Begun, the streaming wars have. Each of the major streaming platforms are competing with themselves and traditional broadcast networks for original programming. Hulu has been making waves with its own original programming, having recently concluded the James Franco-led adaptation of Stephen King‘s 11.22.63. Over the next couple months Hulu will continue to trot more of its originals, continuing streaming hits like Casual, The Mindy Project, and Difficult People, as well as introducing new shows, like the cult drama The Path. Below you’ll find details on Hulu’s entire slate of programming for Spring and Summer.
The Path (Streaming weekly now with new episodes available every Wednesday)
Having just premiered a week ago, I’ve yet to catch any of The Path, but it certainly does look promising between its subject matter of religious cults and the return of Aaron Paul to the small screen following his excellent run on Breaking Bad. The Path also has an ace up its sleeve in the criminally underutilized Michelle Monaghan. New episodes of the 10-episode series premiere on Hulu each Wednesday.
The official synopsis for The Path:
Set against the backdrop of an intriguing grassroots religious group that may or may not be an international cult, the 10-episode drama series examines the struggle of a family as their meanings of marriage, faith and loyalty are put to the test. Each hour-long episode will take an in-depth look at what it means to choose between the family we have and the family we want.
The Mindy Project (New episodes streaming weekly beginning Tuesday, April 12)
Once Mindy Kaling‘s sitcom The Mindy Project was cancelled by Fox, Hulu stepped right in and instantly renewed the show for two more seasons. Its return to the streaming platform is set to debut in just under a week, which is welcome news to fans of Kaling’s unique brand of comedy. New episodes of the show’s latest 13-episode run will be available on Tuesdays starting April 12th.
The official synopsis for The Mindy Project:
The Mindy Project season four returns for even more adventures! Mindy (Mindy Kaling) faces her greatest challenge yet as she struggles to balance work with being a mom, all while her tumultuous relationship with Danny gets even messier. She’s joined by Morgan (Ike Barinholtz) and the rest of the staff of Shulman and Associates as they welcome some new faces (like Garret Dillahunt as Jody, a sexist Southern rascal) and tangle with old rivals like the Midwives upstairs. The Mindy Project continues to deliver its unique mix of wild comedy and heartfelt romance.
Deadbeat (All episodes streaming Wednesday, April 20)
Entering its third season on Hulu is the ghost-based comedy Deadbeat. For the sake of clarity, I’ve never seen an episode of the comedy starring Tyler Labine as a layabout with the ability to interact with the dead. Judging solely by its premiere date of April 20th, it would seem that marijuana may play an integral role in this spectral show. New episodes of the 13-episode season will be available on Wednesdays following its April 20th premiere.
The official synopsis Deadbeat:
Kevin “Pac” Pacalioglu (Tyler Labine) is a lazy, overweight slack- er who can see ghosts. Needing to make a fresh start after losing both his ghost girlfriend and best friend/drug dealer, Pac moves into the apartment of “stoner entrepreneur” Clyde Shapiro (Kal Penn), an equally aimless Brooklynite who Pac meets in jail. When Clyde learns about how Pac is able to help send ghosts into the Light by resolving their unfinished issues, he excitedly offers to help Pac monetize his gift by going into business with him.
Casual (Streaming weekly beginning Tuesday, June 7 with two episodes)
I’ve yet to hear anything bad about Casual, which makes it the most positive reaction I’ve encountered for something from Jason Reitman since Young Adult. Which is a good thing. However, as happens when there’s just so much stuff out there, I’ve been unable to watch this adult comedy starring Michaela Watkins and Tommy Dewey. The buzz is solid and the premise is relatable, which makes Casual one of Hulu’s original highlights that the streaming service wasted no time in bringing back for a second season. Starting on June 7th, Hulu will unveil a new episode of Casual each and every Tuesday.
The official synopsis for Casual:
After a season full of disastrous dates and their parents’ surprise wedding, Alex, Valerie and Laura try to rebuild their lives outside the home. But new friends, business partners, boyfriends and girlfriends can only do so much to distract them from a shared and recurring history of dysfunction.
Difficult People (Streaming weekly beginning Tuesday, July 12 with two episodes)
If you ask me, Difficult People is the crown jewel of Hulu’s original programming. The show starring Julie Klausner and Billy Eichner has a sense of humor that seems tailor made for my tastes. Seriously, if you haven’t watched the first season of this raucous comedy, please do so now. Beginning on July 12th with new episodes coming on subsequent Tuesdays, this terrible duo returns to start a series of feuds with strangers and whoever dares cross their path or question their tactics. Season 2 of Difficult People is among my most anticipate comedic offerings of 2016, and I wonder if Klausner and Eichner can top the episode featuring a hit-and-run involving David Byrne.
The official synopsis for Difficult People:
Julie and Billy continue to search for fame, to diminishing returns. Billy embarks on the journey of finding a boyfriend while Julie tries her best to avoid a deeper commitment to Arthur and not become her mother. Julie and Billy continue to have contempt for the word around them while remaining loyal to each other, and, as they get in their own way, learn no lessons.
East Los High (All episodes streaming Friday, July 15)
Finally, there’s the Latino-themed drama of East Los High, another show which I’ve never had the chance to watch. Having been one of Hulu’s longest running shows, East Los High continues to have its characters grow up before the camera and facing challenges that are unfathomable to many of us. The entire season of East Los High will be available on Hulu on Friday, July 15th.
The official synopsis for East Los High:
School is out at East Los High and summer break is looking hotter than ever when new dancers join the Bomb Squad bringing new moves, forbidden romance, high stakes drama and a wedding that can’t be missed.
