Don't Miss The 33 Best TV Shows On HBO Max, Streaming Right Now!
| LAST UPDATE 03/08/2023
Aah, TV shows. We often choose an episode of a show over watching a full 2-hour movie - but it isn’t uncommon that the shows tempt us into binging the entire series in one go. We’ve all been there, which is why we suggest you stay away from these shows on HBO Max during the working week because they are so binge-able!
We’re not kidding, and this list mentions some of the best shows to watch on HBO max. Try whatever you may. We assure you that the effort to stop at one episode will be in vain. So, when you plan your weekend this week, make sure you slot out a part of the day for indulging in the best TV shows on HBO max from this list.
The Last of Us (2023)
Craved by fans for years, The Last of Us is finally here! Inspired by the highly successful video game series created by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann and starring Pedro Pascal (The Mandalorian) as Joel and Bella Ramsey as Ellie, The Last of Us is a thrilling post-apocalyptic drama. Join Joel and Ellie as they travel across what remains of the United States in search of salvation!
Their journey will take them through dangerous territory, blighted by a deadly fungal infection that has turned people into ruthless murderers. But could Ellie be the answer to it all? Has she taken on more power than anyone realized? Fans won't want to miss this adrenaline-fueled adventure with an all-star cast featuring Gabriel Luna, Merle Dandridge, and Anna Torv.
Ghosts (2019)
Ghosts is one of the funniest, most charming British series to hit the small screen in quite some time! Created by Mathew Baynton, Jim Howick and Laurence Rickard, the show tells the amusing story of Kiell Smith-Bynoe and Charlotte Ritchie who, after inheriting a home occupied by spirits of those who died on the premises, are tasked with dealing with ghosts no one else can see.
And for those US audiences already familiar with Lolly Adefope from Shrill or Jim Howick from Sex Education - you're in for a treat! With hilarious hijinks between them and the fascinating differences between the undead in each country, this series truly has it all.
Pennyworth (2019)
Jack Bannon leads Pennyworth, an ambitious series that will thrill viewers. Created by Bruno Heller, Pennyworth chronicles Alfred's life before joining the Wayne family and eventually becoming Batman’s faithful butler. An action-packed spy thriller set in an alternate-history London, the show delivers excitement from start to finish and doesn't even need the DC Comics canon for inspiration.
On top of the stellar stunts and fight sequences, enjoy witty quotes from our protagonist as he battles foes and works towards uncovering grand conspiracies. Ryan Fletcher and Dorothy Atkinson round out the cast, so grab a bag of popcorn; it's time for some entertaining drama!
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Trixie Motel
Trixie Mattel - a name of unimaginable power in the world of drag. But who can deny that the global shutdown made everyone go made, and she is no exception? Looking for a way to kill their boredom, Trixie and her partner venture out into the desert and turn a ’50s motel into the ultimate Palm Springs destination.
The Trixie Motel is entirely pink, and you still won't get enough of it. With a chaotic mix of kitsch and traditional home makeover, this show is loud, bold, and has an energy to it that the drag queen could only deliver.
His Dark Materials
Dafne Keen, Ruth Wilson and Lin-Manuel Miranda bring this stunning literary masterpiece to life in its truest form - dark, chilly and sinister. His Dark Materials has everything Philip Pullman envisioned - a world of Dust, deception and control.
Following the life of Lyra and her shapeshifting daemon, who stumbles upon a sinister plot involving missing children, and team up with a group of gypsies, a bear of the North and the grumpy Lee Scoresby to get to the bottom of the story. They soon realize that the missing children are just the tip of the iceberg, and reality as they know it may not be what they thought it to be.
Titans
Remember the Teen Titans team, the coolest group of teenage superheroes one could find on TV? Titans brings us to reality - the teens have grown up, and now lead severe lives. Dick Grayson, who has grown up and now works as a detective, comes across Rachel Roth in one of his routine investigations - a girl with strange powers and a prophecy that could end the world as we know it.
Realizing the seriousness of the problem, he must band together with the old team of superheroes and stop the evil actors behind the curtain before it is too late.
C.B. Strike
Here's a piece of interesting trivia about C.B. Strike - it's written by Robert Galbraith, a pen name for JK Rowling, the author famous for selling as many books as the Bible. Following the life of private detective Comoran Strike, who works on cases that the police can't seem to crack.
His experience as a war veteran and Special Investigation Branch investigator makes him a force to reckon with, and the plot has enough gravy to keep you waiting for the next season. And coming from JK Rowling, while the series has no element of magic written into it, it has something about it to excite audiences.
The White Lotus (2021)
Set in an exclusive Hawaiian resort, The White Lotus focuses on the lives of hotel guests who coincidentally want to escape from their busy lives. But the best of things can also bring out the worst in us, as their stay in paradise brings this realization to the surface.
A dark social comedy, the show is propelled forward by the cast – featuring the likes of Alexandra Daddario, Steve Zahn, Murray Barlett and Jennifer Coolidge. If you like shows that slowly pick up the pace, then this is a show you should give a try.
The Cleaning Lady (2021)
A mother who will do anything for her child – this concept has been worked with many times, but The Cleaning Lady brings a refreshing touch that makes this show a great watch. Cambodian doctor Thony De La Rosa is a star in her country of Cambodia, but all her medical prowess can’t do anything about her ailing son.
She travels to the US with her son to get him treated at any cost, but she doesn’t expect that the cost would have her working deep within the criminal underground of the country. With only her son in mind, how will she rise to the top without being struck down?
Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000)
With a semi-fictionalized story about himself, Larry David, famous for his role in creating Seinfield, brings Curb Your Enthusiasm to the TV screen. We think it's definitely worth a watch. Following his life as a semi-retired writer and producer, the show gives us the raw human – highlighting his ignorance about how things work.
While a semi-fictionalized concept may seem like cringe comedy, there’s much about this show that you will think about at a random time of the day – bringing a smile to your face. The show is an acquired taste, but you won’t regret the time you put into it.
Industry (2022)
Industry is a show of fierce competition – one where graduates are prepared to do whatever it takes to get into Pierpoint, one of the leading investment banks in London. Revolving around a central group consisting of Harper Stern, Hari Dhar, Yasmin Kara-Hanani, Robert Spearing and Augustus “Gus” Sackey, each coming from vastly different backgrounds.
The show pits each person against others in an energetic environment where the winner takes it all. With a fast-paced script and a cast that delivers superb acting, we can only see this show age like a fine wine.
House of the Dragon (2022)
Built on the backbone of the iconic show Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon takes us back 200 years to show the rise of house Targaryen. Built on a fictional world much more prosperous than what we saw in Game of Thrones, this show promises a future that promises much entertainment as we advance.
It’s one of the shows we’ve been waiting to air since we heard the rumors. The cast playing the roles of the central characters of House Targaryen delivers superb performances, leaving nothing to be desired.
The Vampire Diaries (2009)
Based on the novels by L.J. Smith the same name, The Vampire Diaries is a long-standing favorite TV show for generations past and generations to come. Damon and Stefan Salvatore are two brothers who have been alive for centuries and move from place to place to keep their true identities intact. Their latest haunt for refuge- the town where they both lost their human lives.
Even though this would be considered a predictable genre, this show is filled with twists that exceed our expectations in every episode. Filled with solid storytelling that remains addictive even after you turn off the show, we recommend this as a must-watch for any audience.
The Tourist (2022)
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What would you do when you wake up in a strange land without an idea who you are or were? Jamie Dornan takes us through this scenario as he acts out the central role in The Tourist, where he must fit the puzzle of his life before it becomes too late.
He must make friends on the way as he treads down self-discovery and faces the twists and shocks that derail everything he thought he would be like. What’s interesting is to note that the man himself knows less about himself than we do, which is a refreshingly new take on the thriller genre.
The Staircase (2022)
Based on a true story also featured as a documentary, The Staircase takes us through the life of Michael Peterson, a local politician who was framed for the murder of his wife Kathleen. As the family bears witness to the investigations, things are not as accidental as they seem.
We thought the documentary was fantastic until this docuseries came out and blew it right out of the water. Throwing a bright light on society’s fascination with horrible tragedies, and Colin Firth and Toni Collette deliver performances that can keep you on edge.
Gordita Chronicles (2022)
Making a move to America from the Dominican Republic to live in the “American Dream”, the Gordita Chronicles finds the Castelli family find that it is not as rosy as it may seem from outside the country. The eccentric family of four finds it hard to fit in, but they also find a nice warm spot in our hearts with their charming obviousness.
A significant part of the show's appeal is the two child actors playing Cucu and Emilia, as they struggle to learn what it takes to make friends and thrive in a land far removed from what they’ve experienced.
Westworld (2016)
Westworld is, in a way, a look into the future of amusement parks. The park allows rich vacationers to live out any fantasy with robotic “hosts” to help indulge in their every desire, without fear of consequences. In a land such as this, what can happen when the hosts find true consciousness and question the constructs of the world they were programmed to fit into?
Based on the 1973 cult classic film, Westworld is a marvel to behold, even more so if it truly existed. With a complex storyline like this, the rewards of keeping up can only be felt after each season, but it is worth it.
The Time Traveler's Wife (2022)
Mix in elements of deep romance and complicate it with the concept of time travel, and you get a show to enjoy in The Time Traveler’s Wife. Based on the best-selling novel, the show carries an appeal that can keep you hitting the play button for the next episode.
We think the show far outdoes the movie based on the same novel. We think it’s a show that will last as an important piece in time (get it?), because of the feelings it can evoke. Rose Leslie and Theo James perform their roles admirably, and we couldn’t have asked for more.
Barry (2018)
Barry is funny and unsettling, but it is a TV experience you should not miss. Barry is a hitman who is fed up with his job and is looking for a way out. By coincidence, he is sent to LA for another hit but finds himself participating in acting class and liking it.
But his criminal past and network don’t want to let go of him that easily, and the tragicomic series has us go down a rather insightful path of what it means for a man to become a better human. Don’t miss an opportunity to binge on this, we say.
Minx (2022)
Minx is a critical comedy about how women were treated as second-class citizens in the US. A young feminist who rebels against this treatment teams up with a publisher of low repute to publish the first erotic magazine for women in the 70s.
We want to say that the plot is fresh and hilarious, just like the magazine Minx. What’s interesting to note is that this show sells feminism but also walks the talk. Shows of this caliber can be very addictive, as we experienced with this 10-episode show. If we could think of a show that would make you want to subscribe to HBO Max, it would be this one.
Peacemaker (2022)
If the DCEU ran a poll of our favorite heroes from their arsenal, Peacemaker would show as a close favorite. With John Cena as the leading actor, the show follows the exploits of Peacemaker, a superhero who does everything he can to maintain peace, even if he kills many people.
But if you walk into this show with expectations from the DC movies, be prepared to have them shattered. Peacemaker is funny, gore, violent, vulgar and has a lot of heart, and we think Peacemaker is the hero that the DC movies never knew it needed.
Dawson's Creek (1998)
If you’re looking for a juicy drama that can last you through the weekend, you might consider bringing on Dawson’s Creek. The show centers around the lives of 4 central characters – Dawson, a wannabe filmmaker, Joey, his best friend who also has a secret crush on him, Pacey and Jen, the girl next door.
These four characters have to deal with each other, their feelings for each other, and the changes in their lives when new characters enter and leave. The mix of the coming-of-age genre with soap operas turns out well, and we found it to be an appealing show, especially for the younger ages.
Entourage (2004)
Entourage is a highly acclaimed show that has always remained one of our favorites since 2004. Four buddies decide to move to Queens, New York, to discover their passion for acting. Led by Vince, who claims to be the next superstar, the show follows their lives in the fast-paced life of Tinseltown, with the blend of clever dialogue and chemistry between all the actors.
It would be wrong to say that the depiction of Hollywood is all true, but the show does shine some light on how the business has changed over time.
Hacks (2021)
Take a person at the top of their field and put them with someone looking to find their voice in the same field, and you get HACKS, a show that plays off with astounding cast chemistry. Deborah Vance, the legendary Las Vegas comic, decides to take Ava Daniels, a 25-year-old comedy writer, under her wing and guide her to the top of the world of comedy.
The show is starkly realistic, with a well-written script that manages emotional drama, a compelling relationship, fame, fortune, and comedy. The show punches well above its weight, and we think it should be added to your watchlist.
Starstruck (2021)
Rose Matafeo shines in the role of Jessie in Starstruck, a story about a drunken New Year’s Eve hookup that gets complicated. When Jessie finds out that the person she slept with is a movie star, things move quickly from a funny story to talk about to serious business.
Matafeo stole the show with her scriptwriting because Starstruck is a relatable romantic comedy with the most endearing cast. We guarantee that this gem is a pleasant way to spend your weekend because you’ll realize that the day is almost over only when you’re at the 8th episode...
It's a Sin (2021)
It’s a Sin is a classic example of how the small screen can deliver an experience that can draw parallels with the best big-screen films in the world. When they turn 18, Ritchie, Colin and Roscoe leave their homes and journey to London in the 80s to explore their freedom.
But when a mysterious virus emerges in the scene, the three boys must find a way to navigate through the dark days. The show will surely touch your heart, and the personal dramas in the characters' lives can move you to tears.
Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty (2022)
The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the sports world’s most iconic teams, and Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty is a deep dive into how this team defined the golden age of professional basketball. The show is based on the book by Jeff Pearlman, who speaks about the time of Kareem, Magic, and Riley. Like its main characters, the show keeps us moving quickly and allows the actors to showcase their talents.
In some regards, it makes us awe at the heights of performance these players embodied, and for those who are looking to learn something about the world of professional basketball, this is a worthwhile watch.
Euphoria (2019)
Euphoria is an American adaptation of the Israeli show of the same name, which focuses on the life of Rue, a 17-year-old substance abuser who has been through a stint of rehab but plans to go down the same path once she’s out.
Her gang is just as dysfunctional as she is, with varying degrees of extremes, and the show interplays their confusion with their hopes for their futures. The show is an authentic look into the lives of the current teenage landscape of wild parties and the stressful lives of growing up in the face of adulting.
Our Flag Means Death (2022)
Our Flag Means Death is a hilarious trip down memory lane of the era of the pirates, told in a manner that would make Captain Jack Sparrow proud.
Stede Bonnet runs away from his aristocratic family to become a pirate due to a midlife crisis but soon realizes that the pirate’s free life isn’t quite for everyone who wishes for it. When we think of pirates, a barbaric feeling comes to mind. Still, Our Flag Means Death’s characters are quietly introspective, which makes us easily relate to them even though we’re centuries apart.
The Gilded Age (2022)
When we talk about the Gilded Age in America, we can agree that it was mostly a time of economic upheaval and the clash between the old and new ways of running the country. The Gilded Age follows the life of Marian Brooks as she moves to New York City from rural Pennsylvania to live with her aunts.
But she is soon subject to the very clashes that defined the Gilded Age because her family is strictly conservative about old money. At the same time, she is fascinated with the developments of the modern age. How will she decide to move forward when her heart calls out to something but her surroundings direct her elsewhere?
Station Eleven (2021)
Station Eleven is ideally placed for the pandemic season, and we think this is one of the best shows yet to come on HBO Max. Based on the post-apocalyptic world devastated by the flu, we are taken through the lives of multiple survivors as they try to unite and rebuild a world from the ashes.
The show is rich in its direction, acting and faith and while it may seem a tad slow, the show will grip you onto your couch till the end of the ten episodes.
The Righteous Gemstones (2019)
The Righteous Gemstones is a show that follows the lives of the Gemstone family, a famous televangelist family blessed with dividends from God. The show begins with Patriarch Eli, the man who built the family, mourning the loss of his wife and his eldest son Jesse, who has to step in to handle his father’s duties while he is in mourning.
But the other two siblings, Judy and Kelvin, are the exact people who don’t meet the social image of the Gemstone family (not that they want to, either). The show follows the rise of this religious empire and how they continue to stave off threats while making perfect money doing it.
Succession (2018)
Logan Roy, the lead character played by Brian Cox, is the head of Waystar Rosco, the media conglomerate of epic proportions, which is also the bigger picture in Succession. But Logan is aging and has come to a point in life where he thinks about whether the future has more to offer.
While he has no plans of stepping down from his role, he knows he’s stayed there longer than he ever meant. But internal politics collide with the succession plan, as family members try to claim the absolute power that he holds for themselves.
