28 Best Max & HBO Shows to Binge Now

 

Searching for the best shows on Max? Dive into our curated list of 28 highly-rated HBO and Max original series, including exciting new releases and evergreen hits, to find your next binge-worthy watch! 🍿

Are you constantly scrolling through Max, wondering what to watch next? 🤔 I totally get it! With so many amazing titles, it can feel a bit overwhelming to pick just one. But don’t you worry! Today, I’m going to walk you through some of the absolute best TV series on Max, hand-picked and personally recommended to help you find your next obsession. 😊

Max, the streaming home for all things HBO (and soon to be HBO Max again, apparently! ✨), is a treasure trove of incredible storytelling. From nail-biting crime dramas to heartwarming comedies and mind-bending animated adventures, there’s truly something for everyone. So, grab your favorite snack, get comfy, and let’s explore the top-tier content Max has to offer!

What’s New on Max in June? 🎬

Max is always adding fresh content to keep us entertained! Here are a couple of notable series that premiered in June 2025:

  • The Mortician (2025-): This documentary series, premiered on June 1st, uncovers the shocking truth behind a seemingly reputable family-owned funeral home that exploited grieving families. A truly eye-opening watch!
  • The Gilded Age, Season 3 Premiere (2022-): Returning on June 22nd, this captivating comedy-drama continues to explore the immense economic and social changes of the American Gilded Age, showcasing the conflict between old money and new systems, and the rise and fall of huge fortunes. If you love historical dramas with a witty edge, this is for you!

 

The Absolute Best HBO & Max Original Series You Can’t Miss! ✨

Now, let’s dive into the highly-rated series that have either premiered a new season since 2023 or are renewed for more! These are the shows that truly shine on Max.

Crime Thrillers That Will Keep You Hooked 🕵️‍♀️

If you’re a fan of gripping mysteries, thrilling chases, and complex characters, these crime dramas are a must-watch!

Man and woman looking at each other, from Duster

DUSTER (2025-)

Co-created by the legendary J.J. Abrams and LaToya Morgan, this thrilling crime drama is set in ’70s Arizona. It follows a hardworking young female FBI agent trying to bring down a crime boss, with an unlikely assist from his charming getaway driver, played by Josh Holloway. Rachel Hilson’s character, the first Black female FBI agent, adds another layer of depth to this jam-packed series. It’s got style, suspense, and incredible performances!

THE PENGUIN (2024-)

Set in the grimy underworld between Matt Reeves’ 2022 film The Batman and its upcoming sequel, The Penguin is an absolute standout. Colin Farrell is completely unrecognizable and utterly captivating as Oz Cobb, charting his ambitious rise in Gotham’s criminal hierarchy. The eight-episode season is packed with complex characters like Cristin Milioti’s Sofia Falcone, making it a truly thrilling ride!

TRUE DETECTIVE (2014-)

While many might remember the iconic first season, this anthology series keeps delivering intriguing new stories. The latest installment, which premiered in 2024, stars Jodie Foster and Kali Reis as they tackle a chilling mystery in Alaska. With Issa López taking over as showrunner and already set to helm a fifth edition, the future looks bright for this dark, compelling series.

TOKYO VICE (2022-24)

Based on journalist Jake Adelstein’s book, Tokyo Vice‘s second season is pure cinematic bliss. Set in the late 1990s in Japan, this noir drama follows an American journalist (Ansel Elgort) as he navigates a world of grisly murders, vibrant nightclubs, and powerful crime bosses. It’s slick, stylish, and utterly engrossing.

 

Dramas That Will Move You 🎭

Get ready for some serious feels with these compelling dramas that explore complex human experiences.

THE PITT (2025-)

Created by ER executive producer R. Scott Gemmill, this modern medical drama packs a punch. Its 15-hour first season unfolds over a single shift in a hospital’s emergency department, starring Noah Wyle as the chief attendant. If you loved ER, you’ll definitely want to check out this compelling and realistic series!

THE LAST OF US (2023-)

Based on the beloved video game, this adaptation brilliantly brings the post-apocalyptic world to life. Join hardened survivor Joel (Pedro Pascal) and spirited teen Ellie (Bella Ramsey) as they face harrowing human and not-so-human dangers. It’s a masterpiece of tension, emotion, and incredible storytelling.

HOUSE OF THE DRAGON (2022-)

As a massive Game of Thrones fan, I can confidently say this prequel truly soars! Set centuries before GoT, it dives deep into the tumultuous history of House Targaryen, showcasing the infighting and tragedies that consume them. Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke lead an incredible cast vying for power. Definitely a must-watch if you’re into epic fantasy!

THE WHITE LOTUS (2021-)

What started as a limited series became an instant HBO classic! This biting satire about guests at a lavish resort gradually peels back the layers of its picture-perfect facade, revealing darker truths. Featuring an ensemble cast including the amazing Jennifer Coolidge, it’s hilarious, sharp, and has a captivating murder mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end!

INDUSTRY (2020-)

Missing the cutthroat world of Succession? Then Industry is your next binge! This HBO series throws young graduates, like Harper Stern (Myha’la Herrold), into the high-stakes world of London’s leading international bank, Pierpoint & Co. The drama, ambition, and intense competition are incredibly compelling.

EUPHORIA (2019-)

With its stunning visuals and raw performances, Euphoria has amassed a huge following for good reason. Starring Zendaya as teenager Rue, the series bravely explores mature topics with a unique artistic flair. It’s intense, beautiful, and totally absorbing.

JULIA (2022-23)

This delightful drama, following the life of iconic television chef and cookbook writer Julia Child, serves up generous portions of humor and charm. Sarah Lancashire is absolutely captivating as Child, paving the way for modern cooking shows. Two seasons are ready for you to savor!

 

Animations That Are Anything But Cartoons 👾

Don’t let the “animation” label fool you; these series offer complex plots, sharp humor, and captivating worlds for adult audiences.

CREATURE COMMANDOS (2024-)

From James Gunn, this engaging DC series dives into the wild backstories of a motley crew of monsters assembled for dangerous missions. Think Frankenstein’s bride, a Nazi-targeting robot, and a human-animal hybrid! It’s the first in Gunn and Peter Safran’s new DC Universe, and it’s already renewed for season 2. Get ready for some unhinged fun!

HARLEY QUINN (2019-)

This adult-oriented animated series centers on the mayhem-prone antihero, voiced by Kaley Cuoco. After breaking up with the Joker, Harley sets out to become Gotham’s top villain. It’s hilarious, action-packed, and features fan-favorites like Poison Ivy. With four seasons available, it’s perfect for a binge!

SCAVENGERS REIGN (2023)

Prepare to be mesmerized by this spectacular sci-fi series. It follows humans stranded on a peculiar alien planet, home to fascinating (and dangerous!) creatures and landscapes. The world-building is simply stunning, and the 12-episode saga will keep you hooked as the survivors search for their ship and crewmates. If you love unique sci-fi, this is a gem!

 

Comedies That Will Make You Laugh Out Loud 😂

Need a good laugh? These comedies range from absurd and surreal to witty and heartwarming, promising plenty of smiles.

FANTASMAS (2024-)

From former Saturday Night Live writer Julio Torres, this HBO comedy is quirky, surreal, and utterly captivating. Torres stars as a version of himself, guiding us through a world where even the letter “Q” has a life story. With guest stars like Emma Stone and Steve Buscemi, it’s a unique and delightful watch!

THE REHEARSAL (2022-)

If you’re into cringe comedy and meticulous planning, Nathan Fielder’s HBO series is a bizarre and fascinating experience. Fielder goes to incredible lengths to help people “rehearse” difficult life moments, sometimes even building exact replicas of environments. It’s truly wild and will leave you thinking, “Did that just happen?!”

PEACEMAKER (2022-)

Picking up after The Suicide Squad, this DC spinoff stars John Cena as the titular anti-hero who believes in “peace, no matter how many people I have to kill to get it.” It’s action-packed, surprisingly funny, and the supporting cast is just as entertaining. A fun, violent ride!

HACKS (2021-)

The magnificent Jean Smart absolutely shines in this acclaimed comedy-drama. She plays Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas comedian who teams up with a young, snarky writer (Hannah Einbinder) to refresh her material. It’s sharp, witty, and perfectly balances its biting industry insight with the warmth of an odd-couple buddy comedy. One of Max’s finest originals!

THE RIGHTEOUS GEMSTONES (2019-25)

This outrageous series follows the highly dysfunctional family of famous televangelists, the Gemstones. With John Goodman as the patriarch and incredible performances from Danny McBride, Edi Patterson, and Adam Devine, it’s an absurd, addictive black comedy. The third season is out now, and it’s already renewed for a fourth!

SOMEBODY SOMEWHERE (2022-24)

If you’re looking for a genuine, feel-good show, don’t miss Somebody Somewhere. It follows 40-something Sam, who finds an unexpected friendship in her Kansas hometown while dealing with a personal loss. It’s authentic, funny, and features glowing performances. The perfect half-hour series to wind down with!

RAP SH!T (2022-23)

From Issa Rae (Insecure), this half-hour comedy introduces two high school friends, Shawna and Mia, who reconnect and create a mesmerizing rap video that goes viral. The show brilliantly captures the phone-obsessed, social media-driven world of aspiring artists. It’s fresh, relevant, and super fun!

OUR FLAG MEANS DEATH (2022-23)

Ahoy, matey! This charming comedy set on the high seas stars Rhys Darby as Stede Bonnet, an aristocrat who hilariously bumbles his way through becoming a pirate captain. With Taika Waititi as Blackbeard, it’s a delightful and quirky adventure that will make you laugh out loud.

THE SEX LIVES OF COLLEGE GIRLS (2021-25)

Co-created by Mindy Kaling, this dramedy follows four 18-year-old freshmen navigating love, sex, and college life in Vermont. With distinct personalities and fantastic chemistry among the leads, it’s funny, relatable, and super bingeable. Perfect for a dose of contemporary teen comedy!

STARSTRUCK (2021-23)

Starring the wonderfully goofy Rose Matafeo, this screwball comedy is pure joy. Jessie, a twentysomething Londoner, has a one-night stand with a celebrity, Tom Kapoor (Nikesh Patel), leading to a charmingly awkward romance. With Minnie Driver stealing scenes as Tom’s agent, it’s a witty and neatly crafted comedy package!

THE OTHER TWO (2019-23)

From Saturday Night Live writers Chris Kelly and Sarah Schneider, this comedy brilliantly explores sibling rivalry. Cary and Brooke, two struggling twentysomethings, grapple with their 13-year-old brother’s sudden rise to internet fame. Molly Shannon is a delight as their mother! If you’re a Schitt’s Creek fan, give this a try for its sharp pop culture satire and surprisingly heartfelt storylines.

SUCCESSION (2018-23)

An absolute phenomenon! This satirical show follows the incredibly wealthy and dysfunctional Roy family, who control a global media empire. As their patriarch’s health declines, the siblings become embroiled in a ruthless battle for power. The writing, acting, and sheer audacity of this series are unparalleled. If you haven’t seen it, you’re missing out on television history!

BARRY (2018-23)

Bill Hader is phenomenal as Barry Berkman, a hitman who finds an unexpected passion for acting in Los Angeles. This dark comedy masterfully blends brutal violence with hilarious situational humor. With four seasons of incredible performances (especially between Hader and Henry Winkler as his acting teacher), it’s a unique and unforgettable show.

 

Documentaries That Will Fascinate You 🎞️

For those who love real-life stories and deep dives into intriguing subjects, these documentaries are a must-see.

TELEMARKETERS (2023)

This docuseries offers a truly wild ride into the world of telemarketing. Starting in the early 2000s, it follows Sam Lipman-Stern and Pat Pespas as they uncover the murky truths of their industry, a quest that astonishingly leads them all the way to Congress. It’s a thought-provoking and unhinged 20-year journey of amateur sleuths that you absolutely have to watch!

 

💡

Max Streaming Highlights

Expansive Library: Home to HBO’s critically acclaimed dramas & Max Originals.
Diverse Genres: From gripping crime to heartwarming comedies and unique animations.
Always Fresh:

Regularly updated with new seasons and exciting premieres.

Quality Content: Features award-winning shows and top-tier talent.

 

Frequently Asked Questions ❓

Q: What’s the difference between Max and HBO Max?
A: Currently, the service is called ‘Max’, but it’s set to revert to ‘HBO Max’ at some point this summer! Regardless of the name, it continues to offer the same fantastic content, including all the acclaimed HBO series, along with content from Warner Bros., the DC Universe, and more. ✨

Q: How often is this list updated with new shows?
A: This list is regularly reviewed and updated with Max’s latest additions and new season premieres. We aim to keep it fresh so you can always find the most current and exciting shows to watch. So, check back often! 🔔

Q: Are all these shows available globally?
A: Max’s content availability can vary by region due to licensing agreements. While many of these shows are widely accessible, some might be exclusive to certain territories. It’s always best to check your local Max (or HBO Max) service for precise availability. 🌍

I really hope this guide helps you discover some incredible new shows on Max! There’s just so much quality content to enjoy, and I truly believe you’ll find your next favorite series among these recommendations. Happy streaming! 😊

Do you have a favorite Max show that didn’t make my list? Or maybe you’ve watched one of these and want to share your thoughts? Let me know in the comments below! 👇 I’d love to hear from you!

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