Hulu Review: Complete Overview of the Streaming Service in 2026

When you’re trying to decide which streaming service to stick with, Hulu often gets lost in the shuffle. It’s not as big as Netflix, not as flashy as Disney+, and it doesn’t have the same buzz as Apple TV+. But if you’re looking for a mix of current TV shows, classic binge-worthiness, and live TV without paying for cable, Hulu still holds its ground-especially when bundled with Disney+ and ESPN+.

What Hulu Actually Offers in 2026

Hulu isn’t just one service anymore. It’s two: Hulu (ad-supported) and Hulu (no ads). The ad-supported plan still gives you access to nearly the full library-just with 4-6 minutes of commercials per hour. The no-ads version removes those interruptions, but costs $18/month. That’s $5 more than last year, but it’s still cheaper than Netflix’s ad-free tier.

What’s in the library? Hulu keeps new episodes of current network shows-like Abbott Elementary, The Bear, and 9-1-1-available the day after they air on ABC, Fox, or NBC. That’s something Netflix and Disney+ can’t match. If you’re following a show that airs weekly, Hulu is often the only place you can catch up without waiting weeks.

Originals? They’re fewer now than in 2022, but still solid. Only Murders in the Building and The Handmaid’s Tale are still going strong. Hulu’s horror and thriller originals, like Castle Rock and The Act, have cult followings. You won’t find as many big-budget movies here, but you’ll find more than enough TV to keep you busy.

The Disney Bundle: Is It Worth It?

In 2026, the Disney Bundle is the smartest way to get Hulu. For $16.99/month, you get Hulu (ad-supported), Disney+, and ESPN+. That’s $21 cheaper than buying each service separately. If you already watch Disney+ for the kids or ESPN+ for sports, adding Hulu makes sense.

But here’s the catch: the bundle only includes the ad-supported Hulu plan. If you want no ads, you have to upgrade to Hulu (No Ads) for $18/month on top of the bundle-bringing the total to $35/month. That’s a lot, but if you’re a family that watches Disney, sports, and binge-watches TV dramas, it’s still a better deal than paying for cable.

Some people skip the bundle because they think Hulu’s content isn’t worth it. But if you’re watching Succession, Yellowjackets, or Shōgun, you’re already paying for Hulu’s unique value: next-day access to network TV. That’s not something Disney+ or Netflix offers.

Live TV? Hulu + Live TV Still Exists

Yes, Hulu still offers a live TV option. For $85/month, you get everything in Hulu (No Ads) plus over 90 live channels, including local ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC stations (in most markets), plus ESPN, TNT, FX, and CNN. You also get unlimited DVR storage and the ability to stream on up to 3 screens at once.

It’s not the cheapest live TV option-YouTube TV and FuboTV are often cheaper-but Hulu + Live TV stands out because it includes the full on-demand Hulu library. That means you can watch last night’s episode of Grey’s Anatomy while also bingeing Stranger Things or My Brilliant Friend later. No other service combines live TV and deep on-demand content like this.

There’s one downside: local channels aren’t available everywhere. If you live in a rural area or outside a major metro, you might not get your local news station. Check Hulu’s coverage map before signing up.

How Hulu Compares to the Competition

Let’s say you’re trying to pick between Hulu, Netflix, and Disney+. Here’s how they stack up:

Hulu wins if you care about current TV. Netflix wins if you want the biggest catalog of movies and originals. Disney+ wins if you’ve got kids or love Marvel and Star Wars. But if you want all three? The Disney Bundle is your best bet.

What’s Missing? The Downsides

Hulu isn’t perfect. The interface still feels cluttered. It’s hard to find what you’re looking for, especially if you’re not a regular user. The search function is slow, and recommendations often feel random.

Movie selection is thin. You won’t find new theatrical releases here like you do on Max or Apple TV+. Hulu’s movie library is mostly older titles or indie films that didn’t make it to bigger platforms.

And if you’re outside the U.S., you’re out of luck. Hulu doesn’t work in Australia, Canada, or the UK. If you’re in Brisbane and trying to access it via a VPN, you’ll run into constant buffering and blocked content. It’s not worth the hassle.

Who Should Subscribe to Hulu?

You should get Hulu if:

• You watch network TV shows and want them the day after they air
• You’re already paying for Disney+ or ESPN+ and want to bundle
• You want live TV without cable, but still want on-demand shows
• You’re okay with ads-or willing to pay extra to remove them

You should skip Hulu if:

• You only watch movies
• You live outside the U.S.
• You don’t care about current TV seasons
• You’re looking for a clean, simple interface

Final Verdict: Still Worth It?

In 2026, Hulu is no longer the flashy newcomer. It’s the reliable middle child-neither the biggest nor the flashiest, but still the one that gets the job done. If you’re a TV watcher who wants new episodes without waiting, Hulu is still the best option. Add it to the Disney Bundle, and you’ve got a solid, all-in-one streaming package for under $17 a month.

It’s not for everyone. But if you’ve ever stayed up late waiting for the next episode of your favorite show, Hulu still delivers.