The Most Popular Hulu Series, Ranked

Choose the series you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 15, 2024 06:41
Deciding on what series to watch next can be overwhelming with the plethora of choices available on Hulu. By ranking these series based on viewer popularity, we offer a helpful tool for decision-making. This enables both new and seasoned viewers to easily find shows endorsed by the majority. Your participation by voting for your favorite shows is crucial in shaping this dynamic list. Not only do you get to support your top picks, but you also contribute to a community-driven guide that helps others make informed viewing choices. The more input we receive, the more reflective the list becomes of what is truly enjoyed by audiences.

What Is the Most Popular Hulu Series?

  1. 1
    52
    votes

    The Handmaid's Tale

    Bruce Miller
    This dystopian series based on Margaret Atwood's novel has been a huge hit for Hulu, winning multiple Emmys and captivating audiences with its powerful performances and timely themes.
    The Handmaid's Tale is a dystopian television series based on the novel of the same name by Margaret Atwood. It depicts a totalitarian society named Gilead, where fertile women, known as Handmaids, are forced into sexual servitude to bear children for powerful individuals and their infertile wives. The series follows the journey of Offred, a Handmaid, as she navigates the oppressive regime and seeks her freedom.
    • Genre: Drama
    • Original Network: Hulu
    • Release Date: April 26, 2017
    • Number of Seasons: 4
    • Number of Episodes: 46
    The Handmaid's Tale in other rankings
  2. 2
    25
    votes
    This miniseries adaptation of Stephen King's novel stars James Franco as a man who goes back in time to prevent the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Its blend of sci-fi, thriller, and historical drama has made it a fan favorite.
    11.22.63 is a Hulu Original series based on the bestselling novel by Stephen King. It follows the story of high school teacher Jake Epping, who discovers a time portal that leads him back to 1960. Jake embarks on a mission to prevent the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. However, he soon realizes that altering the past can have unexpected and dangerous consequences.
    • Genre: Drama, Science Fiction, Historical Fiction, Thriller
    • Release Year: 2016
    • Number of Seasons: 1
    • Number of Episodes: 8
    • Main Cast: James Franco, Sarah Gadon, Cherry Jones
  3. 3
    23
    votes
    Castle Rock
    Jared Winkler · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Castle Rock

    Sam Shaw, Dustin Thomason
    Another Stephen King adaptation, this anthology series takes place in the fictional town of Castle Rock and weaves together various elements from King's works. Its eerie atmosphere and strong performances have made it a must-watch for horror fans.
    Castle Rock is a Hulu Original drama series that combines elements of horror, suspense, and mystery to tell interconnected stories set in the Stephen King multiverse. The show is named after the fictional town of Castle Rock, which has been frequently featured in King's works. The series explores the dark and eerie secrets lurking beneath the surface of this seemingly ordinary town.
    • Genre: Horror, Supernatural, Thriller
    • Release Date: July 25, 2018
    • Number of Seasons: 2
    • Number of Episodes: 20
    • Main Cast: André Holland, Melanie Lynskey, Bill Skarsgård
  4. 4
    18
    votes

    The Path

    Jessica Goldberg
    This drama series starring Aaron Paul explores the inner workings of a controversial cult and the struggles of its members to reconcile their faith with the outside world. Its complex characters and compelling storylines have earned it critical acclaim.
    The Path is a popular Hulu Original series that follows the secretive world of a cult called Meyerism. The story revolves around Eddie Lane, a family man who starts to question his belief in the cult and its charismatic leader, Cal. As Eddie begins to doubt the cult's teachings, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, unraveling dark secrets and conflicts within the organization.
    • Genre: Drama
    • Country of origin: United States
    • Language: English
    • Number of seasons: 3
    • Number of episodes: 36
  5. 5
    23
    votes

    The Act

    Nick Antosca, Michelle Dean
    Based on the real-life case of Gypsy Rose Blanchard and her mother, this true crime series stars Joey King and Patricia Arquette in stunning performances as they navigate a twisted web of deception and abuse.
    The Act is a popular Hulu Original series based on true events. It follows the shocking story of Dee Dee Blanchard and her daughter Gypsy Rose, who becomes entangled in a web of deception and abuse. The series takes viewers through the twisted relationship between the two, culminating in a tragic and unexpected event.
    • Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
    • Based on: Real-life events
    • Number of seasons: 1
    • Number of episodes: 8
    • Average episode runtime: 55 minutes
  6. 6
    15
    votes
    This quirky coming-of-age comedy stars creators Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle as their middle school selves, navigating the awkwardness of adolescence with a unique blend of humor and heart.
    Pen15 is a popular Hulu series that blends comedy and nostalgia as it follows the journey of two best friends navigating the treacherous waters of middle school. The show provides an authentic and cringe-worthy portrayal of the awkwardness and insecurities that come with adolescence.
    • Genre: Comedy, Coming-of-age
    • Original Network: Hulu
    • Country of Origin: United States
    • Language: English
    • Premiere Date: February 8, 2019
  7. 7
    10
    votes
    Based on Lindy West's memoir, this comedy series stars Aidy Bryant as a young journalist navigating body positivity, relationships, and career aspirations. Its relatable characters and sharp writing have made it a hit.
  8. 8
    5
    votes

    Veronica Mars

    Rob Thomas
    Originally airing on UPN and The CW, this beloved detective series was revived by Hulu in 2019 for a fourth season. Starring Kristen Bell as the titular sleuth, the show has a devoted fanbase and has been praised for its smart writing and strong female characters.
    Veronica Mars is a popular Hulu Original series that follows the story of Veronica Mars, a high school student who moonlights as a private detective in the town of Neptune, California. The show combines elements of teen drama, mystery, and crime-solving as Veronica navigates her way through complicated cases and uncovers dark secrets in her community.
    • Genre: Drama, Mystery, Crime
    • Streaming Platform: Hulu
    • Number of Seasons: 4
    • Number of Episodes: 72
    • Main Actress: Kristen Bell
    Veronica Mars in other rankings
  9. 9
    5
    votes
    This anthology series based on the Coen brothers' film of the same name has been a critical darling since its debut in 2014. With each season featuring a new cast and storyline, the show has showcased some of the best acting and writing on television.
    Fargo is a television series that combines crime, drama, and dark humor. It is an anthology series, with each season telling a new self-contained story set in the same universe as the Coen Brothers' film of the same name. The show explores the interconnected lives of various characters who find themselves involved in crimes and deception in the small town of Fargo, North Dakota, and neighboring areas.
    • Genre: Crime, Drama, Dark Comedy
    • Number of Seasons: 4 (and ongoing)
    • Number of Episodes: 41 (as of latest season)
    • Original Network: FX
    • First Episode Release Date: April 15, 2014
  10. 10
    11
    votes
    The Great
    NASA, by MISR · Public domain

    The Great

    Tony McNamara
    This satirical historical drama stars Elle Fanning as Catherine the Great and Nicholas Hoult as her husband, Peter III. Its irreverent humor and clever writing have made it a standout among recent period pieces.
    The Great is a popular historical comedy-drama series on Hulu. It is loosely based on the rise to power of Catherine the Great, the longest-reigning female ruler in Russia's history. The series offers a satirical and comedic take on Catherine's early years as a young outsider who marries Emperor Peter III and eventually plots to overthrow him, leading to her own ascent to the throne.
    • Genre: Historical comedy-drama
    • Country of origin: United States
    • Language: English
    • Number of seasons: 1 (renewed for a second season)
    • Number of episodes: 10

Missing your favorite series?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for popular series

  1. Viewership numbers
    Measure the number of viewers who watch a particular series on Hulu, as this can indicate the show's popularity among subscribers.
  2. Audience retention
    Analyze how well a series keeps its audience engaged throughout its run, considering factors like episode completion rates, binge-watching, and watch time.
  3. Reviews and ratings
    Check user ratings and reviews on platforms like IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Metacritic to gauge the general sentiment towards a series.
  4. Social media buzz
    Monitor the engagement, discussions, and mentions around a series on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to assess its popularity among users.
  5. Awards and nominations
    A show's recognition by major awards events, like the Emmy Awards or Golden Globes, can signal its quality and popularity.
  6. Cultural impact
    Evaluate whether a series has left a lasting impact on pop culture, sparked conversations, or inspired trends.
  7. Longevity
    Assess the number of seasons and episodes a series has had, as long-running shows often indicate a strong, dedicated fanbase and sustained interest.
  8. Subscription growth
    Consider whether a series has led to an increase in Hulu subscribers, as this can indicate that the show is a driving force behind the platform's success.
  9. Critical reception
    Look at what critics and journalists are saying about the series, as positive reviews and press coverage may contribute to a show's popularity.
  10. Genre appeal
    Consider the genre of the series and whether it appeals to a broader audience or a specific niche that may impact its overall popularity.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Hulu series. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or series is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1835 views
  • 188 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each series once every 24 hours. The rank of each series is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular hulu series

Hulu has rapidly become one of the leading streaming platforms, offering a plethora of exclusive content for audiences to enjoy. From original series to classic movies, Hulu has it all. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That's why we've put together a list of the most popular Hulu series to help you navigate through the streaming options. Whether you're looking for a gripping drama, a hilarious comedy, or a heartwarming romance, there's something for everyone on Hulu. So, sit back, relax, and discover the most popular series that audiences can't get enough of.

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