Hulu: The 'Next-Day TV' Hub Your Kids Are Already Using
TL;DR
Hulu is no longer just "that other app" we used for Seinfeld reruns. It is now the primary home for next-day network TV, a massive anime library, and—most importantly—it’s now living inside Disney+. If you have the bundle, your kids can likely see American Horror Story right next to Bluey unless you’ve set up your PINs.
Quick Recommendations:
- For the Littles (Ages 4-7): Trolls: TrollsTopia or Curious George.
- For the Tweens (Ages 8-12): MasterChef Junior or The Orville.
- For the Teens (Ages 13+): Abbott Elementary or Only Murders in the Building.
If Netflix is the giant library of "everything and nothing," Hulu is the digital version of your old cable box. It’s owned by Disney, and its main selling point is that it streams episodes of shows from networks like ABC, FOX, and FX the day after they air on TV.
For parents, the landscape changed recently. Disney integrated Hulu content directly into the Disney+ app. This is great for convenience but a bit of a nightmare for "set it and forget it" parenting. Suddenly, the "Disney" app isn't just G-rated princesses; it’s also gritty FX dramas and R-rated movies.
Kids and teens usually end up on Hulu for three specific reasons:
- The "Next Day" FOMO: If their friends are talking about a show that aired on live TV last night (like a reality competition or a sitcom), Hulu is the only place to catch up.
- The Anime Vault: Hulu has one of the best mainstream anime collections out there. If your kid is into Naruto or One Piece, they are probably spending a lot of time here.
- The "Grown-Up" Vibe: For tweens, Hulu feels more mature than the "babyish" Disney+ interface. It’s where the reality shows and the edgier comedies live.
Learn more about why anime is so popular with middle schoolers
Hulu’s library is vast, ranging from "brain rot" reality TV to some of the best-written shows of the last decade. Here is how to navigate it:
For the Elementary Crew (Ages 5-9)
Hulu has a solid "Kids" hub, though it often feels like a secondary thought compared to Disney+. Still, there are gems here that aren't available elsewhere.
- If your house has been colonized by the Trolls movies, this series is more of the same. It’s high-energy, neon-colored, and focuses heavily on friendship and musical numbers. It’s "safe" viewing that won't require a post-show debrief.
- The GOAT of gentle parenting content. It’s low-stimulation, educational in a way that doesn't feel like a lecture, and perfect for a Saturday morning when you just want to drink your coffee in peace.
- A great example of inclusive storytelling. It follows a young knight-in-training and features a same-sex protagonist couple (the knight's parents). It’s sweet, adventurous, and handles its themes with total normalcy.
For the Tweens (Ages 10-12)
This is the age where they start wanting "real" TV, not cartoons. Hulu is perfect for this transition.
- Reality TV that isn't toxic. It’s inspiring to see kids their own age with actual skills, and Gordon Ramsay is surprisingly wholesome with the children compared to his adult-show persona.
- Think Star Trek but with more jokes. It deals with some heavy themes (ethics, relationships, science), but it’s generally appropriate for the 11+ crowd who likes sci-fi.
- It’s a "comfort" sitcom. While there is some "adult" dating talk, it’s fairly tame compared to what they might see on TikTok. It’s a good "bridge" show for parents and tweens to watch together.
For the Teens (Ages 13+)
Hulu really shines for the 14-17 demographic, especially if they are looking for high-quality storytelling.
- This is arguably the best sitcom on TV right now. It’s funny, heartwarming, and provides a great look at the American education system without being cynical. It’s a 10/10 for family viewing.
- A murder mystery that feels cozy. There is some swearing and adult themes, but the chemistry between Selena Gomez, Steve Martin, and Martin Short makes it a sophisticated choice for teens who are tired of "teen dramas."
- Heads up: This is Rated TV-MA. It is intense, stressful, and features a lot of F-bombs. However, for an older teen (16+) interested in cooking or high-stakes drama, it’s a masterclass in filmmaking. Watch it with them or watch it first.
We can't talk about Hulu without talking about The Kardashians and the endless stream of "Bachelor-adjacent" reality shows.
Is it "dangerous"? No. Is it "brain rot"? Mostly. These shows often promote unrealistic body standards, toxic relationship dynamics, and a level of consumerism that can be tough for a developing brain to filter. If your teen is obsessed, it’s a great opportunity to talk about "the edit" and how reality TV is basically a soap opera with better lighting.
Check out our guide on how to talk to teens about reality TV vs. real life
If you have the Disney Bundle, you need to be proactive. By default, Disney+ profiles used to be capped at TV-14. When Hulu moved in, that changed.
1. Set Up Profile PINs
Hulu allows you to create up to seven profiles. You should have a PIN on your "Adult" profile so your 8-year-old doesn't accidentally wander into The Handmaid's Tale.
2. Content Ratings are Your Friend
You can set content ratings for each profile. If you set a profile to "G" or "PG," the Hulu content that shows up in the Disney+ app will automatically be filtered.
3. The "Kids" Profile
Hulu has a specific "Kids" profile setting that locks the user into a simplified interface with only child-friendly content. It’s effective, but savvy tweens will hate it because it feels too restrictive.
How to set up Hulu parental controls step-by-step
Because Hulu updates daily, it can be a "sticky" app. Unlike a book or a movie that has a clear end, the cycle of new episodes can keep kids coming back every single morning.
If you notice your kid is rushing through breakfast just to catch the new episode of a competition show, it might be time to set some "Hulu hours." The app doesn't have a built-in "timer" like TikTok or Instagram, so you’ll need to rely on your device's built-in screen time limits.
Hulu is a powerhouse of content that bridges the gap between "kiddie" shows and adult prestige TV. It’s not as chaotic as YouTube or as overwhelming as Netflix, but its recent merger with Disney+ means you can no longer assume that a "Disney" app is a safe zone.
Take ten minutes tonight to check your profile settings, set a PIN, and maybe add Abbott Elementary to your family watchlist. It’s worth it.
- Audit your profiles: Open the app and make sure your kids are locked out of the TV-MA stuff.
- Check the Anime: If your kid is watching anime on Hulu, ask our chatbot about specific titles because the ratings can be deceptive.
- Plan a family night: Pick a show like MasterChef Junior to watch together this weekend.
Ask our chatbot for more Hulu show recommendations based on your kid's age