HBO Max: A Diverse Array of Compelling Content

HBO Max, though perhaps not as resplendent as it once was, remains a haven for some of the finest television shows from the past 25 years. From the iconic The Sopranos and The Wire to the globally renowned Game of Thrones and the thought - provoking The Leftovers, the streaming service (formerly known as just Max) offers a rich tapestry of viewing experiences.

Whether you're a long - standing enthusiast of the "it's not TV" cable network or a newcomer to HBO Max seeking a starting point, the shows presented below are sure to captivate your attention. For additional recommendations, explore WIRED's guides to the best TV shows on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and Hulu.

Drama and Crime Series

Peacemaker

John Cena reprises his role as Chris Smith, alias Peacemaker, a violence - inclined vigilante who will stop at nothing to achieve peace, even if it means taking the lives of dozens. Despite the irony, the series is highly amusing, with Cena clearly relishing the opportunity to portray such an over - the - top character. As a spinoff of The Suicide Squad, it boasts DC boss and superhero auteur James Gunn as its creator, showrunner, writer, and frequent episode director. Its second season has recently premiered.

Ruby & Jodi: A Cult of Sin and Influence

Just when you think you've grasped every aspect of the disgraced mommy vlogger Ruby Franke's case, new revelations surface. This four - part true - crime docuseries delves into what drew Franke to Jodi Hildebrandt's teachings, how Hildebrandt rose to power within the Mormon community, and why their relationship took an abusive turn. The series features interviews with Hildebrandt's former clients and her niece, who witnessed Jodi's manipulative behavior firsthand.

The Yogurt Shop Murders

On December 6, 1991, a police officer responding to a fire at a frozen yogurt shop in Austin, Texas, was horrified to discover the bodies of four teenage girls inside. Ranging in age from 13 to 17, all had been shot in the head, and at least one had been raped. More than 30 years later, the events of that night continue to haunt not only the victims' friends and family but also law enforcement officials, suspects, and media members. HBO's enthralling four - part docuseries takes an in - depth look at this still - unsolved crime.

The Gilded Age

While it may not have achieved the same level of acclaim as Downton Abbey, Julian Fellowes' latest period piece is equally decadent. It truly came into its own in the second season and became addictive in the third. Set in the United States, the drama explores the conflict between New York City's old - money aristocrats and the nouveau riche attempting to infiltrate their social circles. It also features the "Upstairs, Downstairs" - style drama Fellowes is known for, with the servants of Manhattan's elite playing a significant role. At the center is Marian Brook (Louisa Jacobson, Meryl Streep's youngest child), navigating a world she belongs to by proxy. With a stellar cast led by Christine Baranski, Carrie Coon, and Cynthia Nixon, its third season, which concluded in August, received some of the series' strongest reviews.

Duster

Fifteen years after Lost ended, J.J. Abrams and Josh Holloway re - teamed for this 1970s - set action - crime - comedy. Holloway plays a top - notch getaway driver who partners with the FBI's first Black woman agent (Rachel Hilson) to take down a notorious crime boss (Keith David). With its unique genre blend, distinct 1970s aesthetic, and unmistakable sense of humor, Duster has a Quentin Tarantino - esque feel. Unfortunately, it was short - lived; in early July, HBO announced that its first season would be its last.

The Mortician

In the mid - 2000s, HBO delivered the iconic series Six Feet Under, set in a family funeral home. The Mortician is, in essence, the flip side of this critically acclaimed drama. It's a three - part docuseries that explores the disturbing story of the Lamb Funeral Home in Los Angeles. In the 1980s, its new owner, David Sconce, was alleged to have engaged in reprehensible practices that prioritized profit over human life. After spending over a decade in prison on two separate occasions (the second for parole violation), Sconce speaks about his crimes, seemingly unmoved by the emotional damage he caused.

The Rehearsal

Explaining The Rehearsal to those unfamiliar with Nathan Fielder's mastery of uncomfortable comedy is no easy feat. What starts as a series where the awkward star/comedian helps people prepare for life's big moments through rehearsal quickly evolves into a bizarre social experiment with Fielder himself as a key player. The less you know in advance, the better. Be aware that season 1 features people who responded to a Craigslist ad, and season 2 sees Fielder creating a wild role - playing environment to improve communication between pilots, aiming to prevent plane crashes. It might make you question your next flight's crew and give new meaning to Evanescence's "Bring Me To Life."

Conan O'Brien Must Go

Conan O'Brien is at his most zany in this offshoot of his popular podcast, Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend. While the podcast features O'Brien chatting with celebrities, this globe - trotting series has the former late - night host surprising everyday people from the podcast. It also doubles as a travel series, as he immerses himself in the food, traditions, and culture of destinations like Norway, Thailand, Argentina, and Ireland in season 1. Season 2 has O'Brien visiting New Zealand, Austria, and Spain over three episodes. Despite its short length, a third season has already been confirmed.

The Last of Us

The Last of Us succeeded where other live - action video - game adaptations, like Netflix's Resident Evil (canceled after one season), failed. Craig Mazin (of Chernobyl) and the game's original director, Neil Druckmann, co - created this post - apocalyptic drama. A grizzled survivor (Pedro Pascal) must smuggle a smart - mouthed teenager (Bella Ramsey), who may hold the key to curing a fungal - infection - fueled pandemic that has turned most of America into zombie - like creatures. The show generated significant interest in the Cordyceps fungus. After a near two - year wait, the second season arrived in April, set five years after the first. It begins with Joel and Ellie seemingly finding a permanent community, despite relationship discord and smarter zombies. The latest season takes unexpected turns, a trend likely to continue in the third season.

Hacks

Jean Smart, a true legend, plays a legend in Hacks. The HBO Max series debuted in 2021, soon after the streaming platform's rebranding, and became one of its first major hits. Four seasons in, it follows the evolving relationship between world - renowned Las Vegas entertainer Deborah Vance (Smart) and Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder, daughter of SNL legend Laraine Newman), a cynical young writer ostracized from Hollywood after a viral bad - take tweet. What starts as a reluctant "mentorship" transforms into a loving and respectful friendship. The show has won numerous awards, including nine Emmys (three for Smart), and this success is likely to continue with the fourth season's cliffhanger, leaving fans eager for season 5, which has already been ordered.

The Righteous Gemstones

Danny McBride's The Righteous Gemstones presents a group of highly unlikable characters in the form of a televangelist family whose real gods are greed and power. McBride assembled an all - star cast, including John Goodman as the patriarch, Adam DeVine and Edi Patterson as his children, and Walton Goggins as Uncle Baby Billy Freeman, a child - star - turned - grifter who provided some of the series' most memorable moments. The fourth and final season, which added Megan Mullally and Seann William Scott, concluded in May, and all episodes are now streaming.

When No One Sees Us

HBO Max's first Spanish - produced series, adapted from Sergio Sarria's novel, is a smart, slow - burning crime drama. US Army special agent Magaly Castillo (Mariela Garriga) is sent to a base in Morón de la Frontera, Spain, to investigate a soldier's strange disappearance. Nearby, Civil Guard sergeant Lucía Gutiérrez (Maribel Verdú) is looking into a suicide with ritualistic harakiri elements. Eventually, their investigations overlap, and they work together, despite protocol and politics, to understand the events around them.

The White Lotus

Originally envisioned as a one - off limited series by the brilliant mind of Mike White (who co - created the under - appreciated Enlightenment with Laura Dern), The White Lotus has evolved into a five - star franchise. It delves into the seemingly glamorous lives of wealthy guests at ultra - luxurious resorts (first in Hawaii, then Sicily, and most recently in Thailand) and the staff who serve them. Murder often makes an appearance. The third season, with an all - star cast including Walton Goggins, Carrie Coon, and Parker Posey, was highly addictive. A fourth season has been greenlit, but production won't start until 2026, meaning viewers may not see it until 2027.

The Pitt

The Pitt is a medical drama that reunites ER star Noah Wyle with executive producer John Wells. However, its similarities to ER end there. More akin to 24, it's set in an underfunded Pittsburgh hospital and plays out in real - time over 15 hours. As patients come and go, medical students and interns learn the truth about their profession, and seasoned doctors and administrators clash over the US healthcare system. Season 1 was critically acclaimed, earning 12 Emmy nominations, including for Outstanding Drama Series and Wyle for Outstanding Lead Actor. A second season, following the same real - time format and set over Fourth of July weekend, is in production, with a planned January 2026 premiere.

Somebody Somewhere

Sam (Bridget Everett) is a forty - something woman who has lost her way. After returning to her hometown of Manhattan, Kansas, to care for her dying sister, she is left adrift following her sister's death. With the help of Joel (Jeff Hiller), a coworker and former classmate, and by reconnecting with her love of singing, Sam starts to find her place. The Peabody Award - winning series is a heartwarming reminder that acceptance is subjective. All three seasons are now streaming.

Dune: Prophecy

HBO Max is fully committed to Frank Herbert's Dune universe. Alongside Denis Villeneuve's two Dune movies, there's Dune: Prophecy. Based on Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson's prequel trilogy novels, it's set 10,000 years before the events of the films. In this world, women rule as two sisters (Emily Watson and Olivia Williams) establish the secretive Bene Gesserit sisterhood, who develop the power to create powerful leaders. Inevitable comparisons to The Handmaid's Tale aside, the series was renewed for a second season just before its season 1 finale.

Like Water for Chocolate

Food lovers and romantics will enjoy this adaptation of Laura Esquivel's 1989 novel. Set during the Mexican Revolution, it tells the story of Tita de la Garza (Azul Guaita) and Pedro Múzquiz (Andres Baida), a young couple in love. Tita's cruel mother, Mamá Elena (Irene Azuela), refuses to let Tita marry Pedro, so he marries her sister instead. Tita expresses her love through the food she cooks. A second and final season is currently in production.

The Sex Lives of College Girls

Mindy Kaling co - created this series, which offers a new take on the teenage sex comedy, with women taking charge. Nerdy Kimberly (Pauline Chalamet, Timothée's sister), aspiring comedian Bela (Amrit Kaur), snotty Upper East Sider Leighton (Reneé Rapp), and soccer - star - senator's - daughter Whitney (Alyah Chanelle Scott) are college freshmen who become friends. Season 3, which saw Rapp depart and Kacey (Gracie Lawrence) join, wrapped in January and is the final season.

The Franchise

Armando Iannucci, known for skewering various worlds (e.g., In the Thick of It, Veep, Avenue 5), co - created The Franchise with Sam Mendes and Jon Brown. It mocks the ridiculousness of superhero movies, particularly superhero cinematic universes. Daniel Kumar (Himesh Patel), the first assistant director of an upcoming movie overshadowed by a franchise team - up movie, is determined to make a great film despite numerous obstacles. Sadly, HBO canceled the series after one season in early January.

The Penguin

Unlike typical superhero/villain TV shows on Disney+, The Penguin takes a prestige TV approach. A spinoff of Matt Reeves' The Batman (2022), it documents Oswald "Oz" Cobb's violent rise to power after the death of Gotham crime boss Carmine Falcone. While Colin Farrell's Penguin was compelling in The Batman, Cristin Milioti steals the show as Sofia Falcone, Carmine's daughter, battling Oz for control of Gotham's underworld. Talks of a second season are ongoing, but no decision has been made yet.

Chimp Crazy

"You can't tame wild things," as Alan Cumming puts it, and Chimp Crazy takes this concept to the extreme. This four - part docuseries, from the creators of Tiger King, follows Tonia Haddix, an exotic animal broker, and her efforts to keep her beloved chimp Tonka, despite PETA's concerns. It ultimately examines the "chimp mom" community and the disturbing reality of humans prioritizing their needs over those of intelligent primates. With Haddix's recent arrest and prison sentence, the possibility of a second season remains open.

City of God: The Fight Rages On

In the 2002 film City of God, Wilson "Rocket" Rodrigues (Alexandre Rodrigues) was an aspiring photojournalist highlighting the dangers of Rio de Janeiro's favelas. In this 2024 sequel series, two decades later, Rocket has achieved his dream but the favela's dangers persist. He once again uses his camera to expose the corruption that occurs when the drug trade, police, and militia collide.

Industry

Industry may not have been on your radar as an investment - banking drama worth binge - watching, but it offers more than just financial jargon. Set in and around Pierpoint & Co., a prestigious London investment bank, it shows the cutthroat competition for limited full - time positions. It's an ensemble dramedy about young professionals vying for the top. Game of Thrones star Kit Harington joined for the third season, and new cast members Kiernan Shipka, Max Minghella, Jack Farthing, Toheeb Jimoh, and Amy James - Kelly have been announced for the fourth season, expected in January.

House of the Dragon

While no series can fully replicate the cultural phenomenon of Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon does an admirable job. Set approximately 200 years before Game of Thrones, it focuses on the internal strife within House Targaryen and the beginning of the end of their dynasty. With plenty of sex, violence, backstabbing, family dysfunction, and dragons, it fills the void left by its predecessor, complete with the occasional darkly lit scene to stir up audiences.

The Sopranos

It's been over 25 years since audiences were introduced to Tony Soprano and his families. Whether you're a first - timer or it's been a while since your last viewing, it's time to revisit this series. Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), a New Jersey mob boss, struggles with depression and panic attacks, leading him to see a psychiatrist, a no - no in his line of work. Over six seasons, viewers experience the life of a mob boss. For extra Sopranos content, check out the 2021 prequel movie The Many Saints of Newark and Alex Gibney's two - part docuseries Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos, both streaming now.

Ren Faire

What if Succession's Logan Roy were in charge of a Renaissance fair? Ren Faire offers an answer. This engaging three - part docuseries follows the drama when George Coulam, founder of the Texas Renaissance Festival, announces his retirement. A power struggle ensues between the general manager, a kettle corn kingpin, and a former elephant trainer over succession. Who knew the Ren faire business could be so cutthroat?

Fantasmas

Fans of Los Espookys will rejoice in Julio Torres' new series. Just as absurd, silly, and funny as its predecessor, Torres plays a fictionalized version of himself wandering New York City in search of a lost earring. Along the way, he encounters a host of bizarre characters, with guest appearances from Steve Buscemi, Emma Stone, Ziwe, Paul Dano, Bowen Yang, and Aidy Bryant.

The Jinx

The Jinx is both unnerving and fascinating. Director Andrew Jarecki first explored Robert Durst's story in the 2010 film All Good Things. After Durst requested an interview, this true - crime docuseries was born. It initially premiered in 2015 and led to new charges against Durst. The phrase "killed them all, of course" will haunt viewers. The Jinx Part Two continues the story after Durst uttered this phrase.

The Sympathizer

Viewers missing The Americans will find much to love in The Sympathizer, co - created by Park Chan - wook and Don McKellar. Based on Viet Thanh Nguyen's Pulitzer - winning novel, it follows the Captain (Hoa Xuande), a Vietnamese police captain and communist spy who moves to America and continues gathering intelligence for the Viet Cong. Despite its serious premise, it's a black comedy, especially when Robert Downey Jr. is on - screen,