Top 8 One-Season Series on Hulu Ranked

Overview

Hulu boasts a subscriber base exceeding 50 million, featuring a variety of limited series designed for viewers who prefer standalone narratives.
These single-season series deliver engaging stories with minimal cliffhangers, making them perfect for binge-watching sessions.
Shows such as Death and Other Details and Nine Perfect Strangers provide rich narratives across different genres that are definitely worth a watch.

Hulu currently enjoys a substantial following, with over 50 million paying subscribers. The platform specializes in limited series, catering to audiences who may not wish to commit to longer-running shows. Typically, these miniseries are adaptations of popular novels or real events, while also exploring various genres such as drama, comedy, and crime.

The major advantages of single-season series include their concise and entertaining plots, along with the absence of overwhelming cliffhangers. This makes them fundamentally suitable for those who appreciate binge-watching. Noteworthy series include the Humanitas Prize-winning Black Cake and the enigmatic thriller Nine Perfect Strangers, among various other noteworthy picks available on the platform.

8 11.22.63

Adaptation of Stephen King’s Acclaimed Novel

11.22.63 features James Franco in the role of Jake Epping, a teacher who discovers a portal that allows him to travel back in time with the chance to avert a historical tragedy: the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Audiences have praised this limited series, finding it gripping across its eight episodes.

The reception among Stephen King readers has been mixed. Some expressed dissatisfaction with Franco’s portrayal and the series’ conclusion. Nonetheless, it has garnered an impressive 8.1/10 rating on IMDb, showcasing its appeal.

7 Death and Other Details

Intriguing Crime Series with Unexpected Turns

Death and Other Details takes viewers aboard a Mediterranean cruise ship in this gripping crime series. Released on Hulu in early 2024, this 10-episode miniseries follows Detective Rufus (Mandy Patinkin) and Imogene Scott (Violett Beane) as they investigate the murder of a passenger.

As the investigation unfolds, it becomes evident that every passenger harbors secrets, creating an air of suspicion throughout the ship. Perfect for fans of the mystery genre, this “locked room”narrative style will keep viewers guessing.

6 The Other Black Girl

A Novel-Inspired Series on Workplace Discrimination

The Other Black Girl adapts Zakiya Dalila Harris’ novel into a compelling 10-episode series. This story follows Nella Rogers (played by Sinclair Daniel), the sole black editorial assistant in her company, whose world shifts dramatically upon the arrival of another black employee.

By tackling sensitive themes surrounding workplace discrimination, the series may evoke strong reactions, making viewer discretion advisable. While the miniseries stands on its own, reading the novel beforehand could enrich the viewing experience.

5 Under The Bridge

True Crime Drama Inspired by Real Events

Under The Bridge delves into the tragic story of 14-year-old Reena Virk, who suffered from relentless bullying at the hands of six girls. This poignant tale, which caught international attention, has been adapted from Rebecca Godfrey’s book.

Viewers will witness the unsettling realities of teenage violence and the circumstances leading to this heartbreak. This series resonates with anyone interested in societal issues and their ramifications. Praised for its storytelling, it has also received a 7.1/10 rating on IMDb.

4 Nine Perfect Strangers

Award-Winning Limited Series of the Year

Nine Perfect Strangers premiered in 2021 and is based on the bestselling book by Liane Moriarty. The series features Nicole Kidman as a wellness guru dedicated to healing the weary minds and bodies of her guests at a health retreat, where nine individuals confront various personal struggles.

Alongside an impressive cast, including Melissa McCarthy and Luke Evans, it offers compelling reasons for viewers to keep this series on their watchlist.

3 Black Cake

Award-Winning Hulu Original Series

Black Cake, a Hulu original inspired by Charmaine Wilkerson’s novel, tells the story of Eleanor Bennett, a Caribbean immigrant. She leaves her children an unconventional inheritance: a voice recording and a traditional Caribbean black cake.

As the narrative unfolds, it reveals rich themes of resilience, family, and buried secrets. Despite the regret of quitting after its first season, it has captured the hearts of audiences, conveying powerful messages about survival and family bonds.

2 High Fidelity

Award-Winning Comedy Series

High Fidelity follows Rob (Zoe Kravitz), the owner of a Brooklyn record shop, as she navigates a painful breakup and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Throughout the series, she reflects on her past relationships, particularly the five most significant heartbreaks.

This limited series, based on Nick Hornby’s novel, effectively blends humor, themes of love and loss, and a passion for music across ten episodes. Despite receiving a commendable rating of 86% on Rotten Tomatoes, it faced cancellation after one season, yet its strong first season remains a joy to watch.

1 Looking For Alaska

A Mini-Series Adaptation of John Green’s Novel

Looking For Alaska is a heartfelt drama that chronicles the life of Miles “Pudge”Halter, a 16-year-old boy who transfers to a boarding school in search of purpose. There, he forges lasting friendships, especially with Alaska, a vibrant and adventurous girl.

However, a tragedy unfolds that forever alters his perspective. Over the course of eight episodes, the series thoughtfully explores themes of love, loss, and the complexities of adolescence. Viewers have expressed both admiration and sadness regarding its conclusion.

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