How to Decide What to Watch on Hulu
In the age of streaming, where platforms like Hulu offer thousands of TV shows, movies, and original content, choosing what to watch can often feel overwhelming. With so many options, it’s easy to spend more time browsing than actually watching. However, by using a few simple strategies, viewers can make smarter, faster, and more satisfying choices about what to watch on Hulu.
1. Know Your Mood and Purpose
The first step in choosing what to watch is identifying your mood and purpose. Are you looking to relax after a long day, laugh with friends, dive into a gripping drama, or learn something new? Hulu’s wide-ranging library includes everything from light-hearted sitcoms like Brooklyn Nine-Nine to intense dramas like The Handmaid’s Tale and documentaries such as The Deepest Breath. Narrowing down what you’re in the mood for helps eliminate a large portion of options right away.
2. Use Hulu’s Categories and Filters
Hulu’s interface is designed to help users discover content. You can explore by genre (e.g., comedy, horror, sci-fi), popularity (e.g., trending now, most watched), or curated collections (e.g., Black Stories, Women of Hulu, Hulu Originals). Taking advantage of these categories allows you to focus on specific themes or stories that might interest you.
3. Check Out Recommendations and Reviews
Hulu provides personalized recommendations based on your viewing history. If you’ve enjoyed past shows, Hulu will suggest similar titles. Also, consider checking online reviews or websites like Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb. If you’re in a group, sites like Taste.io help find something everyone might enjoy. These sources can help you gauge whether a show is worth your time.
4. Limit Your Options with a Watchlist
Creating a watchlist can prevent decision fatigue. Add shows or movies that interest you while browsing, so when you’re ready to watch, you already have a curated set of options to choose from. Hulu makes it easy to add to your watchlist with a single click or tap.
5. Sample the First Few Minutes or Watch a Trailer
When indecisive, try watching the first 5–10 minutes of a few options or viewing their trailers. You’ll quickly get a sense of the pacing, tone, and quality. This “taste test” approach helps you make a more informed decision without committing to a full episode or movie.
6. Consider Time Constraints
If you only have 20–30 minutes, opt for a short TV episode instead of a feature-length movie. Hulu has plenty of short-form content, including animated series, sitcoms, and docuseries. Knowing how much time you have can guide your selection and make your viewing experience feel complete rather than rushed.
7. Ask Others or Go Random
If you’re really stuck, ask friends what they’re watching on Hulu or try something completely random. Sometimes, breaking your usual patterns leads to the most memorable discoveries. Hulu’s “Surprise Me” feature (if available in your region) can also help take the decision off your hands.
Choosing what to watch on Hulu doesn’t have to be stressful. By identifying your mood, using Hulu’s browsing tools, relying on reviews, maintaining a watchlist, and being open to new experiences, you can turn the process into a fun and rewarding part of your streaming routine. Instead of wasting time scrolling, you’ll be diving into quality content that matches exactly what you’re in the mood for.
