Hulu has become one of the go-to streaming platforms for teens, and honestly, it's not hard to see why. Unlike Disney+ (which skews younger) or Netflix (which has... everything?), Hulu has carved out this specific lane of edgier, more mature content that feels "grown-up" to teenagers. We're talking shows like Euphoria, The Handmaid's Tale, Only Murders in the Building, and a massive library of network TV that includes everything from Grey's Anatomy to Bob's Burgers.
The platform also has FX content (which is... intense), ABC shows, and a rotating selection of movies that range from totally fine to "why is my 13-year-old watching this at 11pm on a Tuesday?"
Here's the thing: Hulu's content ratings are all over the map, and the autoplay feature means your teen can go from watching a wholesome cooking competition to a show with graphic violence in about 3.2 seconds.
Let's be real: teens love Hulu because it feels less "kid-friendly" than other platforms. There's a certain social currency in watching shows that feel more mature, more "real," more like what older siblings or young adults are watching.
The platform also has:
- Current network TV episodes (often next-day access to shows airing on ABC, NBC, Fox)
- Binge-worthy series with multiple seasons already available
- Content that sparks conversation at school (for better or worse)
- Less parental monitoring than platforms specifically marketed to families
And here's something that matters more than we might want to admit: Hulu doesn't have the same "my parents watch this with me" vibe that Disney+ has. For teens trying to establish independence and their own identity, that separation matters.
Okay, so here's where we need to talk honestly. Hulu has some genuinely excellent shows that are appropriate for older teens. Abbott Elementary is delightful. The Bear is stressful but brilliant (though the language is intense). Only Murders in the Building is clever and mostly family-friendly.
But Hulu also has shows like Euphoria, which—look, I'm not going to sugarcoat this—is beautifully shot and deals with important issues, but features graphic drug use, sexual content, and violence that even many adults find overwhelming. It's rated TV-MA for very good reasons.
The real issue isn't that this content exists. The issue is that Hulu's recommendation algorithm doesn't care that your 14-year-old just finished watching a sitcom. It'll happily suggest something wildly inappropriate next.
And unlike Netflix, which has pretty robust parental controls and profiles, Hulu's kid-safe features are... let's just say they're not winning any awards.
Here's a practical breakdown:
Ages 13-14: This is tricky territory. At this age, some teens can handle more mature themes, but most aren't ready for the intense content Hulu offers. If your teen is using Hulu, you'll want to:
- Watch together or at least be in the same room initially
- Use the "Kids" profile setting (yes, they'll hate this, but it filters out TV-MA content)
- Have specific show agreements rather than free browsing
- Check Common Sense Media ratings for any show before they start it
Good options: Bob's Burgers, The Great British Baking Show, Abbott Elementary, Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Ages 15-16: More independence here, but still needs guardrails. At this age:
- Discuss specific shows and why certain content might be too much
- Talk about the difference between entertainment and reality (especially with shows that depict drug use, violence, or unhealthy relationships)
- Consider watching one episode together before they continue alone
- Keep devices in common areas during streaming time
Can probably handle: The Bear (with language warnings), Only Murders in the Building, What We Do in the Shadows (if your family is okay with crude humor)
Ages 17-18: They're almost adults, but that doesn't mean everything is fair game. At this point:
- Have honest conversations about why certain content might be harmful even if they're "allowed" to watch it
- Discuss media literacy—how shows are constructed to be shocking or addictive
- Trust but verify (check viewing history occasionally)
- Focus more on time spent binge-watching than specific content
The binge-watching issue is real. Hulu's entire interface is designed to keep people watching. Autoplay, cliffhangers, "next episode in 5... 4... 3..." It's not about willpower; it's about design that exploits human psychology.
Some practical strategies:
- Set time limits through Screen Time (iOS) or Digital Wellbeing (Android)
- Agree on "episode budgets" (2 episodes on school nights, more on weekends)
- Make "one episode" the default, not the exception
- Watch together when possible—it's not helicoptering, it's shared experience
Check the viewing history. Not to spy, but to stay informed. You might find your teen is watching something you didn't realize, and it opens up a conversation rather than a confrontation.
Use Hulu's profiles properly. Create a separate profile for your teen and actually set the maturity rating. Yes, they can switch profiles if they know the account password, but at least you've established a boundary.
Talk about what they're watching. Not in a "I'm checking on you" way, but in a "I'm interested in your life" way. Ask what they like about a show, what their friends are watching, what they think about the characters' choices. These conversations matter more than the content itself
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Hulu isn't inherently bad for teens, but it requires more active parenting than platforms with better built-in safeguards. The content ranges from excellent to deeply problematic, often with very little separation between the two.
If your teen is watching Hulu:
- Set up proper parental controls (even if they're imperfect)
- Have specific conversations about specific shows
- Watch viewing history periodically
- Talk about binge-watching habits and time limits
- Consider whether they actually need Hulu or if other platforms meet their entertainment needs with less risk
The real question isn't "should my teen watch TV on Hulu?" but rather "what are they watching, for how long, and are we talking about it?" That's the difference between passive consumption and intentional media engagement.
And look, if you find out your 15-year-old watched all of Euphoria at a friend's house? Don't panic. Use it as an opening to talk about why that show depicts such intense situations, what's realistic versus dramatized, and how they felt watching it. Sometimes the "forbidden" content leads to the most important conversations.
Want to dig deeper? Check out our guides on setting up parental controls for streaming platforms or alternatives to popular teen shows. And if you're trying to figure out what's actually age-appropriate, our media ratings can help you make informed decisions without relying on your teen's friend's older sister's recommendations.