving Marianne has a bleak home life, while popular athlete Connell remains silent for much of the time she's bullied at school. We viewers follow their complex and trying romantic relationship from the time they're in secondary school to their undergrad years at Trinity College, resulting in a show that's truly as captivating and uncompromising as the novel by Sally Rooney that it's based on (Rooney cowrites here, too). —J.L.R.
Watch it on Hulu.
33. Party Down (2009–10)
Starz / Hulu
Starz, sadly, canceled this gem back in 2010 after only one season, but that doesn't mean it isn't well worth revisiting (and rumor has it that a revival is currently in development). It's a real shame it lasted only two seasons, because it was six years in the making, with many of its episodes conceptualized years before it was even made. The half-hour comedy follows six aspiring Hollywood actors and writers who work small-time catering gigs to get by, with the hopes of eventually hitting it big, and is cowritten by Rob Thomas, the man who gave us the likes of 90210 and Veronica Mars. The cast also features Glee's Jane Lynch, the iconic Jennifer Coolidge, and comedy legend Adam Scott of the acclaimed Parks and Recreation. Whether catering a conservative college event or an adult entertainment awards afterparty, this is one party that never stops being riotously funny. —J.L.R.
Watch it on Hulu.
34. The Path (2016–18)
Jeff Neumann / Hulu / Courtesy Everett Collection
Here, Aaron Paul (aka the lovable Jesse Pinkman on Breaking Bad, a golden age TV staple if there ever was one) plays Eddie Lane, a member of a New Age spiritualist group (read: cult) known as Meyerism. Little do his devoted wife (an important figure in said cult) and children know, Eddie's been having a crisis of faith lately after a vision about the movement's founder. Eddie decides to secretly meet with a Meyerism defector, putting him and his family at a level of risk that they can't even fathom. While this Hulu original was unfortunately canceled after its third season, it's developed quite a — cough — "cult following" of its own, reminding viewers of TV excellence like The Americans and The Leftovers. —J.L.R.
Watch it on Hulu.
35. PEN15 (2019–)
Alex Lombardi / Hulu / Courtesy Everett Collection
Picture this: 13-year-old outcasts in the year 2000 grappling with every preteen issue you could possibly imagine. The cast is played by actual seventh-graders, save for the stars, adult actors Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle, who play themselves as...their younger selves. It may sound like a one-note joke of a show, having thirtysomethings dress up as awkward children while lampooning all of their behaviors, but the strong second season that only topped the first proved that PEN15 is certainly no one-trick pony. As a millennial myself, I admit I mostly tuned in for the nostalgia factor alone (the AIM Buddy Profile sound effects still haunt my dreams to this day), though the show proved to be so much more than that, chock-full of painfully relatable moments and memories both good and bad that we've all long since buried but now honestly enjoy reliving. —J.L.R.
Watch it on Hulu.
36. Ramy (2019–)
Hulu / Courtesy Everett Collection
Ramy Hassan (played by show creator Ramy Youssef) is a first-generation Egyptian American living in a politically divided New Jersey neighborhood. He feels torn between his more traditional Muslim American family and his desire to conform to American millennial culture at large. It may sound like a great setup for a drama, but Ramy is really a comedy at its core, with moments of profundity that hit you like a ton of bricks. Its story grapples with important questions of identity and addresses the problems of its characters with equal parts compassion and complexity. In 2020, Ramy Youssef won a Golden Globe for Best Actor, TV or Musical Comedy, and no doubt his endearing acceptance speech helped him gain a legion of new fans and viewers. —J.L.R.
Watch it on Hulu.
37. *Reservation Dogs (2021–)
Shane Brown / FX on Hulu
It’s rare we get to see Indigenous people represented on screen, let alone portrayed as well-rounded, complex characters and not racist caricatures. Luckily, Reservation Dogs aims to smash stereotypes and get positive Native rep on-screen in one go, and it does both brilliantly. In this rough-and-tumble new 30-minute comedy, created by Sterlin Harjo, a Seminole and Muscogee filmmaker from Oklahoma, and Taika Waititi, a Maori director from New Zealand, we follow the misadventures of four scrappy, smart Oklahoma teens from the local reservation – known simply as The Village – who are saving up money to move to California…until a rival gang threatens their territory. Their weapon of choice? Paintball guns, and yeah, those hurt. While passed out from the shock of it, our protagonist Bear (Tribal’s D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai) has a hilarious vision from a bungling Native warrior who asks him point blank: What exactly are you doing for the community? It stirs something in the sweet-natured teen, who soon encourages his bandits to go from criminals to crime fighters. From the first scene when the teens artfully steal a food truck in exchange for cash (and tons of chips, which they bargain for), I immediately thought of the British teen classic Skins, and that’s a high compliment. With a killer soundtrack, empathetic storytelling, and lush cinematography, this is a welcome new addition to Hulu, and an absolute must-watch for fans of Euphoria, Sex Education, and The End of the F**king World.
Watch it on Hulu.
38. RuPaul's Drag Race (2009–14)
Passion Distribution / Hulu
Speaking of The Golden Girls, it's one of drag queen RuPaul Charles' favorite shows and is oft-referenced in his popular reality competition show, RuPaul's Drag Race, a groundbreaking series that originated as a kind of Project Runway and America's Next Top Model satire before evolving into the global phenomenon it is today. Each episode, RuPaul and his judges seek to find "America's next drag superstar" through a series of challenges and intense competition among their cast of stellar drag queens, with RuPaul acting as both mentor and mother figure. For now you can catch the first six seasons, plus two All Stars seasons and bonus behind-the-scenes episodes of Untucked, although hopefully, Hulu will add more soon, since the show is still running and doing extremely well. —J.L.R.
Watch it on Hulu.
39. Shrill (2019–21)
Allyson Riggs / Hulu / Courtesy Everett Collection
In the Shrill universe, "fat" is not another f-word — rather, it's used by its plus-size lead without shame or reservation. Saturday Night Live's supremely talented Aidy Bryant plays Annie, a Portland, Oregon–based journalist who struggles with patronizing, demeaning comments from friends and strangers alike. Maybe if I was just sweet enough and nice enough and easygoing enough with any guy, that ... would be enough for someone, she thinks in the pilot episode, an emotionally jarring intro that, thankfully, ends with her realizing that she doesn't need to be sweet or nice or easygoing; she can just be unapologetically her. The series is loosely based on the memoir Shrill: Notes From a Loud Woman, penned by comedian and activist Lindy West (the woman who notably recalled taking an online troll to task in an unforgettable segment of This American Life), and is an incredible piece of both comedy and drama writing with nuanced characters and a highly relatable protagonist. Its third and final season this month is one you won't want to miss. —J.L.R.
Watch it on Hulu.
40. The Simpsons (1989–)
Fox / Courtesy Everett Collection
What is there even left to say about The Simpsons? If you are a fan of any American comedy from the last 30 years, it's pretty much guaranteed that it was massively influenced by this groundbreaking animated series about an average, middle-class family living in a small town in an undisclosed state. If you are somehow watching The Simpsons for the first time, do yourself a favor and watch only the first 10 seasons, which are widely considered the series' golden age (though true purists will tell you the real golden age was seasons 3–9). The rapid-fire jokes still land over two decades later, but what may surprise you is how sweet the show actually is beneath its cynical surface. —B.H.
Watch it on Hulu.
41. Skins (UK; 2007–13)
All3Media / Hulu
This beloved British teen comedy drama was unafraid to tackle topics that other teen shows shied away from, including substance abuse, teen pregnancy, eating disorders, and mental illness. Instead of being cloying or patronizing, Skins went in with guns blazing, armed with its surreal and funny scripts; lovable cast, which changed generations three times over the show's six-year run; and addictive soundtrack, which truly captured the angst and uncertainty of mid- to late-'00s teenage ennui. From the Yeah Yeah Yeahs to a brilliant intro by Fred Segal, music played a key role in this show's emotional effectiveness and long-lasting impact, with fans like myself clambering to download each new track featured. Not to mention, Skins served as a launchpad for the likes of Dev Patel, Nicholas Hoult, and Daniel Kaluuya, so if you want their origin stories, start here. While I'm in my thirties, it remains one of my personal all-time favorites and never stops surprising and delighting me no matter how many times I rewatch. There was briefly an American adaptation, but it's best not to mention that one, as it doesn't hold a candle to the original. —J.L.R.
Watch it on Hulu.
42. Superstore (2015–21)
NBCUniversal Television Distribution / Hulu
As reliably quirky as it was funny in its six seasons on NBC, this blue-collar comedy series followed an oddball family of employees at a supersized mega-store called Cloud 9, a Walmart composite of sorts. America Ferrera and Ben Feldman animated the hyper-specific portrayal of modern American life, broaching topics like economic distress, sexual harassment, and cultural appropriation. Remarkably, its topics of the hour always managed to feel organic rather than ham-fisted or "thesis-driven." Never was this more true than in its very last season on air, engaging directly with current events and making COVID a "character" within its story. Frantic shoppers loading up on TP? Check. Never-ending lines of customers? Check! While Cloud 9 may now be closed for business, Hulu is ensuring that a steady stream of customers still make their way through its automatic doors. —J.L.R.
Watch it on Hulu.
43. Survivor (2000–)
Richard Patterson / TV Guide / CBS / Courtesy Everett Collection
For the past 21 years, Survivor has captivated audiences with its bingeworthy format and memorable cast members, all while becoming the first highly rated and most profitable US broadcast reality television show. Its first 11 seasons, in fact, are rated among the top 10 most-watched shows of all time, and for good reason: It's continually gifted us with nail-biting moments like a tribal council session that ended with a much-beloved player getting eliminated without a single vote and a daughter voting out her own mother. The setup is fairly simple: Sixteen castaways are marooned in an isolated location to "outwit, outplay, and outlast" one another for a $1 million prize. They must acquire all of their own food (once their small ration of rice and/or canned food runs out), fire, and shelter while competing in grueling challenges that test their physical, emotional, and mental endurance. One by one, players vote each other off the island, and just when you think the stakes can't get any higher, oh, do they ever. Survivor returns for its 41st season on Sept. 22, so you have just a few months to cram in your start-to-finish rewatch. —J.L.R.
Watch it on Hulu (seasons 1–34 are available to stream, while 35–40 are exclusively available through CBS).
44. This Way Up (2019–)
Sophie Mutevelian / Channel 4 UK / Courtesy Everett Collection
Four months after checking out of a London rehab facility after having a "teeny little nervous breakdown," English-as-a-foreign-language teacher Áine is doing her damnedest to get her life back together. Dark, emotive, and touching, the British comedy drama stars and is written by Aisling Bea and consistently tackles topics of mental health with sensitivity and empathy while remaining unfailingly funny. The series also stars Sharon Horgan, whom fans of the recently concluded Catastrophe will be happy to see, and is highly recommended to those who also enjoyed gems like Breeders, Fleabag, and Derry Girls. —J.L.R.
Watch it on Hulu.
45. Top of the Lake (2013–17)
Parisa Taghizadeh / Sundance / Courtesy Everett Collection
Jane Campion's gripping mystery drama is set in a remote mountain town in New Zealand and follows a brave Australian detective named Robin Griffin (again, the screen-stealing Elisabeth Moss) who specializes in sexual assault. Griffin finds herself at odds with the small town's many dark and deadly secrets, and we follow her down this winding and unnerving rabbit hole. The first season deals with the investigation of a missing and pregnant 12-year-old girl, while Season 2 is set in Sydney five years later, and Detective Griffin is once again in charge of a horrifying missing person's case. Delightfully, Season 2 stars film legend Nicole Kidman, who would, of course, go on to star in similar prestige TV like Big Little Lies and The Undoing — one has to assume Jane Campion's successful leap from the big to the small screen had a tremendous impact on her (and the industry at large). —J.L.R.
Watch it on Hulu.
46. The Twilight Zone (1959–64)
CBS / Courtesy Everett Collection
The Twilight Zone is often compared to Black Mirror, as both tell self-contained stories in each episode that serve as modern-day parables for viewers to contemplate. But while Black Mirror mostly does its dystopian storytelling through the lens of technology's potential effect on society, The Twilight Zone has a much broader scope. One episode might feel like a sci-fi tale of existential dread, while the next uses elements of horror to examine societal norms. This ability to shift between genres while remaining true to the spirit of the show is why The Twilight Zone remains one of a kind. —B.H.
Watch it on Hulu.
47. Twin Peaks (1990–91)
Spelling Entertainment / Courtesy Everett Collection
Arguably the eerie and sardonic mystery soap opera that kickstarted a new generation of prestige television (without it, we wouldn't have the likes of The X-Files and The Sopranos), Twin Peaks is a must-watch even if you aren't a die-hard David Lynch fan. This culturally revolutionary show is both disturbing and darkly funny, with a dreamlike tone that left viewers both scandalized and utterly hooked, especially in the early '90s, when most TV didn't dare to take such risks. Interestingly, co-creator Lynch never wanted to answer the show's central question of "Who killed Laura Palmer?" yet her death remains the touchstone for the best parts of the series. What's remarkable is that this classic never really left our TV culture at all — and with the help of the Showtime extension, you can watch the star-studded reboot (the incredible Twin Peaks: The Return) on Hulu as well. —J.L.R.
Watch in on Hulu.
48. Veronica Mars (2004–19)
Warner Bros. / Courtesy Everett Collection
Before she was the internet's most relatable mom, Kristen Bell was best known as Veronica Mars, a high schooler turned amateur sleuth following the death of her best friend. The premise might sound like a Nancy Drew imitation, but Veronica Mars sets itself apart by exploring themes that would horrify sweet, innocent Nancy, including death, sexual trauma, and substance abuse. The show initially lasted only three seasons before getting canceled, but it developed a cult following over the years, especially as Bell's career grew. It was eventually revived for a movie in 2014 and a fourth season in 2019. —B.H.
Watch it on Hulu.
49. What We Do in the Shadows (2019–)
Russ Martin / FX / Courtesy Everett Collection
New Zealand director Taika Waititi writes, edits, and stars in this delightful expansion of the 2014 film of the same name (which also received critical acclaim and was based on a 2005 short). Set in Staten Island, What We Do in the Shadows is a brilliantly paced and written mockumentary-style comedy horror that focuses on the lives and escapades of three traditional vampires (yes, the kind that drink blood and everything) as well as one "energy vampire" (think the toxic social kind), all of whom live together as ancient creatures attempting to navigate the modern world. It's delightfully absurd, charming, and off-kilter, building upon the lore of the film that the show is based on in fresh and fun ways while never losing steam. Comedy fans, rejoice: It was recently renewed for a third season. —J.L.R.
Watch it on Hulu.
50. The X-Files (1993–2002)
Fox Network / Courtesy Everett Collection
As television aficionados often argue, without Twin Peaks, there would be no X-Files; and without The X-Files, there likely wouldn't be such a wide range of equally horrifying modern favorites, like The Walking Dead and American Horror Story. Each episode, special agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) investigate what are known as "X-files," or strange, unsolved cases involving the paranormal. While Mulder is a true believer in all things spooky, doctor Scully is a staunch skeptic, offering an intriguing ideological balance for the audience. The science fiction–drama series aired from 1993 to 2002 and briefly returned for an 11th season in 2016 (much like Twin Peaks in 2017). However, audience and critical reception over the hyped "event series" was lukewarm, to say the least, especially given Anderson's decision to quit the franchise. —J.L.R.
Watch it on Hulu.
51. Younger (2015–)
TV Land / Courtesy Everett Collection
She may have gotten her start on the Disney Channel as the adorable Lizzie McGuire, but Hilary Duff's acting career is still going strong in this fun and intelligent New York City fantasy. Here, she plays Kelsey Peters, a 26-year-old book editor who befriends our main protagonist, Liza Miller (Tony Award winner Sutton Foster). Liza is a divorced 40-year-old woman and mother who's decided to take a shot at faking her youth by passing herself off as 26. Her newfound confidence helps land her a stressful assistant job, where she befriends Kelsey and must grapple with the potential fallout of everyone discovering her massive secret. Darren Star is the creator and producer, and if you liked (or hate-liked) his latest TV offering, Emily in Paris, you'll love this one. —J.L.R.
Watch it on Hulu.
52. You're the Worst (2014–19)
FX / Courtesy Everett Collection
You're the Worst starts as an anti–rom-com as Jimmy (Chris Geere) and Gretchen (Aya Cash) first meet ranting against the myth of finding true love outside of a wedding (that Jimmy was just thrown out of). But through five seasons, the show digs deeper and transforms into one of the most thoughtful and honest examinations of romance in recent memory. You're the Worst is not afraid to ask the really big and scary questions about relationships and connection that each of us has in the back of our mind, but is also smart enough not to pretend to have all the answers. Plus, it's extremely funny, as Geere and Cash both excel at hurling needlessly cruel but brutally honest insults at whoever crosses their path. —B.H.
Watch it on Hulu.
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