HBO Max’s rebrand comes with a shuffle of content and a flurry of confusion as we all figure out what exactly is on the service. Outside of the addition of Discovery+’s catalog, though, little has changed. Max still carries all original HBO Max series, but the service offers films from Warner Bros, Summit Entertainment, Universal Pictures, and 20th Century Studios. It's library holds thousands of shows that are all available on-demand, spanning many decades and genres.
Max has complete seasons of in-depth television series, reality TV specials, and a wide variety of choices, all on-demand and able to stream from the comfort of your home. Its unique catalog and HBO-exclusive content make it a favorite for television and movie fans. Live television shows stream on the app at the same time as they broadcast coast-to-coast. With more than 580 television shows available, it’s packed with plenty of options to stream. We've narrowed down our top choices for best series on Max here!
The Best Max Shows:
- Adventure Time (2010)
- The White Lotus (2021)
- Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown (2002)
- The Wire (2002)
- Samurai Jack (2001)
- Sex and the City (1998)
- Doctor Who (2005)
Warner Brothers and HBO built a repertoire of exciting shows available on-demand. From new HBO series to animated shows and classic sitcoms, stream any genre on the app. See this list to read about some of the best HBO max shows to watch today.
Adventure Time
- Release Year: 2010
- Rating: PG
- Stars: 4.6 out of 5
- # of Seasons: 10
For more than a decade, Finn and his colorful friends delighted viewers with their shenanigans. He and Jake, his best friend and shape-shifting dog, go on adventures in the Land of Ooo in their quests to protect the Candy Kingdom.
The duo's friendships with kings and princesses are surreal and humorous. Both sweet and slightly weird, the show takes place in a post-Apocalyptic setting. Adventure Time has funny and melancholy elements as it follows Finn in his journey across dimensions. Watch Now
The White Lotus
- Release Year: 2021
- Rating: 17+ (source)
- Stars: 4 out of 5
- # of Seasons: 2
The White Lotus follows guests' stories at a tropical resort shot at the Four Seasons on Maui. It's a murder mystery unraveling the events preceding the discovery of unknown human remains found in a box. The show tells about the dramatic and sometimes mundane lives of three groups of guests and the hotel staff. The theme of money and relationships plays out in different ways.
Jennifer Coolidge (Legally Blonde) plays a compelling grieving single mother with her attention-grabbing demeanor and sometimes painful awkwardness. A newlywed couple experiences a Honeymoon gone wrong, with convincing performances. It's a short series and is one of the newest HBO releases. Watch Now
Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown
- Release Year: 2002
- Rating: 13+ (source)
- Stars: 4.6/5
- # of Seasons: 5
CNN's travel series Parts Unknown is hosted by the late writer and chef Anthony Bourdain. The former host of "No Reservations" was inspired by his experiences in Lebanon — he aims to tell more of the Middle-Eastern country's story while in the kitchens and at the tables of the people who live there. Viewers witness the food and culture of various global traditions and get a behind-the-scenes look at the people’s lives in politically heated areas.
The small production team shot in areas like Haiti or Iran and filmed over ten days. Anthony Bourdain maintained lifelong friendships with some of the people he met, like the Iranian couple Jason Rezaian and Yeganeh Salehi. Parts Unknown gives a personal look at the adventures of a world traveler and the ups and downs that can happen. Watch Now
The Wire
- Release Year: 2002
- Rating: 18+ (source)
- Stars: 4.9/5
- # of Seasons: 5
"The Wire" is critically acclaimed and one of the most well-received shows on HBO Max. It’s an on-screen crime novel with engaging characters and dark humor, shedding light on the realities of urban life through the lens of police wiretappers. It tells stories of the various Baltimore individuals and lives that build the institutions, such as the education system in season 4, co-written by an actual Baltimore public school teacher.
Show writer David Simon, a former Baltimore newspaper journalist, helps create true-to-life events. He worked with Ed Burns, former Baltimore city police officer of 20 years and teacher, to write the show. The show is shot mainly on location, with locals filling in the roles of extras and characters named after real people. Watch Now
Samurai Jack
- Release Year: 2001
- Rating: TV-14 (source)
- Stars: 4.4/5
- # of Seasons: 5
The artsy Samurai Jack redefined cartoons and was created as an animated version of a David Carradine kung-fu movie. Genndy Tartakovsky's follow-up to Dexter's Laboratory, a relatively small group of illustrators worked to bring Samurai Jack to the screen. Its beautiful illustrations take center stage to set the scene telling the story of a do-gooder, time-traveling samurai with a magical sword and his battles with his nemesis. The final season aired 13 years after the fourth season on Adult Swim. Watch Now
Sex and the City
- Release Year: 1998
- Rating: 16+ (source)
- Stars: 4.3 out of 5
- Seasons: 6
Join Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha and their journeys in love, friendship, family, and career. The series won multiple Emmys and Golden Globes. Sex and the City is one of the best HBO shows to watch to prepare for the upcoming revival series. Two feature films were created about the characters, and the lovable group of fierce females became household names.
Poignant and cheeky, the plotlines and acting push boundaries and make people laugh. The character lives in a fantasy of food, fashion, and friends filmed in New York City. Watch Now
Doctor Who
- Release Year: 2005
- Rating: 8+ (source)
- Stars: 4.2 out of 5
- Seasons: 12
The BBC sci-fi fantasy series continues its legacy on HBO Max. More than 13 actors have played the title character, and both the classic series and the revival are available for streaming. Embark on journeys in the TARDIS (Time And Relative Dimensions In Space) with this intellectual gem. New episodes broadcast live. Watch Now
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
- Release Year: 1990
- # of Seasons: 6 (plus a reunion episode)
Will Smith plays a version of himself in this sitcom, a teen who leaves the mean streets of Philly to live with his wealthy aunt and uncle (and cousins Hilary, Ashley, and Carlton) in a fancy mansion in Bel-Air. In fact, the famed theme song of the series explains the background of the show, rapped by Will Smith himself.
A classic that ran on NBC for six seasons, Fresh Prince, now on HBO Max, showcases the juxtaposition between Will’s rather normal life back in Philadelphia with the fancy, upper-crust society of Bel-Air — and with his cousins themselves. Once you’ve watched all 6 seasons, you can also watch the reunion special on HBO Max, which was released in late 2020.
Big Bang Theory
- Release Year: 2007
- # of Seasons: 12
This comedic sitcom follows the lives of roommates Sheldon Cooper and Leonard Hofstadter, two genius physicists at Caltech. They, plus their friends, astrophysicists Raj Koothrappali and aerospace engineer Howard Wolowitz, often find themselves in daily situations that would be normal for most but are hilarious to watch thanks to their socially awkward, geeky personalities.
Adding in nerdy neuroscientist Amy Farrah Fowler and microbiologist Bernadette Rosenkowski to the mix gives the series an even funnier twist. Big Bang Theory's only ‘normal’ character, Penny, a waitress, finds all the science stuff rather confusing, causing her to both click and clash with the genius crew as viewers chuckle along.
South Park
- Release Year: 1997
- # of Seasons: 24 (and counting)
HBO Max now holds the exclusive rights to air South Park, an animated show known for its dark, satirical humor that’s been on the air for over two decades. South Park pokes fun at current events, celebrities — pretty much anyone and anything — with its parodies and twisted humor. Most appropriate for an adult audience (expect plenty of profanity), join Stan Marsh, Kyle Broflovski, Eric Cartman, and Kenny McCormick for all the fun as they experience life in the small town of — you guessed it — South Park.
The show has won a variety of awards and ranked as the 10th Greatest TV Cartoon of All Time by TV Guide. South Park has been renewed through 2022, meaning 25th and 26th seasons are underway.
Friends
- Release Year: 1994
- # of Seasons: 17 plus a reunion special
Another series exclusive to HBO Max, this show is about a quintessential group of friends living in New York City. With stars like Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer portraying the main characters, you’ll no doubt be laughing in no time.
The show follows this group of friends through life, love, career, and relationships, highlighting each character’s stereotypical behavior: Monica is the neurotic one, Joey is the womanizer, and Phoebe is the crazy one. Meanwhile, Chandler is sarcastic, Rachel is ditzy, and Ross is timid and insecure.
Friends has been nominated for 62 Primetime Emmy Awards, winning in 2002 as an Outstanding Comedy Series. A reunion special was released on HBO Max in 2021.
Curb Your Enthusiasm
- Release Year: 2000
- # of Seasons: 10 (and counting)
An HBO Original series, Curb Your Enthusiasm is a critically acclaimed show that stars Larry David portraying an exaggerated version of himself. Larry is a socially inept, retired TV producer. The show follows his trials and errors alongside his wife Cheryl, best friend Jeff, and Jeff’s wife Susie.
The title is named for Larry’s disdain for those who show ‘fake’ or ‘over exaggerated’ enthusiasm, as well as a sign to viewers to hold low expectations for the show. This is a prime example of the show’s wit and dry humor. Curb Your Enthusiasm won a Golden Globe in 2002 for Best Comedy Television Series and has been renewed for an 11th season, airing on HBO Max in late 2021.
Game of Thrones
- Release Year: 2011
- Rating: R
- Stars: 5/5
- # of Seasons: 8
If you haven’t already seen Game of Thrones, you should. If you have, watch it again. One of the great things about this action-fantasy series is that you can watch it over and over again and still notice something new each time.
In this beloved series, nine noble clans fight — often to the death — to see their ancestors seated on the Iron Throne of Westeros. Throughout the eight seasons, you meet hundreds of characters, each one teetering on the line between bad and good. The characters are complicated, the world is violent, and the storyline is superb. There are things you learn in season one that aren’t even relevant until season eight — that’s how top-quality the writing is. Game of Thrones has something for action fans and non-action fans alike. Watch Now
Doom Patrol
- Release Year: 2019
- Rating: TV-MA
- Stars: 5/5
- # of Seasons: 2 (Season 3 releases on September 23, 2021)
Who doesn’t love a group of misfits who come to save the day? Doom Patrol follows a team of disfigured, accidental superheroes whose powers all come from being injured in horrible accidents. These heroes must fight to save the world and their beloved leader, the Chief, even though the world doesn’t want to save them.
Each of the outcasts is filled with heart, personal trauma, and a desire to belong. Part action, part drama, and part superhero buddy comedy, Doom Patrol is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face. Watch Now
Tom and Jerry
- Release Year: 1940
- Rating: TV-PG or TV-Y7, depending on the episode
- Stars: N/A
- # of Seasons: 4
Talk about a classic! Tom and Jerry has been around for over 80 years, which probably means that your grandparents enjoyed this show as children. Tom Cat and Jerry Mouse are age-old rivals who find themselves in various humorous altercations in the 161 theatrical shorts (77 of which you can enjoy on HBO Max). Check it out — you won’t regret it!
- The show has won seven Oscars! 13 of the cartoons earned an Oscar nomination in the Short Subject, Cartoon category.
- How were Tom and Jerry named? A contest! The winner took home $50 — that’s more than $800 today.
- Tom and Jerry was actually a popular drink made of eggnog with brandy. The recipe dates back to the 1820s. Also, in the early 19th century, the term “Tom and Jerry” was used by the British to describe a rambunctious youth.
The Flintstones
- Release Year: 1960
- Rating: TV-G
- Stars: 7.5/10 on IMDB
- # of Seasons: 6
Another oldie but goodie, The Flintstones follows the misadventures of two modern-day Stone Age families, the Flintstones and the Rubbles. We couldn’t not include this show on our list — it’s the first primetime animated show on television, after all! 166 episodes aired between 1960 and 1966.
Fun facts about The Flintstones:
- The Flintstones was originally called the Flagstones until creator Joe Barbera realized that there was a comic strip with the same name.
- Cigarettes were advertised on the show — a sign of the times! Winston cigarettes was a Flintstones sponsor, and at the end of each episode, Fred and Barney smoked. In 1970, the Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act put a stop to this, banning cigarette ads on TV and radio.
- Mel Blanc, the voice of Barney Rubble, continued working on the show despite a terrible car accident in 1961. After Barney was released from his 70-day hospital stay, the cast and crew traveled to Mel’s home to record episodes.
Lovecraft Country
- Release Year: 2020
- Rating: TV-MA
- Stars: 88% Rotten Tomatoes
- # of Seasons: 1
The Emmy-nominated Lovecraft Country will have you glued to the screen, squirming in your chair, and paranoid for at least a week. The show reimagines 1950s Jim Crow America with monsters straight from the Lovecraft universe.
This series follows Atticus Black, a Korean War veteran on a quest to find his missing father—but we’re in the Lovecraft universe, so don’t expect it to be straightforward! With plenty of suspense, mind-bending magic, and some very haunting scenes, Lovecraft Country is a perfect pick for your next horror series.
Folklore
- Release Year: 2018
- Rating: TV-MA
- Stars: 88% Rotten Tomatoes
- # of Seasons: 1
HBO Asia brings us a six-part anthology featuring black magic, cannibalistic ghosts, and spirits that are certain to terrify. The anthology focuses on a variety of superstitions that originate from different regions across Asia. Each superstition is explored through the lens of a different Asian director who incorporates their own horror style into the story.
Each episode brings its own lore and depiction of the superstition, offering a uniquely terrifying way of learning about the stories from other cultures. Explore Singapore, Thailand, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and Indonesia through these six chilling depictions—and witness why these stories have transcended generations.
Love Life
- Release Year: 2020
- Rating: NR
- Stars: Anna Kendrick, Zoë Chao, Peter Vack, Sasha Compere, Lesley Manville
- # of Seasons: 1
Award winner Anna Kendrick plays a 20-something-year-old Darby Carter living in New York City, navigating through work and romance. The series starts in 2012 where Darby attends NYU as a grad student, living with three roommates. As season 1 goes on, viewers see how each of Darby's encounters brings her closer to finding "the one," whether she knows it or not.
HBO Max announced they renewed their first original scripted series, "Love Life," for a second season. In addition to starring as the main character in season 1, Kendrick was also the executive producer. In season 2, she will remain on board, but her focus will be on producing, and her character will only make occasional appearances as the show shifts to a new lead character.
Love Life is a rom-com that is funny, easy to watch, and relatable. Even if the cliches and cheesiness that come with some rom-coms aren't for you, you will find this show enjoyable and funny with its witty storyline and cast chemistry.
The Flight Attendant
- Release Year: 2020
- Rating: TV-MA
- Stars: Kaley Cuoco, Michiel Huisman, Rosie Perez, Zosia Mamet, T.R. Knight, and Michelle Gomez
- # of Seasons: 1
Kaley Cuoco (The Big Bang Theory) plays American flight attendant Cassie Bowden, a spiraling alcoholic. She wakes up in a hotel room in Bangkok after a one-night stand with a passenger only to discover the body of a dead man in the room with her. Not having any recollection of the night before and afraid to call the police, she cleans up the crime scene and high-tails it out of there.
Once she returns to New York City, the FBI asks her to question her layover in Bangkok. She suffers from recurrent flashbacks/hallucinations about the night but cannot piece it together, leaving her to wonder who the killer could be.
Viewers watch as she battles her demons while also fighting for her life and trying to unravel this mystery. Cuoco plays her character remarkably well and has fans raving for more! Good news, the series has been confirmed for season 2. This mystery drama is suspenseful and thrilling without being too heavy, definitely binge-worthy!
Euphoria
- Release Year: 2019
- Rating: TV-MA
- Stars: Zendaya, Hunter Schafer, Maude Apatow, Barbie Ferreira
- # of Seasons: 1
Based on an Israeli TV show with the same name, Euphoria follows a group of high school students through their experiences of drugs, sex, friendships, love, identity, mental health, and trauma. The series centers on the relationship between two teenage girls trying to find their place in the world: recovering drug addict Rue (Zendaya) and new-to-town Jules (Schafer).
Euphoria has been praised for its cinematography, storyline, original score(Labrinth), ensemble cast, and approach to significant movements, such as LGBTQ+ representation and mental illness awareness.
This show isn't like other teenage dramas before its time. Some scenes are hard to watch, triggering, and graphic. But viewers are meant to feel equally entertained and disheartened by what they're watching. If you are looking for a drama that's raw and honest, this is it.
The Other Two
- Release Year: 2019
- Rating: TV-14
- Stars: Drew Tarver, Heléne Yorke, Case Walker, Ken Marino, Molly Shannon, Wanda Sykes
- # of Seasons: 1, Season 2 starts streaming Aug 26, 2021
Previous "Saturday Night Live" head writers Chris Kelly and Sarah Schneider came together to create "The Other Two." The series focuses on an aspiring actor and his sister Brooke, a former professional dancer trying to find their place in the world. While working on self-development, they are battling their feelings about their 13-year-old brother Chase's overnight rise to internet fame.
Critics and viewers alike praise the show for its humor, pop culture parodies, writing, and performances. Need a show that will have you LOLing, for real? Start The Other Two now!
FAQs:
Does Max offer a free trial?
Max doesn’t offer a free trial. Originally Max offered a free trial through its site and a free trial if you signed up as an add on to Hulu, but both of these offers are no longer available.
What is the cheapest way to get Max?
The cheapest way to get Max is through its official website and app. However, you may encounter slower streaming rates and will have to view ads on Max’s base plan.
How much does it cost to add Max to Hulu?
It costs $14.99 per month to purchase the Max add-on for Hulu.
Davan Hamilton • Editor
Davan Hamilton is an editor and writer based in Jacksonville, FL. Holding a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, her writing spans a wide range, from essays on film criticism and analysis to surreal poetry. Now, she works for Flixed as an editor, continuing to ignore the list of passion projects she’s accumulated. When she’s not glued to her computer, you can find her building endless amounts of Lego sets, binge-reading manga, or playing with (fighting) her cat.
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