20 Best Biography TV Shows on Hulu 2026

Discover top biography TV shows on Hulu, from The Great and Mrs. America to The Dropout, American Crime Story, and more true-story picks.

20 Best Biography TV Shows on Hulu 2026

If you’re looking for the best biography TV shows on Hulu, this list brings together true stories, historical dramas, and docuseries that cover everything from political history to high-profile crime cases. You’ll find acclaimed picks like The Great, Mrs. America, American Crime Story, and The Dropout, plus documentary-leaning titles such as Biography: WWE Legends and The F.B.I. Files. There’s also a wide range of tones here, from the serious, case-driven stories in The Act and Under the Bridge to the lighter, more playful approach of Pam & Tommy and Whiskey on the Rocks. Whether you want history, courtroom tension, or character-focused drama, these shows offer plenty of ways to explore real-life stories on screen.

  1. 01
    The Dropout poster

    The Dropout

    ★ 7.52022TV Series

    Won 1 Emmy Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (2022) · 6 nominations

    biography · drama

    The story of Elizabeth Holmes, the enigmatic Stanford dropout who founded medical testing start-up Theranos. Lauded as a Steve Jobs for the next tech generation and once worth billions of dollars, the myth crumbled when it was revealed that none of the tech actually worked, putting thousands of people's health in grave danger.

    Why watch: If you enjoy tech industry stories and dramatic true-crime-style tension, The Dropout is a strong fit. Its biography and drama mix centers on Elizabeth Holmes and the Theranos scandal.

    Directed by Michael Showalter, Francesca Gregorini, Erica WatsonCast Amanda Seyfried, Naveen Andrews, Michel Gill, William H. Macy, Elizabeth Marvel
    Hulu
    More details on IMDb →
  2. 02
    The Lowdown poster

    The Lowdown

    ★ 7.32025TV Series

    biography · drama · history

    A determined bookstore owner in Tulsa moonlights as an investigative journalist, digging into local corruption. When his reporting uncovers sinister connections, he must protect both his family and the truth.

    Why watch: If you like stories about ordinary people pulled into bigger investigations, The Lowdown may appeal to you. The biography, drama, and history blend fits its Tulsa corruption premise.

    Directed by Sterlin Harjo, Macon Blair, Danis GouletCast Ethan Hawke, Keith David, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Kyle MacLachlan
    Hulu
    More details on IMDb →
  3. 03
    The Great poster

    The Great

    ★ 8.12020TV Series

    Won 2 Emmys Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series (2020) · 7 nominations

    biography · comedy · drama · history

    A genre-bending, anti-historical ride through 18th century Russia following the rise of Catherine the Nothing to Catherine the Great and her explosive relationship with husband Peter, the emperor of Russia.

    Why watch: If you want a sharper, more playful take on historical biography, The Great is a good pick. Its comedy-drama style and 18th-century setting make it stand out from more serious period titles.

    Directed by Colin Bucksey, Matthew Moore, Ben Chessell, Bertie Ellwood, Geeta Vasant PatelCast Elle Fanning, Phoebe Fox, Gwilym Lee, Adam Godley, Douglas Hodge
    Hulu
    More details on IMDb →
  4. 04
    Love Story poster

    Love Story

    ★ 7.32026TV Series

    Won 1 Emmy Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (2026) · 7 nominations

    biography · drama · romance

    An anthology of sweeping true love stories that captured the world’s attention.

    Why watch: If you prefer romance alongside true-life storytelling, Love Story fits that lane. Its anthology format and biography-drama-romance mix suggest sweeping relationship-focused stories.

    Directed by Jesse Peretz, Crystle Roberson Dorsey, Gillian Robespierre, Anthony Hemingway, Max WinklerCast Sarah Pidgeon, Paul Anthony Kelly, Grace Gummer, Ben Shenkman, Alessandro Nivola
    Hulu
    More details on IMDb →
  5. 05
    Evil Lives Here poster

    Evil Lives Here

    ★ 7.92016TV Series

    documentary · biography · crime

    The true stories of people who lived with a killer. How well do you really know your family? Would you recognize the warning signs? Or would you become entangled in evil?

    Why watch: If you’re drawn to crime stories grounded in real family situations, Evil Lives Here is worth a look. The documentary and biography elements make it a fit for viewers who like unsettling true accounts.

    Directed by Phoebe Kwong, Joel Pincosy, J. Tom Pogue, Colin Herlihy, Justin Lee StanleyCast James M. Reilly, T.J. Craig, Robert Levey II, Kathy-Ann Hart, Brian Vadim
    HuluMax
    More details on IMDb →

Not quite it? Ask WattaWatch for biography on Hulu →

  1. 06
    Biography: WWE Legends poster

    Biography: WWE Legends

    ★ 8.32021TV Series

    documentary · biography · sport

    The stories behind some of the most memorable WWE Superstars of all time.

    Why watch: If you enjoy sports personalities and behind-the-scenes profile stories, Biography: WWE Legends is an easy choice. The documentary biography format focuses on well-known WWE Superstars.

    Directed by Pete McKinny, Joe Lavine, George Roy, Matt Laffey, Ross HockrowCast Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Jim Ross, Eric Bischoff, Jimmy Hart
    Amazon Prime VideoHuluTubi
    More details on IMDb →
  2. 07
    The Act poster

    The Act

    ★ 7.82019TV Series

    Won 1 Emmy 2 nominations

    biography · crime · drama · thriller

    A seasonal anthology series that tells startling, stranger-than-fiction true crime stories with the first season following Gypsy Blanchard, a girl trying to escape the toxic relationship she has with her overprotective mother.

    Why watch: If you like true crime told in an anthology format, The Act is a strong match. Its biography, crime, drama, and thriller genres suit viewers who want a tense character study.

    Directed by Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre, Steven Piet, Adam Arkin, Christina Choe, Hannah FidellCast Patricia Arquette, Joey King, AnnaSophia Robb, Chloë Sevigny, Calum Worthy
    Hulu
    More details on IMDb →
  3. 08
    Mrs. America poster

    Mrs. America

    ★ 7.82020TV Series

    Won 1 Emmy 10 nominations

    biography · drama · history

    The true story of the movement to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, and the unexpected backlash led by a conservative woman named Phyllis Schlafly, aka “the sweetheart of the silent majority.”

    Why watch: If political history and social movements interest you, Mrs. America belongs on your list. The biography and history focus should appeal to anyone who likes stories about major cultural shifts.

    Directed by Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck, Amma Asante, Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre, Janicza BravoCast Cate Blanchett, Rose Byrne, Elizabeth Banks, Uzo Aduba, Kayli Carter
    Hulu
    More details on IMDb →
  4. 09
    Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey poster

    Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey

    ★ 7.22018TV Series

    biography · crime · drama

    On the night she plans on taking her own life, 17-year-old 'Lisa McVey' is kidnapped and finds herself fighting to stay alive and is raped. She manages to talk her attacker into releasing her, but when she returns home, no one believes her story except for one detective, who suspects she was abducted by a serial killer. Based on horrifying true events.

    Why watch: If you want a crime drama based on real events, Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey is a fitting choice. It leans into biography and drama with a serious, survival-focused premise.

    Directed by Jim DonovanCast Katie Douglas, Leo Petrus, Jamie Robinson, Kim Horsman, Amanda Arcuri
    HuluTubi
    More details on IMDb →
  5. 10
    For Life poster

    For Life

    ★ 7.62020TV Series

    biography · crime · drama

    A prisoner becomes a lawyer, litigating cases for other inmates while fighting to overturn his own life sentence for a crime he didn’t commit.

    Why watch: If you like prison-set dramas built around justice and persistence, For Life is a good option. Its biography, crime, and drama blend centers on a prisoner fighting his own sentence while helping others.

    Directed by Russell Lee Fine, Jono Oliver, Guillermo Navarro, Marisol Adler, Charles MartinCast Nicholas Pinnock, Indira Varma, Joy Bryant, Dorian Missick, Tyla Harris
    Hulu
    More details on IMDb →
  6. 11
    American Crime Story poster

    American Crime Story

    ★ 8.42016TV Series

    Won 17 Emmys 45 nominations

    biography · crime · drama · history

    An anthology series centered around some of history's most famous criminal investigations.

    Why watch: If you want an anthology of major criminal cases, American Crime Story is one of the clearest fits. Its biography, crime, and history mix works well for viewers who like real events with a dramatic lens.

    Directed by Ryan Murphy, Anthony Hemingway, Michael Uppendahl, Gwyneth Horder-Payton, Daniel MinahanCast Sarah Paulson, Annaleigh Ashford, Sterling K. Brown, Kenneth Choi, Beanie Feldstein
    Hulu
    More details on IMDb →
  7. 12
    Theodore Roosevelt poster

    Theodore Roosevelt

    ★ 82022TV Series

    documentary · biography · history

    The two-part premium miniseries event on Theodore Roosevelt, the first modern President of the United States, will provide a rich, panoramic biography weaving Roosevelt's captivating personal story while revealing little-known truths behind his expansive curiosity, restless spirit and the profound, lasting impact he has had on the country.

    Why watch: If you’re interested in U.S. history and presidential biography, Theodore Roosevelt should fit well. The documentary style and historical scope make it a solid pick for history-minded viewers.

    Directed by Malcolm VenvilleCast Rufus Jones, Marco Mintaka, Mark Elderkin, Shane John Kruger, Greg Kriek
    NetflixAmazon Prime VideoHuluTubi
    More details on IMDb →
  8. 13
    Under the Bridge poster

    Under the Bridge

    ★ 7.22024TV Series

    1 Emmy nomination

    biography · crime · drama · mystery · thriller

    Fourteen-year old Reena Virk went to join friends at a party and never returned home. Through the eyes of Rebecca Godfrey and a local police officer, learn the hidden world of the young girls accused of the murder — revealing startling truths about the unlikely killer.

    Why watch: If you like mystery-tinged true crime, Under the Bridge may be the right match. Its biography, crime, drama, and thriller elements suggest a tense, investigation-driven series.

    Directed by Kevin Phillips, Quinn Shephard, Catherine Hardwicke, Nimisha Mukerji, Geeta Vasant PatelCast Lily Gladstone, Vritika Gupta, Chloe Guidry, Javon 'Wanna' Walton, Izzy G.
    Hulu
    More details on IMDb →
  9. 14
    Washington poster

    Washington

    ★ 7.92020TV Series

    documentary · biography · drama · history

    The story of how a fatherless young soldier full of personal ambition becomes a leader of men willing to sacrifice all for the common cause. How a once-loyal British subject rises to battle an empire in a liberty-or-death campaign to forge a new nation. And then how, at the zenith of his power, the victorious general voluntarily steps down, becoming what King George III would call “the greatest man in the world.”

    Why watch: If you enjoy sweeping historical biographies, Washington is a natural pick. Its documentary and drama approach, along with the history genre, suits viewers who want a big-picture portrait of a founding leader.

    Directed by Matthew Ginsburg, Roel ReinéCast Nicholas Rowe, Nia Roberts, Hainsley Lloyd Bennett, Josh Taylor, James Robinson
    NetflixAmazon Prime VideoHuluTubi
    More details on IMDb →
  10. 15
    Abraham Lincoln poster

    Abraham Lincoln

    ★ 8.42022TV Series

    documentary · biography · drama · history · war

    The true story of America's iconic 16th president as told by weaving together both scripted dramatizations of important moments in his life and commentary by authoritative historians and public figures.

    Why watch: If presidential history is your thing, Abraham Lincoln offers a detailed biography angle. The mix of documentary, drama, history, and war makes it appealing for viewers who want context and commentary together.

    Directed by Malcolm VenvilleCast Graham Sibley, Stefan Adegbola, Jenny Stead, Andre Jacobs, Colin Moss
    NetflixAmazon Prime VideoHuluTubi
    More details on IMDb →
  11. 16
    My Strange Addiction poster

    My Strange Addiction

    ★ 5.72010TV Series

    documentary · biography · reality-tv

    My Strange Addiction is an American documentary television series that premiered on TLC on December 29, 2010. The series focuses on people with unusual compulsive behaviors. These range from eating specific non-food items to ritualistic daily activities to bizarre personal fixations or beliefs.

    Why watch: If you like unusual real-life subjects and reality-TV structure, My Strange Addiction may hold your attention. It focuses on people with compulsive behaviors and leans more observational than dramatic.

    Directed by Joseph R. FitzgeraldCast April Brucker
    HuluTubiMax
    More details on IMDb →
  12. 17
    The Girl from Plainville poster

    The Girl from Plainville

    ★ 6.42022TV Series

    biography · crime · drama · mystery

    The controversial case of Michelle Carter, who was convicted in 2017 of involuntary manslaughter for encouraging the suicide of her then-boyfriend via texts and phone calls.

    Why watch: If you want a true-crime story centered on a controversial case, The Girl from Plainville is a strong option. Its biography, crime, drama, and mystery mix suits viewers who like case-based series.

    Directed by Pippa Bianco, Lisa Cholodenko, Liz Hannah, Zetna Fuentes, Daniel MinahanCast Elle Fanning, Chloë Sevigny, Cara Buono, Colton Ryan, Norbert Leo Butz
    Hulu
    More details on IMDb →
  13. 18
    Whiskey on the Rocks poster

    Whiskey on the Rocks

    ★ 72024TV Series

    biography · comedy · drama · history · war

    Inspired by the events of the 11-day standoff in 1981 between Sweden and the U.S.S.R. when a Soviet U-137 'Whiskey'-class submarine ran aground on rocks deep inside Swedish territorial waters.

    Why watch: If you enjoy historical stories with a lighter touch, Whiskey on the Rocks is worth considering. The biography, comedy, drama, and war mix suggests an unusual spin on a real Cold War-era standoff.

    Directed by Björn SteinCast Rolf Lassgård, Anders Mossling, Artur Svorobovich, Kęstutis Jakštas, Andrius Bialobžeskis
    HuluDisney Plus
    More details on IMDb →
  14. 19
    Pam & Tommy poster

    Pam & Tommy

    ★ 7.22022TV Series

    Won 1 Emmy Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (2022) · 10 nominations

    biography · comedy · drama · romance

    This comedic series takes on the true story behind the release of the first ever viral video in history — the sex tape of Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee.

    Why watch: If you’re interested in pop-culture true stories with a comedic angle, Pam & Tommy may be your style. Its biography, comedy, drama, and romance blend points to a more unconventional approach.

    Directed by Craig Gillespie, Lake Bell, Gwyneth Horder-Payton, Hannah FidellCast Lily James, Sebastian Stan, Seth Rogen, Nick Offerman, Taylor Schilling
    Hulu
    More details on IMDb →
  15. 20
    The F.B.I. Files poster

    The F.B.I. Files

    ★ 7.91998TV Series

    documentary · biography · crime · drama · history · mystery · thriller

    Witness the crime busting techniques and forensic science used by the FBI to break the most baffling cases. From crime scene analysis to the most up-to-date laboratories, FBI agents relentlessly comb through mountains of evidence to narrow their search, ultimately prevailing over the perpetrators and bringing them to justice.

    Why watch: If you like procedural crime storytelling and forensic details, The F.B.I. Files is a strong fit. Its documentary, biography, crime, and history elements suit viewers who enjoy case-by-case investigations.

    Directed by Joe Wiecha, Stuart Taylor, David Haycox, Jeffrey Fine, Bertrand MorinCast Bob Featherer, Boe Bostjancic, Paul Fleetwood, Nick Pizzillo, Mark Solesky
    Amazon Prime VideoHuluTubiPeacock Premium
    More details on IMDb →

Wrapping Up

This lineup gives you a strong mix of biography-driven series, from major political stories and landmark criminal cases to personality-focused dramas and documentaries. If you want something intense, history-rich, or a little unconventional, there’s a good match here for different moods and viewing styles. Bookmark this page and come back when you want another true-story series to start next. We update this list regularly, so it’s worth revisiting for fresh additions and changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often is this list updated?

We refresh this list regularly as titles are added or removed from streaming catalogs, so rankings and availability stay current.

Do I need a Hulu subscription to watch these?

Yes. Every title on this list is currently available on Hulu. Availability can change, so we recommend checking the streaming link on each title before you start watching.

How are these biography shows ranked?

We rank by a combination of audience rating and current popularity, so you're seeing the biography titles people are actually watching right now, not just an old fixed list.

Also great on other services

More on Hulu