Whether you’re a fan of melodramatic interpretations of historical scandals, prefer cinematic takes on bizarre stories from The New Yorker, or just crave a little high-octane thrill, Hulu has got you covered with new shows and movies bound to pique your interest in February. (Plus, some fan favorites are gearing up for a return).
‘Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans’ | February 1
Feud: Capote Vs. The Swan is the long-awaited second season in Ryan Murphy’s Feud anthology, which first premiered in 2017 with Susan Sarandon and Jessica Lange as the battling Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, respectively.
This season will highlight the relationship between author Truman Capote and the band of New York City socialites he called his “Swans.” Capote became a confidante to these elite, enviably-clad upper-crusters only to betray their trust via thinly-veiled fictionalizations in an Esquire piece. The series stars Tom Hollander as Capote with Calista Flockhart, Demi Moore, Naomi Watts, Molly Ringwald, Diane Lane, and Chloë Sevigny stepping in as the various “Swans.” The series will premiere on FX on January 21 and be on Hulu the following day.
‘Genius: MLK/X’ | February 2
The fourth season in the Genius series will premiere on National Geographic on February 1, and it will be available to stream on Hulu and Disney+ the following day. The season follows the early lives of Civil Rights activists Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, spotlighting their familial dynamics and the traumatic experiences that led to their differing approaches to injustice. Aaron Pierre (Foe, Brother, Old) portrays Malcolm X, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. (Chevalier, Waves, Monster) portrays MLK Jr. Channing Godfrey Peoples directs with a screenplay by Jeff Stetson.
‘Suncoast’ | February 9
In Suncoast, a teenager (Nico Parker) strikes up a friendship with an eccentric activist (a perfectly cast Woody Harrelson), while caring for her brother alongside her bold mother (Laura Linney). The dramedy is writer/director Laura Chinn’s semi-autobiographical story. Critics deemed the film a feel-good tale that makes you question your faith and humanity. Though suffering from a script too broad for its own good, the talented ensemble makes this movie a worthwhile watch.
‘Cat Person’ | February 9
Cat Person first premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, garnering quite mixed reviews. The film is based on a 2017 short story from The New Yorker and follows college student Margot, who goes on a date with Robert. It just so happens that Robert in real life is not the man he seemed to be digitally. The film then delves into the modern horrors of dating, leading Margot to wonder if Robert is just a weird guy or a dangerous stalker. The film stars Emilia Jones as Margot, and Nicholas Braun as Robert, with Isabella Rossellini, Christopher Shyer, Hope Davis, and Geraldine Viswanathan rounding out the primary ensemble. Susanna Fogel directs with a screenplay by Michael Ashford and Kristen Roupenian.
‘Shōgun’ | February 27
Shōgun will premiere simultaneously on FX and Hulu on February 27. The premise: A mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village, and, as a result, Lord Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) discovers secrets that could tip the scales of power in his favor, destroying his enemies. The series also stars Anna Sawaii, Cosmo Jarvis, and Tadanobu Asano.
Returning: ‘Life & Beth’ | Season 2 | February 16
Life & Beth follows Amy Schumer as Beth who, in season 1, began having flashbacks to her younger self after an unexpected incident. The flashbacks led her to question how she became who she is and determine who she yearns to become. The series also stars Michael Cera as her love interest, John, and is heavily inspired by Schumer’s personal experiences. The trailer for season 2 of Life & Beth kicks off with Beth announcing that she is marrying John. The second season seems prepped to explore the struggles tied to early married life and “geriatric pregnancy,” as phrased in the trailer.
