Hulu remains one of the most versatile streaming platforms in 2026, offering a mix of on-demand library content, next-day TV episodes, original series, and live TV options. With recent updates to its pricing, content deals, and interface, navigating Hulu can be overwhelming. This guide covers everything you need to know about Hulu in 2026 — from plans and pricing to hidden features and the best movies and shows available.
Hulu Plans and Pricing in 2026
As of early 2026, Hulu offers three main subscription tiers: the ad-supported plan, the ad-free plan, and the Hulu + Live TV bundle. Prices have seen a modest increase from 2025.
- Hulu (With Ads) – $7.99 per month (up from $7.99 in 2025; no change). Access to the full on-demand library with commercial breaks.
- Hulu (No Ads) – $17.99 per month (up from $14.99 in 2025). Most content is ad-free, except for a few licensed shows that retain ads.
- Hulu + Live TV (With Ads) – $82.99 per month (up from $76.99 in 2025). Includes live TV channels, Hulu’s on-demand library, Disney+, and ESPN+.
- Hulu + Live TV (No Ads) – $95.99 per month (up from $89.99 in 2025). Same as above but with the ad-free Hulu experience on on-demand content.
What’s New on Hulu in 2026
Hulu continues to invest in original programming and exclusive streaming rights. Notable new additions in 2026 include the original series Palisade (a thriller from the creators of The Handmaid’s Tale), the documentary Streaming Wars: The Inside Story, and the exclusive streaming debut of the 2025 box office hit Starfall. For a full list of new movies arriving on Hulu this year, see our Hulu New Movies 2026 article.
Hulu Originals to Watch in 2026
- Palisade – Premiered March 2026. A psychological thriller set in a gated community.
- The Handmaid’s Tale Season 7 – The final season, airing weekly from June 2026.
- Only Murders in the Building Season 5 – Returning in August 2026.
- Streaming Wars: The Inside Story – A four-part documentary series exploring the battle between Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, and Hulu.
- Love, Victor Spin-off – A new series following a character from the original show, set to premiere in late 2026.
Content Library: Movies, TV Shows, and Live TV
Hulu’s on-demand library includes over 2,500 movies and thousands of TV episodes. Key content categories include:
Movies
Hulu’s movie selection spans new releases, classic films, and independent cinema. In 2026, Hulu has exclusive streaming rights to several 2025 theatrical releases, including Starfall, Midnight Express, and The Last Voyage. Additionally, Hulu offers a rotating selection of licensed films from studios like 20th Century Studios, Searchlight Pictures, and Lionsgate. For a broader perspective on finding movies across services, check out our complete guide to finding any movie on legal streaming services in 2026.
TV Shows
Hulu is best known for next-day access to current seasons of network TV shows from ABC, NBC, Fox, and more. Popular titles in 2026 include Grey’s Anatomy (Season 23), 9-1-1 (Season 8), and The Simpsons (Season 37). Hulu also carries full libraries of classic series like Seinfeld, 30 Rock, and Lost.
Live TV
Hulu + Live TV subscribers get access to over 90 live channels, including local broadcast affiliates (ABC, NBC, Fox, CBS), sports channels (ESPN, FS1, TNT), and news channels (CNN, MSNBC, Fox News). The live TV guide in 2026 includes a new “Sports Hub” that aggregates live and upcoming games.
How to Get the Most Out of Hulu
Here are some tips and features to enhance your Hulu experience in 2026:
- Create multiple profiles – Up to six profiles per account, each with personalized recommendations and watch history.
- Use the “My Stuff” feature – Add movies and shows to your watchlist for easy access. Hulu sends notifications when new episodes are available.
- Download content for offline viewing – Available on the ad-free plan and Hulu + Live TV (No Ads) plan. Downloads expire after 30 days or 48 hours after starting playback.
- Enable closed captions and audio descriptions – Hulu offers captions in multiple languages and audio descriptions for select titles.
- Adjust video quality – Go to Settings to choose between Standard (up to 720p), High (up to 1080p), and 4K (where available). 4K streaming requires a compatible device and sufficient internet speed.
Hulu vs. Competitors in 2026
Hulu competes with other major streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and Max. Here’s a quick comparison:
- Netflix – Offers a larger library of original content but lacks next-day TV. Netflix’s ad-supported plan costs $6.99 per month. See our Netflix New Movies 2026 article for upcoming releases.
- Disney+ – Focused on family content, Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney classics. Disney+ has a lower starting price ($7.99 with ads) but fewer adult-oriented titles. Check out Disney+ New Releases for the latest.
- Prime Video – Included with Amazon Prime ($14.99/month or $139/year). Offers a mix of originals and licensed content, plus add-on channels. See Prime Video New Movies.
- Max – Home to HBO originals, Warner Bros. movies, and Discovery content. Starting at $9.99 with ads. For details, read our Max Streaming Guide.
Hidden Gems and Underrated Content on Hulu
Beyond the popular titles, Hulu has a treasure trove of lesser-known movies and shows. Here are some recommendations for 2026:
- The Fallout (2021) – A poignant drama about school shooting survivors, still relevant and moving.
- Palm Springs (2020) – A clever time-loop comedy starring Andy Samberg.
- Shiva Baby (2020) – A tense, claustrophobic comedy-drama set at a Jewish funeral.
- Baskets (2016-2019) – A surreal comedy series starring Zach Galifianakis.
- Ramy (2019-2022) – A critically acclaimed series about a first-generation Egyptian-American Muslim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hulu still offer a free trial?
As of 2026, Hulu no longer offers a standard free trial. However, occasional promotions through partners (e.g., Spotify, T-Mobile) may provide limited-time free access.
Can I watch Hulu on multiple devices simultaneously?
Yes. The Hulu (With Ads) and Hulu (No Ads) plans allow streaming on up to two devices at once. Hulu + Live TV allows unlimited screens at home and up to three outside the home.
How do I cancel Hulu?
You can cancel anytime online via your Account page. If you subscribed through a third party (e.g., Apple, Amazon), you must cancel through that provider.
Does Hulu have 4K content?
Yes, but only select titles are available in 4K. You need a compatible device and a plan that supports 4K (all plans do, but streaming quality may be limited by internet speed).
Conclusion
Hulu in 2026 remains a strong contender in the streaming wars, offering a unique blend of current TV, original series, and a solid movie library. Whether you choose the ad-supported plan to save money or the Live TV bundle for cord-cutting, Hulu provides good value. For more help navigating the streaming landscape, see our complete guide to finding any movie on legal streaming services in 2026.