The Ultimate Collection of Must-Watch Max Original Shows

Summary

Max's original programming is renowned for its exceptional quality, encompassing a diverse range of genres that include gripping dramas, side-splitting comedies, and captivating comic book escapades.

Max's top shows encompass hidden treasures such as DMZ, Made For Love, and South Side, delving into somber subjects with cutting-edge satire, exceptional acting, and an impeccable fusion of wit and societal critique.

Max, the newly titled streaming service, offers a diverse collection of content. However, its greatest offerings come from its exceptional original programming. While HBO has produced iconic original shows such as The Sopranos, The Wire, and Game of Thrones, Max has been steadily building an impressive lineup of series exclusively for their streaming service. These shows not only rank among the top on Max but also stand out as some of the finest television currently available.

Similar to HBO, Max offers a wide variety of original content for its subscribers. Whether it's gripping dramas like Station Eleven, hilarious comedies like Our Flag Means Death, or thrilling comic book adventures like Peacemaker, there is something for every taste. Exciting shows like Dune: The Sisterhood, the Harry Potter series, and a range of upcoming DCU shows are on the horizon. However, at present, the best shows on Max showcase the incredible quality of its original programming.

Gossip Girl (2021-2023)

DMZ (2022)

Max offers some of the best original shows, including reboots of old favorites like the latest version of Gossip Girl. Similar to the original series, this show revolves around privileged New York teenagers whose lives are filled with drama, scandals, and deception. However, they soon realize that they cannot keep anything hidden when an anonymous blogger starts exposing their secrets. While the storytelling of Gossip Girl is commendable, the new characters fail to capture the same magic as the original cast. Nevertheless, it remains a captivating and worthwhile revival of this beloved series.

Unfortunately, despite the immense talent of Ava Duvernay, her captivating Max series DMZ did not receive the widespread viewership it deserved. Drawing inspiration from a DC comic, this gripping show is set in a futuristic America engulfed in a devastating civil war. The storyline centers around Rosario Dawson's character, Alma, a brave medic who embarks on a perilous journey to Manhattan's demilitarized zone in search of her son. While some viewers felt that the series did not fully capitalize on its intriguing premise, there remained untapped potential for further development. Regrettably, DMZ concluded as a brief four-episode miniseries.

Selena + Chef (2020-)

In the era of groundbreaking television filled with prestigious dramas and critically acclaimed comedies, the emergence of a celebrity cooking show capturing audiences in such a captivating way is truly unexpected. However, Selena + Chef arrived at precisely the right moment when viewers were yearning for something soothing, delightful, and uplifting, all of which this show provides abundantly. Premiering amidst the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, Selena Gomez took it upon herself to chronicle her culinary adventures. Each episode now showcases a renowned professional chef imparting their expertise to Selena, while preserving the endearing essence of an amateur cook striving to do her best.

Made For Love (2021-2022)

The genre of shows exploring the dark side of modern technology is currently saturated, but Made for Love stands out as a hidden gem. Starring Cristin Milioti, the show portrays a young woman who manages to escape from her poisonous relationship with a tech billionaire. However, her liberation turns tainted when she discovers that he has secretly implanted a tracking device inside her, allowing him to surveil her every movement as she pieces her life back together. The series masterfully blends satire and wit, with Milioti delivering a remarkable comedic lead performance. Adding to the brilliance, Ray Romano shines in his role as her father.

Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin (2022-)

Pretty Little Liars was sometimes seen as the lesser version of Gossip Girl when it was originally on the air. However, in terms of the max original reboots of the two shows, Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin comes out on top. The show follows a new group of characters as they are contacted by a mysterious threat who holds them responsible for a death their mothers supposedly caused years ago. The new cast is effective while the slasher vibes mixed with the mystery make it a gripping return to this series.

Love & Death (2023)

True-crime stories are always a source of fascination for audiences and Max originals feature plenty of them. Love & Death is the true story of a suburban murder with Elizabeth Olsen playing Candy Montgomery, a Texan housewife who begins an affair with a married man from her church which ultimately leads to a deadly decision. The miniseries went on to become the most watched original limited series in Max's history. It is a grisly story with a strange tone, but the whole thing is held together by a terrific lead performance by Olsen as well as an impressive supporting cast including Jesse Plemons in an Emmy nominated role.

Julia (2022-)

The Staircase (2022)

Julia Child, renowned for her captivating cooking show in the 1960s, rose to fame as a beloved television personality. The show Julia not only showcases Child's delightful and charismatic presence on screen but also sheds light on her trailblazing contributions behind the scenes. Sarah Lancashire's exceptional portrayal of Child's iconic persona steals the show, creating an enchanting blend of period drama and lighthearted comedy that is truly delightful to watch.

The Staircase's true story has become a recent obsession within the realm of true-crime. The gripping Max original miniseries delves even deeper into this captivating case. Oscar-winner Colin Firth takes on the role of crime novelist Michael Peterson, who makes a distressing call to the police, reporting his wife's fatal fall down the stairs. However, this act swiftly transforms him into a prime suspect. What adds another layer of intrigue to the show is its foundation in a documentary that closely followed the case. Firth's portrayal exudes an unsettling yet genuineness, effectively enhancing the overall narrative.

South Side (2019-2022)

Search Party (2016-2022)

: South Side, set in Chicago, follows two best friends and recent community college graduates as they try to build a business empire in their neighborhood through a range of outrageous schemes. Despite addressing serious social and political issues that affect the characters' lives, the show maintains a comedic edge and guarantees plenty of laughter.

Dark comedies can be a tough nut to crack, but Search Party effortlessly nails it. The series revolves around a tight-knit group of friends who embark on a quest to unravel the enigmatic disappearance of a former acquaintance. Little do they know that their sleuthing will thrust them into the heart of a rabbit hole they never anticipated. Alia Shawkat, John Reynolds, John Early, and Meredith Hanger perfectly embody the core characters, injecting heaps of wit and amusement into this surprisingly chilling narrative.

Rap Sh!t (2022-)

And Just Like That... (2021-)

Issa Rae has received well-deserved recognition for her work as the creator and lead actress in the HBO series Insecure. Currently, she takes on a new role behind the scenes, as the mastermind behind another successful series on Max called Rap Sh!t. This captivating show revolves around two friends who had drifted apart but come together again, driven by their shared ambition to become the most sought-after rap group in the music industry. By offering a fresh and witty perspective, Rap Sh!t offers an entertaining and insightful exploration of the music world. The series takes you on a thrilling and enjoyable journey, following the amusing and relatable characters as they navigate their way through the industry, with laughter and an enduring friendship serving as the foundation that anchors the storyline.

Max's hit sequel series, Sex and the City, pays homage to one of HBO's most iconic shows. Carrie Bradshaw reunites with her longtime friends Miranda and Charlotte (sans Samantha) over a decade since their last joint appearance in Sex and the City 2. Through new challenges and unwavering camaraderie, the women navigate different phases of life. While some viewers may consider the show less rock-solid than its predecessor, countless fans delight in the return to these beloved characters and their captivating universe.

Full Circle (2023)

Though a recent addition, Full Circle already distinguishes itself as one of Max's most exceptional offerings. Helmed by director Steven Soderbergh, this crime drama kicks off with a meticulously planned kidnapping that quickly unravels into a labyrinthine enigma involving a host of complex characters and their concealed secrets. The cast of Full Circle is an assemblage of shining stars, featuring the likes of Zazie Beetz, Claire Danes, Timothy Olyphant, and Denis Quaid. With its enthralling and down-to-earth suspenseful narrative, heightened by a touch of dark humor, Full Circle adeptly holds the viewers at the edge of their seats.

Warrior (2019-)

Originally not an HBO production, the show was picked up by the company's Max service after Cinemax, the original network, concluded production on it. Warrior combines the thrilling elements of martial arts and crime drama, presenting an original storyline inspired by an early concept by Bruce Lee. The show's initial two seasons garnered positive acclaim and amassed a dedicated fan base, largely due to the extensive exposure provided by HBO Max. In its third season, Warrior continues to evolve the ambitious crime narrative while delivering some of the most captivating action and fight sequences on television.

Doom Patrol (2019-2023)

When it comes to lesser-known superhero teams from comic books, Doom Patrol is a topic of interest among many fans. The show has consistently received positive feedback for its unique and captivating storytelling, which revolves around a group of outcasts. Although Doom Patrol may not have gained the same level of recognition as other mainstream comic book adaptations, it has managed to build a devoted audience due to its endearing characters and eccentric narratives. Regrettably, despite the passionate fanbase, Doom Patrol has officially been canceled after its fourth season.

Raised By Wolves (2020-2022)

Compared to HBO's highly-publicized original sci-fi series Westworld, Raised by Wolves delivered a captivating and intricate narrative over the course of its two seasons. While the first season received a moderately positive response, the second season truly came into its own with its distinct approach to a dystopian sci-fi setting. The show revolves around androids tasked with raising human children in a post-apocalyptic Earth ravaged by war. With its expansive world-building and ambitious storytelling, Raised by Wolves stood out among television series, thanks in part to the creative genius of Ridley Scott. However, the decision to end the show after just two seasons sparked backlash from fans who believe that there was untapped potential in the story.

Tokyo Vice (2022-)

Harley Quinn (2019-)

: Tokyo Vice, directed by Michael Mann, starts off with an intense beat and never loses its momentum. Ansel Elgort takes on the role of a talented American journalist who becomes a crime reporter in Tokyo and gradually gets entangled in the city's organized crime world. Ken Watanabe delivers an outstanding performance as an honest and dedicated detective, fighting against a system that challenges his job. With its gripping crime narrative and the captivating backdrop of Tokyo, this series has become a must-watch, eagerly anticipating its highly anticipated second season.

From being one of Batman's most iconic supervillains to transitioning into an antihero, Harley Quinn has made a significant shift across various mediums. DC Comics even incorporates her as a member of the Batfamily, although she was once the Joker's sidekick. While Margot Robbie's portrayal of the character is already memorable, Max's Harley Quinn animated series takes the spotlight as the best production featuring Harley Quinn, making it one of the top-notch DC content on the streaming platform. Harley Quinn stands out by fully utilizing its lighter tone, blending humorous meta-humor and compelling character development, with Kaley Cuoco lending her voice to the titular antihero.

Our Flag Means Death (2022-)

Taika Waititi's talents extend beyond his role in creating hit comedy shows like What We Do in the Shadows and Reservation Dogs. With Our Flag Means Death, Waititi not only demonstrates his skills behind the scenes but also delivers one of his finest performances to date. Drawing inspiration from a true story, the series revolves around Rhys Darby's portrayal of Stede Bonnet, a nobleman who forsakes his wealth and family to pursue a life as a "gentleman pirate" on the high seas. While the premise promises plenty of laughs, the unexpected sweetness emerges through the relationship between Stede and Waititi's character, Blackbeard.

The Sex Lives Of College Girls (2021-)

Mindy Kaling is an exceptional voice in the television industry, and one of her finest shows is The Sex Lives of College Girls. This college comedy revolves around four friends who are navigating the liberating phase of young adulthood while uncovering intriguing facets of themselves. Similar to And Just Like That and Rap Sh!t, the show truly shines because of its captivating portrayal of female camaraderie at its core, as well as the splendid chemistry among the talented cast members. Moreover, it offers immense amusement as a comedy that takes place in an environment where these youthful characters have a blast, learn from their mistakes, and evolve as empowered women.

The Flight Attendant (2020-2022)

Former The Big Bang Theory star Kaley Cuoco has transitioned to the world of HBO Max with the captivating comedy-drama, The Flight Attendant. Since its debut, the show has received positive feedback, impressing viewers with its clever integration of dark humor and captivating murder-mystery plot. The second season only further proved its ability to maintain a perfect balance of intrigue and an exceptional sense of humor, resulting in Cuoco earning another prestigious Emmy nomination. As the show continues to surprise and delight audiences with its unexpected twists and turns, anticipation for The Flight Attendant season 3 is at an all-time high.

Station Eleven (2021-2022)

The miniseries Station Eleven, based on Emily St. John Mandel's novel of the same name, presents a captivating dystopian tale with a unique premise. Set two decades after a devastating flu pandemic plunged civilization into chaos, the story revolves around a group of traveling performers who find themselves entangled with a perilous cult. This adaptation skillfully navigates a slowly unfolding narrative across 10 episodes, leaving viewers deep in contemplation. HBO, renowned for its exceptional miniseries, has yet again delivered a masterpiece with Station Eleven.

Hacks (2021-)

Peacemaker (2022)

HBO Max's Hacks is a highly acclaimed comedy-drama that offers a more grounded approach. The show revolves around a stand-up comedian who is desperate to stay relevant and forms an unlikely alliance with a writer who lost her job due to a controversial Tweet. Hacks has received widespread praise for its clever and relentless humor, thought-provoking social commentary, and the exceptional performance of Jean Smart as the comedian Deborah Vance. Smart's portrayal has been so impressive that she has garnered two Emmy awards for her role in the show's two seasons.

James Gunn's DCU is slowly coming into focus, but fans have already gotten a taste of his unique touch with the spinoff series The Suicide Squad. Peacemaker, led by John Cena, has received high praise for its perfect balance of raunchy humor and heartfelt character moments. The entire cast delivers passionate performances, solidifying the show's success. Season 2 is already confirmed, showcasing Gunn's ability to bring his wild creativity from Guardians of the Galaxy to the small screen, thanks to the creative freedom provided by TV and HBO. With this accomplishment, Gunn is undeniably the ideal candidate to lead the DCU in an exciting new direction.

The Other Two (2019-2023)

The Other Two, a comedy series on HBO Max, takes a more direct approach and originated from another network, Comedy Central. Following the lives of two millennial siblings navigating career challenges amidst their 13-year-old brother's sudden rise to fame on the internet, The Other Two offers a captivating and contemporary concept. In its third season, the show skillfully combines sharp commentary on celebrity culture and the entertainment industry with deeper, thought-provoking themes. Regrettably, fans were disheartened by the show's cancellation after its third season.