How to Watch Phony on Hulu: Premiere Date, Cast, Plot and Episode Schedule
Phony premieres on Hulu on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. Two episodes drop that night, then new episodes arrive weekly. It is a half-hour dark comedy and coming-of-age mystery starring Connie Britton.
Phony is a Hulu original, so it isn't on a DIRECTV channel. You watch it in the Hulu app on a DIRECTV Gemini device, a smart TV or a streaming stick.
What Phony is about
Teenager Sonny wakes in a hospital after a car accident and becomes convinced his mom — his only parent and best friend — has been replaced by an impostor. Connie Britton plays Ellen, who is also a high-school principal and a single mom. Sam Nivola plays Sonny.
Nick Paley created the series, wrote and directed the first episode, and directs half of season 1. Anthony King is co-showrunner. Executive producers include Britton, Charlie Alderman, Drew Goddard and Sarah Esberg for Goddard Textiles. 20th Television produces the show.
Phony at a glance
| Premiere | Tuesday, October 20, 2026 on Hulu |
|---|---|
| Drop pattern | Two episodes on premiere night, then one episode weekly |
| Format | Half-hour dark comedy / coming-of-age mystery |
| Where to watch | Hulu |
| Lead cast | Connie Britton (Ellen), Sam Nivola (Sonny) |
| Creator | Nick Paley |
| Studio | 20th Television |
Phony cast
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Connie Britton | Ellen (high-school principal / single mom) |
| Sam Nivola | Sonny |
| Grace Brennan | Cast member |
| Maliq Johnson | Cast member |
| Colter Lee | Cast member |
| Meera Syal | Cast member |
| Mahaela Park | Cast member |
How to watch Phony on your TV with DIRECTV
Open the Hulu app on a DIRECTV Gemini device, smart TV or streaming stick and search "Phony." Hulu with ads is $12.49 a month for new subscribers after Disney's September price change, and the ad-supported Disney+ and Hulu bundle is $12.99. See our breakdown of the 2026 Disney+ and Hulu price increase for every plan, and whether Hulu is free with DIRECTV.
For more Hulu premieres this fall, our Hulu fall 2026 movies and shows guide and how to watch The Lowdown Season 2 cover what else is landing on the app. To get streaming apps and your channels in one place, compare DIRECTV packages at your address or call 1-855-690-9884.
Frequently asked questions
When does Phony premiere on Hulu?
Phony premieres Tuesday, October 20, 2026 on Hulu. Two episodes drop that night, then new episodes arrive weekly.
How many episodes of Phony drop at once?
Hulu is releasing two episodes on premiere night, then one new episode each week. Sources have not published a total episode count for season 1.
Who stars in Phony?
Connie Britton plays Ellen, a high-school principal and single mom. Sam Nivola plays her son Sonny, with Grace Brennan, Maliq Johnson, Colter Lee, Meera Syal and Mahaela Park in the cast.
What is Phony about?
Teenager Sonny wakes in a hospital after a car accident and becomes convinced his mom — his only parent and best friend — has been replaced by an impostor. It is a half-hour dark comedy and coming-of-age mystery.
Is Phony on DIRECTV?
Phony is a Hulu original, so it is not on a DIRECTV channel. You can watch it in the Hulu app on a DIRECTV Gemini device, a smart TV or a streaming stick.
How much does Hulu cost to watch Phony?
Hulu with ads is $12.49 a month for new subscribers after Disney's September price change, and the ad-supported Disney+ and Hulu bundle is $12.99.
Questions about Hulu, streaming apps or DIRECTV packages? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 14, 2026. Release dates and episode cadence are set by Hulu and may change. Hulu and Disney+ prices are set by Disney and may vary by plan and billing partner. Channel availability, packages and prices vary by address and are subject to change. Phony, Hulu, Disney+, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.