20 Best Mystery TV Shows on Hulu 2026
Find the best mystery TV shows on Hulu, from Sherlock and The X-Files to Only Murders in the Building, plus eerie, funny, and twisty picks.
If you’re searching for the best mystery TV shows on Hulu, this lineup gives you a wide mix of puzzles, suspense, and character-driven twists. You’ll find long-running crime staples like Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Criminal Minds, NCIS, and The Mentalist alongside cult favorites such as The X-Files, Fringe, and Lost. There’s also room for sharper, more unusual picks like Only Murders in the Building, The Good Place, and Over the Garden Wall. Whether you want FBI cases, supernatural questions, or a mystery with comedy mixed in, these titles cover a lot of ground without losing the intrigue.
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01
Phony
comedy · drama · mystery & thriller
After waking up from a freak car accident, Sonny discovers that his mother has been replaced by an impostor.
Why watch: If you enjoy mystery stories with a lighter tone, Phony may fit well thanks to its mix of comedy, drama, and thriller elements. The setup centers on an unsettling identity twist after a car accident.
Directed by Nick PaleyCast Connie Britton, Sam Nivola, Maliq Johnson, Elijah Fox, Mellany BarrosHuluMore details on IMDb → -
02
Over the Garden Wall
Won 2 Emmys
animation · short · adventure · comedy · drama · family · fantasy · horror · mystery
Two brothers, Wirt and Greg, find themselves lost in the Unknown; a strange forest adrift in time. With the help of a wise old Woodsman and a foul-tempered bluebird named Beatrice, Wirt and Greg must travel across this strange land, in hope of finding their way home. Join them as they encounter surprises and obstacles on their journey through the wood.
Why watch: If you like mystery stories that blend in adventure, fantasy, and horror, Over the Garden Wall is a strong choice. Its short format and strange forest setting make it appealing for viewers who want something atmospheric and offbeat.
Directed by Nate CashCast Elijah Wood, Collin Dean, Melanie Lynskey, Christopher Lloyd, Samuel RameyAmazon Prime VideoHuluDisney PlusMore details on IMDb → -
03
The Americans
Won 4 Emmys Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (2018) · 18 nominations
crime · drama · mystery · thriller
Set during the Cold War period in the 1980s, The Americans is the story of Elizabeth and Philip Jennings, two Soviet KGB officers posing as an American married couple in the suburbs of Washington D.C. and their neighbor, Stan Beeman, an FBI Counterintelligence agent.
Why watch: If you’re drawn to espionage stories with a strong mystery angle, The Americans is a great match. The Cold War setting and undercover premise give it constant tension.
Directed by Chris Long, Daniel Sackheim, Thomas Schlamme, Daniel Attias, Stefan SchwartzCast Keri Russell, Matthew Rhys, Keidrich Sellati, Holly Taylor, Noah EmmerichHuluMore details on IMDb → -
04
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Won 6 Emmys Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (2006) · 25 nominations
crime · drama · mystery · thriller
In the criminal justice system, sexually-based offenses are considered especially heinous. In New York City, the dedicated detectives who investigate these vicious felonies are members of an elite squad known as the Special Victims Unit. These are their stories.
Why watch: If you prefer case-of-the-week crime stories with a mystery backbone, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit is an easy pick. Its long-running format suits viewers who like consistent investigations.
Directed by Jean de Segonzac, David Platt, Peter Leto, Juan José Campanella, Norberto BarbaCast Mariska Hargitay, Ice-T, Dann Florek, Richard Belzer, Kelli GiddishHuluPeacock PremiumMore details on IMDb → -
05
The X-Files
Won 16 Emmys Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series (1996) · 62 nominations
adventure · crime · drama · mystery · sci-fi · thriller
The exploits of FBI Special Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully who investigate X-Files: marginalized, unsolved cases involving paranormal phenomena. Mulder believes in the existence of aliens and the paranormal while Scully, a skeptic, is assigned to make scientific analyses of Mulder's discoveries that debunk Mulder's work and thus return him to mainstream cases.
Why watch: If you want mystery with sci-fi and paranormal elements, The X-Files is an obvious fit. It’s especially appealing for anyone who likes unsolved cases and a skeptical-versus-believer dynamic.
Directed by Kim Manners, Rob Bowman, David Nutter, Chris Carter, R.W. GoodwinCast Gillian Anderson, David Duchovny, Mitch Pileggi, William B. Davis, Robert PatrickHuluMore details on IMDb →
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06
NCIS
3 Emmy nominations
action · crime · drama · mystery · thriller
From murder and espionage to terrorism and stolen submarines, a team of special agents investigates any crime that has any connection to Navy and Marine Corps personnel, regardless of rank or position.
Why watch: If you like procedural mysteries mixed with action, NCIS is worth a look. The focus on military-connected crimes gives it a clear niche within the genre.
Directed by Dennis Smith, Terrence O'Hara, Tony Wharmby, James Whitmore Jr., Thomas J. WrightCast Sean Murray, David McCallum, Mark Harmon, Brian Dietzen, Rocky CarrollNetflixHuluParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
07
The Mentalist
1 Emmy nomination Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (2009)
crime · drama · mystery · thriller
Patrick Jane, a former celebrity psychic medium, uses his razor sharp skills of observation and expertise at "reading" people to solve serious crimes with the California Bureau of Investigation.
Why watch: If you enjoy smart investigators and clever deduction, The Mentalist may be your kind of show. Its premise centers on observation skills and reading people, which suits fans of psychological mystery.
Directed by Chris Long, Eric Laneuville, John F. Showalter, Charles Beeson, Randy ZiskCast Simon Baker, Robin Tunney, Tim Kang, Owain Yeoman, Amanda RighettiHuluMore details on IMDb → -
08
Law & Order
Won 6 Emmys Outstanding Drama Series (1997) · 52 nominations
crime · drama · mystery · thriller
In cases ripped from the headlines, police investigate serious and often deadly crimes, weighing the evidence and questioning the suspects until someone is taken into custody. The district attorney's office then builds a case to convict the perpetrator by proving the person guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Working together, these expert teams navigate all sides of the complex criminal justice system to make New York a safer place.
Why watch: If you prefer grounded crime mysteries built around investigations and legal follow-through, Law & Order is a classic option. It works well for viewers who like headline-inspired cases.
Directed by Constantine Makris, Edwin Sherin, Jace Alexander, David Platt, Richard DobbsCast Sam Waterston, S. Epatha Merkerson, Jerry Orbach, Steven Hill, Jesse L. MartinNetflixHuluPeacock PremiumMore details on IMDb → -
09
Coven Academy
action & adventure · comedy · drama · fantasy · horror · kids & family · mystery & thriller · romance
Teen witch apprentices band together to defend New Orleans against an approaching dark force.
Why watch: If you’re open to mystery with fantasy, horror, and romance mixed together, Coven Academy may be a good fit. The teen witch premise points to a supernatural story with ensemble energy.
Directed by Aprill Winney, Shannon Kohli, Alexis Ostrander, Amanda Row, Tim FederleCast Malina Pauli Weissman, Malachi Barton, Jordan Leftwich, Ora Duplass, Louis ThresherHuluMore details on IMDb → -
10
The Apothecary Diaries
animation · drama · history · mystery · romance
Maomao lived a peaceful life with her apothecary father. Until one day, she's sold as a lowly servant to the emperor's palace. But she wasn't meant for a compliant life among royalty. So when imperial heirs fall ill, she decides to step in and find a cure! This catches the eye of Jinshi, a handsome palace official who promotes her. Now, she's making a name for herself solving medical mysteries!
Why watch: If you like mysteries that lean toward history and romance as well as investigation, The Apothecary Diaries stands out. Its medical mystery setup should appeal to viewers who enjoy problem-solving in a unique setting.
Directed by Norihiro Naganuma, Akinori Fudesaka, Jun Ôwada, Wataru Nakagawa, Akira KoremotoCast Aoi Yûki, Emi Lo, Takeo Otsuka, Katsuyuki Konishi, Kaiji TangNetflixHuluMore details on IMDb → -
11
Sherlock
Won 9 Emmys 39 nominations
crime · drama · mystery · thriller
A modern update finds the famous sleuth and his doctor partner solving crime in 21st century London.
Why watch: If you want a mystery show with a modern, witty edge, Sherlock is an excellent choice. The crime-and-thriller blend makes it a strong pick for puzzle-focused viewers.
Directed by Paul McGuigan, Jeremy Lovering, Nick Hurran, Coky Giedroyc, Euros LynCast Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Una Stubbs, Rupert Graves, Louise BrealeyHuluAMC+More details on IMDb → -
12
Only Murders in the Building
Won 7 Emmys 3x Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series · 61 nominations
comedy · crime · drama · mystery · thriller
Three strangers share an obsession with true crime and suddenly find themselves wrapped up in one.
Why watch: If you enjoy mystery stories with humor and a true-crime angle, Only Murders in the Building should be near the top of your list. Its comedy-crime mix makes it appealing for viewers who want suspense without losing the fun.
Directed by Jamie Babbit, John Hoffman, Cherien Dabis, Chris Koch, Shari Springer BermanCast Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez, Michael Cyril Creighton, Jackie HoffmanHuluDisney PlusMore details on IMDb → -
13
Criminal Minds
3 Emmy nominations
crime · drama · mystery · thriller
An elite team of FBI profilers analyze the country's most twisted criminal minds, anticipating their next moves before they strike again. The Behavioral Analysis Unit's most experienced agent is David Rossi, a founding member of the BAU who returns to help the team solve new cases.
Why watch: If you like darker criminal investigations and profiling, Criminal Minds is a natural fit. It’s best for viewers who want tense cases and an ensemble working through difficult mysteries.
Directed by Glenn Kershaw, Félix Enríquez Alcalá, Rob Bailey, Edward Allen Bernero, Matthew Gray GublerCast Kirsten Vangsness, A.J. Cook, Matthew Gray Gubler, Joe Mantegna, Thomas GibsonAmazon Prime VideoHuluParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
14
The Good Place
12 Emmy nominations 3x Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
comedy · drama · fantasy · mystery · romance
Eleanor Shellstrop, an ordinary woman who, through an extraordinary string of events, enters the afterlife where she comes to realize that she hasn't been a very good person. With the help of her wise afterlife mentor, she's determined to shed her old way of living and discover the awesome (or at least the pretty good) person within.
Why watch: If you want a mystery series that also plays with comedy, fantasy, and romance, The Good Place is a smart choice. Its afterlife setup gives the story a very different kind of puzzle.
Directed by Dean Holland, Beth McCarthy-Miller, Morgan Sackett, Drew Goddard, Michael SchurCast Kristen Bell, William Jackson Harper, Jameela Jamil, D'Arcy Carden, Manny JacintoAmazon Prime VideoHuluPeacock PremiumMore details on IMDb → -
15
Fringe
3 Emmy nominations
drama · mystery · sci-fi · thriller
FBI Special Agent Olivia Dunham, brilliant but formerly institutionalized scientist Walter Bishop and his scheming, reluctant son Peter uncover a deadly mystery involving a series of unbelievable events and realize they may be a part of a larger, more disturbing pattern that blurs the line between science fiction and technology.
Why watch: If you’re interested in mystery with sci-fi and thriller elements, Fringe is a strong pick. The investigative premise and larger pattern behind the cases should appeal to fans of serialized intrigue.
Directed by Joe Chappelle, Brad Anderson, Frederick E.O. Toye, Jeannot Szwarc, Charles BeesonCast Anna Torv, Joshua Jackson, Jasika Nicole, John Noble, Lance ReddickAmazon Prime VideoHuluMore details on IMDb → -
16
Sleepy Hollow
1 Emmy nomination
action · adventure · crime · drama · fantasy · horror · mystery · thriller
Ichabod Crane is resurrected and pulled two and a half centuries through time to unravel a mystery that dates all the way back to the founding fathers.
Why watch: If you enjoy mystery with fantasy, horror, and action, Sleepy Hollow offers a genre blend that may suit you well. Its time-displaced premise gives it a distinctive hook.
Directed by Russell Lee Fine, Paul A. Edwards, Doug Aarniokoski, Ken Olin, Marc RoskinCast Tom Mison, Lyndie Greenwood, Nicole Beharie, Orlando Jones, Katia WinterAmazon Prime VideoHuluMore details on IMDb → -
17
Lost
Won 10 Emmys 2x Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series · 51 nominations
adventure · drama · fantasy · mystery · sci-fi · thriller
Stripped of everything, the survivors of a horrific plane crash must work together to stay alive. But the island holds many secrets.
Why watch: If you like mysteries that unfold in a survival setting, Lost is a compelling option. The island setting and sci-fi-fantasy mix make it ideal for viewers who want big unanswered questions.
Directed by Jack Bender, Stephen Williams, Paul A. Edwards, Tucker Gates, Eric LaneuvilleCast Jorge Garcia, Josh Holloway, Yunjin Kim, Evangeline Lilly, Terry O'QuinnHuluMore details on IMDb → -
18
Devs
4 Emmy nominations
drama · mystery · sci-fi · thriller
Young computer engineer Lily Chan investigates the secretive development division of her employer, a cutting-edge tech company based in San Francisco, which she believes is behind the murder of her boyfriend.
Why watch: If you prefer a mystery that leans into science fiction and technology, Devs could be a good match. The investigation into a secretive tech division gives it a modern, uneasy feel.
Directed by Alex GarlandCast Sonoya Mizuno, Nick Offerman, Jin Ha, Cailee Spaeny, Stephen McKinley HendersonHuluMore details on IMDb → -
19
Charmed
drama · fantasy · mystery
Three sisters (Prue, Piper and Phoebe) reunite and unlock their powers to become the Charmed Ones, the most powerful good witches of all time, whose prophesied destiny is to protect innocent lives from evil beings such as demons and warlocks. Each sister possesses unique magical powers that grow and evolve, while they attempt to maintain normal lives in modern day San Francisco.
Why watch: If you enjoy fantasy mysteries with family dynamics, Charmed may be worth trying. The supernatural premise gives the show a clear identity for viewers who like magic-driven stories.
Directed by John T. Kretchmer, James L. Conway, Joel J. Feigenbaum, Mel Damski, Jon ParéCast Holly Marie Combs, Alyssa Milano, Brian Krause, Rose McGowan, Dorian GregoryAmazon Prime VideoHuluPeacock PremiumMore details on IMDb → -
20
Burn Notice
4 Emmy nominations Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (2010)
action · crime · drama · mystery · thriller
A formerly blacklisted spy uses his unique skills and training to help people in desperate situations.
Why watch: If you want a mystery series with action and spycraft, Burn Notice is a solid pick. Its premise makes it especially appealing for viewers who like problem-solving mixed with dangerous situations.
Directed by Stephen Surjik, Jeremiah S. Chechik, Dennie Gordon, John T. Kretchmer, Tim MathesonCast Jeffrey Donovan, Gabrielle Anwar, Bruce Campbell, Sharon Gless, Coby BellHuluMore details on IMDb →
Wrapping Up
This selection gives you plenty of ways to match your mood, from classic procedural mysteries to surreal, genre-bending stories. If you want something clever, eerie, funny, or fast-moving, there’s a strong pick here to start with. Bookmark this page and come back whenever you want a new mystery series to queue up, since we update it regularly. That makes it easy to revisit and find another show that fits whatever kind of puzzle you’re in the mood for next.
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 mystery shows ranked?
We rank by a combination of audience rating and current popularity, so you're seeing the mystery titles people are actually watching right now, not just an old fixed list.