HBO Max: The 31 Absolute Best TV Shows to Watch

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (2026- )

The main series may have ended in 2019, but the Game of Thrones spinoffs are still coming. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is set approximately 100 years before GoT and adapts George RR Martin’s short story The Hedge Knight. It centers on an unlikely pairing – and heartwarming friendship – between a knight and his squire. While there’s some signature GoT violence, the half-hour show’s overall lighter tone could potentially win over Westeros avoiders.

The Last of Us (2023- )

This television adaptation of a popular video game follows hardened survivor Joel (The Mandalorian’s Pedro Pascal) and spunky teenager Ellie (Game of Thrones’ Bella Ramsey) as they face human and not-quite-human dangers in a post-apocalyptic world.

House of the Dragon (2022- )

Creating a series as beloved as Game of Thrones is difficult to achieve, but HBO spin-off House of the Dragon is reaching impressive heights. Set two centuries before the GoT fantasy series, the prequel depicts how infighting and tragedy consume House Targaryen. Several players claim power, including Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) and Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke).

Reign of the Scavengers (2023)

An unusual alien world and the humans stranded there are the subject of this spectacular sci-fi series on HBO Max. The story follows characters marooned on a particular planet that is home to fascinating creatures and landscapes. The world is beautiful but also presents dangers for the human guests, who are searching for their ship and other crew members. An expansion of a 2016 animated short, Scavengers Reign is a gripping 12-episode saga that you won’t be able to stop watching.

The Pitt (2025- )

A lot can happen in a day’s work in a hospital emergency department. This modern-day medical drama fills its 15-hour debut season with what happens in a single day. Created by ER executive producer R. Scott Gemmill and starring ER’s Noah Wyle as Michael Robinavitch, this compelling and realistic series is worth watching.

The White Lotus (2021- )

What was initially a limited series was so good that HBO renewed it for a second season. The satire about guests at a posh resort gradually reveals the darker edges of its postcard-perfect story. The White Lotus features an ensemble cast, including Jennifer Coolidge, Alexandra Daddario, Steve Zahn, Molly Shannon and more hilarious people, who make this series soar. If that wasn’t enough, a murder mystery with the big reveal waiting until the very end will keep you thoroughly entertained.

Industry (2020- )

If you miss the competition and drama presented in Succession, you should pay attention to this HBO series. The first season follows recent graduates, including Harper Stern (Myha’la from Netflix’s Leave the World Behind), as they enter Pierpoint & Co in London. Young people in their twenties are hoping for a permanent job in the leading international bank.

Euphoria (2019- )

The second installment of Euphoria is now available on HBO Max. This visually stunning series has amassed its share of fans and it’s not hard to see why: the captivating performances, cinematography, and exploration of mature topics make this series shine. If nothing else, stick around to see Dune star Zendaya as teenager Rue.

Julie (2022-23)

Following the life of television chef and cookbook author Julia Child, this drama doles out a generous dose of humor and charm (and delicious food, of course). Sarah Lancashire is endlessly watchable as the famous American chef, who paved the way for future cooking shows with her long-running series The French Chef. Two seasons are now available on the streamer.

The chair company (2025- )

A project manager’s unexpectedly comical self-effacement in front of his co-workers leads to an obsessive quest in this new HBO comedy series co-created by Tim Robinson. Robinson — whose credits include the Netflix sketch show I Think You Should Leave and Saturday Night Live — stars as the irritated victim of faulty furniture in this hilarious and unpredictable conspiracy thriller.

Fantasies (2024- )

Viewers have former Saturday Night Live writer Julio Torres to thank for this offbeat and gripping HBO comedy. In Episode 1 of the surreal series, an Alf-like sitcom takes a clumsy turn and the letter “Q” tells the story of a lifetime. Torres, also known for the HBO show Los Espookys and the A24 film Problemista, stars as a version of himself, and guest cast includes Steve Buscemi, Julia Fox, Emma Stone, Aidy Bryant and Bowen Yang.

The repeat (2022- )

Nathan Fielder, best known for his Comedy Central show, Nathan For You (and its gritty comedy), writes, directs and stars in this new HBO series. In the series, the comedian goes to extraordinary lengths to allow people to rehearse moments before it actually happens. In the first episode, Fielder helps a man prepare for a confession to a friend and builds an exact replica of the bar where he plans to meet (the attention to detail is incredible). After planning for any strange things that might happen, we see how the real exchange between the two friends plays out. Bizarre and truly fascinating, The Rehearsal should get some time on your screen.

Tips (2021- )

The great Jean Smart is rightly in the spotlight in this acclaimed comedy-drama series. Throwing iPads into swimming pools and giving withering looks, Smart plays Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas comedy diva who must face the prospect of appealing to younger audiences or fading into obscurity. She teamed up with Ava (Hannah Einbinder), an equally sarcastic young comedy writer, to freshen up her material. Perfectly balancing its biting insight into how the comedy industry treats women, with the warmth of an odd couple’s comedy, Hacks is one of HBO Max’s best original series.

The Righteous Gemstones (2019-25)

This scandalous series highlights a very dysfunctional family of famous televangelists called the Gemstones. In the first season of the series, a family member is blackmailed and ridiculous antics ensue. John Goodman plays the family patriarch, Eli, and Danny McBride, Edi Patterson and Adam Devine also take part in this adventure, making an absurd and addictive black comedy. All four seasons of the series are now available for streaming.

Someone Somewhere (2022-24)

Do you like feel-good shows? Someone Somewhere is a great option that you may have overlooked. In the first episode, Sam, in his 40s, living in his hometown in Kansas and dealing with a recent loss, strikes up a friendship with a co-worker. Authentic, funny, with stellar performances, the half-hour series is perfect for unwinding.

Rap Shit (2022-23)

A half-hour comedy series from Issa Rae (the star and creator of the popular HBO series Insecure), Rap Sh!t features two old high school friends. Shawna is an aspiring, socially conscious rapper, and Mia is a makeup artist and single mother who works multiple jobs. As soon as the first episode ended, the young women (now in their twenties) reconnected and filmed a haunting rap video that appeared on the internet. The protagonists of the series are obsessed with phones, constantly checking social media and recording videos, which affects the viewing experience in interesting ways.

Our flag means death (2022-23)

In this comedy set on the high seas, Rhys Darby plays Stede Bonnet, an aristocrat who abandons his quiet life and his family to become captain of a pirate ship. Spoiler: He struggles hilariously during the concert. Game of Thrones fans will be able to spot Hodor actor Kristian Nairn among the crew, and the series also stars Taika Waititi as Blackbeard.

The sex lives of female students (2021-25)

Mindy Kaling co-created this comedy-drama about four 18-year-old girls who begin their first year of college together in Vermont. With distinct personalities, college newcomers handle love and sex in their own ways. The series is funny, easy to swallow and enhanced by the chemistry between its female protagonists. A contemporary teen comedy featuring messy experiences, endearing characters, and raunchy jokes.

Star struck (2021-23)

Starstruck is a classic zany comedy, starring the lovable zany Rose Matafeo. She plays Jessie, a twenty-something Londoner who parties on New Year’s Eve, then later discovers she had a one-night stand with Tom Kapoor, a celebrity played by Nikesh Patel. Follow Jessie as she juggles odd jobs from being a movie theater employee to has a nanny, and her blossoming relationship with a movie star that doesn’t involve any bad luck. Watch out for scene-stealing Minnie Driver as Tom’s agent in this witty, carefully crafted comedy package.

The other two (2019-23)

Sibling rivalry is strong and ripe for hilarity in this comedy from two Saturday Night Live writers. Chris Kelly and Sarah Schneider tell the story of Cary (Drew Tarver) and Brooke (Heléne Yorker), twenty-something siblings who struggle with the sudden rise to Internet fame of their 13-year-old brother Justin Bieber. Molly Shannon is a delight as their mother, Pat, who opens the doors to success for her children. Once you get over the clever premise, The Other Two’s pop culture satire and surprisingly heartfelt plots are a winning combination. Fans of Schitt’s Creek should check it out.

Succession (2018-23)

This satirical show follows the family that controls the world’s largest media and entertainment company, whose members find themselves embroiled in a battle to take over as their father’s health deteriorates.

Barry (2018-23)

In Barry’s opening scene, SNL alum Bill Hader casually leaves a hotel room containing a dead body. The actor plays hitman Barry Berkman, who is dissatisfied with life or his unconventional profession, but his path is altered when he travels to Los Angeles and finds himself forced to perform in an acting class. Barry’s Feat There’s plenty of violence and a deeply troubled protagonist, leaning toward the “dark” part of its black comedy designation. But it’s also very funny, and there are four seasons to binge. At the very least, you’ll want to listen to some great scenes between Hader and his acting teacher, played by Henry Winkler.

Task (2025- )

HBO Max adds great new shows every year, and Task is one of the highlights of 2025. The well-crafted crime drama from Mare of Easttown writer-creator Brad Ingelsby is a cat-and-mouse tale starring Mark Ruffalo and Tom Pelphrey, who play an FBI agent investigating a series of robberies and an unassuming family man involved in them.

The Penguin (2024- )

Set between Matt Reeves’ 2022 film The Batman and the upcoming sequel The Batman Part II, The Penguin stars Colin Farrell as Gotham’s underrated and ambitious gangster Oz Cobb (although you’ll barely recognize the Oscar-nominated actor). The eight-episode season chronicles Cobb’s rise and introduces other complicated characters, such as Cristin Milioti’s Sofia Falcone and Rhenzy Feliz’s Victor Aguilar.

True Detective (2014- )

True Detective may be best known for its first season starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, but the anthology series continues to release intriguing new stories. The latest, premiering in 2024 after a five-year hiatus, follows characters Jodie Foster and Kali Reis as they tackle a chilling mystery in the fictional town of Ennis, Alaska. It includes a new showrunner, Issa López, who will direct an upcoming fifth edition.

Duster (2025)

A hard-working young FBI agent attempts to stop a crime boss with the help of her getaway driver in this thrilling crime drama set in 1970s Arizona. Lost star Josh Holloway plays the good guy behind the wheel and Rachel Hilson’s character is the first black female FBI agent in the gripping and jam-packed series co-created by JJ Abrams and LaToya Morgan.

Vice-Tokyo (2022-24)

Season 2 of Tokyo Vice, a crime drama based on a book by journalist Jake Adelstein, has arrived skillfully on HBO Max. Set in Japan in the late 1990s, this film noir follows an American journalist (Ansel Elgort) who lands a job at a major Japanese newspaper. A world of grisly murders, bright nightclubs and powerful crime bosses awaits you.

Creature Commandos (2024- )

This captivating DC series from James Gunn examines the stories of a ragtag team of monsters brought together for dangerous missions. From Frankenstein’s bride to a Nazi-targeting robot to a human-like creature to a furry animal, the Creature Commandos are a motley crew worth spending some violent and deranged time with. The series is the first in Gunn and Peter Safran’s new DC universe and has already been renewed for season 2.

Peacemaker (2022- )

Following the events of 2021’s The Suicide Squad, this DC spin-off catches up with Peacemaker (John Cena), our imposing costumed protagonist who has just been released from the hospital. Peacemaker considers himself a superhero, but with his oft-repeated line about achieving “peace no matter how many people I have to kill to get it”, the title doesn’t really suit him. The show establishes Peacemaker’s next steps: he doesn’t return to prison, but instead takes part in a black ops mission that will get his hands dirty (again). The series cracks jokes often, and you’ll especially enjoy its entertaining supporting cast.

Harley Quinn (2019- )

Harley Quinn is an adult-oriented animated series centered around the baseball bat-wielding antihero. Kaley Cuoco voices the chaos-prone Harley, who in the first episode breaks up with the Joker and tells him she’s going to replace him as Gotham’s main villain. The hilarious, action-packed series also features characters like Poison Ivy and four seasons are available to binge. It premiered on the DC Universe streaming service before moving to HBO Max.

Telemarketers (2023)

This documentary series offers an intriguing look at the world of telemarketing, beginning the story in the early 2000s, when Sam Lipman-Stern began working in a New Jersey call center. Over the course of three hour-long episodes, Lipman-Stern and her office friend Pat Pespas learn the dark truth about the work they were doing and set out to discover more about the industry – a quest that ultimately leads them to the halls of Congress. It’s worth listening to the unhinged and challenging 20-year journey of these amateur detectives.