While Good American Family debuted on Hulu to lukewarm reviews and holds just a 53% Rotten Tomatoes score, viewers internationally still awaiting its May 7 Disney+ release may want to shift their focus.
The good news? Hulu and Disney+ are packed with critically acclaimed drama series—from captivating true crime to lush period storytelling. Whether you’re after emotional resonance, clever thrillers, or prestige historical epics, these best Hulu Disney+ dramas of 2025 are your perfect alternatives.
1. High Potential
Where to Watch: Hulu / ABC
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
Episode Length: ~42 minutes
Main Cast: Kaitlin Olson, Daniel Sunjata, Javicia Leslie
A breakout procedural hit, High Potential stars Kaitlin Olson as Morgan, a quick-witted single mother whose eye for detail lands her a role solving crimes alongside detectives. What starts as light fare evolves into a character-driven, emotionally satisfying crime drama—with Olson’s Emmy-worthy performance at the heart of it.
Why it works: It’s equal parts case-of-the-week and slow-burn character study. An under-the-radar hit with heart and brains.
2. Paradise
Where to Watch: Hulu (Disney+ internationally from May 7)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83%
Episode Length: ~57 minutes
Main Cast: Sterling K. Brown, Julianne Nicholson, Sarah Shahi
From Dan Fogelman (This Is Us), Paradise combines high-stakes political drama with intimate personal tragedy. Sterling K. Brown shines as a Secret Service agent grieving his wife while protecting a gated elite community where a murder disrupts the illusion of safety.
With a renewal already greenlit, Paradise has quickly become one of Hulu’s most compelling new dramas, and a great option for viewers who love prestige storytelling with emotional stakes.
3. The Dropout
Where to Watch: Hulu / Disney+
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%
Episode Length: 45–55 minutes
Main Cast: Amanda Seyfried, Naveen Andrews
Amanda Seyfried delivers a career-defining, Emmy-winning performance as Elizabeth Holmes in this dramatic retelling of the Theranos scandal. Adapted from the popular podcast, The Dropout reveals how ambition, deception, and corporate dysfunction created one of Silicon Valley’s biggest frauds.
Seyfried brings complexity to Holmes, showing her as a product of systemic pressure as much as a fraudster. For fans of Dopesick or Inventing Anna, this is a must-watch.
4. Shōgun
Where to Watch: Hulu / Disney+ (via FX)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 99%
Episode Length: 53–70 minutes
Main Cast: Hiroyuki Sanada, Cosmo Jarvis, Anna Sawai
One of the most critically acclaimed shows of the decade, Shōgun adapts James Clavell’s novel into a cinematic masterpiece. Set in feudal Japan, the story follows an English sailor caught between powerful factions—and cultural tides.
With 18 Emmy wins and praise for its production, performances, and cultural depth, Shōgun isn’t just a drama—it’s a full-blown event. If you haven’t streamed it yet, it deserves to be next on your list.
5. Rivals
Where to Watch: Hulu / Disney+ (UK Originals)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
Main Cast: David Tennant, Aidan Turner, Alex Hassell
Looking for drama with sharp British wit and high society intrigue? Rivals delivers. Based on Jilly Cooper’s novel, the show chronicles the personal and professional battles of England’s upper crust—think Succession with accents and horses.
Led by David Tennant and Aidan Turner, this stylish UK drama mixes scandal, betrayal, and ambition with flair. Smart, addictive, and beautifully shot—it’s a sleeper hit that deserves more global attention.
Skip the Lukewarm and Stream the Exceptional
If Good American Family left you underwhelmed, these five acclaimed alternatives on Hulu and Disney+ are where your time is better spent. Each delivers engaging characters, layered storytelling, and critical acclaim—the trifecta for modern streaming drama.
So go ahead—click play. Your next binge-worthy obsession is waiting.
