The 45 Best Shows on Max (aka HBO Max) Right Now

12:47 PM | 14 May 2025

The Best Shows on Max Right Now

Max, formerly known as HBO Max, remains a premier destination for high-quality television. From groundbreaking dramas to hilarious comedies and insightful documentaries, Max offers a diverse range of content to suit every taste. This guide highlights 45 of the best shows currently available on the platform, ensuring you always have something compelling to watch.

Must-Watch Max Originals

The Rehearsal

Nathan Fielder's unique brand of awkward comedy shines in The Rehearsal. This series blends social experiment with reality TV, as Fielder helps people prepare for significant life events by rehearsing them in elaborate, staged environments. The show takes unexpected turns, blurring the lines between reality and performance, making it a must-watch for those who enjoy unconventional comedy.

Key Elements:

Uncomfortable comedy
Social experiment
Reality TV satire

Conan O'Brien Must Go

Conan O'Brien takes his humor global in this travel series, visiting everyday people he's connected with through his podcast. The show combines comedy with cultural immersion, as O'Brien explores the traditions, food, and culture of various countries. Season 2 expands the adventure with visits to New Zealand, Austria, and Spain.

Highlights:

Travel comedy
Celebrity interviews
Cultural exploration

The Last of Us

Based on the acclaimed video game, The Last of Us delivers a gripping post-apocalyptic drama. The series follows Joel, a hardened survivor, as he escorts Ellie, a teenager who may hold the key to curing a fungal pandemic. With strong performances and a compelling storyline, this adaptation has resonated with both gamers and TV enthusiasts.

Why Watch:

Post-apocalyptic setting
Strong character development
Faithful adaptation

Hacks

Jean Smart stars as Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas entertainer, in this comedy-drama. The series explores the evolving relationship between Deborah and Ava, a young, cynical writer. As they navigate their careers and personal lives, both women learn valuable lessons from each other, leading to a heartwarming and hilarious friendship.

Why It's Great:

Sharp writing
Excellent performances
Relatable themes

The Righteous Gemstones

Danny McBride's satirical comedy focuses on a family of televangelists who prioritize greed and power over faith. With a stellar cast, including John Goodman and Walton Goggins, the series delivers dark humor and memorable moments, making it a standout on Max.

What to Expect:

Dark comedy
Satirical themes
Strong ensemble cast

When No One Sees Us

This Spanish-produced crime drama follows two investigators as they unravel a series of mysterious events at a US Army base in Spain. With a slow-burning plot and complex characters, the series offers a compelling and suspenseful viewing experience.

Series Highlights:

Intriguing mystery
Strong performances
Cultural insights

The White Lotus

Mike White's anthology series delves into the lives of wealthy guests and the staff who cater to them at luxurious resorts. Each season brings a new location and set of characters, exploring themes of privilege, dysfunction, and murder. The series is known for its sharp writing and stellar performances.

Why It's Addictive:

Anthology format
Sharp social commentary
Engaging mysteries

The Pitt

Set in an underfunded Pittsburgh hospital, this medical drama reunites ER star Noah Wyle with executive producer John Wells. The series unfolds in real-time, showcasing the challenges and realities of medicine in a post-pandemic world. With its fast-paced storytelling and somber tone, The Pitt offers a unique perspective on the healthcare system.

Key Features:

Real-time storytelling
Realistic medical scenarios
Strong character development

Somebody Somewhere

Bridget Everett stars as Sam, a woman who finds her place in her hometown of Manhattan, Kansas, through friendship and singing. This Peabody Award-winning series is a reminder that acceptance and belonging can be found in unexpected places.

Why You'll Love It:

Heartwarming story
Strong performances
Themes of acceptance and friendship

Dune: Prophecy

Based on the prequel novels by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, this series explores the origins of the Bene Gesserit sisterhood. Set 10,000 years before the events of the Dune films, the series delves into the power and influence of the women who shape the future of the universe.

What Makes It Special:

Expands the Dune universe
Focuses on female characters
Intriguing political intrigue

Like Water for Chocolate

This adaptation of Laura Esquivel's novel tells the story of Tita, a young woman whose love is expressed through her cooking. Set during the Mexican Revolution, the series combines romance, food, and cultural traditions in a captivating narrative.

Why It's Captivating:

Romantic storyline
Cultural richness
Magical realism

The Sex Lives of College Girls

From Mindy Kaling, this series puts a fresh spin on the teenage sex comedy. The show follows four college freshmen as they navigate their identities, relationships, and sexual experiences. With its diverse characters and relatable storylines, the series offers a modern take on the college experience.

Why It's Engaging:

Relatable characters
Modern themes
Humorous writing

The Penguin

Colin Farrell reprises his role as Oswald "Oz" Cobb in this spin-off from Matt Reeves' The Batman. The series documents Oz's violent rise to power in Gotham's underworld, offering a gritty and compelling origin story. With strong performances and a dark, atmospheric setting, The Penguin is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas.

What to Expect:

Gritty crime drama
Strong performances
Intriguing origin story

True Detective: Night Country

Jodie Foster and Kali Reis star in this installment of the anthology series, set in the eerie landscapes of Alaska. The series follows two investigators as they uncover a conspiracy and solve a series of bizarre murders. With its dark atmosphere and mysterious symbols, Night Country is a return to form for the series.

Series Highlights:

Dark and creepy atmosphere
Strong performances
Intriguing mystery

Succession

This Emmy-winning series chronicles the Roy family and their battle for control of Waystar Royco, a global media conglomerate. With its sharp writing and stellar performances, Succession is a must-watch for fans of family dramas and dark comedies.

Why It's a Classic: