Hulu | Know It All Nev

Hulu provides HDR assist for choose authentic motion pictures and exhibits

HDR, Home Theater, Hulu, News | 25/08/202125/08/2021

Hulu has quietly added support for HDR — but only for “select Hulu Originals” so far.
“Hulu with HDR,” as its dubbed in the Hulu support pages, means that you’ll be able to watch some shows or movies in the various standards of High Dynamic Range. Hulu is supporting all the big ones — Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+.
Content that’s available in HDR will be identifed on the details page, alongside other specs like 4K resolution or 5.1 audio.
The Hulu original Nine Perfect Strangers is available in 4K resolution and in High Dynamic Range.
Why is that important? As the name implies, modern televisions and ancillary hardware like Roku and Fire TV streaming sticks can utilize HDR to show a higher range of colors. That means the dark stuff will look that much darker in comparison, and the bright, flashy stuff will stand out that much more.
HDR requires everything to work in sync. You’ll need a television capable of displaying HDR content. If you’re using a device like a Roku or Fire TV streaming stick, it’ll have to support HDR, too, as will the show or movie you’re watching.
One thing to keep in mind is that like higher resolutions, streaming video in HDR also requires additional bandwidth. So if you’re on a metered service or are otherwise hamstrung, you might want to ratchet things back in the settings.
The good news is that most major hardware appears to be supported by Hulu. It specifically lists “HDR-compatible models” from Roku, though not whether they’re talking about Roku players or Roku TVs. Also supported are Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Cube devices (so long as they’re HDR-compatible and are running at least Fire OS 7), Apple TV 4K (Gen 5 or later), Vizio televisions, and Chromecast Ultra.
Notably missing from that list are TVs from the likes of Sony, Samsung, or LG.

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Nifty Nev

Amazon, Apple, disney, HBO Max, Hulu, mgm, Netflix, Paramount, Sony, ViacomCBS, Warner Bros. | 25/08/202125/08/2021

Hyperactive production companies are the engine behind Hollywood’s current content feeding frenzy. Pixabay
Right now, nearly every major conglomerate with a toe in Hollywood is trying desperately to attract a large subscriber base to their streaming service in order to appease Wall Street. To do that, these companies need to build out their SVOD platforms with prodigious libraries of both exclusive original films and television series as well as pre-existing catalogues to keep those subscribers on the hook. As a result, Hollywood finds itself in a content consolidation craze as this feeding frenzy is spurring the merger and acquisition market.
This cascading feedback loop has elevated the value of production companies. Why? Because studios are hungry for the mass production framework and talent relations they bring to the table. For the most part, each major studio — Netflix, Disney, Warner Bros., Universal, etc. — has an in-house production arm. But there are still independents working the market and increasing their own value in the process.
Here are the top movie and television production companies in the United States in terms of their contributions to major SVOD platforms, according to Reelgood’s Q2 2021 SVOD Catalog and Viewing Insights report.
Top Movie Production Companies in the United States
Top 10 U.S. Production Companies by SVOD Movie Viewing Share Reelgood
Top 10 U.S. Production Companies by Movies Available via SVOD Reelgood
While studios are often the owners of high-profile intellectual property, production companies can also come complete with their own war chest of IP. Amazon dropped $8.45 billion on MGM primarily for a library that includes Rocky, Legally Blonde, and partial rights to the James Bond franchise.
Looking at viewing shares among SVOD platforms in the United States during Q2 2021, Reelgood — a streaming aggregator that tracks every TV show and movie available online for its 2 million-plus users — determined which production companies’ libraries are generating the most attention among streaming audiences at the moment.
On the film side, Warner Bros.’ contributions to HBO Max are attracting the most views for the production company’s movies. That’s what happens when a studio releases its entire 2021 film slate day-and-date in theaters and on streaming. From Godzilla vs. Kong and Mortal Kombat through Space Jam: A New Legacy and The Suicide Squad, WB’s films have helped HBO Max recover from a rocky start. The streamer is on pace to add more than 11 million new subscribers in 2021.
Films from Walt Disney Pictures, the majority of which can be found on Disney+, dropped three places in the ranking compared to Q2 of last year. Universal Pictures and Columbia Pictures (Sony) went up in ranking, with the most views coming from Netflix even though most of both companies’ content are on Peacock Premium and STARZ, respectively. Sony is the only major studio without a premium SVOD platform, enabling them to sign lucrative licensing and content deals with the likes of Netflix, Disney, and Amazon. Paramount remained in second place, with Prime Video logging the most views for the company, although Paramount+ holds most of its catalog. ViacomCBS’s split content endeavors has put a ceiling on Paramount+, which likely could be performing better in the streaming arena.
Top TV Show Production Companies in the United States
Top 10 Prod Companies by TV Shows Available via SVOD as of June 30, 2021 Reelgood
Top 10 Prod Companies by SVOD TV Show Viewing Shares in Q2 2021 Reelgood
In terms of TV shows, Warner Bros. remains the most popular among streaming audiences. However, Netflix is the platform garnering the most eyeballs for the production company’s titles, as the streamer currently has the most series from Warner Bros. Television compared to other SVODs. These include saved originals such as Lucifer, licensed content such as Riverdale and Gotham, as well as day 1 originals such as The Kominsky Method.
Universal Television, whose small screen library is mostly are streaming on Peacock, and 20th Century Television rounded out the top three, buoyed by views from Hulu. Hulu’s licensed library remains one of the most in demand in the streaming field. The same is true for MGM and Paramount Television, though the latter’s catalog is mainly available through Paramount+.
Surprisingly, content from the British Broadcasting Corp. did not have enough viewing share to make the top ten, even though it currently has the most TV shows licensed by SVOD platforms, including its own BritBox streaming service, Prime Video, Hulu, and Netflix.

Nifty Nev

Home Theater, Hulu, hulu shows, Movies & TV, movies and TV, streaming, T1E | 21/08/202121/08/2021

There really is so much to watch on Hulu, it’s virtually impossible to scroll through the list of programming and not find something to suit your tastes and mood. With that said, however, the vast amount of choice also makes it difficult to make a selection, which could leave you endlessly scrolling all night and never landing on something. Recommendations are always the best way to pick, and we have plenty. In fact, we have rounded up the best shows you can watch right now on Hulu to help you select what to add to your queue. From comedy to drama, true crime, and more, there’s something for everyone.
Looking for something else? We’ve also rounded up the best movies on Hulu, the best shows on Netflix, the best shows on Amazon Prime Video, and the best shows on Disney+.

Reservation Dogs
With a predominantly Native American cast and crew, Reservation Dogs provides a comedic glimpse into indigenous life. When four Indigenous teenagers living on a reservation in rural Oklahoma set their sights on moving to a wonderful and exotic place they know as California, they are willing to do whatever it takes to get there. That means engaging in criminal activities to acquire the funds they need to leave. But when a rival gang shows up in town, the boys find themselves fighting crime as much as they are committing it. Having just premiered in early August 2021, the series is already getting rave reviews. With a perfect 100% Certified Fresh RottenTomatoes rating, critics say it’s a “low-key comedy that deftly captures the malaise of youth and Rez life.”
Created by: Sterlin Harjo, Taika WaititiCast: D’Pharoah Woon-A-Tai, Devery Jacobs, Paulina Alexis, Lane Factor, Dalton CramerNumber of seasons: 1
Watch on Hulu

Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Parks and Recreation creator Michael Schur and director Dan Goor struck comedy gold yet again with their action-comedy, Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Andy Samberg stars in the show, which focuses on a fictional police department precinct in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Andre Braugher plays the yin to Samberg’s yang, providing dry yet hilariously timed humor during each episode. In just its first season, Brooklyn Nine-Nine took home two Golden Globe trophies. The series will conclude after its eighth and final season.
Created by: Dan Goor, Michael SchurCast: Andy Samberg, Stephanie Beatriz, Terry Crews, Melissa Fumero, Joe Lo Truglio, Chelsea Peretti, Andre Braugher, Dirk Blocker, Joel McKinnon MillerNumber of seasons: 8
Watch on Hulu

Legion
Noah Hawley, the creator of FX’s Fargo, tries his hand at telling a superhero story with Legion, a visually dynamic series that isn’t your typical man-in-a-cape origin story. The show follows David Haller (Dan Stevens), a man who, having heard voices in his head since a young age, starts the series in a psychiatric hospital. His official diagnosis is schizophrenia, but after meeting another patient, Syd Barrett (Rachel Keller), who can switch bodies with anyone she touches, he discovers that the voices in his head are a sign of his own latent powers. Fitting for a show about a man who may or may not be insane, Legion is a hallucinogenic ride, with psychedelic visuals and format-breaking sequences that keep David — and the viewer — confused as to what is real.
Created by: Noah HawleyCast: Dan Stevens, Rachel Keller, Aubrey Plaza, Bill Irwin, Jeremie Harris, Amber Midthunder, Katie Aselton, Jean Smart, Navid Negahban, Jemaine Clement, Hamish Linklater, Lauren TsaiNumber of seasons: 3
Watch on Hulu

Atlanta
Donald Glover is a modern Renaissance man: Since launching a comedy career via skits circulated on YouTube, he has branched into rapping, acting, and even showrunning, with the remarkable, surreal comedy-drama Atlanta. The show follows a dogged college dropout named Earn (Glover), who sleeps at his on/off-again girlfriend’s place and struggles to provide for their child. When he learns that his cousin Alfred is starting to achieve success as a rapper — stage name: Paper Boi — Earn becomes his manager. There is not much of an overarching plot to Atlanta. Most episodes play out like short films, and the show experiments with a variety of stories and formats — one standout episode is presented entirely as an episode of a local interview show, complete with fake commercials. Daring and frequently poignant, Atlanta is one of the most exciting shows on TV today.
Created by: Donald GloverCast: Donald Glover, Brian Tyree Henry, Lakeith Stanfield, Zazie BeetzNumber of seasons: 2
Watch on Hulu

PEN15
These days, coming-of-age stories are a dime a dozen, but few of them are as novel — or cringeworthy — as PEN15. Co-creators Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle star as 13-year-old versions of themselves, allowing the series to address topics and situations many would consider taboo if performed by younger lead actors. The two find their footing in hormone-fueled incidents involving masturbation and AOL Instant Messenger, not to mention everyday encounters with parents, principals, and the kind of insult-spewing preteens you can expect to find at any middle school. It’s all served with a heavy dose of ’90s-inspired nostalgia, meaning if the show’s no-holds-barred look at adolescence isn’t enough, perhaps the constant references to the Spice Girls will be. Season 2 debuted on September 18, 2020.
Created by: Maya Erskine, Anna Konkle, Sam ZviblemanCast: Maya Erskine, Anna Konkle, Mutsuko Erskine, Richard Karn, Taylor Nichols, Melora Walters, Taj Cross, Dallas LiuNumber of seasons: 2
Watch on Hulu

Rick and Morty
Creators Dan Harmon (Community) and Justin Roiland (House of Cosbys) teamed up to create one of the best animated comedies in years. The basic premise centers on Rick (Roiland), a scientist who employs the help of his grandson, Morty, to assist him with dangerous quests and various schemes across space and time. The Adult Swim series is chock full of biting satire and clever humor, and moreover, has garnered a cult following in the wake of its successful and highly-acclaimed first season.
Created by: Justin Roiland, Dan HarmonCast: Justin Roiland, Chris Parnell, Spencer Grammer, Sarah ChalkeNumber of seasons: 4
Watch on Hulu

My Wife and Kids
Debuting in the early 2000s, My Wife and Kids was a perfect combination of traditional sitcom and modern-day (by Millennium standards) comedy. Based, in part, on comedian Damon Wayans’ own life, it follows the story of two young Black parents who had their first child at 16 and are now raising their three children in an upper-middle-class lifestyle. Micheal has his own unique parenting style (think tricking the kids to get his point across). Like all of the best sitcoms, the series combines slapstick humor and laugh tracks with a discussion of serious issues. Wayans is at his best as the hilarious dad who loves to do impressions, and Campbell-Martin is perfection as the mom and voice of reason amidst a chaotic family dynamic.
Created by: Don Reo, Damon WayansCast: Damon Wayans, Tisha Campbell-MartinNumber of seasons: 5
Watch on Hulu

RuPaul’s Drag Race
There’s good reason that this series has earned numerous Primetime Emmy awards, including not only for RuPaul as host but also as Outstanding Reality-Competition Program; in 2018, the series became the first to ever win in both categories the same year. The contestants set out to win the race to become the next big drag superstar. They receive mentorship and coaching from RuPaul, as well as critiques on their performances in different challenges from a panel of judges. Now on its 13th season, you can catch the first seven streaming.
Created by: World of WonderCast: RuPaul, Merle Ginsberg, Santino Rice, Michelle Visage, Billy Brasfield, Ross Mathews, Carson KressleyNumber of seasons: 13
Watch on Hulu

This Way Up
Irish comedian, actor, and writer Aisling Bea both wrote and stars in this British comedy-drama about Aine, a young single woman living in London and teaching English as a second language. The story picks up after Aine leaves a rehabilitation center following a nervous breakdown and deals with picking up where she left off in life. That includes coping with both the personal and professional pressures, with the help of her worried sister, Shona. Its first season was a huge success, with a perfect 100% audience score and a 92% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, which described the show as a comedy about “moving on, moving forward, and trying to find happiness.” Season 2 starts streaming on Hulu beginning July 9, giving you lots of time to binge season 1 first.
Created by: Aisling BeaCast: Aisling Bea, Sharon Horgan, Tobias Menzies, Aasif MandviNumber of seasons: 2
Watch on Hulu

Dave
Rapper/comedian Lil Dicky became internet famous after releasing his song “Ex-Boyfriend” on YouTube back in 2013, then released his debut rap album, Professional Rapper, in 2015. He went on to collaborate with the likes of Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, and Wiz Khalifa. In 2020, Dicky, real name David Andrew Burd, worked with producer Jeff Schaffer to create a comedy series based on his life, and, as it turns out, the talented rapper is a talented comedian, too. Burd stars in the series as a fictionalized version of himself, a neurotic young man living in a small suburban town who believes he can make it big in the rap game. GaTa, Burd’s real-life hype man, plays himself on the show, including depicting his real-life battle with bipolar disorder. Critic reviews for the first season applaud the “juvenile sense of humor,” for those who appreciate those types of jokes. It’s a refreshing and fun show with a laundry list of A-list guest stars, not to mention Kevin Hart counted among its executive producers.
Created by: David Burd, Jeff SchafferCast: Lil Dicky, Taylor Misiak, GaTa, Andrew Santino, Travis Bennett, Christine KoNumber of seasons: 2
Watch on Hulu

Love, Victor
A refreshingly modern take on your typical coming-of-age teen drama, this series follows a young man named Victor as he navigates life in a new high school and embarks on a journey to self-discovery, including figuring out his sexuality. The series is set in the same world as the 2018 teen drama Love, Simon, which starred Nick Robinson as the title character. Robinson is now a producer and narrator, helping Victor through his struggles and providing guidance. The spinoff series received an overwhelmingly positive reception, with the consensus being that it’s an easily digestible and entertaining watch.
Created by: Isaac Aptaker, Elizabeth BergerCast: Michael Cimino, Rachel Hilson, Anthony Turpel, Bebe Wood, Mason Gooding, George Sear, Isabella Ferreira, Mateo Fernandez, James Martinez, Ana OrtizNumber of seasons: 2
Watch on Hulu

Marvel’s M.O.D.O.K.
With a stellar voice cast, lots of laughs, and striking stop-motion visuals, this latest Marvel project is a hit. Referred to by critics as an “entertainingly chaotic diversion,” Patton Oswalt voices the title character, a Marvel supervillain and floating robot-engineered head who is convinced that he’s far superior to other supervillains and despises everything about superheroes. But after losing his company and his family, he enters a troubling mid-life crisis. M.O.D.O.K. is rated for mature audiences, so this adult animated series isn’t one to watch with the kids. But for adult Marvel fans, it’ll provide some hearty laughs.
Created by: Jordan Blum, Patton OswaltCast: Patton Oswalt, Aimee Garcia, Ben Schwartz, Melissa Fumero, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Beck Bennett, Jon Daly, Sam RichardsonNumber of seasons: 1
Watch on Hulu

Community
Community saw its fair share of ups and downs while on NBC but this Dan Harmon comedy is one of the funniest shows on TV — its first three seasons were, at least. The show centers around a group of newly acquainted friends who attend a blunder of a community college. Joel McHale, Chevy Chase, and Donald Glover headline this hilarious show while Jim Rash’s turn as the dean is as funny as any character on TV. It’s no longer on the airwaves, but rumors of a forthcoming movie persist.
Created by: Dan HarmonCast: Joel McHale, Gillian Jacobs, Danny Pudi, Yvette Nicole Brown, Alison Brie, Donald Glover, Ken Jeong, Chevy Chase, Jim RashNumber of seasons: 6
Watch on Hulu

The Handmaid’s Tale
In a not-too-distant future, after an environmental disaster causes widespread infertility, an extremist cult in the United States stages a coup, establishing the totalitarian state of Gilead. In this new society, women are relegated to subservient roles, and due to the low birth rate, a class of women called “handmaids” is conscripted to bear children for the leaders of Gilead. The protagonist of The Handmaid’s Tale, Offred (Elisabeth Moss), is one such woman, forced to have ritualized sex with Commander Fred Waterford (Joseph Fiennes) to provide him and his wife a child. Living without any rights or power, Offred tries to survive each day, hoping to one day be free. The Handmaid’s Tale is a masterful adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s grim novel of the same name, with excellent performances and gorgeous, oft-disturbing scene composition. Season 4 is streaming now on Hulu.
Created by: Bruce MillerCast: Elisabeth Moss, Joseph Fiennes, Yvonne Strahovski, Alexis Bledel, Madeline Brewer, Ann Dowd, O.T. Fagbenie, Max Minghella, Samira Wiley, Amanda Brugel, Bradley WhitfordNumber of seasons: 4
Watch on Hulu

Solar Opposites
From the creators of Rick and Morty, this Hulu original animated sitcom, which has a solid 92% aggregate critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes, sees four aliens crash-land into a suburban American town. While waiting for the right moment to take over Earth, they do their best to learn the ways of humans and live among them — but they each have their own perceptions about human behavior and what is awful versus awesome. With an impressive voice cast, including both main and recurring characters, the series has been a hit for Hulu.
Created by: Justin Roiland, Mike McMahanCast: Justin Roiland, Thomas Middleditch, Sean Giambrone, Mark MackNumber of seasons: 2
Watch on Hulu

Lost
One of the most talked-about shows of the early- to mid-2000s, this drama combined elements of supernatural with sci-fi and general intrigue. A group of survivors winds up on a mysterious island after the commercial jet airliner they’re traveling on supposedly crashes. Every episode delves into character backstories, raises questions, and introduces strange new happenings. You’re continually drawn into the compelling, puzzling, mind-bending twists and turns — it’s near impossible to watch just one episode per sitting! Binge all six seasons of this J.J. Abrams series that has widely been considered one of the greatest of all time.
Created by: Jeffrey Lieber, J.J. Abrams, Damon LindelofStars: Naveen Andrews, Emilie de Ravin, Matthew Fox, Jorge Garcia, Maggie Grace, Josh Holloway, Malcolm David Kelley, Daniel Dae Kim, Yunjin Kim, Evangeline Lilly, Dominic Monaghan, and othersNumber of seasons: 6
Watch on Hulu

The Twilight Zone
Rod Serling’s science fiction/fantasy series The Twilight Zone remains one of the best-written shows ever to air on American television. The original series aired for five seasons from 1959 to 1964 with Serling serving as not just head writer but also host and narrator. Each episode’s new story sees the main character encounter paranormal or unusual events that lead to an eventual moral. Though it has spawned two spinoff series, the original Twilight Zone is the best of the bunch.
Created by: Rod SerlingCast: VariousNumber of seasons: 5
Watch on Hulu

Bob’s Burgers
At first, Bob’s Burgers struggled to find traction in Fox’s animation block, failing to pull in the dedicated audiences of Family Guy and The Simpsons. Over the last decade, however, the Belchers have emerged as an entity all their own, a family struggling to make ends meet, but never struggling to cheer each other up and have as good of a time as they can. The characters never age, but the sitcom only seems to get better with time, fixating on the fictional family and their burger joint. With 10 seasons in the books and an 11th on the way — not to mention a feature film — there’s no better time to start binging the Belcher family’s escapades.
Created by: Loren BouchardCast: H. Jon Benjamin, Dan Mintz, Eugene Mirman, Larry Murphy, John Roberts, Kristen SchaalNumber of seasons: 10
Watch on Hulu
Jonathan Hession / History Channel
Vikings
History (the network) melds historic accuracy with epic action in Vikings, a dramatized recounting of a prolific figure in Scandinavian lore, Ragnar Lothbrok. Vikings follows the exploits of the cunning Ragnar (Travis Fimmel) as he becomes the most powerful ruler of Europe’s Viking Age, or at least, the one the history books and Nordic sagas remember him as. The show has received much acclaim during its run thus far — and without the gratuitous nudity common to most cable epics — earning it numerous Emmy nominations for both effects and design.
Created by: Michael HirstCast: Travis Fimmel, Katheryn Winnick, Clive Standen, Jessalyn Gilsig, Gustaf Skarsgard, and moreNumber of seasons: 6
Watch on Hulu
Sabrina Lantos / FX
Mrs. America
The effort to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) was one of the central battlegrounds of the women’s movement in the 1970s. Mrs. America chronicles that fight and the unexpected backlash brought by Phyllis Schlafly (Cate Blanchett), dubbed “the sweetheart of the silent majority.” Told through the eyes of Schlafly and second-wave feminists Gloria Steinem, Betty Friedan, Shirley Chisholm, Bella Abzug, and Jill Ruckelshaus, Mrs. America is a political drama that adroitly plays both sides of the aisle, depicting one of the toughest political battles of the 20th century. The series explores how this fight helped give rise to the Moral Majority and completely shifted the American political landscape.
Created by: Dahvi WallerCast: Cate Blanchett, Rose Byrne, Uzo Aduba, Elizabeth Banks, Kayli Carter, Ari Graynor, Melanie Lynskey, Margo Martindale, John Slattery, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Tracey Ullman, Sarah PaulsonNumber of seasons: 1
Watch on Hulu

Little Fires Everywhere
Hollywood A-listers Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington burn their talented acting candles bright in this gritty miniseries as both show off their talents for pulling off seriously dramatic — and highly emotional — roles. Based on the 2017 Celeste Ng novel of the same name, the period series is set in the ’90s and highlights the dramatic differences between these two women. While they share motherhood in common, they come from very different socioeconomic backgrounds, making them markedly different people with very different lives and life experiences. It beautifully examines the dichotomy between wealth and privilege and hardship and sacrifice. Reviews criticize the series for playing it safe sometimes, but there’s no denying that it’s electric when Witherspoon and Washington share screen time.
Created by: Liz Tigelaar (based on Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng)Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Kerry Washington, Joshua Jackson, Rosemarie DeWitt, Jade Pettyjohn, Lexi Underwood, Megan Stott, Gavin Lewis, Jordan ElsassNumber of seasons: 1
Watch on Hulu

Animaniacs (2020)
Sparking nostalgia for kids from the ’90s, Steven Spielberg and his company Amblin Entertainment (in association with Warner Bros. Animation) return with this reboot of the popular animated comedy musical. The original Animaniacs entertained kids with characters like Yakko, Wakko, Dot, and the Goodfeathers, and it pleased parents with the sneaky adult humor (from sexual innuendo to parodies and dated pop culture references) that went right over kids’ heads. Many of the original voice actors reprise their roles here, and there’s a similar variety show format with different skits following characters and their own independent plot lines. For anyone who grew up in the ’90s, it’s a must-watch throwback series, with or without kids.
Created by: Tom RueggerCast: Jess Harnell, Maurice LaMarche, Tress MacHeille, Rob Paulsen, Frank Welker, Andy Milder, Abby TrottNumber of seasons: 1
Watch on Hulu

The Great
Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult star in this satirical, genre-bending drama about the rise of Catherine the Great from boring outsider to Russian Empress. The anti-historical romp through 18th-century Russia would make Chekhov blush and throw his vodka. It’s a fictionalized series that leans into some of its historical characters’ basest, silliest, and most stereotyped characteristics, which makes for some great fun. Fanning’s Catherine is delightfully intense and idealistic with just a touch of sadism toward her depraved, dopey husband, Peter III.
Created by: Tony McNamaraCast: Elle Fanning, Nicholas Hoult, Phoebe Fox, Sacha Dhawan, Charity Wakefield, Gwilym Lee, Adam Godley, Douglas HodgeNumber of seasons: 1
Watch on Hulu
Karolina Wojtasik / NBC
New Amsterdam
“How can I help?” That’s Dr. Max Goodwin’s manta as medical director of the fictional New Amsterdam public hospital, and words you’ll hear him utter over and over again each episode. Despite the predictability as far as stereotypical medical dramas go, the soapy series is worth watching thanks to its talented cast and ridiculous yet thoroughly entertaining storylines.
The story begins with Goodwin, believing his secret cancer diagnosis is a death sentence, decides to run the hospital the way it should be run, ignoring all the red tape and bureaucracy that might otherwise hold a medical facility back from providing sufficient medical care to all of its patients. Naturally, the powers that be are none too pleased with Goodwin’s “no rules” strategy and the risks it brings along with it, even if deep down they agree with his caring intent. As the series progresses, and peripheral storylines develop, it’s easy to find a favorite character and get invested in them. Watch the first two seasons as well as new season three episodes as they air.
Created by: David SchulnerCast: Ryan Eggold, Janet Montgomery, Feeema Agyeman, Jocko Sims, Tyler Labine, Anaupam KherNumber of seasons: 3
Watch on Hulu

Homeland
This spy thriller kept fans glued to their screens for eight seasons as they watched Claire Danes brilliantly portray Carrie, a CIA agent trying to balance her career with her bipolar disorder. The series began when Carrie believed that a sniper from her team who had been captured by al-Qaeda had been turned and posed a threat to the team. The plot evolved and spiraled from there to touch on a long list of twists and turns, and viewers couldn’t get enough of the story. The series garnered consistently favorable reviews through to the end, with the final season lauded for being “tautly thrilling” and providing a fitting finish to the captivating story.
Created by: Howard Gordon, Alex Gansa (based on Prisoners of War by Gideon Raff)Cast: Claire Daines, Damian Lewis, Morena Baccarin, David Harewood, Diego Klattenhoff, Jackson Pace, Morgan Saylor, Mandy Patinkin, Jamey Sheridan, David Marciano, Navid Negahban, Rupert Friend, Sarita Choudhury, and othersNumber of seasons: 8
Watch on Hulu

Archer
Sterling Archer is an agent for a dysfunctional intelligence agency in this animated sitcom that takes inspiration from franchises like James Bond and mid-century comic art. Relying on reference-heavy humor and meta-comedy, Archer revolves around the narcissistic, womanizing secret agent Archer and his seven colleagues, each with their own quirks, like his snarky mother, delusional and psychotic personal assistant, and a morally bankrupt scientist. The later seasons of this series, which was originally created for basic cable network FX then moved to sister network FXX, are designed like an anthology, with each season having its own self-contained story. Season 11 is available on Hulu immediately after airing on FXX in 2020.
Created by: Adam ReedCast: H. Jon Benjamin, Judy Greer, Amber Nash, Chris Parnell, Adam Reed, Aisha Tyler, Jessica Walter, Lucky YatesNumber of seasons: 11
Watch on Hulu

Letterkenny
Set in the remote, rural town of Letterkenny (populated, the show tells us, entirely by hicks, skids, hockey players, and Christians), Jared Keeso’s comedy Letterkenny follows a group of hicks: Wayne (Keeso), his friend Daryl (Nathan Dales), sister Katy (Michelle Mylett), and Squirrelly Dan (K. Trevor Wilson), as well as a pair of hockey players, Reilly (Dylan Playfair) and Jonesy (Andrew Herr), with whom Katy has a three-way relationship. The show revolves around their lives and encounters with the other eccentrics in the town. It’s a show deeply rooted in Canadian culture, with heavy use of slang, but even those unfamiliar with the vernacular will quickly come to appreciate the show’s deadpan wit.
Created by: Jared KeesoCast: Jared Keeso, Nathan Dales, Michelle Mylett, K. Trevor Wilson, Dylan Playfair, Andrew Herr, Tyler Johnston, Alexander de Jordy, Daniel Petronijevic, Melanie Scrofano, Jacob Tierney, Lisa CodringtonNumber of seasons: 9
Watch on Hulu

Fargo
Based on the Coen brothers’ beloved film of the same name, Fargo returns to the icy plains of Minnesota, a place where nefarious plots are conceived and enacted by otherwise seemingly normal folks. The TV adaptation features a rotating all-star cast that has included Billy Bob Thornton and Martin Freeman, not to mention Colin Hanks and Allison Tolman, and stays true to the same black comedy and deadly mishaps that made the original film so popular.
Created by: Noah HawleyCast: Billy Bob Thornton, Colin Hanks, Martin Freeman (season 1); Kirsten Dunst, Ted Danson (season 2); Ewan McGregor, Carrie Coon, Mary Elizabeth Winstead (season 3)Number of seasons: 4
Watch on Hulu

The X-Files
Chris Carter’s science fiction drama, The X-Files, operated under one simple premise: The truth is out there. FBI Special Agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) investigate unsolved mysteries called X-Files. These X-Files deal with paranormal activity, aliens, UFO sightings, and various phenomena. Mulder believes in the existence of alien life while Scully offers scientific explanations for the mysterious happenings, with their relationship serving as the show’s bedrock.
Created by: Chris CarterCast: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Robert Patrick, Annabeth Gish, Mitch PileggiNumber of seasons: 11
Watch on Hulu

Grey’s Anatomy
There’s good reason this series has become the longest-running scripted primetime medical drama: Every season brings a fresh, new take on the personal and professional lives of a team of doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals working at Seattle Grace Hospital. While there has been a revolving door of cast members, including some major character deaths, the title character, Dr. Meredith Grey, remains at the heart of the show. With intense crossover episodes, special episodes that present like mini-movies, and heart-wrenching storylines, the series that brought to life doctors “McDreamy” and “McSteamy” continues to capture the attention of its core audience, and attract new viewers.
Created by: Shonda RhimesCast: Ellen Pompeo, Sandra Oh, Katherine Heigl, Justin Chambers, T.R. Knight, Chandra Wilson, James Pickens Jr., Isaiah Washington, Patrick Dempsey, Kate Walsh, Sara Ramirez, Eric Dance, and othersNumber of seasons: 17
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American Horror Story
American Horror Story is an anthology series where each season centers on its own unique story, with a core cast whose roles change from season to season. Each season provides scares and frightening psychological storylines, whether they take place within a troubled family home, amid a coven of witches, or inside a hotel of circus freaks. American Horror Story is a unique drama, one that capitalizes on the work of series creator Ryan Murphy.
Created by: Ryan Murphy, Brad FalchukCast: Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Frances Conroy, Jessica Lange, and others (varies by season)Number of seasons: 9
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Killing Eve
For MI5 agent Eve Polastri (Sandra Oh), the life of a spy is more mundane than the movies make it out to be. She’s stuck working at a desk, and the most excitement she sees is late-night karaoke, rather than infiltrating high-tech facilities or something similar. Eve gets a shot at a much livelier case when someone murders a Russian politician and Eve correctly deduces the assassin was a woman. Soon, she is on the trail of the assassin, Villanelle (Jodie Comer), a highly-skilled killer with no conscience, who takes an interest in the woman hunting her. Blending drama, humor, and international spy antics, Killing Eve is an exceptional psychological thriller, built around a complicated cat-and-mouse relationship.
Created by: Sally Woodward GentleCast: Sandra Oh, Jodie Comer, Fiona Shaw, Darren Boyd, Owen McDonnell, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, David Haig, Kim Bodnia, and othersNumber of seasons: 3
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Sons of Anarchy
A biker gang, the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club Redwood Original (aka SAMCRO), makes ends meet by trafficking guns and subverting the law at every turn. However, when the gang’s young vice president Jax Teller (Charlie Hunnam) discovers the diary of his deceased father, he begins to question SAMCRO’s business decisions. This puts Jax at odds with his stepfather Clay Morrow (Ron Perlman), who presides as the club’s president. The series tells the story of Jax’s efforts to keep the club together while balancing his complicated family life.
Created by: Kurt SutterCast: Charlie Hunnam, Katey Sagal, Mark Boone Junior, Kim Coates, Tommy Flanagan, Johnny Lewis, Maggie Siff, Ron Perlman, Ryan Hurst, William Lucking, Theo Rossi, Dayton Callie, Jimmy Smits, Drea De Matteo, David Labrava, Niko NicoteraNumber of seasons: 7
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Veronica Mars
Fans were outraged when this teen noir mystery drama, airing from 2004 to 2007, was canceled prematurely. It has since developed a cult following and even spawned a follow-up film in 2014 as well as an eight-episode fourth-season revival in 2019, 12 years after the original cancellation. Putting Kristen Bell on Hollywood’s radar as a young actor to watch, the show starred the then up-and-comer as the title character, a high school student who works as a private investigator at night with her detective father. While a mystery at heart, Veronica Mars is really the story of a sharp-tongued young woman and her somewhat atypical yet still very relatable coming-of-age story. You can binge all four seasons.
Created by: Rob ThomasCast: Kristen Bell, Percy Daggs III, Teddy Dunn, Jason Dohring, Sydney Tamiia Poitier, Francis Capra, Enrico Colantoni, Ryan Hansen, Kyle Gallner, Tessa Thompson, Julie Gonzalo, Chris Lowell, Tina Majorino, Michael MuhneyNumber of seasons: 4
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Ramy
The streaming world is awash in introspective, character-driven comedies, and while Ramy’s format will feel familiar, it adds a new wrinkle. The eponymous character (played by comedian Ramy Youssef) isn’t just a millennial dealing with the awkward ups and downs of work and dating in the 21st century. He’s also Muslim trying to lead a moral life in amoral times. Ramy wades in ambiguities and its protagonist’s hypocrisies and hang-ups; for instance, he’s uncomfortable kissing a Muslim woman on their first date, but fine hooking up with non-Muslims, for which the former chews him out. It’s a show with a unique perspective and a willingness to present its characters in an unflattering light.
Created by: Ramy Youssef, Ari Katcher, Ryan WelchCast: Ramy Youssef, Mohammed Amer, Hiam Abbass, Dave Merheje, Amr Waked, May Calamawy, Laith NakliNumber of seasons: 2
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Nathan for You
Life is tough for small business owners, but if your business is struggling, there’s one man you can turn to for help: Nathan Fielder (playing a fictional version of himself), a consultant with a metaphorical briefcase full of bizarre marketing ideas and social anxiety. When an ordinary business owner finds themselves in a tricky situation, Fielder strolls into their lives like an awkward Rumpelstiltskin, ready to solve their problem in some bizarre way. Nathan for You is a brilliant mockumentary, with Fielder’s outlandish marketing stunts confusing the ordinary folk entangled in them — his parody coffee shop Dumb Starbucks even made international news!
Created by: Nathan Fielder, Michael KomanCast: Nathan FielderNumber of seasons: 4
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Catch-22
Adapting a great work of literature, particularly one as stylish as Joseph Heller’s Catch-22, is a daunting task, but George Clooney and company managed to do it, more or less successfully, in this six-part miniseries. Set during World War II, Catch-22 follows Capt. Yossarian (Christopher Abbott), an American bombardier desperate to get out of the war. He wants to take advantage of the military’s policy of discharging any soldier on the basis of insanity. Unfortunately, Yossarian’s desire to get discharged for insanity is stifled by the military’s Catch-22 clause: Anyone who is crazy can ask to be discharged, but anyone asking to be discharged is clearly thinking rationally. So Yossarian keeps flying missions, and his superiors keep raising the number of missions required to end the war, and the war seems no closer to ending. Catch-22 is a darkly hilarious examination of the horrors of bureaucracy (and war), with a brilliant cast including — along with Abbott — George Clooney, Kyle Chandler, Hugh Laurie, and Julie Ann Emery.
Created by: Luke Davies, David MichodCast: Christopher Abbott, Kyle Chandler, Daniel David Stewart, Rafi Gavron, Graham Patrick Martin, Lewis Pullman, Austin Stowell, Pico Alexander, Jon Rudnitsky, Gerran Howell, Hugh Laurie, Giancarlo Giannini, George ClooneyNumber of seasons: 6
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The Venture Bros.
Adult Swim’s long-running (the series has been airing off and on since 2003) dark comedy The Venture Bros. is a hilarious, occasionally depressing exploration of failure and legacies, set in a world full of colorful characters. Originally built as a parody of ‘60s adventure shows like Jonny Quest, The Venture Bros. focuses on Dr. Rusty Venture (James Urbaniak), a once-famous boy adventurer who fizzled out, growing up to become a failed scientist. Now the owner of his father’s company, the show follows Rusty, his two sons Hank (Christopher McCulloch) and Dean (Michael Sinterniklaas), and their bodyguard, secret agent/bulky murder machine Brock Samson (Patrick Warburton), through various adventures and schemes, flitting through various genres and story structures. The humor is weird but often brilliant — one particularly strange episode reimagines the Scooby gang as a bunch of drug-addled fiends — but what truly stands out about the show is how it has built a vast world full of recurring, oddball characters whose relationships evolve over time.
Created by: Jackson PublickCast: Christopher McCulloch, Michael Sinterniklaas, James Urbaniak, Patrick Warburton, Doc Hammer, Steven Rattazzi, Dana SnyderNumber of seasons: 7
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Better Things
The age of the subversive sitcom continues with Better Things, a dark, caustic comedy about growing older and raising kids. The show follows Sam Fox (Pamela Adlon), a struggling actress raising three kids by herself in Los Angeles. Sam juggles her attempts to advance her career and have fun with her responsibility to her daughters, each of whom presents their own unique difficulties. Adlon and co-creator Louis C.K. (who is no longer involved) previously worked on the surreal comedy-drama Louie, and Better Things shows a similar mean streak, narrowing in on the grimy, depressing aspects of parenthood that other sitcoms gloss over.
Created by: Pamela Adlon, Louis C.K.Cast: Pamela Adlon, Mikey Madison, Hannah Alligood, Olivia Edward, Celia ImrieNumber of seasons: 4
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Key & Peele
Great sketch shows have been in short supply for a while now, which makes it all the easier to appreciate the short but brilliant life of Key & Peele. Starring former MADtv members Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele, the show is an adventurous collection of sketches that blend absurdist humor and social commentary. See, for example, a skit in which white news anchors complain about the dangers of “black ice” on the streets at night, to the indignation of their black colleagues. Not every sketch is political, however; sometimes they just freak out about the latest Liam Neeson film. Both hosts bring manic energy and throw themselves fully into a variety of roles.
Created by: Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan PeeleCast: Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan PeeleNumber of seasons: 5
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It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
What South Park is to late-night animation, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is to sitcoms. Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, and Charlie Day — who also created and write the show — star as three best friends who kind of hate each other, while Kaitlin Olson and Danny DeVito round out the cast as the infamous Dee and Frank. The group often finds itself in some of the most absurd situations as the members push into the uncharted and irreverent comedic territory for which the show is well known, usually as a result of their own botched schemes.
Created by: Rob McElhenneyCast: Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, Rob McElhenney, Kaitlin Olson, Danny DeVitoNumber of seasons: 14
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Adventure Time
Cartoon Network’s Adventure Time amassed a huge audience over its ten-season run, one that crosses over into numerous demographics, making it a contemporary classic for adults and kids alike. The stories of best friends Jake and Finn in the magical Land of Ooo are a joy to watch. Whether the duo is protecting the land from the evil (and misunderstood) Ice King or helping a young vampire navigate her family life, Adventure Time captures a sense of adventure and fun, while providing a subtle maturity that speaks to older audiences.
Created by: Pendleton WardCast: Jeremy Shada, John DiMaggio, Hynden Walch, Niki Yang, Tom Kenny, Olivia Olson, Pendleton Ward, Polly Lou Livingston, Jessica DiCiccoNumber of seasons: 10
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Broad City
Ilana and her best friend Abbi are two 20-something women, living in New York. Abbi is a struggling artist, working at a fitness center while she attempts to get her career off the ground. Ilana, on the other hand, does everything in her power to avoid working, and instead pursues all manner of pleasurable distractions, including sexual escapades and consuming large amounts of marijuana. The two are often pulled into crazy situations, frequently as a consequence of one of Ilana’s ill-conceived plots. Broad City has received high praise from critics due to its clever writing and subtle-yet-effective message of female empowerment.
Created by: Ilana Glazer, Abbi JacobsonCast: Abbi Jacobson, Ilana GlazerNumber of seasons: 5
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Seinfeld
Seinfeld is a show that needs no introduction. Starring comedian Jerry Seinfeld as himself, Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Elaine Benes, Jason Alexander as the neurotic George Costanza, and Michael Richards as the hilarious Kramer, each episode follows the group of friends as they endure the absurdities of life in the big city (along with their own foibles). Thankfully, the Emmy-winning sitcom has endured since its original run in the ’90s, further solidifying it as one of the most popular and important comedies to ever air on television.
Created by: Larry David, Jerry SeinfeldCast: Jerry Seinfeld, Jason Alexander, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Michael RichardsNumber of seasons: 9
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Arrested Development
Despite getting canceled by Fox in 2006, Ron Howard and Mitchell Hurwitz’s Arrested Development saw critical success across the board. Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Michael Cera star as family members of the very dysfunctional Bluth family living in Newport Beach, California. The show centers around Michael Bluth (Bateman) as he’s forced to assist his off-the-wall relatives after the family business comes under fire.
Created by: Mitchell HurwitzCast: Jason Bateman, Portia de Rossi, Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Tony Hale, David Cross, Jeffrey Tambor, Jessica WalterNumber of seasons: 5
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Black-ish
ABC’s Black-ish is one of many shows to have sprung up during the latest sitcom renaissance, which seems to emphasize distinct points of view not often seen on TV. This particular sitcom follows the Johnsons, an upper-middle-class family in America. Parents Dre (Anthony Anderson) and Rainbow (Tracee Ellis Ross) try to raise their children, whom they worry may be growing up in a vastly different milieu than they did. The show takes a critical look at issues of race and identity in contemporary America, balancing heavy social commentary with character-driven comedy.
Created by: Kenya BarrisCast: Anthony Anderson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Yara Shahidi, Marcus Scribner, Miles Brown, Marsai Martin, Jeff Meacham, Jenifer Lewis, Peter Mackenzie, Deon ColeNumber of seasons: 6
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Futurama
Although it didn’t attain immortality like its unending older brother The Simpsons (which now has the most scripted episodes of any prime-time series), Matt Groening’s other cartoon, Futurama, established an identity of its own as a funny, often poignant vision of the future. The show follows Philip J. Fry (Billy West), a delivery boy who stumbles into a cryogenic pod and wakes up a thousand years in the future. He ends up working for an interplanetary delivery company, working with a variety of colorful characters, including steely cyclops Leela (Katey Sagal) and hard-drinking, sociopathic robot Bender (John DiMaggio). Futurama is an inventive comedy, with every episode going in some wild directions, and it has an incredible cast of oddballs to bounce off each other.
Created by: Matt GroeningCast: Billy West, Katey Sagal, John DiMaggio, Tress MacNeille, Maurice LaMarche, Phil LaMarr, Lauren Tom, David Herman, Frank WelkerNumber of seasons: 7
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Samurai Champloo
There are some great anime series on Hulu, and this is one of them. Although it lives in the shadow of Cowboy Bebop, director Shinichiro Watanabe’s follow-up, Samurai Champloo, is a terrific anime series, one that deserves to be considered on its own terms. Set in Edo-era Japan, the series follows an unlikely trio of travelers: A young waitress named Fuu, quiet ronin Jin, and wild swordsman Mugen. Fuu wants to find a samurai who smells like sunflowers, and after saving Jin and Mugen from execution, enlists them as bodyguards. The three wander Japan, encountering a variety of bizarre characters and scenarios (including a baseball game for the fate of Japan and a possible zombie apocalypse). Dynamic animation, vibrant art, and a chill hip-hop soundtrack are just a few of the reasons to watch this masterpiece.
Created by: Shinji ObaraCast: Ayako Kawasumi, Ginpei Sato, Steve BlumNumber of seasons: 1
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Firefly
Before he was the mastermind behind Marvel’s cinematic universe, Joss Whedon was known for creating memorable television series such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Firefly. While the latter only lasted for one season before it was ultimately canceled and later revived with the film Serenity, it has garnered a rabid cult following. The sci-fi series is set just after an interplanetary civil war between the populated inner system planets and the outer planets, where life resembles the American West. The series is well known for its cast of likable characters, including Nathan Fillion’s Mal Reynolds, who captains the titular ship and is arguably the coolest space criminal since Han Solo.
Created by: Joss WhedonCast: Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, Morena Baccarin, Adam Baldwin, Jewel Staite, Sean Maher, Summer Glau, Ron GlassNumber of seasons: 1
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Cowboy Bebop
Anime is often labeled as a niche genre, but like with all forms of media, there are breakout examples that transcend the genre, crossing over in appeal. Cowboy Bebop is a prime example. Set in the early era of humanity’s colonization of the solar system, a ragtag group of bounty hunters led by Spike Spiegel (Steven Blum) makes ends meet by taking in wanted criminals, while simultaneously trying to avoid the law and powerful criminal organizations. This space-western has been lauded as one of the best anime series ever made, with a memorable cast and compelling story, featuring one of the most iconic final scenes ever.
Created by: Hajime YatateCast: Kôichi Yamadera, Unshô Ishizuka, Megumi HayashibaraNumber of seasons: 1
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Star Trek: The Original Series
Few franchises have grown as massive of a fanbase as Star Trek. The Original Series features William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy as the iconic Captain Kirk and Commander Spock, respectively. Though dated — the show aired from 1966 to 1969 — it’s an appreciated blast from the past and one which created the foundation for so many TV spinoffs and movies. Few would argue that Kirk and Spock are among television’s all-time best duos.
Created by: Gene RoddenberryCast: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest KelleyNumber of seasons: 3
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Star Trek: The Next Generation
Perhaps the most popular of the Star Trek TV shows, The Next Generation ran for an impressive seven seasons from 1987 to 1994. Patrick Stewart takes the lead as Captain Jean-Luc Picard, who guides the Enterprise across the galaxy in search of new life and civilizations. It built off the cult success of The Original Series and solidified the Star Trek franchise as one of the best science fiction universes across TV or film. Despite taking place within the boundaries of space — where no man had gone before — TNG drew allegories to our earthbound cultural issues that took place during its televised run.
Created by: Gene RoddenberryCast: Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, LeVar Burton, Denise Crosby, Michael Dorn, Gates McFadden, Marina Sirtis, Brent Spiner, Wil WheatonNumber of seasons: 7
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Harlots
This historical drama follows Margaret Wells (Samantha Morton), a madam running a brothel in 18th century London. Eager to climb the social ladder — and dodge the authorities — Margaret moves into the territory of her former boss, high-class madam Lydia Quigley (Lesley Manville), sparking a war between the two. Caught up in Margaret’s schemes are her two daughters, Charlotte (Jessica Brown Findlay) and Lucy (Eloise Smyth), whom she has pushed into prostitution. Despite the lurid subject matter, Harlots is never merely titillating; this is a show with a keen eye for the power dynamics at work in its setting, and how hierarchy turns even sex into a cold transaction. A complicated drama with intriguing characters, Harlots is a great show for people who like their historical dramas on the seedier side.
Created by: Alison Newman, Moira BuffiniCast: Samantha Morton, Lesley Manville, Jessica Brown Findlay, Dorothy Atkinson, Pippa Bennett-Warner, Kate Fleetwood, Holli Dempsey, Douggie McMeekin, Edward Hogg, Richard McCabe, Danny Sapani, Hugh Skinner, Eloise Smyth, Liv Tyler, Sebastian Armesto, Julian Rhind-TuttNumber of seasons: 3
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Twin Peaks
In the quiet titular town of Twin Peaks, the sudden and tragic murder of high school student Laura Palmer set off a chain of events that turns the town on its head. FBI agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) teams up with local sheriff Harry Truman (Michael Ontkean) to solve the murder, only to uncover a complicated mess of grisly truths that border on the supernatural. Twin Peaks is among director David Lynch’s most iconic works, yet the show initially only lasted two brief seasons. Despite this, it produced some timeless episodes. Those who have finished the original two seasons will be delighted to know that the show returned for its first new episodes after 25 years in 2017, though those aren’t available on Hulu.
Created by: Mark Frost, David LynchCast: Kyle MacLachlan, Michael Ontkean, Madchen Amick, Dana Ashbrook, Richard Beymer, Lara Flynn Boyle, Sherilyn Fenn, Warren Frost, Peggy LiptonNumber of seasons: 3
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Editors’ Recommendations

Nifty Nev

best movies on hulu, fantasy movies, Home Theater, Hulu, Movies & TV, streaming, what to watch | 20/08/202120/08/2021

Fantasies are an important part of our lives, if for no other reason than our imaginations can carry us far away from our daily routine and our occasionally mundane existence. Filmmakers who embrace fantasy are also able to examine the world through fresh eyes, in addition to offering some biting critiques about the way things are. Fantasy films also run the gamut from silly to serious and from light to dark, sometimes all at once. But most importantly of all, fantasy stories offer a sense of fun and adventure that we don’t always get from other genres. Hulu has a pretty wide selection of fantasy flicks, but it also makes finding them almost as hard as fighting a dragon. Don’t worry, we’ve already slain that particular beast in our list of the best fantasy movies that you can stream on Hulu right now.
Can’t get enough fantasy in your queue? Be sure to check out our roundups of the best fantasy movies on Netflix and the best fantasy movies on Amazon Prime Video.

The Cleanse (2018)
If you were expecting The Cleanse to be about a physical health program, think again. Instead, Ken Roberts (Oliver Platt) has come up with an innovative way to make his clients face their inner demons. By drinking Ken’s horrible concoctions, Paul Berger (Johnny Galecki), Maggie Jameson (Anna Friel), and others in the program physically manifest their negative emotions as companion creatures. Paul and Maggie’s creatures are almost immediately drawn to each other, which bodes well for their potential romance. However, Ken’s experiment has a darker side as well. For example, Laurie (Diana Bang) pays a very high price for being unable to complete her cleanse.
Rotten Tomatoes: 81%Stars: Johnny Galecki, Anna Friel, Oliver Platt, Anjelica Huston, Kyle GallnerDirector: Bobby MillerRating: RRuntime: 81 minutes
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Melancholia (2011)
You should know ahead of time that Melancholia is not a happy film, and it also really lives up to its name. This movie is about two sisters, Justine (Kirsten Dunst) and Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg). Despite her new marriage to Michael (Alexander Skarsgård), Justine is seriously depressed. Justine’s mood doesn’t improve as her life collapses around her and the end of the world gets underway. A rogue planet, dubbed Melancholia, is on a collision course with Earth. And when the planet’s fate is sealed, it’s Claire’s turn to panic and enter a deep depression.
Rotten Tomatoes: 80%Stars: Kirsten Dunst, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Alexander Skarsgård, Brady Corbet, Cameron SpurrDirector: Lars von TrierRating: RRuntime: 135 minutes
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The Indian in the Cupboard (1995)
Frank Oz brought Lynne Reid Banks’ The Indian in the Cupboard to the big screen as a charming fantasy that dealt with some weighty issues. A young boy named Omri (Hal Scardino) is given a Native American figure and a strange miniature cupboard for his birthday. Much to Omri’s surprise, after placing his toy in the cupboard overnight, it comes to life as Little Bear (Litefoot), a real Iroquois warrior who lived hundreds of years earlier. Although Little Bear initially mistakes Omri as a spirit, he comes to understand the reality of what has happened. Little Bear also befriends Omri and tries to convince him to return his now living toys to their proper time and space.
Rotten Tomatoes: 73%Stars: Hal Scardino, Litefoot, Lindsay Crouse, Richard Jenkins, Rishi BhatDirector: Frank OzRating: PGRuntime: 96 minutes
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Shrek (2001)
Shrek is the movie that brought DreamWorks Animation out of the shadow of Disney thanks to its irreverent sense of humor. Mike Myers stars in the film as an ornery ogre named Shrek. All he wants is to be left alone, but Shrek’s home is soon overrun by fantasy creatures, including a talking Donkey (Eddie Murphy). To reclaim his land, Shrek agrees to rescue Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) from a dragon and escort her back to Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow) so he can marry her. But as Shrek bonds with both Donkey and Fiona, he comes to question whether he’s making the right choice.
Rotten Tomatoes: 88%Stars: Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, John LithgowDirector: Andrew Adamson, Vicky JensonRating: PGRuntime: 90 minutes
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Beetlejuice (1988)
When the Maitlands die in a car accident, it doesn’t make them any more willing to give up their home. In spite of all the tips offered in their complimentary copy of Handbook for the Recently Deceased, the ghosts can’t make a dent in the resolve of the wealthy city slickers who move into their idyllic country house. Eventually, they make the mistake of turning to a poltergeist with fewer scruples — the ruthless undead motormouth Betelgeuse (Michael Keaton). Released a year before Batman, 1988’s Beetlejuice was the first chance many audiences had to learn what Tim Burton’s singular style could achieve. If you’ve never seen it, give yourself a treat and see a young Winona Ryder as a stereotypical depressed teenager, the always uproarious Catherine O’Hara as a trendy socialite, and Keaton as the hilariously revolting titular antagonist. Fair warning — you will never think of Harry Belafonte’s “Day O” the same way.
Rotten Tomatoes: 85%Stars: Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Winona RyderDirector: Tim BurtonRating: PGRuntime: 92 minutes
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Big Fish (2003)
Will Bloom (Billy Crudup) is a young journalist who’s been listening to his father’s tall tales his entire life. When the end of Edward Bloom’s (Albert Finney) life draws near, Will digs into his father’s past to separate the fact from fiction, unearthing a long story involving circuses, giants, witches, and more. Finney steals the movie as the tale-spinning father Edward, and Ewan McGregor is perfect as the younger Edward. While the kind of fantastical worlds Tim Burton is known for creating are usually cartoonish fusions of horror and comedy, with 2003’s Big Fish, the director delivers perhaps his most intimate and emotionally potent feature.
Rotten Tomatoes: 75%Stars: Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy CrudupDirector: Tim BurtonRating: PG-13Runtime: 125 minutes
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The Forbidden Kingdom (2008)
One of the most delicious types of fantasy stories is the kind that sends someone from the more mundane world into one filled with magic, tapping into our own dreams of doing the same. The 2008 Wuxia film The Forbidden Kingdom not only fits the bill, but it features the first movie collaboration between big-screen martial arts masters Jackie Chan and Jet Li. Michael Angarano stars as the young Jason who is catapulted back in time after discovering a mystical golden staff in a South Boston pawnshop. Awaking in ancient China, Jason soon finds allies in the form of the heavy-drinking Lu Yan (Chan), the Golden Sparrow (Liu Yifei), and the Silent Monk (Li) as they all embark on a quest to defeat the evil Jade Warlord (Collin Chou). Fun and chock-full of masterfully choreographed martial arts scenes, The Forbidden Kingdom is a largely bloodless and engaging adventure.
Rotten Tomatoes: 63%Stars: Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Michael AngaranoDirector: Rob MinkoffRating: PG-13Runtime: 104 minutes
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Dragonheart (1996)
The cynical knight Bowen (Dennis Quaid) has an interesting arrangement with Draco, the world’s last dragon, voiced by the late Sir Sean Connery. Draco pretends to terrorize helpless villagers who then hire Bowen to “slay” the beast. Things get a lot more serious for con-man and con-dragon when the rule of the despotic Einon (David Thewlis) becomes too terrible for Bowen to ignore. Unfortunately, Bowen discovers that setting things right won’t be as easy as simply killing his former student. Since it was Draco who saved Einon’s life years before by gifting him with a piece of his own heart, the death of the tyrant will also mean the death of the last dragon. Dragonheart was panned by critics, but its enduring popularity and its continuing film series proves critics and fans can be two very different animals. Speaking of the film series, if you’re a fan, then don’t despair. The same day Dragonheart starts streaming on Hulu, it will be accompanied by the 2000 sequel Dragonheart: A New Beginning as well as the 2015 prequel Dragonheart 3: A Sorcerer’s Curse and the 2017 follow-up Dragonheart: Battle for the Heartfire.
Rotten Tomatoes: 50%Stars: Dennis Quaid, Sean Connery, Dina MeyerDirector: Rob CohenRating: PG-13Runtime: 103 minutes
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Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters (2013)
What do you do after escaping the hungry plans of a witch? You hunt witches professionally, of course. At least that’s the fate of the titular fairy tale twins in 2013’s Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters, starring Jeremy Renner as Hansel and Gemma Arterton as his crossbow-wielding sister, Gretel. Unsurprisingly, Hansel & Gretel suffered no love affair with reviewers. The film is utterly ridiculous, including the plotline that sweets fed to Hansel as a child caused him to suffer a mystical form of diabetes that threatens to kill him every few hours. But once you accept the absurdity, what you’re left with is a fun, gore-happy, action-packed flick that never tries to be anything more than that.
Rotten Tomatoes: 16%Stars: Jeremy Renner, Gemma Arterton, Peter StormareDirector: Tommy WirkolaRating: RRuntime: 88 minutes
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Spontaneous (2020)
High school years are a checklist of crucial moves. Get good grades and excel academically, apply to colleges, make friends, find love, make a meaningful impact before exploding into smithereens in front of your peers and teachers. In Brian Duffield’s Spontaneous, two high school seniors, Mara (Katherine Langford) and Dylan (Charlie Plummer), are faced with the whirlwind reality that they could literally explode at any moment, as it’s happening to all their friends in the middle of the school day. Spontaneous combustion aside, Spontaneous is a coming-of-age teen flick turned on its head and packed to the brim with gore, guts, and gasps. Not for light stomachs.
Rotten Tomatoes: 98%Stars: Katherine Langford, Charlie Plummer, Yvonne OrjiDirector: Brian DuffieldRating: RRuntime: 102 minutes
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Above the Shadows (2019)
In Above the Shadows, Olivia Thirlby stars as Holly, a woman who has literally faded from the seeable world. Invisible for years, her saving grace arrives in the form of a downtrodden MMA fighter named Shayne (Alan Ritchson). When Holly learns that one of her own tabloid photographs contributed to Shayne’s public image demise, she’ll do whatever it takes to restore the fighter to his former glory in an attempt to vanquish her invisibility. A film that demands a firm disconnect from our own reality, Above the Shadows dabbles in fantasy and romance in fitting but larger-than-life ways. The story meanders a bit, and the metaphor’s muddled, but the movie works in more ways than it doesn’t.
Rotten Tomatoes: 57%Stars: Olivia Thirlby, Alan Ritchson, Megan FoxDirector: Claudia MyersRating: NARuntime: 111 minutes
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Hancock (2008)
In Hancock, Will Smith stars as the titular character, a belligerent superhero that watches over the city of Los Angeles, protecting and enraging its citizens. Why rage? With every heroic feat comes a string of neverending property damage and other ancillary casualties. It’s practically Hancock’s calling card. But Hancock could care less, for he’s just as fed up with LA’s critical denizens as they are of him. Then, one day, the anti-hero rescues a PR representative named Ray (Jason Bateman), who pledges to help the alcoholic superman with his public image. Written in part by Breaking Bad‘s Vince best boviesdGilligan, Hancock gives Will Smith the stage to unleash a darker brand of comedy-acting than what the world had come to rely on from the Fresh Prince star.
Rotten Tomatoes: 41%Stars: Will Smith, Charlize Theron, Jason BatemanDirector: Peter BergRating: PG-13Runtime: 92 minutes
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Border (2018)
Tina (Eva Melander) is a Swedish customs officer with an amazing sense of smell. Not just a heightened sense, though — the ability is borderline supernatural, as Tina can use her nose to detect lies, guilt, shame, and other hidden emotions from those she encounters. One day, the customs officer comes across a man named Vore (Eero Milonoff). Sensing something very off about the traveler, Tina begins a personal investigation that ends up opening doors about her own past, revealing secrets and answering questions about herself she’s had her whole life. A wild blend of sci-fi, fantasy, Nordic fable, and other sub-genres, Border is one you don’t want to miss.
Rotten Tomatoes: 97%Stars: Eva Melander, Eero Milonoff, Viktor ÅkerblomDirector: Ali AbbasiRating: RRuntime: 108 minutes
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Colossal (2016)
Colossal stars Anne Hathaway as Gloria, a down-on-her-luck writer going through a recent breakup. Forced to relocate to her hometown when her boyfriend kicks her out, Gloria takes up a job at a local bar. Drinking her sorrows away while re-acclimating to her stomping grounds, a towering reptilian beast emerges in South Korea. Leaving a wake of destruction in its path, Gloria soon learns that she and the mythic titan share a psychosomatic connection. Whenever Gloria acts out, so does the monster. Once the link is established, Gloria must learn to deal with her own emotions before the Godzilla-beast wreaks havoc across the entire globe. Led by a powerful performance by Hathaway and a sharp narrative and directing by Nacho Vigalondo, Colossal is an unforgettable mashup of monster-movie-meets-character-drama.
Rotten Tomatoes: 81%Stars: Anne Hathaway, Jason Sudeikis, Austin StowellDirector: Nacho VigalondoRating: RRuntime: 110 minutes
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The Secret Garden (2020)
Mary Lennox (Dixie Egerickx), an orphan, arrives at the estate of her uncle — the stoic Lord Archibald Craven (Colin Firth). Her next of kin, his lordship pays little mind to his niece. Thus, the girl wanders the house and grounds. Deep in the woods, the young Mary discovers a hidden garden. A luscious and vibrant haven, the garden is Mary’s dear hideaway and a restorative healing place. When tensions rise within the family and secrets are unveiled, the garden becomes Mary’s only hope. This 2020 adaptation of the 1911 Frances Hodgson Burnett novel is, in fact, the fourth film adaptation. It’s cozy, if not a bit formulaic in its approach, but comes at a time when a bit of grandeur and heart go a long way. We highly recommend it.
Rotten Tomatoes: 66%Stars: Colin Firth, Julie Walters, Dixie Egerickx, Maeve Dermody, Amir WilsonDirector: Marc MundenRating: PGRuntime: 100 minutes
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The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller) leads an unfulfilling life as a negative assets manager for Life magazine. Disenchanted with his role, he daydreams of an adventurous life where he reigns supreme and everyone knows his name. As Life prepares to move to an exclusively digital format, the company sends Walter on a journey across the world to capture the “quintessential” image for the magazine’s final cover. Ben Stiller shines as the titular character, a subtle performance that meshes nicely with the film and short-story author James Thurber’s larger-than-life narrative.
Rotten Tomatoes: 51%Stars: Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Shirley MacLaine, Adam Scott, Kathryn HahnDirector: Ben StillerRating: PGRuntime: 114 minutes
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Editors’ Recommendations

Nifty Nev

animation, Anime, Home Theater, Hulu, Movies & TV, movies and TV, what to watch | 20/08/202120/08/2021

Anime is a very desirable asset in the streaming era, and there’s already a clear leader of the pack. Hulu has made itself a top destination for anime fans in two key ways. First, Hulu has lined up an incredible roster of classic anime series that helped make Japanese animation such a cultural phenomenon in America. Next, Hulu has stayed current with the latest hit anime from Japan, which ensures that fans new and old can find what they’re looking for. To help you navigate the massive selection, we’ve put together this list of the best anime that you can stream on Hulu right now.
New to the world of anime? Thankfully, we also have a guide to the best anime on Netflix if you’re in need of more suggestions.

The Case Study of Vanitas
In The Case Study of Vanitas, a vampire named Noé Archiviste is sent to find The Book of Vanitas, a powerful book of spells. Noé soon learns that the book is in the possession of a man calling himself Vanitas, who claims to be a doctor. More intriguingly, Vanitas says that the book could potentially cure every vampire in the world. However, the book’s dark power can also create cursed vampires who are even more vicious and bloodthirsty than ever before. Naturally, Noé is wary about his new companion. But can he afford not to trust him?
Created by: Deko AkaoCast: Kaito Ishikawa, Natsuki Hanae, Shino Shimoji, Ai Kayano, Inori MinaseNumber of seasons: 1
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How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom
How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom’s lead character, Kazuya Souma, may be the most unconventional anime hero in a long time. Kazuya was an ordinary student in Japan who was mystically transported to a fantasy-like world to be their hero in need. However, Kazuya’s skills don’t come from any warrior-like abilities. Instead, his grasp on economics, civil service, and even the philosophies of Machiavelli quickly place him on the throne of Elfrieden. From there, Kazuya’s influence continues to rise. But he is also forced to contend with an ever-growing roster of women to wed in order to consolidate his power.
Created by: Gō Zappa, Hiroshi ŌnogiCast: Yūsuke Kobayashi, Inori Minase, Reina Ueda, Ikumi Hasegawa, Kazuyuki OkitsuNumber of seasons: 1
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Fruits Basket
The wildly popular Fruits Basket manga has received a reboot anime series that serves as a more faithful retelling of the original story. As before, the main character is Tohru Honda, a high school student who is orphaned by the tragic death of her parents. After arranging to live with her classmate Yuki Soma and the rest of the Soma family, Tohru discovers their secret. The Soma family is cursed to transform into the animals of the Chinese zodiac when they experience heightened emotional states. Even a hug from Tohru is enough to transform the men in the Soma family. Because she cares for them, Tohru decides to find a way to break the curse.
Created by: Natsuki TakayaCast: Manaka Iwami, Atsumi Tanezaki, Satomi Satō, Yoshimasa Hosoya, Miyuki SawashiroNumber of seasons: 2
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Black Clover
Imagine living in a world where everyone could effortlessly wield magic … except you. That’s the plight of a young boy named Asta in Black Clover. While both Asta and his fellow orphan, Yuno, were abandoned together, Yuno turns out to be a magical prodigy and naturally gifted in the mystic arts. Despite his lack of power, Asta is given a book of spells that helps him use “Anti-Magic” to repel almost any spell. For Asta, this means his dream of becoming the next Wizard King is still achievable. That’s also Yuno’s desire and goal, but he remains friendly with Asta despite their rivalry.
Created by: Kazuyuki FudeyasuCast: Gakuto Kajiwara, Nobunaga Shimazaki, Kana YukiNumber of seasons: 1
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Inuyasha
If you’re an old-school Toonami viewer, you probably know Inuyasha very well. Based on the popular manga series, Inuyasha introduces viewers to Kagome, a high school student in the present who has no time for myths and legends. At least not until Kagome finds herself stuck in Japan’s distant past alongside the half-demon warrior Inuyasha. Much to Kagome’s surprise, she finds that she has some measure of control over Inuyasha when he gets out of hand. But both of them are surprised when their quest to reclaim a shattered gem stirs romantic feelings in both of their hearts.
Created by: Katsuyuki SumisawaCast: Kappei Tamaguchi, Satsuki Yukino, Noriko HidakaNumber of seasons: 7
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Bleach
In Bleach, young Ichigo Kurosaki’s life has been touched by the supernatural for years. However, his ordinary existence comes to an end when the Soul Reaper, Rukia, transfers the vast majority of her powers to him. Now reborn as a Soul Reaper himself, Ichigo dedicates himself to protecting both the living and the dead from evil spirits. Of course, he can’t do it alone, especially when Rukia finds herself hunted by the Soul Society because of the way that she relinquished her abilities. Fortunately, Ichigo soon discovers he has new allies who can help carry his burden.
Created by: Masashi SogoCast: Masakazu Morita, Fumiko Orikasa, Yuki Matsuoka, Kentarō Itō, Noriaki SugiyamaNumber of seasons: 6
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Devil’s Line
There are demons and monsters among us, but they’re not all bad in Devil’s Line. For example, Yūki Anzai is a half-vampire/half-human hybrid who uses his powers to protect humanity as part of Division 5 of the Tokyo Police Department. But when he rescues a young woman, Tsukasa Taira, their mutual attraction sorely tempts Anzai to put the bite on her. It’s hard to control his darker urges when he has those feelings in his heart, but Tsukasa stands by Anzai even in the face of adversity. Yet that’s far from their only problem as demonic attacks escalate around them.
Created by: Kenji Konuta, Ayumu HisaoCast: Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Yui Ishikawa, Mamoru Miyano, Ryouhei Kimura, Akira IshidaNumber of seasons: 1
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High School of the Dead
Imagine if The Walking Dead took place in Japan, and the primary survivors were students and teachers from a high school. That’s essentially the premise of High School of the Dead. The series follows Fujimi High School student Takashi Komuro at a moment when he and his childhood friend, Rei Miyamoto, have a very strained relationship. When the zombie apocalypse breaks out, Takashi and Rei are thrust back together alongside some of their fellow students and instructors. Who can they really trust in this dark new world? Everyone will have to make moral compromises to survive, even Takashi and Rei.
Created by: Yōsuke KurodaCast: Junichi Suwabe, Eri Kitamura, Nobuyuki Hiyama, Hitomi Harada, Miyuki SawashiroNumber of seasons: 1
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Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is so huge right now that the anime movie that came out in 2020 recently beat the Mortal Kombat reboot and topped the U.S. box office. The anime series of the same name is also incredibly popular all over the world. It takes place in Japan’s distant history, as a teenager named Tanjiro loses his family to a demon attack. Tanjiro’s younger sister, Nezuko, is the only survivor, but unfortunately, she is transformed into a demon by the experience. To avenge his family and save his sister’s soul, Tanjiro undertakes a quest to become a demon slayer.
Created by: UfotableCast: Natsuki Hanae, Akari Kit0, Hiro Shimono, Yoshitsugu MatsuokaNumber of seasons: 1
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Megalobox
In the future, boxing has been spruced up a bit for the next generation. In Megalobox, the sweet science now includes fighters who battle with exoskeletons that enhance their strength. But that’s not enough for Junk Dog, aka Joe. He’s an underground fighter in scripted matches who wants to break into the real Megalobox competitions. After getting a chance to fight the Megalobox champion, Yuri, Joe is forced to start at the bottom and work his way back up to earn the right for a rematch. It’s not an easy road, even with technological enhancements. That’s why it’s going to take heart and determination for Joe to make his way to the top.
Created by: Katsuhiko Manabe, Kensaku KojimaCast: Kaiji Tang, Jason Marnocha, Erica Mendez, Lex LangNumber of seasons: 2
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Rurouni Kenshin
What would you do to escape your darkest sins and find redemption? For the lead character of Rurouni Kenshin, it meant leaving behind his life as an assassin and becoming a wanderer. Kenshin Himura is seemingly only remarkable by the scar on his face, but his fighting skills reveal the past that he has tried so hard to forget. With the encouragement of Kaoru Kamiya, Kenshin reinvents himself as a defender of the people who strives to move beyond his formerly wicked ways. But there’s always someone threatening his newfound peace, and Kenshin never walks away from a fight that matters.
Created by: AniplexCast: Mayo Suzukaze, Miki Fujitani, Miina Tominaga, Yuuji UedaNumber of seasons: 3
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Yu Yu Hakusho
At the start of Yu Yu Hakusho, the leading character, Yusuke, is anything but a hero. Instead, he’s a teenage narcissist who seemingly only cares for himself. And yet Yusuke surprises everyone, including himself, by sacrificing his life to prevent a young boy from being killed by an oncoming car. The powers that be in the afterlife are suitably impressed, and they allow Yusuke to come back to life as a Spirit Detective. Even Yusuke’s former rival, Kuwabara, becomes a part of his new life as they are drawn into the ongoing battle between monsters, demons, and humans for control of reality.
Created by: Studio PierrotCast: Nozomu Sasaki, Shigeru Chiba, Megumi Ogata, Nobuyuki Hiyama, Sanae MiyuNumber of seasons: 4
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Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Technically, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is not a reboot of the 2003 Fullmetal Alchemist series. Instead, it’s simply a more faithful adaptation of Hiromu Arakawa’s original manga. In an alternate steampunk universe, Edward and his brother, Alphonse Elric, pay a heavy price when they try to resurrect their mother with alchemy. Edward loses an arm and a leg, while Al’s spirit is stuck in a suit of armor. Instead of giving up, Edward becomes a Fullmetal Alchemist and teams up with his brother on a quest to restore their bodies before facing a conspiracy that has links to their long-missing father.
Created by: Hiroshi ŌnogiCast: Romi Park, Rie Kugimiya, Megumi Takamoto, Shin-ichiro MikiNumber of seasons: 1
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Afro Samurai
Afro Samurai wasn’t created for Samuel L. Jackson, but the versatile actor was drawn to the adaptation of Takashi Okazaki’s manga series. Jackson also voiced Afro, a lone warrior in a feudal future. When Afro was a child, a man called Justice killed Afro’s father and claimed the Number One Headband, an object said to bestow godlike powers on its wearer. As an adult, Afro alienates his childhood friend, Jinno, and claims the Number Two Headband so he can challenge his father’s murderer. However, the holder of the Number Two Headband constantly has to defend his trophy, and Afro has several battles to fight before he can come face to face with Justice.
Created by: Yasuyuki Mutō, Tomohiro YamashitaCast: Samuel L. Jackson, Kelly Hu, Ron Perlman, Phil LaMarrNumber of seasons: 1
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Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?
To answer the question posed by the title, yes, it probably is. But Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? wouldn’t be as much fun if it didn’t riff on its silly title. In this show, a 14-year-old boy, Bell Cranel, craves adventure and hopes to find a girlfriend by saving her from a monster. Instead, Bell’s life is saved by Aiz Wallenstein, a young woman whose fighting skills far exceed his own. After Bell falls hard for Aiz, he experiences a rapid increase in his abilities and gains a comically large group of female admirers … including the goddess Hestia.
Created by: Hideki ShiraneCast: Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Inori Minase, Saori Oonishi, Maaya Uchida, Haruka TomatsuNumber of seasons: 3
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Overlord
In the future of Overlord, an immersive virtual game is about to be permanently taken offline. However, Momonga, a player who has dedicated over a decade of his life to the game, refuses to log off as the servers go dark. Much to Momonga’s surprise, the game lives on even after it is shut down. But he remains trapped in his avatar form, while the nonplayer characters develop personalities and desires of their own. As the last true human in the game, Momonga wields incredible power. Regardless, Momonga’s intentions are sometimes misinterpreted by his new subjects as he sets out to learn more about his new home.
Created by: Yukie SugawaraCast: Satoshi Hino, Yumi Hara, Sumire Uesaka, Kenta Myake, Ami KoshimizuNumber of seasons: 3
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Fire Force
Fire Force‘s opening is literally explosive. When a man bursts into flames in a train car — transformed into what have become known as infernals, living and walking infernos — Tokyo’s Special Fire Force 8 isn’t far behind. The elite team is composed of pyrokinetics with the power to control flame with their minds, and they’re the only defense Tokyo has against this new rash of disastrous fires. We soon learn this fiery phenomenon isn’t a one-time deal. People are being turned into infernals all over the place. Fire Force follows the attempts of Special Fire Force 8 to find out what’s behind the secret of the infernals while also dealing with tensions sparked by the arrival of the new team member Shinra (Gakuto Kajiwara).
Created by: Atsushi ŌkuboCast: Gakuto Kajiwara, Kazuya Nakai, Christopher WehkampNumber of seasons: 2
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The Promised Neverland
In The Promised Neverland, an orphaned girl named Emma lives with her friends, Norman and Ray, as well as many other orphans in Grace Field House. While awaiting adoption, their lives are blissfully carefree under the guidance of “Mom.” At least until Emma discovers the truth: Grace Field House isn’t an orphanage, it’s a farm … and the kids are the cattle! To escape their grim fate, Emma has to lead the children to safety even if it means venturing into an outside world even more dangerous than the one they want to leave behind.
Created by: Toshiya Ono, Kaiu ShiraiCast: Sumire Morohoshi, Mariya Ise, Shinei UekiNumber of seasons: 2
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Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World
It wouldn’t be inaccurate to say that Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World has some elements of Romeo and Juliet in it … mixed in with some amazing fantasy. In this alternate world, the Heavenly Empire uses advanced technology in its seemingly endless war with the magicians of the Nebulis Sovereignty. Two warriors on each side, Iska and Aliceliese, meet each other in battle before realizing they share a common goal: To end the war. They may also share their hearts with each other, if they can move past their differences.
Created by: Kento ShimoyamaCast: Sora Amamiya, Yûsuke Kobayashi, Kellen GoffNumber of seasons: 1
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Akudama Drive
Akudama Drive is kind of like The Suicide Squad meets cyberpunk. A young woman is dragged into the dangerous world of a group of criminals called the Akudama simply because she is in the wrong place at the wrong time. To save herself, she takes on the persona of Swindler and joins the Akudama as they take on a high stakes heist that puts all of their lives on the line. The rewards are high, but Swindler and her new teammates soon realize that their lives are expendable, and their chances for survival are rapidly dwindling.
Created by: Pierrot, Too Kyo GamesCast: Tomoyo Kurosawa, Yūichirō Umehara, Kenka-yaNumber of seasons: 1
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Cop Craft
As the name implies, Cop Craft mixes the genres of police procedural with fantasy and magic. In the backstory of the series, Earth was linked to a world where elves, fairies, and all kinds of magical beings lived. Now that the two realms are linked, Detective Sergeant Kai Matoba is partnered with a young girl, Tilarna Exedilica, who is a knight charged with finding a kidnapped fairy. Essentially, the series is a buddy comedy that teaches Kai to be more tolerant toward the magical creatures, while Tilarna has “fish out of water” culture shock moments as she adjusts to life on Earth.
Created by: Shoji Gatoh, Range MurataCast: Kenjiro Tsuda, Mayu Yoshioka, Fumiko OrikasaNumber of seasons: 1
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One Piece
How big is One Piece? The animated adaptation of Eiichiro Oda’s manga series began in 1999 … and it’s still going with more than 900 episodes produced to date. Not even The Simpsons can match that episode total!
The show follows the ongoing tales of Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat Pirates as they go from one thrilling adventure to the next. The search is on for the “One Piece,” the world’s ultimate treasure that could allow whoever finds it to become the new Pirate King. Monkey’s elastic body gives him an edge, but the Straw Hat Pirates have a lot of competition in the search for this prize.
Created by: Junki TakegamiCast: Mayumi Tanaka, Kazuya Nakai, Akemi OkamuraNumber of seasons: 11
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Corpse Princess
It’s hard not to be reminded of Buffy the Vampire Slayer when watching Corpse Princess. There are some similarities between Yoshiichi Akahito’s manga-turned-anime series and Joss Whedon’s magnum opus. But Corpse Princess largely goes its own way as it chronicles the story of Makina Hoshimura, a teenage girl raised after her death to become an undead warrior. To earn her way into Heaven and avenge her family, Makina has to hunt down and destroy other undead people and monsters. And unlike Buffy Summers, Makina doesn’t shy away from bringing big guns to a knife fight … or any other kind of battle.
Created by: Shō AikawaCast: Nana Akiyama, Tatsuya Hasome, Keiji FujiwaraNumber of seasons: 2
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My Hero Academia
Marvel and DC have a stranglehold over superheroes in comic-book stores and movie theaters. However, there’s a generation of manga and anime fans who have a superhero epic of their own: My Hero Academia. The anime is based on Kōhei Horikoshi’s wildly popular manga series about a high school that serves as a training ground for the next generation of heroes.
The anime series follows Izuku Midoriya, a teenager born without a power or quirk of his own. But a chance encounter with the world’s greatest superhero gives Izuku the chance to become a hero in his own right. The supporting cast is also a rich assortment of eclectic heroes with wild and inventive powers. Hulu has all four seasons, and there’s no better way to catch up on the series before the fifth arrives.
Created by: Kōhei HorikoshiCast: Daiki Yamashita, Justin Briner, Nobuhiko OkamotoNumber of seasons: 4
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JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
It took two attempts for the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure manga to break out as an anime, but the wildly successful revival series has become a genuine hit. The current show chronicles the adventures of the Joestar family from the 19th century to the present. Each generation has its “JoJo,” with Jonathan Joestar being the first. Jonathan’s conflict with the seemingly immortal vampire, Dio, spans decades. And it falls to Jonathan’s grandson, Jotaro Kujo, to finish the fight alongside a band of misfits who wield superpowers called “Stands.”
Created by: Hirohiko ArakiCast: Matthew Mercer, Daisuke Ono, Fuminori KomatsuNumber of seasons: 4
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Cowboy Bebop
Netflix may have the upcoming live-action series, but Hulu has the original Cowboy Bebop. More than two decades after its initial debut, Cowboy Bebop remains a fan favorite thanks to its stylish mix of sci-fi, westerns, and noir. In the future, an unlikely group of bounty hunters makes their way among the interstellar colonies. However, the past is often present for Spike, Jet, Faye, Ed, and Ein. Cowboy Bebop only ran for 26 episodes, but the series’ fascinating journey and memorable ending still resonate to this day.
Created by: Hajime YatateCast: Kôichi Yamadera, Unshô Ishizuka, Megumi Hayashibara, Steve BlumNumber of seasons: 1
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One-Punch Man
Meet Saitama, the most powerful superhero in the world. Despite his slight physique, Saitama can defeat any foe as long as he can land a single punch. But that’s a big problem for the star of One-Punch Man. Saitama craves a challenge that he can never truly find, which leads to some very funny moments. The superheroes of this world simply can’t compare to Saitama, and they have a hard time believing that he is truly as humble as he appears. One-Punch Man is one of a kind, and it’s easily among the most memorable series of the past decade.
Created by: OneCast: Makoto Furukawa, Kaito Ishikawa, Max MittelmanNumber of seasons: 2
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Attack on Titan
It’s fitting that one of the biggest anime series in the world is all about evil giants and the people who fight them. Attack on Titan takes place in a dark future where the remnants of humanity are hunted by Titans, giant human-like creatures who devour anyone unfortunate enough to get in their way. Even the large walls surrounding the cities can’t keep the giants from their prey for long, however. A teenager named Eren Yeager discovers that the hard way, and he becomes a Titan himself during his quest for revenge.
Created by: Hajime IsayamaCast: Marina Inoue, Yûki Kaji, Yui IshikawaNumber of seasons: 4
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Tokyo Ghoul
Horror and sci-fi collide in Tokyo Ghoul, as a young man named Ken Kaneki finds his life irrevocably changed by a bad date. His date, a ghoul, nearly devours him in the first episode, leaving him to become a human-ghoul hybrid who has to learn how to reconcile his new life while maintaining his ties to his normal friends. Along the way, he may even become a hero as well.
Created by: Sui Ishida, PierrotCast: Natsuki Hanae, Sora Amamiya, Austin Tindle, Brina PalenciaNumber of seasons: 3
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Naruto Shippuden
There are four different Naruto-related anime series on Hulu, but the best one is Naruto Shippuden. It’s the first sequel series, and it takes place more than two years after the original show as Naruto Uzumaki returns to his village for the next stage of his quest to become the Hokage (leader) of his village, Konohagakure. But first, Naruto will need to reconnect with his friends and rededicate himself to his training before facing his destiny.
Created by: Masashi KishimotoCast: Junko Takeuchi, Maile Flanagan, Kate HigginsNumber of seasons: 9
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Akira
Akira isn’t just one of the greatest anime films ever made, it’s also a landmark cyberpunk story that remains highly influential three decades after its release. Based on the manga of the same name, Akira follows Shōtarō Kaneda as he tries to save his friend, Tetsuo Shima, from his uncontrollable telekinetic powers. Years before, Tokyo was destroyed by another powerful telekinetic named Akira. However, Akira may be able to change the fate of both Tetsuo and Neo-Tokyo, if Kaneda can uncover hidden secrets and survive his friend’s wrath.
Created by: Katsuhiro Ôtomo (manga), Izô Hashimoto (screenplay)Cast: Jimmy Flinders, Stanley Gurd Jr., Deanna Morris (English dub cast)Runtime: 124 minutes
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Ergo Proxy
Although Ergo Proxy lasted only a single season, it made quite an impression thanks to its stunning visuals and its occasionally confounding philosophical stories. It takes place in a future where humans and androids live side by side in peace, until a virus gives the androids self-awareness and a desire to kill. Inspector Re-L Mayer soon discovers that another species called Proxy may hold the secrets that will decide the fate of humanity and androids alike.
Created by: Dai Sato, ManglobeCast: Kôji Yusa, Akiko Yajima, Liam O’Brien, Rachel HirschfeldNumber of seasons: 1
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Ranma 1/2
Ranma Saotome is a perfectly normal martial artist and teenage boy … except when he’s a girl. That’s the curse at the heart of Ranma 1/2, one of the first anime series to break out in the U.S. Before the events of the show, Ranma and his father, Genma, fell into a cursed spring. Subsequently, they transform into a girl and a panda, respectively, any time they are exposed to cold water. Naturally, that complicates Ranma’s betrothal to Akane, a fellow martial artist. But it also ensures a lot of laughs in this comedy series.
Created by: Rumiko TakahashiCast: Kappei Yamaguchi, Megumi Hayashibara, Noriko HidakaNumber of seasons: 7
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Outlaw Star
Fans of Joss Whedon’s TV series, Firefly, may notice several familiar elements in the space western, Outlaw Star. However, the anime and the manga that inspired it pre-date Firefly by a few years. Within this series, Gene Starwind and the motley crew of the Outlaw Star take on odd jobs to keep their ship in working order. They also search the cosmos for a galactic treasure as Gene develops romantic feelings for Melfina, an advanced bio-android. Only 26 episodes were produced, but that also allowed Outlaw Star to reach a satisfying conclusion.
Created by: Hajime Yatate, Takehiko ItōCast: Ayako Kawasumi, Bob Buchholz, Bridget HoffmanNumber of seasons: 1
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Space Dandy
Space Dandy is a weird show, but in a good way! The series follows a guy named Dandy, or as the show calls him, “a dandy guy in space.” He travels the universe with a robot named QT and the cat-like being known as Meow. This is a sci-fi comedy with only the loosest possible interpretation of continuity between each episode. That’s why Dandy and his friends can meet darkly hilarious ends and return in the next episode completely healed and intact. Trust us, it’s a blast.
Created by: BonesCast: Jun’ichi Suwabe, Uki Satake, Hiroyuki Yoshino, Ian Sinclair, Joel McDonaldNumber of seasons: 1
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Death Note
Imagine holding the power of life and death in your hands. It’s not a hypothetical situation in Death Note, a series in which high-school student Light Yagami comes into possession of the Death Note, a book that allows Light to kill anyone whose name is written in it. Light quickly develops a God complex as he takes credit for killing “bad people” while using his alter ego, Kira. That leads to a delicious game of cat and mouse between Light and the enigmatic investigator known as L. But when the Death Note is in play, very few will make it out alive.
Created by: Tsugumi Ohba, Takeshi ObataCast: Mamoru Miyano, Brad Swaile, Vincent TongNumber of seasons: 1
Watch on Hulu

Heroic Age
Do you want some fantasy mixed in with your space mecha adventures? Heroic Age blends elements of Greek mythology with a futuristic universe where humanity has been forced to scatter for its own survival. Dangerous alien races (or “tribes”) want to exterminate the remaining humans. But Princess Dhianeila and the starship Argonaut may have found humanity’s savior: A young man named Age. When pressed into battle, Age can transform into a mech-like giant called Bellcross. However, bringing the intergalactic conflict to a close is easier said than done. Age and Dhianeila face several trials together before their story reaches its natural conclusion.
Created by: Tow UbukataCast: Hiroshi Yazaki, Yui Ishikawa, Takashi KondôNumber of seasons: 1
Watch on Hulu

Trigun
In the Trigun anime, Vash the Stampede may be the deadliest man in the galaxy, and the best gunslinger as well. He also happens to be an upbeat pacifist who just can’t seem to stop leaving chaos and destruction in his wake. This series struck a chord with American viewers for its deft blend of action and comedy, while Vash’s story revealed hidden chapters of his past. Regardless of what he may or may not have done before the series, Vash is a fan-favorite anime icon, and his adventures in Trigun have made this series an enduring hit.
Created by: Yasuhiro NightowCast: Masaya Onosaka, Hiromi Tsuru, Johnny Yong Bosch, Dorothy Elias-FahnNumber of seasons: 1
Watch on Hulu

Samurai Champloo
Samurai Champloo is a wild mixture of comedy and martial arts action that utilizes real events from Japanese history while integrating them with modern culture and even hip-hop music. That’s a combination that doesn’t make much sense, but somehow, it just works. The trio at the heart of the show are a young woman named Fuu, and her two reluctant companions: Mugen and Jin. After saving the two warriors from execution, Fuu recruits them for her personal mission to track down an enigmatic samurai who is very important to her.
Created by: ManglobefCast: Kazuya Nakai, Ginpei Sato, Steve Blum, Kirk ThorntonNumber of seasons: 1
Watch on Hulu

Editors’ Recommendations

Nifty Nev

Hulu, Nine Perfect Strangers | 19/08/202119/08/2021

Bobby Cannavale stars in Nine Perfect Strangers. Vince Valitutti/Hulu
Following the critical success of Big Little Lies and The Undoing, Nicole Kidman and David E. Kelley have teamed up once more for Nine Perfect Strangers, another star-studded limited series that is set to premiere on Hulu next Wednesday.
Based on the New York Times bestselling novel of the same name by Big Little Lies author Liane Moriarty and co-written by Kelley, John Henry Butterworth and Samantha Strauss, the eight-part miniseries follows nine stressed city dwellers who enter a retreat at Tranquillum House, a secret health-and-wellness resort that promises to transform their lives and bring them healing and rejuvenation. Their 10-day stay is overseen by the resort’s enigmatic director, Masha Dmitrichenko (Kidman), a Russian-American woman who is known for carefully mixing and matching her guests “like a cocktail.”
But as the unsuspecting guests surrender themselves to their host in order to confront their deepest fears and innermost demons, the truth about Masha’s mysterious past and use of psychedelic therapies begins to reveal itself in surprising and unsettling ways.
I definitely can separate my work from my personal life. I have two toddlers at home. I don’t give a shit.
One of these “perfect” strangers is Tony Hogburn (Bobby Cannavale), a former football star who initially wants to curb a drug addiction at the retreat. Before he even sets foot on the premises, Tony, who is admittedly a little rough around the edges and hiding his own painful past, begins clashing with Frances Welty (Melissa McCarthy), an author who is struggling to sell her next book and believes she is “in need of some fixing.”
In a recent video interview during the TCA Press Tour, Cannavale opens up to Observer about his close friendship with McCarthy, the way that Tony and Frances’ lives will intersect at the resort, and his lifelong quest to avoid typecasting and find roles that highlight different parts of the human experience.
Observer: It’s been about a year since it was announced that you had signed on to star in Nine Perfect Strangers, so what was it about this project that immediately captured your attention?
Bobby Cannavale: Melissa McCarthy brought it to my attention. She texted me about it, and she was like, “You should read this. I think this could be something that we could do that we haven’t done before. I’ve never seen you play this kind of part.” So that got me hooked, and then I read it, and I just thought it was so interesting on a lot of levels.
I had just read a book about psychedelic therapy two weeks before this script — it just so happens that I just finished this book called How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan. That had me already in the mindset of thinking about alternative therapies, and how tirelessly people have been working for years to try to treat depression, different forms of trauma and grief.
And here came this script about people trying to move through their grief. I was kind of game for that kind of information going into my head, and I just thought the character was funny, interesting and unpredictable. I loved that he was a guy who voluntarily signed up to be at this wellness retreat and spent all of his time there resisting it, and I thought, Well, that’s an interesting dichotomy. How can I play that?
Nicole Kidman in Nine Perfect Strangers. Hulu
You have collaborated many times with Melissa McCarthy, and you have a shorthand with each other off-screen that seems to translate on-screen. How has working with Melissa really pushed you as an actor, and why do you think you seem to gel so well together?
I don’t really know. We hit it off like a house on fire right away when we were doing Spy together. One of the first things we had to do was shoot this ridiculous fight in a helicopter for two days, and we just laughed a lot.
I think we’re the same age, and we’ve got a lot of the same references. We think the same things are funny. Our families really like each other. I don’t really know why the chemistry is there, but we do enjoy working with each other, and it’s pretty easy going when you’re working with her. We both like to prepare a lot. We don’t do a lot of talking about the scene. We just let it fly, and I don’t know, man. But she is just extremely talented and she’s a deep, deep, deep well of emotions, and she’s got a lot of tools in the box. And when you’re playing with somebody like that, it’s next level, and I’m very, very grateful for it.
At the retreat, Tony has hit a bit of a rough patch. He’s still reeling from an injury that ended his football career, and he’s not really on speaking terms with his kids. But it isn’t until he meets Frances and they begin to clash that he begins to find a renewed purpose in his life. How would you say the relationship between the two of them helps both of them heal as the series progresses?
Well, I think it’s one of those things, right? When he first meets her, I think one of the first scenes I have is at the side of the road with her, and he’s trying to help her and she’s not giving an inch. And he says to her, “Sorry to bother you. I can see you’re a tragic person.” I think that’s a prophetic line. I think he could be talking to himself, and I don’t think he realizes it.
But I think, as they keep running into each other, there is a similarity in their processing of their grief and their trauma that is familiar, even though, on paper, they don’t have anything in common. There’s something about [how] their vulnerabilities match up in a way that we don’t see coming sometimes. I think that’s very, very real. And sometimes, the people that we have the strongest reactions to end up being the ones that change our lives the most, and I think that’s what happens with these two.
Bobby Cannavale in Nine Perfect Strangers. Hulu
Does working on a show about personal wellness and confronting your own demons make you think about your own life, or are you generally someone who is able to separate your acting work from your personal life?
No, I definitely can separate my work from my personal life. I have two toddlers at home. I don’t give a shit. (Laughs.) My problems ain’t nothing like any of these characters. Work is fun — work is just work. I love what I do, but there’s so much involved with making these kinds of things, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity. But I just have too many kids to deal with.
This is one of those projects that immediately captures your attention when you see the entire ensemble. What would you say was the most surprising or challenging part of working with such a seasoned group of actors in Australia — and in the middle of a pandemic, no less?
It was intense, man. It was hopefully a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But we’re talking about a time when not a lot of work was happening in many sectors at all, particularly in our business, so we were one of the first things to go. So it wasn’t lost on us that we were able to go to work. It really brought back into focus just what a collective effort it is to make one of these things.
It’s hundreds and hundreds of people that are employed with jobs, and you could just see the look on everybody’s eyes behind the masks — how grateful they were to be in contact with other people, doing a job. It’s important that we go to work, and that really, really, really was brought home by this pandemic and by this experience and having to travel halfway around the world in order to do the one thing that most of us take for granted — going to work every day.
You’ve done so much varied work over the last 25 years. At this stage of your career, do you still feel typecast, or are you someone who likes to avoid being pigeonholed in one specific category or genre?
Well, I think the business always wants to pigeonhole you. That’s the easiest thing to do. Some people are into that; some people really want that. I’ve talked to actors who are so glad they’ve found their thing, and I’m just allergic to that kind of thinking. I keep myself up at night wondering what I’m gonna do different that I haven’t done before. It keeps my mind sharp, it keeps my interest at a high level, and it makes me more and more curious about the things that make us tick. That’s why I became an actor in the first place.
But as you look ahead, is there a genre that you would like to revisit or tackle the first time?
That’s a good question. I did a project some years ago — it’s a play, nobody cares. (Laughs.) I did a play that was a 100 years old, this old Eugene O’Neill play called The Hairy Ape. And I worked with somebody who really understood it really well and made it beautiful to me, really illuminated it to me, and I, therefore, felt like an expert at the thing by the time I was done with it. We were able to create something that was really dynamic and really imaginative and really fresh for people who never really considered it, so again, it was like a 100-year-old piece of art. I’d like to do more of that. I’d like to find things that are tricky in terms of their approachability and try to figure out how to make them approachable. I don’t know exactly what that is, but there’s plenty out there.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
The first three episodes of Nine Perfect Strangers are now available on Hulu, with one of the remaining five episodes set to be released every Wednesday.

Nifty Nev

Home Theater, Hulu, Movies & TV, streaming, Tier 4, what to watch | 18/08/202118/08/2021

The collection of movies and shows on Hulu has only been getting better over the years, with plenty of original films and series available to subscribers along with a large library of new and classic movies, shows, and specials. The streaming service gets more new arrivals in September, and you can read on for all of the highlights, as well as everything else coming to Hulu — and leaving — throughout the month.
Read below for our top picks, and scroll down further for the full list, with our recommendations in bold. (Note: Series with “FX” will have episodes available on Hulu the day after they air on TV, while series with “FX on Hulu” will be available on Hulu immediately.)
Need more suggestions?

Our top pick for September
Y: The Last Man

In development for more than half a decade now, the adaptation of Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra’s comic book series of the same name follows a man and his pet monkey who become the last mammals with a Y chromosome left on Earth after a mysterious, apocalyptic event. The Book Thief actor Ben Schnetzer stars in the series as Yorick Brown, who must deal with the ramifications of being the last man alive while the rest of the world attempts to rebuild society in one form or another. Diane Lane, Olivia Thirlby, and Ashley Romans fill out the series’ cast.
Everything new on Hulu in September
September 1

50/50 (2011)
A Fish Called Wanda (1988)
Anaconda (1997)
Angel Unchained (1970)
The Apparition (2012)
At the Earth’s Core (1976)
Blue City (1986)
Bull Durham (1988)
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
Cannon for Cordoba (1970)
Cellar Dweller (1988)
Cold Creek Manor (2003)
Count Yorga, Vampire (1970)
Crazy Heart (2009)
The Dunwich Horror (1970)
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
El Dorado (1967)
Election (1999)
Exterminator 2 (1984)
Free Willy (1993)
Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home (1995)
Free Willy 3: The Rescue (1997)
Free Willy: Escape from Pirate’s Cove (2010)
Friday the 13th – Part III (1982)
Friday the 13th – Part IV: The Final Chapter (1984)
Fright Night (1985)
Gattaca (1997)
Girls! Girls! Girls! (1962)
The Glass House (2001)
Grosse Pointe Blank (1997)
Hitman: Agent 47 (2015)
Hoosiers (1986)
I Spit on Your Grave (2010)
I Spit on Your Grave 2 (2013)
I Spit on Your Grave 3 (2015)
Internal Affairs (1990)
The Interview (2014)
Jacob’s Ladder (1990)
Just Between Friends (1986)
The Killer Elite (1975)
Kiss the Girls (1997)
The Last Castle (2001)
Magic Mike (2012)
The Manchurian Candidate (2004)
The Mexican (2001)
McLintock! (Producer’s Cut) (1963)
Miss You Already (2015)
Mommy (2015)
Mosquito Squadron (1970)
Mr. North (1988)
Much Ado About Nothing (2013)
New Year’s Eve (2011)
Nixon (1995)
Office Space (1999)
The Omen (1976)
The Patsy (1964)
Phase IV (1974)
The Possession (2012)
Priest (2011)
Raising Arizona (1987)
The Ring (2002)
Road to Perdition (2002)
Salvador (1986)
Secret Admirer (1985)
Shaun The Sheep Movie (2015)
Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
Solace (2016)
Stephen King’s It (1990)
Sucker Punch (2011)
Tears of the Sun (2003)
The Tenant (1976)
Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride (2005)
Tyler Perry’s The Family That Preys (2008)
Under Fire (1983)
Vantage Point (2008)
Volcano (1997)
The Wedding Plan (2016)
The Wrestler (2008)
The X-Files (1998)

September 2

Trolls: TrollsTopia: Complete Season 4 (Hulu Original)
Death in Texas (2021)
The Unthinkable (2021)

September 3

The D’Amelio Show: Complete Season 1 (Hulu Original)
What We Do in the Shadows: Season 3 Premiere (FX)
Bolden (2019)
Undine (2021)

September 4

Flower (2017)

September 8

Wu-Tang: An American Saga: Season 2 Premiere (Hulu Original)
La La Land (2016)

September 10

The Killing of Two Lovers (2020)
Transporter 3 (2008)

September 11

High Ground (2021)

September 13

Y: The Last Man: Three-Episode Series Premiere (FX on Hulu)
Colette (2018)

September 15

Joseph: King of Dreams (2000)
Love, Simon (2018)
Maze Runner: The Death Cure (2018)

September 16

The Premise: Series Premiere (FX on Hulu)
Stalker (2021)
On Chesil Beach (2018)
Riders of Justice (2021)

September 20

Grown Ups (2010)

September 23

Funhouse (2021)

September 24

An American Haunting (2006)

September 25

Gemini (2018)

September 28

Felix and the Hidden Treasure (2021)
Home Run (2013)

September 29

Minor Premise (2021)

September 30

New Order (2021)

Leaving Hulu in September
September 1

The Iron Lady (2011)
Our Family Wedding (2009)
Young Adult (2011)

September 2

Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life (2016)

September 23

An American Haunting (2006)

September 29

Destination Wedding (2018)
Larry The Cable Guy: Health Inspector (2006)
Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011)
One for the Money (2012)

September 30

2012 (2009)
50/50 (2011)
A Fish Called Wanda (1988)
A Hard Day (2014)
A Perfect Day (2006)
The Adventures of Tintin (2011)
Anaconda (1997)
Anaconda 3: Offspring (2008)
Anacondas: Trail of Blood (2009)
Angel Unchained (1970)
The Assassin (2015)
At the Earth’s Core (1976)
Australia (2008)
Bad Teacher (2011)
Beasts Clawing at Straws (2020)
Better Living Through Chemistry (2014)
Big Fish (2003)
Black And White (2000)
BOY (2010)
Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)
Breakdown (1997)
Bruno (2009)
Bull Durham (1988)
Burning (2018)
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
Caddyshack (1980)
Caddyshack II (1988)
Cannon For Cordoba (1970)
Cellar Dweller (1988)
Charles and Diana: 1983 (2020)
Charlotte’s Web (1973)
The Chumscrubber (2005)
The Condemned (2007)
Contagion (2011)
Count Yorga, Vampire (1970)
Coyote Ugly (2000)
Dangerous Minds (1995)
Daredevil (2003)
Desperate Measures (1998)
Detective Dee: The Four Heavenly Kings (2018)
Don’T Think Twice (2016)
Dumb & Dumber (1994)
Dumb And Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd (2003)
The Dunwich Horror (1970)
Eliminators (2016)
Exterminator 2 (1984)
Fired Up! (2009)
Foxfire (1996)
Fred Claus (2007)
Fright Night (1985)
From Paris with Love (2010)
Galaxy Quest (1999)
Grandma (2015)
Grosse Pointe Blank (1997)
The Grudge (2004)
Gundala (2019)
Hard Romanticker (2011)
Hideaway (1995)
Himalaya (1991)
House of the Dead (2003)
House of the Dead 2 (2006)
Housesitter (1992)
I Do … Until I Don’t (2017)
I Wish I Knew (2010)
Ice Age (2002)
In The Cut (2003)
Indignation (2016)
Intolerable Cruelty (2003)
It’s Kind of a Funny Story (2010)
Jacob’s Ladder (1990)
Johnny English (2003)
Just Between Friends (1986)
The Killer Elite (1975)
Knowing (2009)
Lady Vengeance (2005)
Long Day’s Journey Into Night (2018)
Lost in Hong Kong (2015)
Machines (2016)
The Man from Nowhere (2010)
Maximum Risk (1996)
Mercury Rising (1998)
Mosquito Squadron (1970)
Mountains May Depart (2015)
Mr. North (1988)
The Nightingale (2013)
Nixon (1995)
Old Stone (2016)
The Omen (1976)
Once Upon a Time in the West (1969)
Open Water (2004)
Open Water 2: Adrift (2006)
Places in the Heart (1984)
The Polar Express (2004)
Pop Aye (2017)
R.L. Stine: Mostly Ghostly (2008)
R.L. Stine’s Monsterville: The Cabinet of Souls (2015)
R.L. Stine’s Mostly Ghostly: Have You Met My Ghoulfriend? (2014)
R.L. Stine’s Mostly Ghostly: One Night in Doom House (2016)
R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour: Don’t Think About It (2007)
Raising Arizona (1987)
Reno 911!: Miami: The Movie (2007)
The Ring (2002)
Rookie of the Year (1993)
Salvador (1986)
Scent of Green Papayas (1993)
Secret Admirer (1985)
Sk8 Dawg (2018)
Sleeping With The Enemy (1991)
Sleepwalkers (1992)
The Soloist (2009)
Somewhere (2010)
Sorority Row (2009)
Space Jam (1996)
The Stepfather (2009)
Sunshine (2005)
Super Troopers (2002)
Sweet Bean (2015)
Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance (2002)
Take Shelter (2011)
Taken (2009)
This Means War (2010)
Thunderheart (1992)
Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride (2005)
Tokyo Rising (2020)
Tooth Fairy (2008)
Train to Busan (2016)
Tyler Perry’S The Family That Preys (2008)
Under Fire (1983)
Universal Soldier (1992)
Virtuosity (1995)
The Wailing (2016)
Whip It (2009)
Wilde (1998)
Wings of Courage (1995)
The Woman Who Left (2016)
Young Sherlock Holmes (1985)

In case you missed August’s list, here are all of the new arrivals and projects leaving Hulu throughout the month.
Everything new on Hulu in August
August 1

10 to Midnight (1983)
21 (2008)
30 Days of Night (2007)
30 Minutes or Less (2011)
All About E (2015)
Alpha & Omega (2010)
Are We There Yet? (2005)
As Good as It Gets (1997)
Attack the Block (2011)
The Baby-Sitters Club (1995)
Bagdad Cafe (1988)
The Beast Within (1982)
Black Swan (2009)
Blood Games (1991)
Blood on Satan’s Claw (1970)
Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)
Cherry Pop (2017)
Christina’s House (2001)
Contagion (2011)
Every Breath You Take (2021)
The Final Girls (2015)
First Knight (1995)
Fish Don’t Blink (2002)
Fred Claus (2007)
Freelancers (2012)
French Postcards (1979)
From Prada to Nada (2011)
Garbo Talks (1984)
Getting Go: The Go Doc Project (2013)
The Girl King (2015)
The Grudge (2004)
Gulliver’s Travels (2009)
Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957)
The Hawaiians (1970)
Heart of Midnight (1989)
Heartbreakers (2001)
Henry Gamble’s Birthday Party (2015)
Henry V (1989)
Hondo (1953)
The Hot Chick (2002)
The Hunter (1980)
I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)
I Love You, Don’t Touch Me! (1998)
It’s Kind of a Funny Story (2010)
Jack And Jill (2011)
The Killing Streets (1991)
King Arthur (2004)
Kingpin (1996)
The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000)
Liz in September (2014)
Mad Max (1980)
Miami Blues (1990)
Mirror Mirror (2012)
Mud (2013)
My Bloody Valentine (1981)
Naz & Maalik (2015)
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987)
Plaza Suite (1971)
Roadhouse 66 (1984)
Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion (1997)
Rudy (1993)
Shane (1953)
Shark Tale (2002)
Some Kind of Wonderful (1987)
The Sons of Katie Elder (1965)
Special Effects (1984)
Spellbinder (1988)
Thelma & Louise (1991)
The Thin Red Line (1998)
Those People (2015)
Toy Soldiers (1991)
Transcendence (2014)
Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)
The Vatican Tapes (2015)
Watchmen (2009)

August 5

Princess Cyd (2017)

August 6

Madagascar: A Little Wild: Complete Season 4 (Hulu Original)

August 8

The Party (2018)

August 9

Reservation Dogs: Series Premiere (FX on Hulu)

August 10

Together Together (2021)

August 11

AWOL (2016)

August 12

Homeroom (2021) (Hulu Original)
The Force (2017)
Held (2021)
The Virtuoso (2021)
The Waiting Room (2012)

August 15

The Hate U Give (2018)
Silo (2019)

August 17

The Skeleton Twins (2014)

August 18

Nine Perfect Strangers: Series Premiere (Hulu Original)
The Marijuana Conspiracy (2021)
Unsane (2018)

August 19

Blast Beat (2020)
Jungleland (2021)

August 21

We Broke Up (2021)

August 24

Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor (2013)

August 26

Disobedience (2017)
Feral State (2021)
Love and Monsters (2021)

August 27

Vacation Friends (2021) (Hulu Original)
Chaos Walking (2020)

August 28

Four Good Days (2021)

August 29

Horizon Line (2021)

August 30

9/11: One Day in America: Series Premiere (National Geographic)
Spell (2020)

August 31

Only Murders in the Building: Series Premiere (Hulu Original)

Leaving Hulu in August
August 14

Life Like (2019)
The Shape of Water (2017)

August 24

The Grapes of Wrath (1940)
How Green Was My Valley (1941)
The November Man (2014)

August 30

The Chaser (2008)
Kindergarten Cop 2 (2016)
Like Father, Like Son (2013)
Nobody Knows (2004)
The One I Love (2014)
Still Walking (2008)

August 31

10 to Midnight (1983)
50/50 (2011)
A Most Wanted Man (2014)
Across The Universe (2007)
Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid (2004)
Arachnophobia (1990)
As Good as It Gets (1997)
The A-Team (2010)
Bagdad Cafe (1988)
The Beast Within (1982)
Beetlejuice (1988)
The Best Man (1999)
The Big Chill (1983)
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
The Blair Witch Project: Book of Shadows (2000)
Blood Games (1991)
Blood on Satan’s Claw (1970)
The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day (2009)
Bucky Larson Born to Be a Star (2011)
Christina’s House (2001)
Cliffhanger (1993)
The Company You Keep (2013)
Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009)
Conviction (2010)
The Cookout (2004)
Date Night (2010)
The Dead Zone (1983)
Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo (2005)
Dragonfly (2002)
Dragonheart (1996)
Dragonheart 3: The Sorcerer’S Curse (2014)
Dragonheart: A New Beginning (2000)
Dragonheart: Battle For The Heartfire (2017)
Driven (2001)
Fish Don’t Blink (2002)
The Forbidden Kingdom (2008)
Garbo Talks (1984)
Hancock (2008)
The Haunting (1999)
The Hawaiians (1970)
Heart of Midnight (1989)
Heartbreakers (2001)
Henry V (1989)
The Hustler (1961)
I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)
I Love You, Don’t Touch Me! (1998)
Jennifer 8 (1992)
Jennifer’s Body (2009)
Just Wright (2009)
Kick-Ass (2010)
The Killing Streets (1991)
King Arthur (2004)
Kung Pow: Enter the Fist (2000)
Lady in a Cage (1964)
The Last House on the Left (2009)
The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000)
Mad Max (1980)
The Mask (1994)
Miami Blues (1990)
Open Range (2003)
Ordinary People (1980)
The Outsider (1980)
Phat Girlz (2006)
Predators (2009)
Primary Colors (1998)
Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010)
Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004)
Resident Evil: Extinction (2007)
Richie Rich (1994)
Roadhouse 66 (1984)
Rudy (1993)
Scrooged (1988)
The Sitter (2011)
The Skull (1965)
Shine a Light (2008)
Soul Survivors (2001)
Special Effects (1984)
Spellbinder (1988)
Stephen King’s Graveyard Shift (1990)
Still Waiting (2009)
Thelma & Louise (1991)
Vanity Fair (2004)
The Virgin Suicides (2000)
Waiting… (2005)
Weekend at Bernie’s (1989)
William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet (1996)
Witless Protection (2008)

Editors’ Recommendations

Nifty Nev

Amazon Prime Video, apple tv, HBO, HBO Max, Hulu, Netflix, Peacock, streaming | 17/08/202117/08/2021

Brooklyn Nine-Nine NBC
Conspiratorial mystery is the name of the game this week for Observer Entertainment’s watch list, and there are an abundance of players to choose from. If your interest lies in high-tension political thrillers, look no further than Beckett or The Kingdom. For those who want to dissect the mind of a serial killer who got away with double-digit murders, turn your attention to Memories of a Murderer: The Nilsen Tapes. If you are a skeptic who knows that when things seem too good to be true, they probably are, you’ll find yourself riveted with Nine Perfect Strangers. When you’re finished with these nail-biting, action-packed films, take a breather with feel-good dramedy CODA. Whatever you’re looking for, we have you covered.
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Brooklyn Nine-Nine (August 12)
After eight years, the Nine-Nine is going out in a blaze of glory with its final season that promises to meet and exceed fans’ high expectations, bringing all the inside jokes and iconic references to the briefing table (as the teaser trailer notes, there have been seven heists, 32 impromptu sex tape titles and 4,279 “cools”). Nonetheless, even with all the familiar tones of adventure and comedy that make up the fundamentals of the series, the show will look different than previous seasons, a choice that was influenced by the death of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter protests against police brutality and racism. The show attempts to balance lighthearted comedy, such as Jake (Andy Samberg) and Charles’ (Joe Lo Truglio) socially distanced high-five, with more serious topics, and while there are moments of inevitable awkwardness that come with navigating such a space, it adds to the depth of the characters we’ve come to know and love throughout these years. Watch Brooklyn Nine-Nine on Hulu.
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CODA (August 13)
As a child of deaf adults, or CODA, Ruby Rossi (Emilia Jones) is the only hearing member of her deaf family. A teenager who is torn between her passion for music and her dedication to her family’s well-being, Ruby faces the toughest, coming-of-age challenges in her life. CODA skillfully balances the line between heartstring-tugging, emotional catharsis and clever comedy from the most unexpected places, making it no surprise that the film made splashing waves among audiences and judges alike at the Sundance Film Festival. The dramedy is also notable for its extensive use of sign language and its casting of deaf actors, including Oscar winner Marlee Matlin. Watch CODA on Apple TV+.
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Brand New Cherry Flavor (August 13)
What do you get when a filmmaker travels to Hollywood in the early 1990s? In the case of Brand New Cherry Flavor, the answer entails a kaleidoscopic rabbit hole filled with revenge, magic, gore — and kittens. While the eight-episode series draws much of its off-kilter allure from the plethora of spine-tingling horror interlaced with frankly bizarre situations that will leave audiences unsure of whether to be frightened or amused, it’s the way in which the main characters just roll with the flow of all this disturbing drama that ties together this mystifying show. Watch Brand New Cherry Flavor on Netflix.
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Beckett (August 13)
This conspiracy thriller reminiscent of the 1970s slow-burn political paranoia films stars its namesake, played by John David Washington, as he becomes entangled in a tragic accident in Greece. An American tourist who involuntarily finds himself the target of a governmental manhunt, Beckett is desperate to reach the American embassy and clear his name, a goal that becomes complicated amid the broader context of political unrest throughout Greece, which is portrayed in the film as a dynamically troubled nation amid political and economic friction. Watch Beckett on Netflix.
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The Kingdom (El Reino) (August 13)
The boundaries of the state and the church are blurred and mixed with drama, mystery and murder in this Netflix series, which stars Diego Peretti as Emilio Vázquez Pena, candidate for vice president of Argentina. During the campaign closing ceremony, his running mate is assassinated. This creates an opportunity for him to rise in political power as the next president of the nation, but the situation becomes more labyrinthian due to Emilio’s commitments to his family and religion given his position as lead pastor of the Church of Light. Watch The Kingdom on Netflix.
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Gone for Good (August 13)
Based on Harlan Coben’s best-selling book, Gone for Good is a French mystery and thriller miniseries that follows the gripping journey of Guillaume Lucchesi (Finnegan Oldfield), whose closest loved ones are taken away from him in one way or another — quite a tragic irony considering the show is set in none other than the city of love, Paris. Lucchesi, whose character is given introductory depth by the deaths of his first love and his brother that happened 10 years ago, finds himself plunged into a gripping, mind-twisting mystery after his now-girlfriend goes missing. Watch Gone for Good on Netflix.
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Memories of a Murderer: The Nilsen Tapes (August 18)
Dennis Nilsen, or the notorious “Muswell Hill Murderer” who confessed to killing 15 men and boys in the 1970s and 80s, is the next to receive Netflix’s true-crime documentary treatment. Using investigative tactics such as never-before-published voice recordings of Nilsen himself, the documentary attempts to dive into not only how the mind of a serial killer works but how it developed to be that way. The documentary chronicles the life of Nilsen, shedding light on just how chillingly and cunningly he orchestrated the horrific murders. Watch Memories of a Murderer: The Nilsen Tapes on Netflix.
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Nine Perfect Strangers (August 18)
The wellness industry reveals its dark side at Tranquillum House, a therapeutic retreat located on a picturesque estate that is run by enigmatic guru Masha (Nicole Kidman). As the title of the series alludes, nine strangers enter this seemingly perfect centre in hopes of overcoming their personal challenges and dissolving their egos over the course of 10 days. However, not everything is as it seems, most of all Masha, whose witchy charisma progresses from charmingly serene to hauntingly unnerving as the story unfolds. The series illuminates just how far some individuals are willing to go to achieve wellness, and the questionable ethics that underlie such motivations. Watch Nine Perfect Strangers on Hulu.

Keeping Watch is a regular endorsement of TV and movies worth your time.

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