Best Hulu And Netflix Shows: The Cross-Platform Winners
- 01. Best Hulu and Netflix Shows: The Smartest Picks Right Now
- 02. Top Hulu Shows: Critical Favorites & Must-Watch Picks
- 03. Elite Hulu Picks by Category
- 04. Top Netflix Shows: Global Hits & Award Winners
- 05. Elite Netflix Picks by Category
- 06. Head-to-Head Comparison: Hulu vs Netflix Shows
- 07. What Makes These Shows Worth Watching
- 08. Frequently Asked Questions
- 09. How to Choose Between Hulu and Netflix
Best Hulu and Netflix Shows: The Smartest Picks Right Now
The best Hulu shows right now are Rivals (96% Tomatometer), Deli Boys (98%), Rick and Morty (91%), Daredevil: Born Again (87%), and Wonder Man (91%). The best Netflix shows are The Boroughs (97%), Legends (97%), Devil May Cry (98%), The Chestnut Man (100%), Stranger Things (90%), and One Piece (93%). These selections represent the highest-rated, most critically acclaimed content available on both platforms as of May 2026.
Top Hulu Shows: Critical Favorites & Must-Watch Picks
Hulu has established itself as a leading streaming platform for television, offering original hits like The Handmaid's Tale alongside current broadcast favorites and classic series. The platform's extensive library features some of the best TV shows ever made, from classics like The Golden Girls to perennial favorites that continue drawing viewers.
Elite Hulu Picks by Category
- Rivals (96% Tomatometer, 74% Popcornmeter) - Latest episode aired May 29, 2026
- Deli Boys (98% Tomatometer, 83% Popcornmeter) - Season 2 premiere May 28, 2026
- Rick and Morty (91% Tomatometer, 83% Popcornmeter) - Latest episode May 24, 2026
- Daredevil: Born Again (87% Tomatometer, 83% Popcornmeter) - Marvel's return to streaming
- Wonder Man (91% Tomatometer, 87% Popcornmeter) - Among the best shows Marvel ever made
- The Testaments (87% Tomatometer, 83% Popcornmeter) - Latest episode May 27, 2026
Notable classics on Hulu include Normal People (91% Tomatometer, 92% Popcornmeter) and Homeland (85% both metrics), which maintain strong critical acclaim years after their original runs.
Top Netflix Shows: Global Hits & Award Winners
Netflix's 2026 lineup includes Vladimir, one of the year's most exciting new shows starring Rachel Weisz breaking the fourth wall as a literature professor in controversy. The platform continues dominating withsequels like Bridgerton Season 4 (released January 29, 2026) and The Diplomat Season 4 currently filming for early 2027 release.
Elite Netflix Picks by Category
- The Boroughs - 97% Tomatometer, 79% Popcornmeter; latest episode May 21, 2026
- Legends - 97% Tomatometer, 85% Popcornmeter; limited series from May 7, 2026
- Devil May Cry - 98% Tomatometer, 75% Popcornmeter; Season 2 aired May 12, 2026
- The Chestnut Man - 100% Tomatometer, 75% Popcornmeter; Danish mystery thriller
- Kylie - 100% Tomatometer, 96% Popcornmeter; latest episode May 20, 2026
- The WONDERfools - 100% Tomatometer, 97% Popcornmeter; latest episode May 15, 2026
- Stranger Things - 90% Tomatometer, 83% Popcornmeter; flagship sci-fi horror series
- One Piece - 93% Tomatometer, 95% Popcornmeter; live-action adaptation
Upcoming releases include Wednesday Season 3, which began production in Ireland at the end of February 2026 and is not expected to premiere until 2027. Eva Green and Winona Ryder joined the cast as Aunt Ophelia and Tabitha respectively.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Hulu vs Netflix Shows
| Show Name | Platform | Tomatometer | Popcornmeter | Latest Episode/Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rivals | Hulu | 96% | 74% | May 29, 2026 |
| The Boroughs | Netflix | 97% | 79% | May 21, 2026 |
| Deli Boys | Hulu | 98% | 83% | May 28, 2026 |
| Legends | Netflix | 97% | 85% | May 7, 2026 |
| Wonder Man | Hulu | 91% | 87% | 2026 premiere |
| Stranger Things | Netflix | 90% | 83% | Ongoing flagship |
| Daredevil: Born Again | Hulu | 87% | 83% | May 5, 2026 |
| One Piece | Netflix | 93% | 95% | March 10, 2026 |
What Makes These Shows Worth Watching
These selections demonstrate educational rigor through exceptional storytelling, complex character development, and production values that rival premium theatrical releases. Marvel's Wonder Man represents a creative peak for the franchise, with executive producers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg modeling it directly on classic television formats.
Netflix's Devil May Cry adapts Capcom's iconic video game with animated excellence, while One Piece proves live-action adaptations can honor source material authentically. Hulu's Rick and Morty continues its eighth season with the philosophical depth and satirical brilliance that made it a cultural phenomenon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Choose Between Hulu and Netflix
Both services offer substantial content libraries with distinct strengths. Hulu excels at next-day broadcast episodes alongside original programming like The Handmaid's Tale and Normal People. Netflix dominates with global original content including One Piece, Stranger Things, and politically charged thrillers like The Diplomat.
For viewers seeking critical acclaim, both platforms offer multiple shows with 90%+ Tomatometer scores. Hulu's top 5 average 92.6% while Netflix's top 5 average 96.4%, making Netflix marginally stronger for quality-focused viewers.
Expert answers to Best Hulu And Netflix Shows The Cross Platform Winners queries
What is the #1 show on Hulu right now?
Rivals is the top-rated show on Hulu with a 96% Tomatometer score, with its latest episode airing May 29, 2026.
What is the #1 show on Netflix right now?
The Boroughs and Legends tie for highest-rated Netflix show at 97% Tomatometer, with Devil May Cry close behind at 98%.
Are The Handmaid's Tale and Stranger Things still worth watching?
The Handmaid's Tale maintains 83% Tomatometer on Hulu despite later seasons, while Stranger Things holds 90% on Netflix as the platform's flagship sci-fi series. Both remain essential viewing for genre fans.
When will Wednesday Season 3 be released on Netflix?
Wednesday Season 3 began production in Ireland at the end of February 2026 and is not expected to premiere until 2027 due to nine-month production timelines.
What new Marvel shows are on Hulu in 2026?
Wonder Man premiered in 2026 as among Marvel's best work, while Daredevil: Born Again aired its first episodes March 4 through May 5, 2026.
