Considering the vast number of movies and television shows available to watch on Hulu, it should come as no surprise that the streaming service has many that are also on other platforms. Indeed, it shares several shows and movies with every service from Netflix to Amazon Prime.
That's especially true with the television shows from the 2000s on Hulu. Many of them have already appeared on similar lists for other streaming services. This list will not include any of those and will only feature shows that either aired every episode during the decade or at least featured two seasons in the 2000s.
Californication (8.3)
Just barely making the cut with three of the seven seasons airing during the decade, Showtime's Californication was known to push the envelope. The comedy-drama centered on the life of author Hank Moody (David Duchovny) as he handled writer's block with drugs, drinking, and womanizing.
Some audiences were put off by the gratuitous scenes often shown in Californication. Regardless, the show ran for 84 total episodes and became a critical hit. It snagged two Emmy wins for cinematography and Duchovny earned a Best Actor Golden Globe.
Prison Break (8.3)
When Prison Break first aired, it seemed like it was all that anyone could talk about. The show was a huge hit for Fox and the plot twists had audiences craving for more after every week. Initially, this series ran for four seasons from 2005 until 2009 before a revival came in 2017.
The premise of the show was right in the title. An innocent man is sentenced to death and his brother gets sent to the same prison to pull off an elaborate escape plan. Led by Dominic Purcell and Wentworth Miller, who later teamed up in the Arrowverse, the show was filled with intrigue and drama and is a perfect binge.
Lost (8.3)
Speaking of shows that nobody could stop discussing during the 2000s, Lost is at the top of that list. The ABC series was heavily promoted and hyped, with the early goings living up to it. Lost followed survivors of a plane crash on an island that has a lot more mystique to it than one might imagine.
The series became popular for its twists and cliffhanger endings, always adding to the lore with more questions than answers. Lost evolved over time to include things like time travel and some feel they didn't stick the landing with the ending after six seasons and 118 episodes. Either way, it did score an Oustanding Drama Series Emmy win and is iconic in pop culture.
The Venture Bros. (8.5)
The first of two animated shows on this list, The Venture Bros. was initially part of Cartoon Network's late-night block known as Adult Swim. Some of the most unique series in recent memory came from it, including The Venture Bros., which premiered in 2003.
It aired a little more than three of the seven seasons during the 2000s but actually lasted all the way until 2018. The show focused on the adventures of the Venture family, consisting of a scientist, his bodyguard, and his two sons.
Sons of Anarchy (8.5)
You can kind of consider Sons of Anarchy to be something of a mix of the previous entries. It had gratuitous violence, was heavily talked about, and didn't end on the best of notes. That being said, there was a lot to appreciate about this excellently made FX show.
Heavily influenced by Shakespeare's Hamlet, the show focused on an outlaw biker gang. At the center of it all was Jax Teller (Charlie Hunnam), whose late father used to run the group, with his stepfather taking over years later. The show dealt with betrayal, heartbreaking deaths, brotherhood, and more during its seven seasons and 92 episodes.
Friday Night Lights (8.6)
Based on the 2004 film of the same name, NBC's Friday Night Lights told the story of a high school football coach and the lives of his family and team, the Dillon Panthers. During its five seasons and 76 episodes, the show tackled everything from sports drama to racism to abortion to drugs and more.
Along with tremendous writing and how it was beautifully shot, the series was boosted by the acting. Kyle Chandler (who won an Emmy for it) and Connie Britton (who was nominated) were one of the best couples in TV history. Future stars like Michael B. Jordan and Taylor Kitsch were also introduced to many here.
The Shield (8.7)
These days, FX is well-known for delivering some of the best shows found anywhere on television. One of the first series to stand out for the network was The Shield, which ran from 2002 until 2008, spanning seven seasons and 89 total episodes.
Set in Los Angeles, California, The Shield followed the events of the corrupt police officers at the center of the show. Featuring talented actors like Michael Chiklis, Walton Goggins, and even Glenn Close in later seasons, the show was met with high praise. It earned a Best Drama Series Golden Globe in 2002.
It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia (8.8)
The success of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is unprecedented. The sometimes dark comedy premiered way back in 2005 and is set to start its fifteenth season, which will make it the longest-running live-action sitcom in history. On top of that, it was recently renewed for three more seasons, bringing the total to 18.
The setup is simple, as it focuses on the lives of a group of narcissistic friends in Philadelphia who constantly get caught up in the most ridiculous of situations. Often, a show dips in quality in later seasons but this one remains strong after over a decade. It might not have racked up the awards but viewers know how great it is.
Firefly (9.0)
Any list discussing shows that were canceled too soon is going to include Firefly. The sci-fi series only lasted for one single season consisting of 14 episodes, yet it's still held in high regard by a very loyal fanbase who spent years trying to get the show back on the air.
From the mind of Joss Whedon, Firefly was set in 2517 and followed the adventures of a renegade space crew as they travel to different parts of the galaxy. Though it never got brought back, a movie was made in 2005 titled Serenity and it has spawned things like comics.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (9.1)
Fullmetal Alchemist is about as iconic as it gets in terms of a manga series. It was adapted into a well-received anime during 2003 that is also available on some streaming platforms. However, that show holds an 8.5 rating on IMDb, while 2009's Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood comes in at 9.1.
Most of the 69 episodes aired during that 2009 year. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood runs almost identically to the source material, focusing on two brothers who search for the Philosopher's Stone in an attempt to revive their mother.