HBO Max: The 35 Absolute Best TV Shows to Watch – CNET

HBO Max is home to dozens of great series that are part of the prestige TV canon. Shows such as Succession, Game of Thrones and The White Lotus have earned respect from fans and critics alike, but the platform is constantly serving up new options to the streaming masses.

This week, let’s focus on the platform’s Emmy-winning shows. The 78th Emmy Awards took place on Sept. 14, and HBO Max nabbed a whopping 21 awards. For the second year in a row, The Pitt took home the statue for outstanding drama series. (It was the most nominated show at this year’s ceremony, and Noah Wyle also took home his second straight statue for lead actor in a drama series). The other big winner at this year’s ceremony was DTF St. Louis, the limited series about a grim love triangle, which earned actors Linda Cardellini and David Harbour Emmys for their roles, and it was named outstanding limited or anthology series. Jean Smart made history as the first woman to win best actress for every single season of her series, Hacks. The crime drama Task picked up an award for actor Tom Pelphrey’s performance, too.

And while they didn’t take home any of the major awards, shows including The Gilded Age, The Comeback, Euphoria, The Chair Company and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms earned nominations.

Here are some of our favorite series you shouldn’t wait to watch on HBO Max, plus a look at new releases for September.

What’s new on HBO Max in September

Note: These descriptions are taken from news releases and lightly edited for style.

Sept. 10

• A Killer Story, three-part limited series (2026): Documentary. This three-part docuseries focuses on the case of Dana Chandler, who was accused of killing her ex-husband and his girlfriend in 2002. With no forensic evidence to go on, the case was tried three times; the series examines the family conflicts and prosecutorial misconduct that created a confusing web of contradictions and uncertainty to this day.

Sept. 18

• JAŸ-Z in 8 premiere (2026): Documentary. Rapper Jay-Z sits down with producer Rick Rubin for an eight-episode docuseries about his career, starting with his landmark hit album Reasonable Doubt. Two new episodes will arrive weekly.

Sept. 20

• Youth, season 1 premiere (2026- ): Comedy. Sharon Horgan writes and stars in the new comedy Youth, about a 50-year-old divorcee searching for sex and love while being sandwiched between caring for her ailing parents and parenting her grown but immature son.

Best HBO and HBO Max original TV series

This list focuses on shows that have premiered a new season since 2023 (or are currently renewed for more seasons).

Drama

HBO Max

The Gilded Age (2022- )

The Gilded Age, created by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, has the same aristocratic pedigree as that series, but adds a distinctly American flair. The series stars some of Broadway’s most legendary actors, including Donna Murphy and Kelli O’Hara. But it’s anchored by Carrie Coon and Morgan Spector, who play the newly rich Bertha and George Russell. The couple spend their days trying to be accepted by old-money New Yorkers, including their neighbors Agnes van Rhijn (Christine Baranski) and Ada Forte (Cynthia Nixon), as well as society’s queen bee, Lina Astor (Murphy). A fourth season of the Emmy-nominated show is arriving in November.

The Pitt (2025- )

A lot can happen in one day on the job in a hospital’s emergency department. This modern-day medical drama fills its 15-hour first season with what transpires during a single shift. Created by ER executive producer R. Scott Gemmill and starring ER’s Noah Wyle as chief attendant Michael Robinavitch, this compelling and realistic series is worth checking out.

---

Sabrina Lantos/HBO Max

Heated Rivalry (2025- )

Canadian series Heated Rivalry stars Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams as professional hockey players who have a secret romantic relationship while playing for opposing teams. A second season has been greenlit, but the first season is a quick, fun and very steamy six-episode binge.

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 fancy resort gradually unveils the darker edges of its picture-perfect postcard. 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 till the very end will keep you thoroughly entertained.

---

Industry (2020- )

If you’re missing the competition and drama on display in Succession, you should pay attention to this HBO series. The first season follows young graduates, including Harper Stern (Myha’la from Netflix’s Leave the World Behind), as they step foot into London’s Pierpoint & Co. The early 20-somethings hope for permanent jobs at the leading international bank.

---

DTF St. Louis (2026)

DTF St. Louis peers into the suburban lives of its core trio, played by David Harbour, Jason Bateman and Linda Cardellini, revealing the mysterious death of one of the main characters in its very first episode. Entertaining and unnerving, the dark comedy-drama establishes a friendship between Harbour and Bateman’s middle-aged colleagues and a titular app for extramarital affairs. The show took home seven Emmy Awards at this year’s ceremony.

---

Julia (2022-23)

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

---

Euphoria (2019-26)

Euphoria’s third and final installment is now on HBO Max. This visually stunning series has garnered its fair share of fans, and it’s not hard to see why — the absorbing performances, cinematography and exploration of mature topics make this show shine. If nothing else, stick around to see Dune star Zendaya, who plays teenager Rue.

---

Sci-fi and fantasy

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (2026- )

The main series may have ended in 2019, but Game of Thrones spin-offs just keep coming, and this one earned itself an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Drama (though it lost to fellow HBO show The Pitt). A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is set roughly 100 years before GoT and adapts George R. R. Martin’s novella, The Hedge Knight. It focuses 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 lighter overall tone could potentially win over Westeros-avoiders.

---

The Last of Us (2023- )

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

---

House of the Dragon (2022- )

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

---

Scavengers Reign (2023)

An unusual alien world and the humans stranded on it are the subject of this spectacular sci-fi series on HBO Max. The story follows characters marooned on a peculiar planet that’s home to fascinating creatures and landscapes. The world is beautiful but also poses dangers to the human guests, who seek out their ship and fellow crew members. An expansion of a 2016 animated short film, Scavengers Reign is a compelling, 12-episode saga you won’t be able to quit watching. 

---

Comedy

The Chair Company (2025- )

A project manager’s unexpected, comical wipeout in front of his colleagues at work 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 peeved victim of faulty furniture in this hilarious and unpredictable conspiracy thriller.

---

Fantasmas (2024- )

Viewers have former Saturday Night Live writer Julio Torres to thank for this quirky and captivating HBO comedy. In episode 1 of the surreal series, an Alf-like sitcom takes a turn for the awkward and the letter “Q” gets a life story. Torres, also known for the HBO show Los Espookys and A24 film Problemista, stars as a version of himself, and guest actors include Steve Buscemi, Julia Fox, Emma Stone, Aidy Bryant and Bowen Yang.

---

The Rehearsal (2022- )

Nathan Fielder, best known for his Comedy Central show, Nathan For You (and cringe comedy), writes, directs and stars in this new HBO series. In the show, the comedian goes to extraordinary lengths to let people rehearse moments before they happen. In the first episode, Fielder helps a man prepare for a confession to a friend, and builds an exact replica of the bar they’re planning to meet at (the attention to detail is incredible). After planning for any outlandish thing 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.

---

Somebody Somewhere (2022-24)

Like feel-good shows? Somebody Somewhere is a great option you may have skipped over. In the first episode, 40-something Sam (Bridget Everett), living in her Kansas hometown and dealing with a recent loss, strikes up a friendship with a co-worker, Joel (Jeff Hiller, who earned an Emmy for his role). Authentic, funny, with glowing performances, the half-hour series is the perfect thing to wind down to. 

---

Rap Sh!t (2022-23)

A half-hour comedy series from Issa Rae (the star and creator of HBO’s acclaimed series Insecure), Rap Sh!t introduces two former friends from high school. Shawna is an aspiring, socially conscious rapper, and Mia is a make-up artist and single mother who works multiple jobs. By the end of the first episode, the young women (now in their 20s) have reconnected and filmed a mesmerizing rap video that takes off on the internet. The show’s protagonists are phone-obsessed, constantly checking social media and recording videos, and it 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 cushy life and family to become the captain of a pirate ship. Spoiler: He hilariously bumbles through the gig. Game of Thrones fans may spot Hodor actor Kristian Nairn hanging out among the crew, and the series also stars Taika Waititi as Blackbeard.

---

Hacks (2021-26)

The great Jean Smart rightfully takes the spotlight in this acclaimed comedy-drama series. Throwing iPads into swimming pools and delivering withering looks, Smart plays Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas comedy diva who must face the prospect of appealing to a younger audience or disappearing into obscurity. She’s partnered with Ava (Hannah Einbinder), a young and equally snarky comedy writer, to freshen up her material. Perfectly balancing its biting insight into how the comedy business treats women, with the warmth of an odd-couple buddy comedy, Hacks is one of the best original series to come out of HBO Max. Smart also made history when she won her fifth Emmy for the show.

---

The Sex Lives of College Girls (2021-25)

Mindy Kaling co-created this dramedy about four 18-year-old girls who start their freshman year of college together in Vermont. With distinct personalities, the college newcomers navigate love and sex in their own ways. The show is funny, easily bingeable and bolstered by the chemistry among its female leads. A contemporary teen comedy showcasing messy experiences, relatable characters and raunchy jokes.

---

Starstruck (2021-23)

Starstruck is a classic screwball comedy, starring the lovably goofy Rose Matafeo. She plays Jessie, a twentysomething Londoner who parties it up 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 cinema worker to nanny, and her blossoming relationship with a film star that involves no high jinks whatsoever. Watch out for scene-stealer Minnie Driver as Tom’s agent in this witty, neatly crafted comedy package.

---

The Righteous Gemstones (2019-25)

This outrageous series highlights a highly dysfunctional family of famous televangelists called the Gemstones. In the show’s first season, a member of the family is blackmailed, and ridiculous antics ensue. John Goodman stars as the family patriarch, Eli, and Danny McBride, Edi Patterson and Adam Devine also commit to the bit, pulling off an absurd and addictive black comedy. All four seasons of the show are now available to stream.

---

The Other Two (2019-23)

The sibling rivalry is strong and primed for hilarity in this comedy from a couple of Saturday Night Live writers. Chris Kelly and Sarah Schneider tell the story of Cary (Drew Tarver) and Brooke (Heléne Yorker), siblings in their late 20s who struggle with the sudden rise to internet fame of their 13-year-old Justin Bieber-channeling brother. Molly Shannon is a treat as their mother, Pat, ushering her children through open doors to success. Once you get over the gimmicky premise, The Other Two’s pop-culture satire and surprisingly heartfelt storylines are a winning combination. Schitt’s Creek fans should give this a look.

---

Succession (2018-23)

This satirical show follows the family controlling the world’s biggest media and entertainment company, whose members become embroiled in a battle to take over as their father’s health declines. 

---

Barry (2018-23)

In Barry’s opening scene, SNL alum Bill Hader casually leaves a hotel room that contains a dead body. The actor plays hitman Barry Berkman, who isn’t happy with his life or his unconventional profession, but his path is altered when he travels to Los Angeles and gets roped into an acting class. Barry features plenty of violence and a deeply troubled protagonist, leaning into the “dark” side of its dark-comedy designation. But it’s also really funny, and there are four seasons to binge. At the very least, you’ll want to tune in for truly great scenes between Hader and his acting teacher, played by Henry Winkler. 

The Comeback (2005 – 2026)

In The Comeback, Lisa Kudrow stars as Valerie Cherish, a washed-up actor trying to reinvent herself. The show originally aired in 2005 for just one season, but it was brought back in 2014 and again in 2026, and has become a cult hit thanks to Kudrow’s performance and its inside-baseball commentary on the entertainment industry. Though the show is on a somewhat unconventional rollout schedule, coming back every 10 years or so, Kudrow has earned an Emmy nomination every season.

Crime

Task (2025- )

HBO Max adds great new shows every year, and Task is one of the highlights of 2025, picking up multiple Emmy nominations. 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 string of robberies and an unassuming family man involved in them. Pelphrey earned an Emmy for his work on the show.

---

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 the underestimated and ambitious Gotham 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, which premiered in 2024 after a five-year hiatus, follows Jodie Foster and Kali Reis’ characters as they tackle a chilling mystery in the fictional town of Ennis, Alaska. It includes a new showrunner, Issa López, who will helm an upcoming fifth edition.

---

Tokyo Vice (2022-24)

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

Superhero

Creature Commandos (2024- )

This engaging DC series from James Gunn examines the backstories of a ragtag team of monsters put together for dangerous missions. From Frankenstein’s bride to a Nazi-targeting robot to a creature resembling a human and a furry animal, the Creature Commandos are a motley crew worth spending violent, unhinged time with. The series is the first in Gunn and Peter Safran’s new DC Universe and it’s already renewed for season 2.

---

Harley Quinn (2019- )

Harley Quinn is an adult-oriented animated series that centers on the baseball bat-wielding antihero. Kaley Cuoco voices the mayhem-prone Harley, who in the first episode breaks up with the Joker and tells him she’s going to replace him as the top villain in Gotham. The hilarious, action-packed show 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.

---

Peacemaker (2022-25)

Following the events of 2021’s The Suicide Squad, this DC spinoff catches up with Peacemaker (John Cena), our towering, costume-clad protagonist who’s just been released from the hospital. Peacemaker believes he’s a superhero, but with his oft-repeated phrase about attaining “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 isn’t returning to prison; instead, he’s taking part in a black ops mission that will (again) get his hands dirty. The show often lands its jokes, and you’ll especially enjoy its entertaining supporting cast.

---

Documentary

Telemarketers (2023)

This docuseries provides an intriguing look at the world of telemarketing, beginning in the early 2000s, when Sam Lipman-Stern began working at a New Jersey call center. Over the course of three hour-long episodes, Lipman-Stern and office buddy Pat Pespas learn the murky truth about the work they were doing and set out to uncover more about the industry — a quest that eventually leads them to the halls of Congress. It’s worth tuning into these amateur sleuths’ thought-provoking 20-year journey.

---

HBO Max

Chimp Crazy (2024)

The four-part docuseries Chimp Crazy was directed by Eric Goode, who made a name for himself with Tiger King. Like that show, Chimp Crazy features a human really, really into wild animals. In this case, the human is exotic animal broker Tonia Haddix, and the animals are chimps. A self-proclaimed “chimp mom,” Haddix has a special bond with one pet in particular, Tonka, whose mysterious disappearance becomes a full-blown soap opera of drama and intrigue. Come for the chimps, stay for Alan Cumming’s surprising appearance.

Liz Kocan has spent the last 20 years covering TV, entertainment and working behind the scenes in digital production. While at VH1.com, she won a Webby Award and was nominated for a Shorty Award as a producer. She has also contributed her writing to USA Today, Decider, Vulture, and many other publications, and has seen every episode of 30 Rock more times than her mind grapes can remember.

See full bio

Meara covers streaming service news for CNET. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in journalism. When she’s not writing, she likes to dote over her cat, sip black coffee and try out new horror movies.

See full bio