The Best Shows on Max (Formerly HBO Max) Right Now

From original programming to crowd favorites, here's what's worth your time

By Robert Earl Wells III
Updated on August 11, 2023
Streaming TV, Movies, & More

HBO's streaming service has a mix of original programming and long-running series exclusive to Max (formerly HBO Max). Like the now-discontinued HBO Go service, Max gives users access to everything available on the premium channel plus other exclusive content. Here's what to watch on Max this month.

01
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The White Lotus (2021): Hottest Comedy Anthology Series

The cast of The White Lotus

HBO Max

IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Starring: Murray Bartlett, Connie Britton, Jennifer Coolidge

Created By: Mike White

TV Rating: TV-MA

Number of Seasons: 2

A resort in Hawaii seems like the perfect getaway, but behind all the palm trees and idyllic beaches, not everything is as it seems. Join the guests and staff of the White Lotus hotel for a darkly comedic trip into the wacky world of the hospitality industry.

Watching White Lotus might be the closest most of us get to Hawaii, so it's worth watching just for the beautiful scenery. Thanks to the first season's success, White Lotus continued as an anthology series focusing on a new group of guests at a different destination.

02
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Gossip Girl (2021): Most Timely Reboot About the Always-Online Generation

The cast of Gossip Girl 2021

HBO Max

IMDb Rating: 5.3/10

Genre: Drama, Romance

Starring: Jordan Alexander, Whitney Peak, Tavi Gevinson

Created By: Joshua Safran, Stephanie Savage, Josh Schwartz

TV Rating: TV-MA

Number of Seasons: 2

Although it's been less than a decade since the original series ended, the world of social media has changed so much that a Gossip Girl reboot makes sense. In this follow-up to the wildly popular CW television series, a new class of students gets pitted against one other by an anonymous online troll.

Kristen Bell returns as the narrator, but the rest of the cast is mostly comprised of fresh faces.

03
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Sort Of (2021): Kookiest Canadian Comedy Mini-Series

The cast of Sort Of

HBO Max

IMDb Rating: 5.9/10

Genre: Comedy

Starring: Bilal Baig, Gray Powell, Kaya Kanashiro

Created By: Bilal Baig, Fab Filippo

TV Rating: TV-MA

Number of Seasons: 2

In this refreshingly sweet Canadian sitcom, series creator Bilal Baig stars as Sabi Mehboob, a gender nonbinary thirty-something trying to chart their own path in the modern world. Along the way, they have to juggle two jobs and two disapproving Pakistani parents.

Sort Of is more heartfelt than your average half-hour comedy show. It tackles hot button topics without being preachy or sensationalistic. Most importantly, Sort Of is funny, thanks to Baig's charming screen presence.

04
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Hacks (2021): Best Buddy Comedy About Show Business

Jean Smart in Hacks

HBO Max

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Starring: Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder, Carl Clemons-Hopkins

Created By: Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, Jen Statsky

TV Rating: TV-MA

Number of Seasons: 2

Famous comedian Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) and her ambitious apprentice Ava (Hannah Einbinder) constantly butt heads in this hilarious critique of the show business. It begins like your typical odd-couple story, but as the series progresses, the characters are revealed to be more serious than they appear on the surface.

Hacks debuted to unanimous praise from critics for its strong performances and quick wit, unsurprisingly yielding a second season.

05
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Other Parents (2019): Best French Sitcom About Parenthood

The cast of Other PArents

HBO

IMDb Rating: 7.2/10

Genre: Comedy

Starring: Lavinia Wilson, Jasin Challah, Nadja Becker

Created By: Lutz Heineking

TV Rating: TV-MA

Number of Seasons: 2

Known in France as Andere Eltern, Other Parents follows a crew of misfit parents who team up to open a daycare center in Cologne. Led by Nina (Lavinia Wilson), the group struggles to hold it together as different child-rearing styles clash and parental instincts kick into overdrive.

Other Parents is a mockumentary-style sitcom, a format that works exceptionally well for a show like this since viewers get to see how parents interact when they're face-to-face compared with what they say behind the scenes.

06
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Doom Patrol (2019): Best DC Superhero Team-Up

The cast of Doom Patrol

Warner Bros.

IMDb Rating: 7.9/10

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy

Starring: Diane Guerrero, April Bowlby, Matt Bomer

Created By: Jeremy Carver

TV Rating: TV-MA

Number of Seasons: 4

Doom Patrol comes from the DC Universe and features characters from the 2018 series Titans. Chief (Timothy Dalton), a wealthy doctor who takes in social rejects with supernatural powers and trains them to fight evil, leads the titular team. It's kind of like The Umbrella Academy, which means it's awesome.

The first season of Doom Patrol received several award nominations, including Best Streaming Superhero Television Series at the Saturn Awards. The show originally debuted on the DC Universe streaming service, but future episodes will stream exclusively on Max.

07
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Through Our Eyes (2021): Best Educational Docuseries for Kids

A little girl smiles in Through Our Eyes

HBO Max

IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

Genre: Docuseries

Starring: Talleah Bridges McMahon, Kristi Jacobson, Smriti Mundhra

Created By: Sesame Workshop

TV Rating: TV-G

Number of Seasons: 1

Through Our Eyes is a limited series from Sesame Workshop, the same group that produces Sesame Street. Each episode of this kid-centered docuseries focuses on a specific issue like parental incarceration, poverty, and climate change.

Recommended for children ages 9 and up, Through Our Eyes does an excellent job of analyzing difficult topics in a kid-friendly manner. It's best viewed with an adult in the room who can answer questions.

08
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Lovecraft Country (2020): Most Horrific Show About American History

Jonathan Majors and Jurnee Smollett in Lovecraft Country

HBO

IMDb Rating: 7.1/19

Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror

Starring: Jonathan Majors, Jurnee Smollett, Courtney B. Vance

Created By: Misha Green

TV Rating: TV-MA

Number of Seasons: 1

In the 1950s, an African American man named Atticus Freeman (Jonathan Majors) travels to the segregated American south to find his missing father. On top of discrimination from locals, Atticus must also deal with the ghosts of slave owners and monsters from H.P Lovecraft's twisted imagination.

Lovecraft Country is based on a book of the same name, inspired by fantasy-horror author H.P Lovecraft, the show's namesake. Some scenes are brutally violent, and it doesn't pull punches when addressing America's history of racism.

09
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Insecure (2016): Best HBO Original Sitcom Starring Issa Rae

Issa Rae and the cast of Insecure

HBO Max

IMDb Rating: 7.9/10

Genre: Comedy, Romance

Starring: Issa Rae, Yvonne Orji, Jay Ellis

Created By: Issa Rae, Larry Wilmore

TV Rating: TV-MA

Number of Seasons: 5

Actress and producer Issa Rae is all over Max with shows like Sweet Life: Los Angeles, Rap Sh*t, and Insecure. A spin-off of her wildly popular web series Awkward Black Girl, Insecure has been a staple of HBO's primetime lineup for half a decade.

The popular sitcom follows two millennials, Issa (Issa Rae) and her best friend Molly (Yvonne Orji), as they adapt to post-college life in L.A. Each episode features original music from up-and-coming artists of color.

10
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Nancy Drew (2019): Best Young Adult Book Adaptation

The cast of Nancy Drew 2019

HBO Max

IMDb Rating: 6.3/10

Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror

Starring: Kennedy McMann, Leah Lewis, Maddison Jaizani

Created By: Noga Landau, Stephanie Savage, Josh Schwartz

TV Rating: TV-14

Number of Seasons: 3

Nancy Drew's plans of going to college get derailed when she witnesses a crime and becomes a chief suspect. With the help of her friends, she tries to track down the real culprit to clear her name.

Nancy Drew's third TV outing features everything you'd expect out of the series: convoluted mysteries, outlandish situations, and supernatural twists. The show has a darker edge than the books, but fortunately, it remains appropriate for teens.

11
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Titans (2018): Most Action-Packed Superhero Sidekick Series

The cast of DC Titans

HBO Max

IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy

Starring: Brenton Thwaites, Anna Diop, Ryan Potter

Created By: Greg Berlanti, Akiva Goldsman, Geoff Johns

TV Rating: TV-MA

Number of Seasons: 4

Titans manages to offer a fresh take on a classic franchise. All the stars of Teen Titans, led by Robin (Brenton Thwaites), are a little older and a lot grittier. This superhero show isn't for kids.

The episodic format makes Titans much easier to digest than the four-hour director's cut of Justice League. If you like this series, be sure to check out Doom Patrol on Max, which takes place in the same universe and features many of the same actors.

12
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The Other Two (2019): Funniest Family Drama About Show Biz

The Other Two

HBO Max

IMDb Rating: 7.5/10

Genre: Comedy

Starring: Heléne Yorke, Drew Tarver, Case Walker

Created By: Chris Kelly, Sarah Schneider

TV Rating: TV-MA

Number of Seasons: 2

Being a child star isn't easy, but imagine being their unfamous sibling. Cary (Drew Tarver) and Brooke (Heléne Yorke) have worked their whole lives to make it in the entertainment industry, only to be outshined by their 13-year-old little brother Chase (Case Walker) and his YouTube channel.

The Other Two is a hilarious critique of celebrity culture and our social media-obsessed society. Keep an eye for D-list guest stars like Kathie Lee Gifford, Mario Lopez, and Michael Che.

13
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Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses (2021)—Trivial Pursuit for Potterheads

Helen Mirren in Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses

HBO Max

IMDb Rating: 4.6/10

Genre: Game Show, Reality TV

Starring: Helen Mirren, Luke Youngblood, Tom Felton

Created By: Robin Ashbrook, Yasmin Shackleton

TV Rating: TV-PG

Number of Seasons: 1

Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses is a game show that aired on the Cartoon Network over the course of four weeks in 2021. Teams representing the four Houses of Hogwarts compete in a tournament to determine the biggest Potterheads.

Dame Helen Mirren serves as Mistress of Ceremonies, bringing a distinctively British touch to the show. You'll also see some familiar faces from the movies. Gather your fellow Harry Potter fans and play along at home.

14
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Stath Lets Flats (2018): Funniest NSFW Family Comedy

Jamie Demetriou in Stath Lets Flats

HBO Max

IMDb Rating: 7.2/10

Genre: Comedy

Starring: Jamie Demetriou, Al Roberts, Natasia Demetriou

Created By: Jamie Demetriou

TV Rating: TV-MA

Number of Seasons: 3

Siblings Stath (Jamie Demetriou) and Sophie (Natasia Demetriou) are determined to take over the family business. There's just one problem: They are absolutely unqualified to run a company.

Stath Lets Flats stars show creator Jamie Demetriou and his real-life sister. The duo's awesome comedic chemistry won the series a BAFTA award for Best Scripted Comedy in 2020.

15
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Euphoria (2019): Best Original High School Drama

Zendaya in Euphoria

HBO Max

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Genre: Drama

Starring: Zendaya, Hunter Schafer, Jacob Elordi

Created By: Sam Levinson

TV Rating: TV-MA

Number of Seasons: 2

Inspired by an Israeli TV show, Euphoria is a teen drama that unflinchingly tackles controversial issues like drug abuse, teenage sexuality, and emotional trauma. It's not a show for kids, but every parent should watch it.

With all of the shows about how hard it is to be a teenager in today's modern world, why watch this one? For starters, it stars Zendaya, who has won multiple awards for her performance. Euphoria has even received international acclaim, winning the British Academy Television Award for Best International Programme.

16
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Betty (2021): Most Empowering Sports Sitcom for Teens

The cast of Betty (2020)

HBO Max

IMDb Rating: 6.8/10

Genre: Comedy

Starring: Dede Lovelace, Kabrina Adams, Nina Moran

Created By: Crystal Moselle

TV Rating: TV-14

Number of Seasons: 2

Skateboarding is often erroneously perceived as a boy's sport, but Betty proves otherwise. In this teen-appropriate sitcom, a group of girl skateboarders in New York strives to outcompete their peers.

Betty is inspired by the movie Skate Kitchen directed by Crystal Moselle, who also works on the show. Most of the characters and cast from the film make appearances in addition to many new faces.

17
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Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000): Longest Running Show About Nothing

Larry David in Curb Your Enthusiasm

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

Genre: Comedy

Starring: Larry David, Cheryl Hines, Jeff Garlin

Created By: Larry David

TV Rating: TV-MA

Number of Seasons: 11

The brainchild of Seinfeld co-creator Larry David, Curb Your Enthusiasm is known for its mundane humor and ​unique production style. Although the show has a script, much of the dialogue is improvised, resulting in some hilarious situational comedy.

Curb Your Enthusiasm has received dozens of Primetime Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series. The show went on hiatus for a few years before HBO revived it in 2017.

18
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A Black Lady Sketch Show (2019): Funniest Sketchy Comedy With an All-Female Cast

The cast of A Black Lady Sketch Show

HBO Max

IMDb Rating: 7.2/10

Genre: Comedy

Starring: Robin Thede, Ashley Nicole Black, Gabrielle Dennis

Created By: Robin Thede

TV Rating: TV-MA

Number of Seasons: 3

Need a good laugh? We all do, and A Black Lady Sketch Show certainly delivers. The jokes resonate with everyone, and while skits occasionally get political, humor is prioritized above all else.

In just its first season, the show received multiple Emmy nominations and won a Television Critics Association award for Outstanding Achievement in Sketch/Variety Shows. Keep an eye out for guest stars like Kelly Rowland, Laverne Cox, and Angela Bassett.

19
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Peacemaker (2022): Crudest Super Hero Comedy for Adults Only

John Cena and the cast of Peacemaker

HBO Max

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy

Starring: John Cena, Freddie Stroma, Chukwudi Iwuji

Created By: James Gunn

TV Rating: TV-MA

Number of Seasons: 1

In this spin-off of The Suicide Squad, Peacemaker (John Cena) continues his fight for peace, no matter how many people he must strike down along the way. As he tries to fit in with a new group of heroic villains, his flaws become increasingly apparent to everyone.

John Cena is best known for his family-friendly image, but let's be clear: Peacemaker is not for kids. It's an adult comedy with lots of action, crude jokes, and a patriotic pet eagle named Eagly.

20
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Succession (2018): Most Critically Acclaimed Show on Max

The cast of Succession (2018)

HBO

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Genre: Drama

Starring: Brian Cox, Kieran Culkin, Sarah Snook

Created By: Jesse Armstrong

TV Rating: TV-MA

Number of Seasons: 3

As entrepreneur Logan Roy (Brian Cox) nears the end of his life and career, his four kids are already beginning to fight over the family business. However, on his 80th birthday, Logan announces that he has no plans of stepping down anytime soon.

While this family drama may sound similar in premise to the Starz series Empire, the series has enough refreshingly humorous moments sprinkled throughout to keep things from getting too tense. A massive hit with critics, Succession has won numerous accolades, including Golden Globe Awards for Best Television Series and Best Actor (for Cox).

21
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South Side (2019): Best Buddy Comedy About Surviving in Late Capitalism

Sultan Salahuddin and Kareme Young in South Side

HBO Max

IMDb Rating: 7.6/10

Genre: Comedy

Starring: Sultan Salahuddin, Kareme Young, Quincy Young

Created By: Diallo Riddle, Bashir Salahuddin, Sultan Salahuddin

TV Rating: TV-MA

Number of Seasons: 3

Fresh out of community college, Simon (Sultan Salahuddin) and Kareem (Kareme Young) have high aspirations for success. They begin their business empire in Chicago's South Side, where they sell everything from erectile dysfunction pills to cryptocurrency.

Created by people who grew up in Chicago, the show is a love letter to the city's working-class neighborhoods. South Side does a good job of showcasing the urban landscape, so if you've been to Chicago, you'll likely notice many of the locations. South Side originally aired on Comedy Central, but future seasons will be exclusive to Max.

22
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Station Eleven (2021): Most Timely Post-Apocalyptic Survival Story

Mackenzie Davis in Station Eleven

HBO Max

IMDb Rating: 6.9/10

Genre: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi

Starring: Joe Pingue, Mackenzie Davis, Himesh Patel

Created By: Patrick Somerville

TV Rating: TV-MA

Number of Seasons: 1

In the aftermath of a pandemic that precipitated the fall of society, former actor Kirsten (Mackenzie Davis) joins a traveling Shakespearean troupe to help people make meaning out of the new world.

Although it's based on a novel written in 2014, Station Eleven feels like it was written for today's world, and it delivers a much-needed positive message about the endurance of the human spirit.

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