Disney and Hulu Just Made Binge-Watching Unavoidable in 2025 — Here’s Why You Can’t Miss These 10 Shows
If you’re tired of endless reboots and recycled franchises, prepare to be pleasantly surprised. Disney+ and Hulu aren’t just leaning on nostalgia or legacy characters to draw viewers in 2025 — they’ve doubled down on originality, storytelling depth, and genre experimentation. From spine-chilling horror to emotionally charged dramas, these platforms are proving that big-budget IP can still coexist with daring, independent storytelling.
Let’s dive into the top 10 Disney+ and Hulu TV shows that are already defining 2025. Spoiler alert: there’s a little something for everyone — including those who think superhero fatigue is real, and those craving intelligent sci-fi with a pulse-pounding edge.
1. Alien: Earth – When Horror Gets Personal
Platform: Hulu
Here’s where it gets controversial: Ridley Scott’s recent Alien films overexplained everything — but Noah Hawley’s Alien: Earth flips the script by expanding the universe while keeping things terrifyingly mysterious.
This isn’t your average space-horror spin-off. Hawley introduces new alien threats that rival — and sometimes surpass — the legendary Xenomorph in sheer dread factor. While the show isn’t flawless (some pacing issues crop up toward the finale), its bold narrative choices, strong ensemble cast, and eerie atmosphere make it a standout entry in the Alien saga.
The standout episode “In Space, No One...” alone proves this series can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Scott’s classics. But here’s the twist: the season’s mid-point drop leaves viewers wondering whether the rest can match that high — and so far, it hasn’t quite.
Still, if you’re into psychological terror with a touch of existential dread, this might be the most underrated horror series of the year. So, what’s scarier — the monsters… or the humans?
2. Andor Season 2 – Star Wars With Substance
Platform: Disney+
Yes, a Star Wars show that treats politics, morality, and sacrifice like actual stakes — shocking, right? Andor Season 2 continues to defy expectations by turning a galaxy far, far away into a mirror for our own struggles with authoritarianism.
Where most Star Wars content plays it safe with flashy lightsaber duels and fan service, Andor goes deep. It’s a gritty, emotionally raw portrayal of rebellion, featuring unforgettable performances from Diego Luna and Stellan Skarsgård. The show’s depiction of resistance movements even sparked real-world parallels in global protests — talk about impactful storytelling.
But here’s the part most people miss: Andor doesn’t need aliens or Jedi to be compelling. Its strength lies in showing ordinary people making extraordinary sacrifices. Is that what modern sci-fi needs more of — or are we too addicted to spectacle?
3. The Bear Season 4 – Back in the Kitchen
Platform: Hulu
After a sluggish and introspective Season 3, many feared The Bear had lost its flavor. Then Season 4 hit — and suddenly, the kitchen was alive again.
Carmy (Jeremy Allen White), Sydney (Ayo Edebiri), and Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) return sharper, more driven, and emotionally ready to tackle the chaos ahead. The season balances personal growth with explosive confrontations, culminating in one of the most intense three-way conversations ever put to screen.
It’s proof that sometimes, letting characters sink to rock bottom makes their climb back all the more satisfying. But is The Bear better when it’s chaotic or calm? That’s a debate worth hashing out in the comments.
4. Daredevil: Born Again – The Return of a Legend
Platform: Disney+
After years of rumors and delays, Daredevil: Born Again finally arrived — and it delivered. Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio are back, and their chemistry remains electric. Wilson Fisk’s evolution from crime boss to mayor adds layers we’ve never seen before.
Sure, some plotlines feel rushed due to reshoots, and certain subplots lack the punch of the main arc. Still, the finale’s cliffhanger — where Fisk transitions from politician to dictator — sets up Season 2 in thrilling fashion.
And this is the part most people miss: unlike the Netflix-era Daredevil, this version embraces episodic storytelling with standalone moments. Does that dilute the intensity, or does it give breathing room for deeper character exploration?
5. Deli Boys – South Asian Sitcom Gold
Platform: Hulu
Imagine Succession meets Superbad, but filtered through the lens of a Pakistani-American family running an illegal drug empire disguised as a deli chain. Sounds wild? Welcome to Deli Boys.
Created by Abdullah Saeed, this show breaks stereotypes by portraying its protagonists as flawed, selfish, and hilariously incompetent — not sanitized heroes. It’s a refreshing take on representation that dares to be irreverent.
While some critics argue it lacks depth, others praise its authenticity and razor-sharp dialogue. Should comedy push boundaries, or stay safe and relatable? Let us know your take!
6. Ironheart – Small Stakes, Big Heart
Platform: Disney+
At a time when superhero burnout is real, Ironheart quietly steals the spotlight. Dominique Thorne shines as Riri Williams/Ironheart, bringing warmth, wit, and grounded storytelling to the MCU.
Set in Chicago, the series blends superhero action with heartfelt family dynamics. It’s a reminder that not every Marvel project needs to shake the multiverse — sometimes, a small-scale story with a big heart is exactly what fans crave.
Despite negative reviews from bots, Ironheart has earned a loyal following. Could this be the blueprint for the future of Marvel TV? Or is it just a blip in a sea of blockbusters?
7. Marvel Zombies – Gore With a Purpose
Platform: Disney+
Zombies + superheroes = pure chaos, right? Not quite. Marvel Zombies turns carnage into commentary, using the undead apocalypse to explore themes of power, corruption, and survival.
Based on the What If...? episode, the show expands the lore with brutal creativity. Zombies retain their superpowers, leading to jaw-dropping sequences that redefine “shocking deaths.” Elisabeth Olsen’s Scarlet Witch is the ultimate antagonist — a dark queen ruling over a world gone mad.
Is this just ultra-violence dressed up as storytelling, or a clever deconstruction of the genre? Either way, it’s impossible to look away.
8. One Thousand Blows – A Hidden Period Gem
Platform: Hulu
You’ve probably heard of Peaky Blinders. Now meet One Thousand Blows — a gritty Victorian boxing drama that deserves equal recognition.
Stephen Graham stars as Sugar Goodson, a fearsome underground fighter, opposite Malachi Kirby as Hezekiah Moscow, a Jamaican immigrant seeking redemption through the ring. Erin Doherty steals scenes as a cunning pickpocket gang leader, setting the stage for Season 2 domination.
While it hasn’t gotten the buzz it deserves, this show is a masterclass in period storytelling. Would you rather binge a royal drama or a blood-soaked bout between broken men?
9. Paradise – Mystery With a Heartbeat
Platform: Hulu
Dan Fogelman is back, and he’s bringing heartbreak and intrigue with him. Paradise stars Sterling K. Brown as a Secret Service agent investigating the assassination of a fictional U.S. President (played chillingly by James Marsden).
The twists are relentless, the emotional beats are powerful, and the bromance between Brown and Marsden is unexpectedly moving. But here’s the question: can a political thriller succeed without becoming overly preachy?
With one of the year’s biggest cliffhangers, Paradise demands your attention — and your theories. Drop yours in the comments!
10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man – Fresh Web-Slinging Fun
Platform: Disney+
Finally, Marvel delivers a Spider-Man cartoon that feels both nostalgic and innovative. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man reimagines Peter Parker’s origin with a sleek 3D cel-shaded style and a surprising mentor twist: Norman Osborn as Peter’s trusted teacher.
It’s packed with colorful action, emotional stakes, and a fresh supporting cast that brings humor and heart to every episode. While purists may balk at the changes, the show captures the essence of what makes Spider-Man timeless.
Is this the best animated superhero series of 2025? Or does it still trail behind classics like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse? Weigh in below!
Final Thoughts:
Disney+ and Hulu aren’t just riding on nostalgia anymore — they’re crafting stories that matter. Whether you’re into bone-chilling horror (Alien: Earth), morally complex sci-fi (Andor), or laugh-out-loud comedies (Deli Boys), there’s something here for every type of viewer.
Which of these shows will you be adding to your watchlist first? And more importantly — which one deserves more recognition than it’s getting? Join the conversation and let us know!
