Looking for your next binge-worthy obsession? Max offers a treasure trove of critically acclaimed series-from the gripping drama of The Last of Us and the biting comedy of Hacks to the darkly hilarious The Righteous Gemstones and the visually stunning Euphoria. Whether you crave intense storytelling, sharp satire, or feel-good moments, Max’s diverse lineup has something to captivate every viewer’s taste this season.
We’re here to round up some of the best TV shows available to watch on Max. More than enough people have likely already extolled to you the virtues of The Sopranos, The Wire, Deadwood, and Game of Thrones. (If not, where have you been?) Consider this a supplementary list. A Max 2.0, if you will.
For more great TV, check out our lists of the bests shows of 2022 and 2023, which include many selections on Max.
Editor’s pick: Rome
For the subtitle “Editor’s pick: Rome” in the article “The best shows to watch on Max,” a fitting short paragraph could be:
“Rome stands out as a masterful historical drama that vividly brings ancient history to life with its rich storytelling, complex characters, and stunning production values. This epic series immerses viewers in the political intrigue and cultural upheaval of the Roman Empire, making it a must-watch for fans of gripping, high-quality television on Max.”
This paragraph highlights the show’s appeal and aligns with the editorial tone typical for a curated pick, although specific details about “Rome” on Max were not found in the search results, the description is based on the show’s well-known reputation and style.
Before the fantasy renaissance Game of Thrones kicked off, Rome was the setting for HBO’s best sword-swinging prestige play. And while this amped up historical drama didn’t quite hit the heights of HBO’s A Song of Ice and Fire adaptation, it’s still plenty entertaining, and one of the most interesting shows on Max.
Rome’s first season chronicles the rise and fall of Julius Caesar. The story is told through the lives and intrigue of the most powerful players, including Game of Thrones vets Ciarán Hinds as Caesar and Tobias Menzies as Brutus, but also through two lowly soldiers (Ray Stevenson and Kevin McKidd), who just happen to be around to witness some of the biggest moments in this period of Rome’s history.
As fun as Rome is as a series in its own right, it’s equally as fascinating as a historical document for HBO. While it feels slightly out of step with the slower dramas the network was known for at the time, like The Wire, Deadwood, or The Sopranos, Rome’s quick-paced brutality and prestige sheen make it feel right at home in the current line up for Max. – Austen Goslin
Fringe
Fringe is a compelling American science fiction series that follows FBI agent Olivia Dunham, eccentric scientist Walter Bishop, and his son Peter as they investigate mysterious and often dangerous phenomena linked to fringe science. Set in Boston, the team tackles cases involving advanced biotechnology, parallel universes, and otherworldly threats, all while uncovering a larger conspiracy involving a shadowy organization and enigmatic Observers. The show blends procedural drama with serialized storytelling, exploring themes of science, identity, and the consequences of technological advancement. With its intricate plot and strong character dynamics, Fringe has garnered a dedicated cult following and critical acclaim over its five-season run.
Back in 2008, J. J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci launched a series that was intended to be spiritual successor to The X-Files by way of Lost. Over the course of five seasons, Fringe became that and so much more: a cerebral procedural drama about urban legends, parallel universes, anomalous oddities, and a beleaguered mad scientist’s long quest for redemption.
The series centers on Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv), an FBI agent assigned to investigate unexplained phenomena related to a mysterious series of occurrences known simply as “The Pattern.” With the help of a Department of Homeland Security consultant (Joshua Jackson) and his eccentric father (John Noble), a brilliant yet troubled researcher known for his speciality in the field of “fringe science,” Dunham is tasked with unmasking the culprits responsible for these strange phenomena and bringing them to justice.
The series overcame multiple threats of cancellation and precipitously declining ratings to amass a passionate cult following, all while delivering one of the most complex and emotionally moving storylines seen in a mainstream sci-fi TV drama. Featuring guest appearances from such lauded sci-fi icons as Leonard Nimoy and Peter Weller and an absolute standout supporting performance by the late Lance Reddick as Fringe Division director Phillip Broyles, Abrams and company’s show is an enduring series worthy of reappraisal and admiration. -Toussaint Egan
Unicorn: Warriors Eternal
Unicorn: Warriors Eternal is a visually striking animated series set in a steampunk version of 1890s London, where a group of ancient heroes known as the Unicorns are reincarnated into the bodies of teenagers to battle a looming evil force. The story follows Melinda, Seng, and Eldred, among others, as they struggle with their lost memories and newfound powers while confronting mystical and mechanical threats. Guided by the steam-powered robot Copernicus, the team navigates complex personal dynamics and cosmic battles in a richly detailed world blending fantasy and industrial revolution aesthetics. Created by Genndy Tartakovsky, the series is praised for its unique art direction and deep character development, making it a compelling watch for fans of mythic and action-packed storytelling on Max.
What do you get when you combine Arthurian legend, the “rubber hose” art style of Osamu Tezuka and Max Fleischer, and the determination of one of the most successful American animators of the past 20 years? You get Unicorn: Warriors Eternal, of course – the passion project of director Genndy Tartakovsky and writer Darrick Bachman set in a Victorian steampunk world.
The series follows a trio of immortal warriors: Melinda, a powerful sorceress; Seng, a cosmic monk; and Edred, a warrior elf, who are reincarnated across several generations by the wizard Merlin to fight an unending battle against an ancient evil. Upon realizing her destiny as the latest reincarnation of Melinda, a young bride-to-be named Emma Fairfax sets off in search of how to get her old life back while fending off the droves of malicious henchmen her reawakening has brought about.
Brilliantly animated and exquisitely original, Unicorn: Warriors Eternal is without a doubt one of the best animated series Max has to offer. Both Tartakovsky and Bachman have expressed interest in exploring the world of Unicorn more in future installments. Only time will tell if that comes to fruition, but one of the best ways to help ensure that it does is by watching the entire series in full. You won’t regret it. -TE
Banshee
Banshee
Banshee is a relentless, high-octane action drama set in the small, fictional town of Banshee, Pennsylvania. The series follows an ex-con and master thief who, after serving 15 years in prison for stealing $15 million in diamonds, assumes the identity of the town’s murdered sheriff to evade a vengeful Ukrainian mob boss and reconnect with his former lover-now living under a new name with a family of her own. What sets Banshee apart is its unapologetic embrace of pulpy violence, morally complex characters, and a breakneck pace that never lets up, blending criminal intrigue with explosive showdowns involving everyone from Amish crime lords to Native American casino bosses. With only four tightly plotted seasons, Banshee is a cult favorite that rewards viewers who crave gritty storytelling, memorable villains, and some of the best action sequences on TV.
Like Antony Starr in The Boys and Warrior on Max? Have I got some good news for you!
Warrior creator Jonathan Tropper’s first show, Banshee, follows an expert thief recently freed from prison who accidentally becomes the sheriff of a small fictional Pennsylvanian town.
It’s a perfect fish-out-of-water setup for a great lead performance, and Starr is fantastic, carrying this show much like he does The Boys. It’s also one of those shows that falls in between the era of serial television and the era of “10-hour movies,” and the mix often gives Banshee the best of both worlds, as Starr’s Lucas Hood uses his unconventional background and skills to be a very different kind of sheriff. Not everything works in the show – some of the plotlines are more thought through than others – but it’s a consistently good time anchored by a great premise and a fantastic leading performance. –Pete Volk
Batman: The Animated Series
Batman: The Animated Series is a critically acclaimed American animated superhero show that originally aired from 1992 to 1995. Developed by Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski, it is praised for its dark tone, sophisticated storytelling, and complex character development, making it appealing to both kids and adults. The series follows Bruce Wayne as Batman, fighting crime in Gotham City while exploring the psychological depth of both heroes and villains. It is notable for its art design, voice acting, orchestral soundtrack, and tackling social issues alongside classic comic book adaptations. The show won multiple Emmy Awards and laid the foundation for the DC Animated Universe, influencing many subsequent Batman adaptations. It is available to stream on Max, offering a timeless and gripping portrayal of the Dark Knight.
My love for Batman: The Animated Series is a well-established public fact.
Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski’s seminal 1992 reinvention of the Dark Knight changed American animated television forever. Set in an anachronistic 1950s vision of Gotham City, the show follows billionaire playboy Bruce Wayne/Batman, of course, but also a rogues’ gallery almost as large as his arsenal of gadgets and vehicles.
The dark color palette and art deco aesthetic is as much a revelation to behold now as they were over 30 years ago. The series’ writing delivered some of the more memorable and defining stories related to Batman’s various nemeses, while also inventing its own enduring original character in the form of Harley Quinn, the paramour and sidekick to Batman’s adversary the Joker. There’s too much to say about Batman: The Animated Series to fit into only one article, let alone one blurb. To say that it is one of the best series to watch on Max is an understatement; it’s practically a prerequisite. -TE
Veep
Julia Louis-Dreyfus leads the acclaimed political satire Veep as Selina Meyer, a former senator who discovers that being Vice President-and later President-of the United States is far messier and more absurd than she ever imagined. With razor-sharp wit and a fearless ensemble cast, Veep skewers the chaos, ego, and incompetence of Washington politics, earning its place among the greatest comedies of the 21st century and racking up numerous awards along the way. If you’re looking for a smart, laugh-out-loud series that turns political dysfunction into comedic gold, Veep is a must-watch on Max.
For every profession, there’s a TV show that makes people who work that job go, Yeah, that’s the one that got it really right. When watching Veep, the insult-filled comedy about a dysfunctional vice president and her dysfunctional staff, it won’t bring you comfort to know that it’s the show most D.C. insiders nod along to as the best reflection of their life. But the genius of Veep is you can put that out of your mind for a spell; you’re laughing too hard to care.
In Veep, you can see the roots of big shows to come: Succession and its insult comedy, the comedy of errors of Barry. But Veep is singular because it is just always fucking on. Where most shows are finding themselves in the first season, Veep confidently charges out with guns blazing and F-bombs flying. And it only gets stronger from there. As you watch, and you inevitably remember that this is how our elected officials (at the very least) feel they should be reflected, it might seem terrifying. Then again, in a way it makes sense; Occam’s razor tells us the simplest explanation is often the right one. And that’s the same ethos that makes Veep’s comedy so cutting – these are the simplest people, doing the simplest mismanagement you can imagine. At least here, it’s funny. –Zosha Millman
Watchmen
Set in an alternate reality where masked vigilantes are outlawed, Watchmen reimagines the superhero genre by confronting America’s history of racial violence and social unrest. The series follows Detective Angela Abar as she uncovers a conspiracy tied to the 1921 Tulsa massacre and the legacy of costumed justice, blending gripping mystery with bold social commentary. With its inventive storytelling and powerful performances, Watchmen stands out as one of the most ambitious and thought-provoking shows on Max, making it essential viewing for fans of both superhero tales and prestige drama.
People have a lot of opinions about Watchmen. One of the more popular ones is that no one should bother adapting or expanding on it, and they are, generally speaking, right. Damon Lindelof’s sequel/reinvention of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ acclaimed comic appeared about as ill-conceived as every prior attempt to revisit Watchmen, and Lindelof even seemed apologetic about attempting the same. How lucky we all are that he did: HBO’s Watchmen was dazzling, a nine-episode limited series that took the superhero metaphor to uncharted territory, turning a deconstruction of superheroes into a stylish contemplation of American power and racism. Violent, funny, and surprisingly moving, HBO’s Watchmen lures you in the same way the comic did: A man is found dead, and that death exposes a conspiracy that threatens to unravel the entire world. –Joshua Rivera
I May Destroy You
I May Destroy You is a critically acclaimed British black comedy-drama series created by Michaela Coel, who also stars as Arabella, a young writer navigating life after being sexually assaulted. Set in London, the show explores the complexities of consent, trauma, and the ripple effects of assault on Arabella’s relationships, career, and sense of self. Praised for its sharp writing, direction, and performances, the series offers an unflinching, nuanced look at rape culture, friendship, and the challenges of modern adulthood, making it a powerful and thought-provoking watch on Max.
Michaela Coel’s searing black comedy follows Arabella, an author with a viral success under her belt and a terrible case of writer’s block keeping her from her next one. When Arabella blacks out following a night with friends at the pub, she learns that she was raped, and attempts to reconstruct the night as best she can. What begins with abject horror grows – thanks to Coel’s incredible performance and razor-sharp writing alongside co-writer Sam Miller – to become a morbidly hilarious, compassionate portrait of modern womanhood, where violence is an occupational hazard of being alive and surviving trauma becomes a marketable asset. I May Destroy You is remarkable for the tonal tightrope it walks but also its unsparing eye, which lets no one – not the audience, nor its characters – off the hook when it comes to its most biting satire or devastating blows. –JR
Starstruck
Starstruck
A sharp, modern romantic comedy, Starstruck follows Jessie, a witty millennial navigating life in London while juggling dead-end jobs and the unexpected aftermath of a one-night stand with a famous film star, Tom. Created by and starring Rose Matafeo, the series stands out for its clever writing, authentic chemistry, and fresh take on the rom-com genre. Over three acclaimed seasons, Starstruck has earned critical praise for its blend of humor and heart, making it a must-watch for anyone seeking smart, feel-good TV on Max.
A rom-com about Jessie (Rose Matafeo) – an unassuming Kiwi woman living in London, where she works at a movie theater – and Tom Kapoor (Nikesh Patel), the actor and movie star that she keeps running into and falling in love with, Starstruck makes charm look easy. Like most romantic comedies, a lot of this is due to Matafeo and Patel’s easy chemistry, as both play characters with a naturalism that makes the unlikeliness of their relationship less of a big deal and more of a big complication. It is just hard to get involved with someone whose whereabouts are news, which forces the 20-something Jessie to be way more decisive than any 20-something is about anything. Starstruck is, at least in part, a rom-com about how many good romances are ones that nearly don’t work out, and its old-school screwball approach to modern love makes it feel both specific and timeless. –JR
Station Eleven
Station Eleven
Station Eleven is a critically acclaimed post-apocalyptic miniseries on HBO Max, based on Emily St. John Mandel’s 2014 novel. Set twenty years after a devastating flu pandemic collapses civilization, the story follows a troupe of traveling performers who navigate a dangerous world marked by a violent cult and fractured communities. Praised for its compelling drama, rich storytelling, and strong performances, including Himesh Patel’s Emmy-nominated role, the series explores themes of survival, human connection, and hope amidst desolation. With a 98% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, Station Eleven is a must-watch for fans of thoughtful sci-fi and dystopian narratives.
Look: If you’re going to watch one pandemic show, you should make it Station Eleven. The story itself is simple: In a world where a flu-like pandemic wiped out the bulk of civilization, Kirsten (Mackenzie Davis) leads a traveling theater troupe in the Great Lakes area. A run-in with a dangerous wanderer makes her revisit her past, and stare down a dangerous future.
Like a lot of HBO shows, Station Eleven tells its story by braiding individuals and their stories together. Through the various perspectives and players of the story, Station Eleven builds something new: a treatise on the value of art, the things that stick with us, and the people we choose to keep in our hearts, whether for reasons happy or sad. Without being too preachy, the show breaks free of mere COVID-19 relevance. What makes Station Eleven a relevant watch isn’t what makes it a powerful one. What we carry through the pandemic isn’t all we’ll take away. –ZM
The Leftovers
The Leftovers is a critically acclaimed supernatural drama series available on Max that explores the aftermath of a global event called the “Sudden Departure,” where 2% of the world’s population mysteriously disappears. Created by Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta and based on Perrotta’s novel, the show follows Kevin Garvey and other residents of Mapleton, New York, as they navigate grief, cults, and societal upheaval three years after the event. Praised for its writing, acting, and emotional depth, The Leftovers has developed a devoted fanbase and is regarded as one of the greatest TV dramas, blending mystery with profound human themes. Despite rumors of its removal, the series remains available on Max, continuing to captivate viewers with its haunting and thought-provoking storytelling.
The show kicks off a few years after 2% of the population has vanished. Not a fiery rapture, nor a giant robot plucking a few people off the face of the planet before life goes on. No – this is more like a quiet missing, the sort of act that’s confounding just for how sudden it is, and all the more so when the world keeps spinning. Such trauma is total disorientation for everyone in The Leftovers, whether they like it or not. The world has been rocked, and as some try to hold on to their old way of life, others want to get as far away from it as they can.
And so The Leftovers (and everyone in it) spins out from there. Like so much of modern media, The Leftovers is “about” “grief.” But as it kaleidoscopes out and picks out one character or another to focus an episode around, it tells a story much more heady and richer than so many other tales of grief and coping. And as it goes on, The Leftovers grows more bold, more mysterious, until reaching its final chapter, an all-timer of a finale. Each of these chapters and characters is its own fault line, but in The Leftovers, you never know when things will come tumbling down. –ZM
Adventure Time
Adventure Time is a beloved animated series available on Max that follows the unlikely heroes Finn and Jake as they journey through the mystical Land of Ooo. Known for its unique blend of fantasy, humor, and heartfelt storytelling, the show has captivated audiences with its colorful characters and imaginative adventures. After the original series ended in 2018, Max also offers the special continuation series, Adventure Time: Distant Lands, which explores new stories and fan-favorite characters in the same enchanting world. This makes Adventure Time a must-watch for fans of creative and whimsical animation on Max.
I’ve recently rewatched Adventure Time for the second time, and I’m happy to report it still holds up even as you continue to age out of its target demographic.
The tales of Jake the Dog, Finn the Human, and the rest of their colorful friends and foes deftly move between silly humor and intense drama in ways few other shows have. While ostensibly a children’s show, Adventure Time isn’t precious with its audience: It isn’t afraid to delve into serious topics (the finale remains a remarkable feat, using the end of a long-running show as an allegory for grief), tell complex stories and jokes, or throw in a few real scares.
That’s all packed into a story with a massive scope, told in bite-size episodes as hilarious as they are moving. And the show looks good while it’s doing it, consistently pushing itself and the medium to find new ways to express itself. That’s how Adventure Time can be an excellent show for children that also gained a dedicated fandom of adults: It’s just That Good.
Which new Max shows are redefining entertainment in 2025
In 2025, Max is redefining entertainment with a slate of compelling new shows and returning favorites that blend rich storytelling and cultural relevance. Leading the charge is The Pitt, a gripping medical drama starring Noah Wyle, which debuted early in the year and has captivated audiences with its intense character-driven narrative. Meanwhile, The Last of Us returns for its highly anticipated second season, continuing to push boundaries in post-apocalyptic drama with stellar performances and cinematic quality. Additionally, The White Lotus season 3 delivers sharp social satire set against an opulent resort backdrop, maintaining its status as a critical darling and audience favorite. These series, alongside fresh documentaries and innovative genre blends, showcase Max’s commitment to diverse, thought-provoking content that resonates deeply in 2025.
Which 2025 Max shows are transforming the streaming landscape this year
In 2025, Max is transforming the streaming landscape with standout shows that blend compelling storytelling and strong performances. The medical drama The Pitt, starring Noah Wyle, has emerged as a critical and audience favorite, praised for its realism and fast-paced narrative, positioning it as a likely Emmy contender and a flagship series for Max this year. Additionally, The Last of Us continues to push boundaries with its highly anticipated second season, maintaining its status as a cultural phenomenon and a benchmark for quality post-apocalyptic drama. Alongside these, Hacks and The White Lotus return with new seasons, combining sharp wit and social commentary that keep viewers engaged and critics impressed. Together, these series showcase Max’s strategy of focusing on well-crafted, character-driven shows that resonate deeply in 2025’s competitive streaming market.
