Falling head over heels for a new TV show can be just as thrilling as falling in love. If you're searching for that next great screen romance—one that sparks conversation, tugs at your heartstrings, or offers a deliciously messy portrayal of modern love—Hulu's original offerings have begun to carve out their own intriguing niche. Forget endless scrolling; we’re diving deep into the Hulu Original Romance Series that deserve a spot on your watch list, moving beyond the mere presence of a show on the platform to focus squarely on the captivating, made-for-Hulu love stories.
At a Glance: Your Guide to Hulu Original Romance
- Diverse Love Stories: From tumultuous college flings to historical satire, Hulu Originals cover a broad spectrum of romantic narratives.
- More Than Just Romance: Many top Hulu Originals weave compelling love stories into broader dramas, comedies, or historical sagas.
- "Original" Distinction Matters: We focus specifically on series produced or co-produced by Hulu, rather than licensed content.
- Gateway to More: Even if an Original isn't a perfect fit, Hulu's wider library is rich with acclaimed romance series.
- Look Beyond the Obvious: Some of the most interesting romantic arcs unfold in shows not explicitly labeled "romance."
Decoding Hulu Originals: What Makes a Series Truly "Original"?
Before we delve into the heart of the matter, let's clarify what we mean by "Hulu Original Romance Series." When you're browsing the streaming giant, you'll find a vast catalog of romance-focused shows, from beloved classics like Pride and Prejudice (1995) to popular K-dramas such as Descendants of the Sun. These are fantastic, highly-rated shows available on Hulu, but they aren't Hulu Originals.
A Hulu Original is a series that Hulu commissions, produces, or acquires exclusive first-run rights to. These are the shows where Hulu puts its stamp, often reflecting a particular sensibility in storytelling, character development, and production quality. Focusing on these ensures you're exploring content uniquely curated by the platform itself, offering a distinct flavor of modern television.
Steamy, Messy, and Unforgettable: The Core Hulu Original Romance Series
While Hulu's overall library boasts an embarrassment of riches when it comes to romance, a few standout Originals are specifically built around the intricate dance of romantic relationships. These are the shows you settle in for when you want love to be the main event.
Tell Me Lies: The Unhealthy Obsession You Can't Look Away From
Why It's a Must-Watch: If you're drawn to character-driven dramas that dissect the toxic, addictive nature of young love, Tell Me Lies is your next binge. Based on Carola Lovering's best-selling novel, this series plunges into the tumultuous, often infuriating, nine-year relationship between Lucy Albright (Grace Van Patten) and Stephen DeMarco (Jackson White). It's not a fairy tale; it’s a masterclass in emotional manipulation, gaslighting, and the devastating push-pull dynamics that can define early adulthood relationships.
The Romance Factor: From their initial meet-cute in college, Lucy is drawn to Stephen's enigmatic charm, a dangerous allure that quickly spirals into a cycle of intense highs and crushing lows. The show excels at showing, not just telling, the psychological toll of such a relationship. You'll witness the subtle shifts, the lingering glances, the coded texts, and the excuses that keep them entangled, even as their lives diverge. It’s a compelling, albeit often uncomfortable, exploration of the kind of love that scars as much as it thrills. The performances are raw and deeply empathetic, even when the characters make frustrating choices.
What Makes It Original: Tell Me Lies exemplifies Hulu's willingness to explore complex, morally ambiguous themes within the romance genre. It's not afraid to portray the uglier sides of intimacy, making it a nuanced and deeply discussions-worthy series. If you're done with predictable rom-coms and are ready for something with real teeth, this is it. For those who can't get enough of this intense dynamic, you might want to explore shows like Tell Me Lies to find your next captivating, complicated love story.
The Great: A Royal Romance with an Absurdist Twist
Why It's a Must-Watch: For something entirely different, prepare to be charmed, scandalized, and utterly entertained by The Great. This satirical, darkly comedic take on Catherine the Great's rise to power is far from a traditional period romance, yet its central relationship is the pulsing heart of the entire series. Created by Tony McNamara, it prioritizes entertainment and sharp wit over historical accuracy, and the result is magnificent.
The Romance Factor: At its core, The Great is a tumultuous love story between Catherine (Elle Fanning) and Emperor Peter III (Nicholas Hoult)—a story of political ambition, mutual contempt, unexpected passion, and, eventually, a twisted kind of affection. When Catherine first arrives in Russia, she's an idealistic young woman hoping for a grand romance with her new husband. What she finds is a boorish, childish, yet oddly charming emperor who'd rather hunt and feast than govern.
Their relationship is a whirlwind of attempted coups, assassination plots, passionate reconciliations, and constant power struggles. Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult deliver powerhouse performances, imbuing their characters with layers of vulnerability, cruelty, and an undeniable chemistry that makes their highly dysfunctional marriage utterly captivating. You'll root for them, despair for them, and laugh with (and at) them, often all within the same scene. It's a romance that defies easy categorization, celebrating the messy, contradictory nature of love and power.
What Makes It Original: The Great is a prime example of Hulu Originals pushing genre boundaries. It blends historical drama, dark comedy, and a surprisingly heartfelt exploration of a marriage under immense pressure, making it a unique entry in the romance landscape. It’s not just about finding love, but about how love evolves (or devolves) amidst ambition, betrayal, and genuine human connection, all wrapped in visually stunning, hilariously anachronistic packaging.
Beyond the Central Couple: Hulu Originals with Rich Romantic Elements
Not every great love story needs to be the sole focus of a series. Many Hulu Originals, while categorized under broader genres like dramedy or coming-of-age, feature incredibly compelling and well-developed romantic storylines that often become central to the characters' journeys.
Life & Beth: Finding Love in the Midst of Self-Discovery
Why It's a Must-Watch: Amy Schumer's Life & Beth is a poignant dramedy about a woman's journey of self-discovery after a sudden life upheaval. Beth, a successful but unfulfilled wine saleswoman, reevaluates everything after her mother's death. As she navigates flashbacks to her complicated teenage years, she also finds an unexpected connection in the present.
The Romance Factor: While self-discovery is the driving force, Beth's burgeoning relationship with John (Michael Cera), a quiet, unconventional farmer, becomes a vital part of her healing and growth. Their romance is refreshingly understated, awkward, and deeply authentic. It's not about grand gestures but about finding solace and understanding with someone who sees you for who you truly are, flaws and all. Their interactions are often humorous, sometimes painful, and always feel earned. This series explores how new love can help us confront old wounds and embrace a more authentic future.
What Makes It Original: Life & Beth showcases Hulu's knack for nuanced, character-driven storytelling. The romance here feels organic and earned, serving to deepen the protagonist's personal journey rather than simply being a plot device.
Ramy: Navigating Faith, Identity, and Modern Romance
Why It's a Must-Watch: Created by and starring Ramy Youssef, Ramy offers a critically acclaimed, Golden Globe-winning look into the life of a young, first-generation Egyptian-American Muslim man navigating his faith, family, and millennial life in New Jersey. It's a comedy-drama that isn't afraid to get serious, exploring the complexities of spiritual seeking, cultural identity, and, inevitably, romantic relationships.
The Romance Factor: Ramy's romantic pursuits are a continuous, often hilarious, and frequently frustrating thread throughout the series. He grapples with finding a partner who understands his faith, or at least respects it, while also desiring the typical trappings of modern dating. His relationships often highlight his internal conflicts—between traditional values and contemporary desires, between his spiritual aspirations and his human failings. Each romantic entanglement offers a window into Ramy's evolving understanding of himself and his place in the world. It’s a journey filled with awkward dates, heartfelt connections, profound miscommunications, and the universal search for belonging.
What Makes It Original: Ramy stands out for its specific cultural lens and its unflinching honesty about the challenges of balancing tradition with modernity, especially in the realm of love and intimacy. Hulu empowers creators like Youssef to tell deeply personal stories that resonate with universal themes, including the confusing, beautiful mess of finding love.
Mid-Century Modern: Golden Years, New Romances
Why It's a Must-Watch: From the creators of Will & Grace, Mid-Century Modern brings a refreshing perspective to aging, friendship, and romance. It follows three single gay best friends who decide to spend their golden years together in Palm Springs, leading to both expected and unexpected romantic entanglements.
The Romance Factor: This sitcom offers a delightful and rarely seen portrayal of romance for an older demographic within the LGBTQ+ community. The characters—played by Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer, Nathan Lee Graham, and Linda Lavin—aren't just looking for companionship; they're still vibrant, active, and absolutely open to new love. The series navigates the joys and challenges of dating later in life, the evolving dynamics of long-term friendships, and the pursuit of happiness without the pressures of youth. It's a celebration of continuing to seek connection, passion, and belonging at any age.
What Makes It Original: Mid-Century Modern is a testament to Hulu's commitment to diverse storytelling, showcasing romantic narratives that defy conventional age and demographic boundaries. It's a warm, funny, and genuinely endearing exploration of love that proves romance has no expiration date.
How to Die Alone: A Second Chance at Connection
Why It's a Must-Watch: Created by and starring Natasha Rothwell, How to Die Alone is a critically acclaimed comedy about an airport employee who experiences a near-death experience on her 35th birthday, prompting her to completely reevaluate her life.
The Romance Factor: As the title suggests, the show delves into the fears and realities of being single and the yearning for connection. While not strictly a romance series, its core theme revolves around the protagonist's journey to open herself up to love and meaningful relationships after years of self-imposed isolation and past hurts. Her path is messy, often comedic, and deeply relatable, exploring the courage it takes to put yourself out there again. It’s a story about internal growth that directly impacts her ability to forge romantic bonds.
What Makes It Original: This series showcases Hulu's support for unique comedic voices that tackle profound themes. The romance here is less about finding "the one" and more about the internal work required to be ready for love, making it a thoughtful and inspiring entry into the broader romantic landscape of Originals.
Navigating Hulu's Wider Romantic Landscape: Don't Forget the Classics!
While our focus here is on the captivating world of Hulu Original Romance Series, it's worth acknowledging that Hulu also hosts an incredibly rich, diverse library of other highly-rated romance TV shows. If you've devoured all the Originals and are still craving more, you'll find everything from heartwarming historical dramas to cutting-edge contemporary tales.
Consider these critically acclaimed, non-Original romance series available on Hulu:
- Pride and Prejudice (1995 – 8.8/10 IMDb): The iconic miniseries that defined a generation's Mr. Darcy.
- This Is Us (2016 – 2022 – 8.7/10 IMDb): While a family drama, the core romance between Jack and Rebecca is legendary, and the love stories of their children are equally compelling.
- Normal People (2020 – 8.4/10 IMDb): A raw, intimate, and profoundly affecting portrayal of a young couple's on-again, off-again relationship.
- How I Met Your Mother (2005 – 2014 – 8.3/10 IMDb): A beloved sitcom built entirely around the journey to finding "the one."
- Dr. Romantic (2016 – 2023 – 8.4/10 IMDb) & While You Were Sleeping (2017 – 8.3/10 IMDb) & Descendants of the Sun (2016 – 8.2/10 IMDb) & What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim (2018 – 8.1/10 IMDb) & The Legend of the Blue Sea (2016 – 8.1/10 IMDb) & Call It Love (2023 – 7.8/10 IMDb): A selection of highly-rated K-dramas and East Asian series that deliver powerful, emotionally resonant romance.
- You’re the Worst (2014 – 2019 – 8.1/10 IMDb): A brilliantly cynical yet ultimately heartwarming take on two toxic individuals trying to make a relationship work.
- Sense and Sensibility (2008 – 8/10 IMDb) & Jane Eyre (2006 – 8.3/10 IMDb): More classic literary adaptations offering timeless love stories.
- Love, Victor (2020 – 2022 – 8/10 IMDb): A heartwarming coming-of-age story focusing on a young man's journey of self-discovery and first love.
- Younger (2015 – 2021 – 7.8/10 IMDb): A fun, escapist series about a woman reinventing herself and navigating a tricky love triangle.
These examples highlight that Hulu's strength in romance extends far beyond its Original slate, providing a well-rounded viewing experience for any romance aficionado.
How to Pick Your Perfect Hulu Original Love Story
With a growing library, how do you zero in on the Hulu Original romance that best fits your mood? Consider these points:
- Define Your "Romance Type":
- Intense & Complex? If you love deep psychological dives and complicated dynamics, Tell Me Lies is your go-to.
- Witty & Satirical? For historical settings with a modern, sharp edge, The Great will enthrall you.
- Quiet & Authentic? If you prefer gentle, real-world connections, look towards Life & Beth.
- Culture & Identity-Focused? Ramy offers a unique blend of personal and romantic struggles.
- Feel-Good & Mature? For charming, later-in-life romance, Mid-Century Modern is a treat.
- Growth-Oriented? If you appreciate romance that stems from character development, How to Die Alone fits.
- Consider the Sub-Genre: Do you want pure romance, or do you prefer it mixed with comedy (The Great, Life & Beth, Ramy, Mid-Century Modern, How to Die Alone) or drama (Tell Me Lies)? Hulu's Originals often blur these lines beautifully.
- Check the Vibe: Read descriptions and watch trailers to gauge the overall tone. Is it light and breezy, or dark and dramatic? Hulu Originals tend to lean into nuanced, sometimes darker, depictions of relationships, which might be exactly what you're looking for.
- Read Reviews (But Not Too Many!): A quick glance at IMDb or critic reviews can give you a sense of critical reception and common viewer opinions, helping you decide if a series aligns with your preferences.
Making the Most of Your Hulu Romance Binge
Once you've chosen your next Hulu Original love story, here are a few tips to enhance your viewing experience:
- Embrace the Mess: Many Hulu Originals, especially in the romance space, aren't afraid to portray the less-than-perfect aspects of relationships. Lean into the complexity and the character flaws; it often makes for more compelling television.
- Pay Attention to the Dialogue: Series like The Great and Tell Me Lies are particularly rich in sharp, witty, or emotionally charged dialogue that drives the narrative and deepens character understanding.
- Consider the Re-Watch: The intricate character dynamics in shows like Tell Me Lies can reveal new layers and nuances on a second viewing, allowing you to catch subtle cues you might have missed.
- Discuss with Friends: These shows often spark lively discussions about relationships, choices, and societal expectations. Watching with a friend or joining online communities can add another layer of enjoyment.
- Explore Similar Themes: If you particularly love the college-set, intense relationship drama of Tell Me Lies, look for other series (Original or otherwise) that delve into similar themes of power dynamics, emotional manipulation, or coming-of-age relationships.
Your Next Love Story Awaits
Hulu has cultivated a unique and compelling slate of Original series that offer fresh perspectives on romance, love, and human connection. Whether you're drawn to the toxic allure of a modern college romance, the satirical grandeur of a historical power couple, or the quiet, authentic search for love in adulthood, there’s a Hulu Original waiting to sweep you off your feet. So, dim the lights, grab your favorite snack, and prepare to fall in love with your next great screen story. Happy streaming!