EW’s list includes true crime thrillers like ‘Good American Family’ and period dramas like ‘Mrs. America.‘

The 18 best miniseries streaming right now on Hulu

EW's list includes true crime thrillers like 'Good American Family' and period dramas like 'Mrs. America.'

By Declan Gallagher

January 31, 2026 8:00 a.m. ET

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Sonoya Mizuno in 'Devs,' Paul Mescal in 'Normal People,' Cate Blanchett in 'Mrs. America'. Credit:

Miya Mizuno/FX; Enda Bowe/Hulu; Sabrina Lantos/FX

Hulu has steadily built a library of bold, thought-provoking miniseries that have managed to entertain audiences in short bursts.

Many of the streamer's best miniseries are based on true stories. There are the thrillers — take *Good American Family*, based upon the case of Natalia Grace; or *Under the Banner of Heaven*, a gripping exploration of a double murder and its connection to religion; or *Under the Bridge*, about the 1997 slaying of a 14-year-old girl.

Meanwhile, slices of political history like *Mrs. America*, about the fight for gender equality in the 1970s, play like authentic, layered character dramas rather than period kitsch. The same goes for the *Say Nothing*, based on the acclaimed non-fiction book about the IRA. But whether we’re talking true crime, real politics, or good old-fashioned made-up melodrama, these miniseries deliver the goods.

Grab some snacks and a warm blanket, and jump into **’s picks for the best miniseries streaming on Hulu.

Black Cake (2023)

Mia Isaac in 'Black Cake'.

Oprah Winfrey produced this big-hearted, genuinely mysterious miniseries adapted from Charmaine Wilkerson’s book. When their mother Eleanor dies, the Bennett sisters — Benny (Adrienne Warren) and Byron (Ashley Thomas) — discover a flash drive containing a series of confessions that illuminate Mom’s life and past.

Using a flashback structure that details Eleanor’s life from the 1950s on, balanced against the present-day story of her two children, *Black Cake* transfers Wilkerson’s continent- and decades-spanning story to screen. In doing so, it gives us something rare: a novel adaptation that feels just as sprawling as its source.

Where to watch *Black Cake*: Hulu

Devs (2020)

Nick Offerman has a god complex in 'Devs'. Miya Mizuno/FX

After her boyfriend’s mysterious death, software engineer Lily Chan (Sonoya Mizuno) takes it upon herself to look into the secretive quantum computing division of her equally secretive company, Amaya, overseen by its famously enigmatic Silicon Valley CEO (Nick Offerman).

Alex Garland masterminded this twisted, perceptive series, which deals directly with the unintended (or are they?) consequences of advanced technology. As far as Garland’s projects go, *Devs* comes closest to matching the paranoia and droning anxiety of the multi-hyphenate’s literary work. It asks big questions about free will, determinism, probability, and creation — and has the math and the science to back it up with answers.

Where to watch *Devs*: Hulu

Dopesick (2021)

Michael Keaton in 'Dopesick'. Gene Page/Hulu

*Dopesick* frames the American opioid crisis through a kaleidoscopic lens. It examines how OxyContin took hold of the country through the eyes of: a DEA agent (Rosario Dawson); an addicted mine worker (Kaitlyn Dever); a prosecutor (Peter Sarsgaard); Purdue Pharma exec Richard Sackler (Michael Stuhlbarg); a sales rep (Will Poulter); and a small-town physician (Michael Keaton) who gets hooked on the pills he prescribed to his community.

This is a chilling history of a problem still ravaging significant swaths of America — not to mention elsewhere in the world. *Dopesick* doesn’t offer any answers to the epidemic, but it does seek accountability.

Where to watch *Dopesick*: Hulu

The 50 best shows streaming on Hulu

Michelle Williams on the part of 'Dying for Sex' that 'gut-punched' her: I couldn't stop crying'

Dying for Sex (2025)

Rob Delaney in 'Dying for Sex'.

Based upon the Wondery podcast, *Dying for Sex* follows Molly Kochan (Michelle Williams) as she embarks on a journey of sexual exploration following a terminal cancer diagnosis, even if it means alienating her longtime husband (Jay Duplass). Alongside her best friend, Nicky (Jenny Slate), Molly sets out to discover what she *really* wants.

Despite its heavy premise, *Dying for Sex* is a lithe and witty marvel that celebrates life and lust in equal measure. It’s a bawdy, honest account of how life-changing news can take the shackles off — or on, if that’s your thing — and allow a person to embrace desires they’ve previously not allowed themselves, or even known how to ask for.

Where to watch *Dying for Sex*: Hulu

Fosse/Verdon (2019)

Sam Rockwell and Michelle Williams step into legendary dancin' shoes in 'Fosse/Verdon'. Michael Parmelee/FX

Based on the biography by Sam Wasson, *Fosse/Verdon* charts the successful careers and rocky relationship shared by Bob Fosse (Sam Rockwell) and his longtime partner and collaborator, Gwen Verdon (Michelle Williams). As the duo weather Broadway hits and personal strife, Verdon remains the constant in Fosse’s life even as he tries to replace her with other women — including Margaret Qualley’s Ann Reinking.

*Fosse/Verdon* is a spectacular, emotional tribute to two great talents who were exceptional on their own, but extraordinary together.

Where to watch *Fosse/Verdon*: Hulu

Good American Family (2025)

Ellen Pompeo and Imogen Faith Reid in 'Good American Family'.

*Good American Family* is based on the case of Natalia Grace Renee Mans, whose story was chronicled in HBO’s *The Curious Case of Natalia Grace*. Ellen Pompeo and Mark Duplass star as Kristine and Michael Barnett, who adopt Natalia (Imogen Faith Reed), a young girl with dwarfism who may or may not be who she says she is.

There have been countless examples of bizarre true crimes dramatized for television, but this is a particularly strong entry, anchored by a trio of great performances (Christina Hendricks makes an absolute meal out of her supporting role).

Where to watch *Good American Family*: Hulu

Little Fires Everywhere (2020)

Erin Simkin/Hulu

A conflict erupts when the wealthy Richardson clan, led by Elena (Reese Witherspoon) and Bill (Joshua Jackson), take in Mia (Kerry Washington) and Pearl Warren (Lexi Underwood), a mother and daughter hiding their fair share of secrets.

Adapted from Celeste Ng’s bestseller, *Little Fires Everywhere* is crafted in the glamorous domestic thriller mold of *Big Little Lies*. Those who enjoy the twisted machinations of that other Witherspoon-led series will feel right at home here.

Where to watch* Little Fires Everywhere*: Hulu

The Looming Tower (2018)

Alec Baldwin as George Tenet in 'The Looming Tower'. Hulu

Based upon Lawrence Wright’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book, *The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11*, this 10-part series tracks Osama bin Laden and Al Qaeda's rise to prominence in the 1990s through the events of 9/11. Concurrently, *The Looming Tower* articulates the power battle that took place between the FBI and the CIA, which may have led to the security lapses that made 9/11 possible.

It’s a heartwrenching look at recent history commanded by Jeff Daniels as counterterrorism chief John O’Neill, alongside great supporting performances by Peter Sarsgaard, Tahar Rahim, Bill Camp, and Michael Stuhlbarg.

Where to watch *The Looming Tower*: Hulu

Mrs. America (2020)

Cate Blanchett in 'Mrs. America'. Sabrina Lantos/FX

*Mrs. America* details the political power battle that ensued in the over the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment, which was meant to legally guarantee gender equality. On one side is Phyllis Schlafly (Cate Blanchett), a conservative activist who doesn’t believe women should be legally recognized as equal to men. On the other side is Gloria Steinem (Rose Byrne). Enough said.

Even if you know the outcome, as those familiar with the Constitution will, the series presents an authentic, splendidly rendered depiction of 1970s American politics.

Where to watch* Mrs. America*: Hulu

Normal People (2020)

Normal People. Enda Bowe/Hulu

Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones lead this headline-grabbing adaptation of Sally Rooney’s novel. During the final stretch of secondary school, the popular Connell (Mescal) and wallflower Marianne (Edgar-Jones) begin an on-off romance that extends for the next four years, ultimately defining that era of their lives.

*Normal People* is a devastating series in the mold of classical Hollywood melodramas, outfitted with a superb cast that elevates the material at every turn.

Where to watch *Normal People*: Hulu

The Patient (2022)

Steve Carell as the Doctor in 'The Patient'.

Suzanne Tenner/FX

Steve Carell and Domhnall Gleeson star in this tense two-hander about a psychiatrist (Carell) who’s taken hostage by his patient (Gleeson), a smooth-talking serial killer who wants the doc to cure his murderous lust once and for all.

*The Patient* is the sort of high-concept thriller that would’ve been completely at home on HBO, Showtime, or any other pay-cable channel back in the day. Nominally in the spirit of ’90s from-hell thrillers, *The Patient* is a riveting character drama that offers some queasy white-knuckle suspense on the way to a thrilling climax.

Where to watch *The Patient*: Hulu

Say Nothing (2024)

Lola Petticrew in 'Say Nothing'.

Rob Youngson/FX

Based upon Patrick Radden Keefe’s *Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland*, this nine-part series is a harrowing depiction of the Irish Republican Army’s grip on Northern Ireland throughout the Troubles.

*Say Nothing *tackles this divisive period of history through a number of perspectives, including reluctant IRA member Dolours Price (Lola Petticrew) and those involved in the disappearance of Jean McConville, a single mother of 10 who was kidnapped by the group and never seen alive again. The series is sprawling, politically thorny, ambitious storytelling that earns its many shades of grey.

Where to watch *Say Nothing*: Hulu

Stolen Youth: Inside the Cult at Sarah Lawrence (2023)

This startling three-part docuseries tells the unfortunate, enraging story of Larry Ray. A middle-aged ex-con, he moved into the dorm of his daughter, Talia, without the knowledge or permission of Sarah Lawrence College staffers. He proceeded to rope Talia and her friends into an ostensible sex cult — complete with all the faux-spiritual trimmings — where they would remain for more than a decade until Ray’s arrest.

*Stolen Youth* is clear-eyed in its intent; it doesn’t just regurgitate a piece of true crime, but instead carefully unravels how the unthinkable happened under the noses of those seemingly in charge.

Where to watch *Stolen Youth: Inside the Cult at Sarah Lawrence*: Hulu

Storm of the Century (1999)

Colm Feore in 'Storm of the Century'.

ABC / Courtesy: Everett

Stephen King is the mastermind behind this taut, rain-soaked thriller about André Linoge (Colm Feore), an enigmatic stranger who arrives on Little Tall Island, Maine. Linoge soon begins murdering the townsfolk and torturing the survivors with taunts that he knows their darkest secrets. He tells the island’s residents, “Give me what I want, and I’ll go away.” But what does he want, and why?

*Storm of the Century* is delightfully atmospheric and suspenseful, a perfect title to pop on anytime you’re feeling chilly.

Where to watch *Storm of the Century*: Hulu

Tiny Beautiful Things (2023)

Kathryn Hahn in 'Tiny Beautiful Things'. Jessica Brooks/Hulu

Kathryn Hahn, never not great, stars as Clare, a struggling writer who takes an ill-timed job as an advice columnist at the precise moment her life descends into shambles. Based upon *Wild* author Cheryl Strayed’s 2012 collection of essays, *Tiny Beautiful Things* is a smartly constructed, emotionally satisfying adaptation of the author's work.

The show captures a sense of thrilling chaos — emotional, professional, and otherwise — and manages to keep a light, spiky tone that balances the heavier material. Oh, and a note-perfect supporting cast that includes Merritt Wever, Tanzyn Crawford, and Michaela Watkins doesn’t hurt, either.

Where to watch *Tiny Beautiful Things*: Hulu

Under the Banner of Heaven (2022)

Andrew Garfield in 'Under the Banner of Heaven'. Michelle Faye/FX

This true crime dramatization is based on Jon Krakauer’s acclaimed non-fiction book. Andrew Garfield stars as Jeb Pyre, a Utah detective investigating the brutal double murder of Brenda Wright Lafferty (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and her infant child. As the case brings him down increasingly dark paths, Jeb must confront and reconcile the community’s relationship to the LDS church — not to mention a more fundamentalist offshoot with ties to the crime.

*Under the Banner of Heaven* is a haunting look at a specific corner of America not often depicted in popular media. Like Krakauer’s book, it offers a glimpse into the lives of those affected by the murders without passing judgement.

Where to watch *Under the Banner of Heaven*: Hulu

Under the Bridge (2024)

Chloe Guidry, Vritika Gupta, Izzy G., and Aiyana Goodfellow in 'Under the Bridge'.

*Under the Bridge *is based on the horrifying 1997 case of Reena Virk (Vritika Gupta), a bullied teenager who’s later killed by her tormentors. As a local cop (Lily Gladstone) and writer Rebecca Godfrey (Riley Keough) — who wrote the book on the show is based on — dive deeper into the case, they discover the dark underbelly of a seemingly normal suburban locale.

This true crime entry is an excellent example of the genre working to understand circumstances underpinning a crime rather than performing a grim recitation. Virk’s murder sparks conversations that are arguably more relevant now than they were three decades ago.

Where to watch *Under the Bridge*: Hulu

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