The 40 Best Shows on Max (aka HBO Max) Right Now (October 2024)
It’s no secret that HBO Max has emerged as one of the go-to streaming platforms, offering a vast collection of movies and TV shows to satisfy every viewer’s taste. With a constantly evolving library, it can be challenging to keep up with the best content available. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 40 best shows on HBO Max right now, ensuring you never miss out on the latest and greatest.
1. “Game of Thrones” – This epic fantasy series needs no introduction. Dive into the world of Westeros and witness the power struggles, political intrigue, and breathtaking battles that made it a cultural phenomenon.
2. “Friends” – Relive the adventures of Ross, Rachel, Chandler, Monica, Joey, and Phoebe as they navigate love, friendship, and life in New York City. This timeless sitcom continues to bring joy to audiences of all ages.
3. “The Sopranos” – This groundbreaking crime drama follows the life of mob boss Tony Soprano as he balances family, therapy, and the mob. With complex characters and intense storytelling, it’s widely regarded as one of the best shows of all time.
4. “The Wire” – A gritty portrayal of Baltimore’s interconnected institutions, this drama delves deep into the drug trade, politics, and the lives of both criminals and law enforcement. Its realistic portrayal of urban life sets it apart from other crime shows.
5. “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” - Set in the 1950s, this delightful comedy series follows the journey of Miriam “Midge” Maisel as she discovers her talent for stand-up comedy. With sharp writing and stellar performances, it’s a must-watch for fans of both comedy and drama.
6. “Chernobyl” – Based on the true events of the 1986 nuclear disaster, this gripping miniseries explores the harrowing aftermath and the far-reaching consequences of the tragedy. It’s a chilling reminder of the dangers of hubris and bureaucracy.
7. “Succession” – Follow the dysfunctional Roy family as they fight for power and control of their media empire. With sharp writing and exceptional performances, this dark comedy-drama offers a scathing critique of wealth and privilege.
8. “Westworld” – Enter a futuristic theme park populated by ultra-realistic androids or “hosts.” This mind-bending series explores existential questions about identity, consciousness, and free will, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
9. “The Office” – A mockumentary-style sitcom that brings the daily lives of office employees to hilarious heights. With its relatable characters and witty humor, it remains a beloved favorite among audiences.
10. “Curb Your Enthusiasm” – Comedian Larry David stars as a fictionalized version of himself in this improvised comedy series. With its sharp observational humor, it’s a must-watch for fans of dry wit and awkward situations.
11. “Succession” – Follow the dysfunctional Roy family as they fight for power and control of their media empire. With sharp writing and exceptional performances, this dark comedy-drama offers a scathing critique of wealth and privilege.
12. “The Boondocks” – Based on the comic strip by Aaron McGruder, this satirical animated series explores themes of race, politics, and social issues through the perspective of the Freeman brothers. It’s both thought-provoking and entertaining.
13. “Veep” – This political satire follows the life of former Vice President Selina Meyer as she navigates the intricacies of Washington politics. With its sharp writing and stellar performances, it’s a hilarious and often relatable portrayal of the absurdities of power.
14. “Barry” – Bill Hader stars as a hitman who discovers a passion for acting in this dark comedy series. With its unique blend of suspense and humor, it’s a must-watch for those looking for something offbeat.
15. “The Handmaid’s Tale” – Adapted from Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel, this chilling series depicts a totalitarian society where fertile women are forced into servitude as “handmaids.” It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of authoritarianism.
16. “Big Little Lies” – Follow the lives of five women in an affluent California community as their tangled web of secrets begins to unravel. With its powerhouse cast and gripping storytelling, it’s a captivating exploration of friendship, motherhood, and domestic abuse.
17. “True Detective” – Each season of this anthology crime series tells a different story, exploring the dark underbelly of crime with intricate narratives and powerful performances. From Louisiana to the Ozarks, each season offers a fresh and immersive experience.
18. “Doctor Who” – Step into the TARDIS and join the Doctor on an epic adventure through time and space. With its blend of sci-fi, humor, and heart, this long-running British series has captivated audiences for decades.
19. “Sex and the City” – Follow the lives of four New York women as they navigate relationships, careers, and everything in between. With its honest portrayal of friendships and modern dating, it remains a cultural touchstone.
20. “The West Wing” – This political drama takes us behind the scenes of the White House as we follow the lives of President Josiah Bartlet and his staff. With its fast-paced dialogue and idealistic portrayal of American politics, it’s an engrossing watch.
21. “The Newsroom” - Written by Aaron Sorkin, this drama offers an inside look at a cable news channel and the challenges of reporting in the digital age. With its engaging writing and stellar ensemble cast, it’s a must-watch for news junkies.
22. “The Great British Bake Off” – If you’re in need of some wholesome entertainment, this competitive baking show is perfect for you. Watch amateur bakers create mouthwatering masterpieces while charming judges and hosts keep the atmosphere light and enjoyable.
23. “Watchmen” – Set in an alternate reality where masked vigilantes are banned, this visually stunning series explores themes of justice, racism, and power. With its thought-provoking storytelling, it stands as a testament to the importance of storytelling in our society.
24. “The Good Place” – A philosophy-driven comedy series that follows Eleanor Shellstrop as she navigates the afterlife. With its clever writing and lovable characters, it’s a heartwarming and thought-provoking exploration of morality and redemption.
25. “Killing Eve” – This cat-and-mouse thriller follows the intertwined lives of intelligence agent Eve Polastri and psychopathic assassin Villanelle. With its tense and unpredictable narrative, it keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
26. ”Boardwalk Empire” – Set in the Prohibition era, this series portrays the rise of organized crime in Atlantic City through the eyes of Enoch “Nucky” Thompson. With its lavish production design and complex characters, it’s a must-watch for fans of crime dramas.
27. “Avatar: The Last Airbender” - This beloved animated series follows the journey of Aang, the last surviving airbender, as he struggles to master the four elements and bring peace to the world. With its rich mythology and compelling storytelling, it’s a must-watch for all ages.
28. “Parks and Recreation” – Set in the fictional town of Pawnee, this mockumentary-style sitcom follows an energetic bureaucrat’s attempts to improve her community. With its lovable characters and hilarious writing, it’s a feel-good watch for any occasion.
29. “The Crown” – This critically acclaimed drama chronicles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, spanning from her early days as a young monarch to the present day. With its impeccable production values and nuanced performances, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the British monarchy.
30. “Breaking Bad” – Follow the transformation of high school chemistry teacher Walter White into a ruthless methamphetamine manufacturer. This intense and gripping series explores the consequences of a life driven by power and desperation.
31. “Sherlock” – This modern-day adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s detective stories brings Sherlock Holmes to the streets of present-day London. With its witty writing and stellar performances, it’s a fresh take on a beloved character.
32. “Mare of Easttown” – This crime drama follows detective Mare Sheehan as she investigates a murder in her tight-knit Pennsylvania community. With its engrossing mystery and standout performances, it’s a gripping and emotional watch.
33. “The Mandalorian” – Set in the Star Wars universe, this space western follows the adventures of a bounty hunter known as The Mandalorian. With its compelling storytelling and stunning visual effects, it has garnered a dedicated fanbase.
34. “Stranger Things” – Set in the 1980s, this sci-fi series follows a group of kids as they uncover supernatural mysteries in their small town. With its nostalgic nods to the ’80s and captivating storyline, it’s a binge-worthy favorite.
35. “Fargo” – Inspired by the Coen Brothers’ film of the same name, this anthology crime series explores the dark and quirky underbelly of small-town America. With its unique blend of humor and suspense, each season offers a fresh and engrossing story.
36. “Insecure” – Issa Rae stars in this critically acclaimed comedy-drama series that follows her as she navigates love, friendship, and career opportunities in Los Angeles. With its honest portrayal of the Black experience, it has resonated with audiences worldwide.
37. “The Simpsons” – This long-running animated series needs no introduction. Join the iconic Simpson family on their hilarious and satirical adventures through Springfield and beyond.
38. “Oz” – Set in a maximum-security prison, this gritty drama explores the lives of inmates and correctional officers. With its raw and unflinching portrayal of prison life, it remains one Of the most influential and groundbreaking shows of its time.
39. “The Handmaid’s Tale” – Adapted from Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel, this chilling series depicts a totalitarian society where fertile women are forced into servitude as “handmaids.” It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of authoritarianism.
40. “Mindhunter” – Based on the true crime book by John E. Douglas, this psychological thriller follows two FBI agents as they delve into the minds of serial killers to better understand their motives. With its chilling performances and gripping storytelling, it’s a must-watch for true crime enthusiasts.
With a wide variety of genres and critically acclaimed shows, HBO Max offers something for everyone. Whether you’re into fantasy, crime dramas, comedies, or sci-fi, this streaming platform has you covered. So grab your remote and start exploring the best shows HBO Max has to offer.
