Curated Hulu Suggestions

A drop-dead gorgeous romance that can't be reduced to a plot description.

The follow-up to Ex Machina is an even darker thriller.

A smart comedy about recovering from a nervous breakdown.

Historical fiction mixes great acting with a terrifying story.

PEN15 is a funny sitcom about two friends going through middle-school in the year 2000. The show's creator Maya Erskine plays one of the two characters, who just like most of the show is based on her own life. Erskine's genius in PEN15 is her ability to wrap her own insecurities and hardships growing up in genuinely funny comedy. You might be asking how can a 13-year-old create a TV show and star in it? They can't, Erskine is in her 30s but plays her 13-year-old-self. Her performance and that of her co-star are one more exceptional sight to behold in this hilarious and personal TV show. 

Ramy is a comedy about a Muslim-American navigating what it means to be Muslim and what it means to be American. The show tells stories ranging from weird encounters at the mosque and fasting in Ramadan to being offered Ecstasy by a date and not having enough experience with weed and accidentally doing too much. The show, the creator of the show, and the main character of the show are all called Ramy. Everything you see here is personal and made to reflect the many untold contradictions (and irony) of being a young Muslim person growing up in the States.And this is a reminder of why diversity in storytelling matters, not for PC points, but because it brings about completely original, refreshing stories. Most of the jokes and situations will be completely new to you, opening the ground for an incredibly enjoyable and gripping TV show. You will not be able to look away.

Atlanta is the work of mastermind Donald Glover, who you may know as Troy from Community, two-time Grammy Nominated rapper Childish Gambino, or again from his successful stand-up career. He goes all out here, in what feels like a complete use of his entire multi-talent arsenal (he directs, writes and stars as the lead), as well as a vehicle for what he has to say about the city where he grew up. Earn (Glover) is a Princeton University dropout who has a baby with his ex-girlfriend and who is so broke he is de-facto homeless. When he learns that his cousin has been somewhat successful as a rapper called Paper Boi, he tries to reconnect with him to become his manager. The story of the smart but failed college dropout intertwines with the musician hustle, to give many hilarious moments and characters (look out for Darius, played by LaKeith Stanfield), but mostly a very genuine and relevant work. A fun, sharp and unique show.