The Ultimate Must-Watch Collection: Top 30 TV Shows on HBO Max

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Best Drama TV Shows On Max

Best Fantasy Shows On Max

Best Crime TV Shows On Max

Best Science Fiction TV Shows On Max

Best Animated TV Shows On Max

Max, HBO's rebranded streaming service, is the natural successor to a network that revolutionized television. As a result, the TV shows on Max are not only highly popular but also incredibly significant. Max's extensive and diverse catalog boasts timeless classics like The Sopranos, The Wire, and Sex and The City, as well as beloved favorites from other networks such as The West Wing and Fringe. When it comes to top-quality entertainment, few streaming services can rival Max.

The original programming on Max and HBO is consistently outstanding, attracting massive fan bases. Hits like Euphoria and Game of Thrones have had a profound impact on popular culture, captivating a wide audience. Their availability on Max is understandably thrilling for both longtime fans and potential newcomers. To help viewers make the most of their subscription or discover additional options, we have compiled a list of the top 30 TV shows available on Max.

Best Comedy TV Shows On Max

Two Weeks To Live (2020)

Available Seasons: 1 | Cast: Maisie Williams (Kim Noakes), Sian Clifford (Tina Noakes), Taheen Modak (Jay)

Two Weeks To Live is a darkly comedic coming-of-age comedy-drama with a slightly ominous concept that often leads to uproarious outcomes. The series features Maisie Williams, known for her role in Game of Thrones, as the protagonist Kim Noakes. Raised in rural Scotland by her off-the-grid mother (Sian Clifford), Kim grows up believing that the world is on the brink of extinction. However, when she ventures out of her sheltered existence, she falls victim to a prank that convinces her that the apocalypse is imminent. Both Williams and Clifford received acclaim for their performances, while the show as a whole was praised for its seamless fusion of various genres.

Julia (2022)

Julia TV Show 2022

Seasons Available: 1 | Cast: Sarah Lancashire (Julia Child), David Hyde Pierce (Paul Child)

Inspired by the successful 2009 film Julie & Julia, Julia pays homage to the enduring legacy of the beloved TV chef, Julia Child. The show follows the journey of Child, played by Sarah Lancashire from Happy Valley, who is widely recognized for popularizing the modern cooking show format. The series offers a delightful and lighthearted depiction of her remarkable ascent to fame with her show, The French Chef. Portrayed by David Hyde Pierce, Child's loving and supportive husband is also brought to life on screen. With an impressive rating of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, Julia further establishes its strong reputation.

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Rain Dogs (2023)

Available Seasons: 1 | Cast: Daisy May Cooper (Costello Jones), Jack Farthing (Selby), Fleur Tashjian (Iris)

Rain Dogs is a British black comedy that tells the story of a single mother facing financial struggles as she tries to support her teenage daughter. With Daisy May Cooper in the lead role, this unconventional family drama uses dark humor to create hilarious moments. The series has received widespread praise and has been named the top-rated new show of the first half of 2023 in the United States, according to Metacritic. Despite the strong competition, Rain Dogs stands out as one of the top comedy TV shows on Max.

Oh Hell (2022)

Seasons available: 1 | Starring: Mala Emde as Helene, Salka Weber as Maike, and Knut Berger as Günther.

With an exceptional 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Oh Hell surpasses the average comedy drama. This German-language series revolves around Helene, a 24-year-old who is disillusioned with life and love due to her chaotic personal life. However, when she crosses paths with a heartbroken cello teacher, she starts to envision a new beginning. Oh Hell derives its humor from uncomfortably relatable social situations, making it appealing to a wider audience regardless of their fluency in German.

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The Other Two (2019-2023)

Available Seasons: 3 | Cast: Drew Tarver (Cary Dubek), Helène York (Brooke Dubek), Molly Shannon (Pat Dubek)

Drew Tarver and Case Walker headline The Other Two, a comedic series centered around two siblings navigating their way through the challenges of having a younger sibling who is a famous pop star. Co-created by Chris Kelly and Sarah Schneider, the show presents a fresh perspective on well-known issues such as family conflict and sibling competition. Molly Shannon delivers a side-splitting performance as the fame-driven mother, and after a successful launch on Comedy Central, the show transitioned to Max for its second season.

Somebody Somewhere (2022-)

Available Seasons: 2 | Cast: Bridgett Everett (Sam), Jeff Hiller (Joel), Mary Catherine Garrison (Tricia Miller)

HBO's Somebody Somewhere, created by Hannah Bos and Paul Thureen, is a flourishing comedy sensation. The show centers around Sam, played by Bridgett Everett, as she navigates a midlife crisis triggered by the unexpected and tragic loss of her sister. Set in Manhattan, Kansas, the series artfully explores themes of grief and self-discovery with a perfect blend of heart and humor. As the eagerly awaited third season approaches, the show faces the challenge of maintaining its flawless 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating from the first two seasons.

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Sort Of (2021-)

Available Seasons: 2 | Cast: Bilal Baig (Sabi Mehboob), Gray Powell (Paul Bauer), Amanda Cordner (7ven)

Sort Of is a highly popular sitcom that follows the story of a young non-binary millennial, played and created by Bilal Baig. The protagonist faces numerous challenges in trying to juggle their responsibilities as an LGBTQA bartender, a caregiver for a family, and their own complex family dynamics. The show has received outstanding reviews for its portrayal and exploration of important topics such as race, gender, sexuality, and identity, all while navigating societal expectations and pressures. Both seasons have achieved a perfect score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, proving that Sort Of breaks the mold by not conforming to traditional themes and storylines, yet still manages to be a hilarious and relevant comedy.

Ghosts (2019-2023)

Ghosts is a phenomenal British comedy series, featuring an outstanding ensemble cast including Kiell Smith-Bynoe, Charlotte Ritchie, Lolly Adefope, and Mathew Baynton. With four seasons available, the show revolves around a couple, played by Smith-Bynoe and Ritchie, who inherit a haunted house occupied by spirits from various historical periods. Critically acclaimed for its seamless on-screen chemistry and brilliant humor, Ghosts effortlessly blends slapstick comedy with the supernatural. Delighting viewers with its gentle and side-splitting comedic moments, this gem of a series leaves no era untouched by its wit.

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Best Drama TV Shows On Max

White House Plumbers (2023)

With an excellent cast, including Woody Harrelson as E. Howard Hunt and Justin Theroux as G. Gordon Liddy, White House Plumbers cleverly satirizes the Watergate scandal. The series utilizes both witty and slapstick humor to shed light on the downfall of Richard Nixon's presidency caused by his closest allies. In doing so, it breaks away from the usual serious tone that political scandals often carry. Additionally, the series stays true to the original narrative, adding authenticity to the absurdity of the situation.

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Succession (2018-2023)

Available Seasons: 4 | Cast: Brian Cox (Logan Roy), Jeremy Strong (Kendall Roy), Keiran Culkin (Roman Roy), Sarah Snook (Siobhan Roy)

Succession, a pitch-black comedy and touching family drama, has received well-deserved acclaim as one of the standout TV shows of the past decade. Starring Brian Cox as the profane patriarch of a wealthy American family, the series explores the challenges of securing his legacy after his passing. With its deliciously profane language and razor-sharp dialogue, Succession draws inspiration from real-life events to craft a gripping and original story that maintains its intensity until its heartbreaking conclusion.

The White Lotus (2021-)

The White Lotus, a satirical take on classism and the emptiness of material wealth, brings a fresh and unique perspective to Max's lineup. Spanning across two seasons, the anthology takes place in various branches of the White Lotus hotel, starting in Hawaii and later moving to Italy. Each season introduces a new cast of characters, unveiling captivating tales to delve into. With a blend of humor and discomfort, The White Lotus challenges society's ideals and forces us to question what truly matters.

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Perry Mason (2020-2023)

Available Seasons: 2 | Cast: Matthew Rhys (Perry Mason), Juliet Ryalance (Della Street), Katherin Waterston (Ginny Ames)

Surprisingly, Perry Mason, a renowned legal thriller series, was unexpectedly canceled after two gripping and highly-praised seasons. Starring Matthew Rhys as the lead character, the show takes place in 1930s Los Angeles, creating a captivating blend of film noir cinematography and a modern storyline. The first season revolves around the protagonist's quest to uncover the truth behind the murder of an infant and features outstanding performances from John Lithgow, Juliet Rylance, and Shea Wigham. In addition to the exceptional cast, the series received acclaim for its immersive production design, solidifying its reputation as one of the finest dramas on Max.

The West Wing (1999-2006)

Number of Seasons: 7 | Starring: Martin Sheen as Jed Bartlett, John Spencer as Leo McGarry, Rob Lowe as Sam Seaborn, Allison Janney as C.J. Cregg

The West Wing, a groundbreaking television series, deserves credit for elevating the medium to the level of cinema. Even after nearly two decades since its conclusion, the show remains relevant and captivating. With Martin Sheen's compelling portrayal of President Jed Bartlett and Aaron Sorkin's expertly crafted dialogue, the show delivers intense and memorable moments, particularly during the gripping hall walks. Praised throughout its entire run, The West Wing is further enhanced by an exceptional supporting cast and compelling political storytelling.

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I Hate Suzie (2020-2022)

Available Seasons: 2 | Cast: Billie Piper (Suzie Pickles), Leila Farzad (Naomi Jones), Daniel Ings (Cob Betterton)

Billie Piper gives a stunning portrayal of Suzie Pickles, an actress whose personal life crumbles when intimate photos are leaked in I Hate Suzie. This dark and comedic drama delves into the destructive impact of celebrity and the dangers of an obsessive popular culture. The show skilfully navigates between intense moments, creating a rollercoaster of emotions for the central character, evoking both anxiety and suspense.

The Last of Us (2023-)

Seasons Available: 1

Cast: Pedro Pascal as Joel, Bella Ramsey as Ellie

The Last of Us is a groundbreaking live-action adaptation that has achieved immense success as a video game-to-screen transition. Starring Pedro Pascal as Joel, a smuggler, and Bella Ramsey as Ellie, a teenager with immunity to the devastating pandemic that wiped out humanity, this post-apocalyptic drama has truly revolutionized the genre. Created by Craig Mazin, renowned for Chernobyl, and Neil Druckmann, the director of the original game, the show has received acclaim for its faithful retelling of the original story and its seamless adaptation of the source material to a different medium. With the highly anticipated season 2 on the horizon, The Last of Us has already established itself as one of the top TV series of 2023.

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Euphoria (2019-)

Available Seasons: 2 | Cast: Zendaya (Ruby Bennett), Maude Apatow (Alexandra Howard), Jacob Elordi (Nate Jacobs), Sydney Sweeney (Cassie Howard)

Euphoria, both revered and criticized, is known for its unflinching portrayal of adolescence. Featuring popular actors Zendaya, Jacob Elordi, Sydney Sweeney, and a talented ensemble cast, this series masterfully combines intense drama and heart-wrenching tragedy, resulting in a captivating viewing experience. With its addictive nature and impressive soundtrack, Euphoria has captivated a younger audience of television enthusiasts.

Sex and the City (1998-2004)

Sex and the City is Max's iconic and timeless show, leaving a lasting impact on audiences even decades after its release. With an all-female main cast, the series follows four New Yorkers - Carrie Bradshaw (played by Sarah Jessica Parker), Samantha Jones (played by Kim Cattrall), Charlotte York (played by Kristin Davis), and Miranda Hobbes (played by Cynthia Nixon) - as they navigate their lives and search for love in the city. The show not only boosted the network's viewership and popularity but also inspired numerous imitations.

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Best Fantasy Shows On Max

House of the Dragon (2022-)

Seasons available: 1

Starring: Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen, Paddy Considine as Viserys Targaryen, Emm D'Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen

After the divided ending of the popular fantasy drama Game of Thrones, anticipation was mixed regarding the premiere of House of the Dragon. However, fans soon discovered that their worries were unfounded. This prequel, set approximately 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones, delves into the ambitious Targaryen family and the start of their downfall. Matt Smith, Paddy Considine, and Emma D'Arcy deliver captivating performances, while the series' storyline eliminates Game of Thrones' more controversial aspects to present a concise and gripping narrative.

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Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

Available Seasons: 8 | Cast: Sean Bean (Ned Stark), Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen), Kit Harington (Jon Snow), Maisie Williams (Arya Stark)

Game of Thrones, one of the most popular fantasy dramas ever created, was the ultimate TV sensation for almost ten years. With a massive audience, the show depicted the intense battle for the throne of Westeros among rival factions. Combining thrilling action with cunning political schemes, the show's originality stemmed from its readiness to eliminate any character in order to advance the story. Despite a disappointing final season, Game of Thrones continues to be regarded as one of the top TV shows on Max.

Best Crime TV Shows On Max

The Wire (2002-2008)

Available Seasons: 4 | Cast: Dominic West (Jimmy McNulty), Idris Elba (Stringer Bell), Michael K. Williams (Omar Little)

Similar to The Sopranos' impact on Mafia TV shows, The Wire brought forth a highly original approach to the traditional police procedural. Instead of viewing the war on drugs solely from the perspective of law enforcement, the show expertly weaved together a diverse range of characters at every stage of the process. From the relentless detective Jimmy McNulty to the suave yet dangerous drug kingpin Stringer Bell, The Wire's portrayal of the drug trade stands as one of the most ambitious endeavors in television history. With its exceptional ensemble cast, it continues to be regarded as one of the greatest TV shows ever created.

True Detective (2014-)

With a total of 3 seasons available, True Detective captivated audiences with its gripping storytelling and exceptional performances. The first season, which premiered in 2014, set the bar high with a haunting narrative of abuse and murder in Louisiana. Anchored by the brilliant performances of Matthew McConaughey as Rust Cohle and Woody Harrelson as Marty Hart, it quickly established itself as a must-watch series. The following seasons continued to deliver, featuring talented actors such as Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams, and Mehershala Ali. Excitingly, the anticipation for season 4 is building, proving that True Detective remains a powerhouse in the world of crime drama.

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The Sopranos (1999-2007)

Available Seasons: 6 | Cast: James Gandolfini (Tony Soprano), Edie Falco (Carmella Soprano), Lorraine Braco (Jennifer Melfi), Michael Imperioli (Christopher Moltisanti)

Regarded as the greatest TV show of all time, The Sopranos played a pivotal role in reshaping modern television. With its ambitious storytelling, captivating writing, and unforgettable performances, it comes as no surprise that the show continues to be highly acclaimed. The series follows the life of Tony Soprano, brilliantly portrayed by James Gandolfini, an Italian mobster based in New Jersey who struggles to navigate the challenges of balancing his family life with his role as a crime boss. Even long after its conclusion, The Sopranos remains influential and is consistently included in multiple "must-watch" lists of the top television series.

Best Science Fiction TV Shows On Max

Fringe (2008-2013)

Available Seasons: 5 | Cast: Anna Torv (Olivia Dunham), John Noble (Walter Bishop), Joshua Jackson (Peter Bishop)

Fringe, a cult hit that has gained increasing popularity over time, is now widely acknowledged as one of the top science fiction shows of the last two decades. The series revolves around FBI agent Olivia Dunham and delves into the existence of a parallel universe, exploring the enigmatic consequences it brings to the real world. With its intricate and captivating storyline spanning five seasons, Fringe has received acclaim from critics and viewers alike.

Superman & Lois (2021-)

Seasons available: 3

Cast: Tyler Hoechlin as Kal-El, Elizabeth Tulloch as Lois Lane

In contrast to the DCEU's challenges on the big screen, DC's TV productions have consistently impressed, and Superman & Lois is no exception. Taking a more mature and grounded approach to the iconic hero, the series follows the lives of Kal-El and Lois Lane as they navigate a seemingly tranquil suburban life, only to encounter inevitable disruptions. Recognized for its unique portrayal of the beloved character, Superman & Lois sets itself apart in a saturated superhero landscape.

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Doom Patrol (2019-)

Available Seasons: 4 | Cast: Diane Guerrero (Kay Challis), Brendan Fraser (Robotman), Timothy Dalton (The Chief)

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Unlike the typically family-oriented MCU, DC often dares to be bolder in its television projects. A perfect example of this is the wonderfully entertaining Doom Patrol, which fully embraces the eccentricities of its main characters. The show revolves around a crime-fighting team, who, despite being rejected by society, embark on a series of peculiar and thrilling escapades. The exceptional performances by talented actors like Brendan Fraser successfully breathe life into the source material, making Doom Patrol one of the most extraordinary superhero series on TV.

Peacemaker (2022-)

Seasons available: 1 | Cast: John Cena as Peacemaker, Danielle Brooks as Leota Adebayo, Chukwudi Iwuji as Clemson Murn.

John Cena reprises his breakout role as Peacemaker in the standalone series of the same name, following his unexpected success in James Gunn's The Suicide Squad. Despite his seemingly peaceful name, Peacemaker is actually one of the most violent characters in the DC Universe, always ready for a fight. Gunn, the writer and director of the series, brings his signature humor and wit that made the character so beloved in the 2021 DCEU film. Alongside Cena, Jennifer Holland delivers a remarkable performance, solidifying Peacemaker as one of the top sci-fi shows on Max.

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Best Animated TV Shows On Max

Primal (2019-)

Seasons available: 2 | Cast: Aaron LaPlante (Spear)

Gennady Tartakovsky's Primal is an extraordinary animation that seamlessly combines horror, action, and the timeless art of silent movies. Set in a fictional prehistoric world, the show follows Spear, a human, and his dinosaur companion Fang, as they face numerous dangers. From deadly dinosaurs to gigantic vampiric bats, Primal tells a visually stunning story through creatively intense violence and minimal dialogue.

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Harley Quinn (2019-)

Available Seasons: 4 | Cast: Kaley Cuoco (Harley Quinn), Lake Bell (Poison Ivy), Alan Tudyk (Various)

Following Margot Robbie's performance in the DCEU, Harley Quinn has emerged as one of DC's most iconic figures. However, those who only know the character from film may be taken aback by her delightfully obscene depiction in the Harley Quinn show. This series takes a less serious approach to Batman's familiar foes and allies, showcasing a hilarious and excessive portrayal that cleverly mocks characters that are often portrayed too seriously in other adaptations. With high praise throughout its duration, Harley Quinn remains a popular and successful show for Max, now in its fourth season.

Rick and Morty (2013-)

Number of Seasons: 6 | Starring: Justin Roiland (as various characters), Chris Parnell (as Jerry Smith), Sarah Chalke (as Beth Smith)

Created by Dan Harmon, known for his work on Community, Rick and Morty has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the most influential animated series of the last ten years. The show follows the wild escapades of uncouth genius Rick Sanchez and his anxious grandson Morty, drawing inspiration from Back to the Future. Throughout the series, they embark on exhilarating and unpredictable journeys across dimensions, planets, and timelines. Filled with innovative humor and captivating stand-alone episodes, Rick and Morty is an uproarious and thoroughly enjoyable experience from start to finish.

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Fired on Mars (2023-)

Available Seasons: 1 | Cast: Luke Wilson (Jeff Cooper), Tim Heidecker (Darren Young), Pete Davidson (Martin)

Fired on Mars, an adult-animated comedy, is the brainchild of Nate Sherman and Nick Vokey. It originated from their 2016 animated short film of the same title. Centering around the character Jeff Cooper, voiced by Luke Wilson, the series takes us on a journey of a graphic designer for a Martian start-up who finds himself unemployed and facing an existential crisis. Comparable to the acclaimed BoJack Horseman due to its intelligent and dark humor, the show cleverly highlights the harsh realities of life in a fantastical Martian setting. With a perfect balance of entertainment and thought-provoking moments, Fired on Mars is a valuable addition to Max's animated TV show collection.