Good shows on HBO are plentiful — even great ones aren’t hard to come by. The platform has earned its prestige TV distinction, and its streaming service has the luxury of housing classic favorites like Friends alongside more recent Emmy-winning masterpieces like Succession and The White Lotus. There’s a lot of excellent content to choose from: Here’s our list of the best shows on HBO Max to help you get started.

For more recommendations, check out our list of the best movies on HBO, the best drama movies on HBO, and the best horror movies on HBO.

Editor’s note: This article was updated March 2025 to include Kobe: The Making of a Legend.

‘Kobe: The Making of a Legend’ (2025)

IMDb: 6.1/10

When the world lost Kobe Bryant back in January 2020, it was rightly considered one of the most shocking and tragic deaths in sporting history. Now, five years on, Max has produced a celebration of the man himself, with Kobe: The Making of a Legend leaving no stone unturned in the exploration of how a master of his craft is made. A documentary made for basketball fans and non-fans alike, Kobe: The Making of a Legend is worth a watch for anyone simply interested in what high-class achievement is like and how sustaining greatness is maintained. – Jake Hodges

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‘Celtics City’ (2025 – Present)

The world loves a sports documentary, with HBO and Max bringing the next big title in the genre to our screens. The most decorated NBA team in history, the Boston Celtics are an iconic team with fans from all corners of the world. With the chance to peek behind the curtain and into the locker room comes one of the most exciting new series coming to streaming. From the highs of winning to the lows of losing and everything in between, Celtics City is everything a fan of the team could want. – Jake Hodges

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‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ (1990 – 1996)

Rotten Tomatoes: 79% | IMDb: 8.3/10

The series that put Will Smith on the map, this sitcom follows Smith as the titular Fresh Prince, also called Will Smith, an unruly teen who is sent to live with his strict and wealthy Aunt and Uncle in Bel-Air. Under the guidance of his Uncle, Phil (James Avery), Will learns to grow from a boy into a man, with the series flowing between classic sitcom gags to genuinely heartfelt drama. With so many quotable moments it is impossible to recite them all, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is just as brilliant today as it was in the ‘90s. A mask of quick wit hides a terrifically intelligent spine, with the growth of each character into their final form some of the most endearing arcs in sitcom history. Just make sure you’re prepared to have that iconic theme song stuck in your head forever. – Jake Hodges

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‘The White Lotus’ (2021 – Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 92% | IMDb: 8.0/10

A dark comedy-drama anthology series, The White Lotus was created by Mike White and centers around the idiosyncratic guests and employees of a luxury resort chain. The first season is set in Hawaii, the second in Sicily, and Season 3, which premiered on February 16, 2025, is set in Thailand. Every season features a new cast of characters, each with their own secrets and complications, and shows how their stay at the destination resort inevitably ends in violence and death. Season 3 stars Leslie Bibb, Carrie Coon, Walton Goggins, Sarah Catherine Hook, Jason Isaacs, Lalisa Manobal, Michelle Monaghan, Sam Nivola, Lek Patravadi, Parker Posey, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Tayme Thapthimthong, and Aimee Lou Wood, with Natasha Rothwell reprising her Season 1 role as Belinda Lindsey.

The White Lotus has been a universally acclaimed show ever since its premiere in July 2021, and in its third season, the series is better than ever in its exploration of psychological dysfunction, unbridled hedonism, and class tensions. The White Lotus has earned several accolades, including 15 Emmy Awards, and was included in the American Film Institute’s Top 10 programs list in both 2021 and 2022.

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‘Common Side Effects’ (2025 – Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 8.6/10

Created by Joseph Bennett and Steve Hely, Common Side Effects is an adult animated television series that follows two high school friends who reconnect and discover a mushroom that can cure all illnesses. Unfortunately, this places them in the crosshairs of the DEA, Big Pharma, and unsavory businessmen, all of whom want to suppress knowledge of this life-changing drug. The show’s main voice cast includes Dave King, Emily Pendergast, Mike Judge, Martha Kelly, and Joseph Lee Anderson, with Ben Feldman, Danny Huston, and Sidney Poitier voicing recurring characters.

Common Side Effects was first screened at the 2024 Annecy International Animation Film Festival and had its official premiere on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim block in February 2025. A conspiracy thriller with a deadpan, self-serious sense of comedy, the series has received largely favorable reviews from critics. While it does have a familiar premise, Common Side Effects develops its conspiracy-fuelled mystery into a fully entertaining thriller that’s also got a healthy dose of the funnies.

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‘Fantasmas’ (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes: 96% | IMDb: 6.6/10

Created by and starring Julio Torres, Fantasmas follows the actor as himself, directly following the loss of his golden oyster earring. Having to hunt it down in a bustling New York City, Julio encounters all manner of idiosyncratic people along the way. A wonderfully unique and refreshing series, Fantasmas is a surrealistic piece of artistic expression borne from the mind of a true creative. Brimming full of unforgettable characters and neat quirks, the show is also a visual delight, with cinematographer Sam Levy taking Julio’s avant-garde mission statement and finding its harmonic aesthetic. Unlike anything else of Max, Fantasmas is for those bored of the same formulaic series. – Jake Hodges

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‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’ (2021 – Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 95% | IMDb: 7.8/10

This upbeat comedy from Mindy Kaling and Justin Noble follows four 18-year-olds who, new to New England’s prestigious Essex College, are brought together as roommates. Now freed from the shackles of their parental homes, the group battles a rush of hormones and the thrills of freedom as their best intentions and deepest desires tend to hilariously get the better of them.

In typical Mindy Kaling fashion, The Sex Lives of College Girls feels unapologetically raw in its depiction of the attitudes and actions of young people, with the wilful abandon and subsequent regret regularly experienced by them stunningly relatable. With so many shows aimed at high school life, it is refreshing to see the next academic level explored, with many likening this to the British hit series Fresh Meat. Eye-catching, side-splitting, and wickedly fun, The Sex Lives of College Girls is pure entertainment. – Jake Hodges

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‘The Pitt’ (2025 – Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 92% | IMDb: 8.2/10

Created by R. Scott Gemmill, this brand-new medical drama follows the personal and professional lives of those working at the fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital. Becoming an instant hit with viewers, The Pitt has managed to fight through plenty of procedural competition and showcase top-tier drama each and every episode, with each following one 15-hour emergency room shift. Charming and packed full of tension, The Pitt has every chance of becoming the next big medical drama. – Jake Hodges

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‘Shining Vale’ (2022 – 2023)

Rotten Tomatoes: 71% | IMDb: 7.0/10

Courteney Cox stars in this blend of comedy, fantasy, and horror created by Jeff Astrof and Sharon Horgan. Having moved to a sleepy new town, Cox’s Pat Phelps is convinced she is possessed and that the town’s dark history is haunting them. However, it seems no one else is experiencing quite the same happenings. Is it all just in Pat’s head, is it real, or is it somehow both? A funny, clever series with plenty of refreshing content, Shining Vale starts life as a recognizable horror comedy, then quickly weaves into innovation. Cox is delightful as Pat, supported by a strong ensemble that boasts the likes of Greg Kinnear and Gus Birney. Shining Vale might just be the shining new addition to your watchlist. – Jake Hodges

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‘Conan O’Brien Must Go’ (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes: 78% | IMDb: 8.5/10

As the title suggests, Conan O’Brien Must Go is a travel show that follows the beloved former late-night host on a series of adventures around the world. The reality series builds off O’Brien’s podcast Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend and shows O’Brien traveling to Norway, Argentina, Thailand, and Ireland to meet fans who were previously featured on the podcast via video calls. Conan O’Brien Must Go has received largely favorable reviews from critics, with Collider’s Tania Hussain calling it an “inventive and wildly hilarious series”. It’s not exactly a by-the-books travel show; instead, the series uses O’Brien’s signature sense of humor to parody such generic travelogues while still having some fun in interesting new places. At only four episodes long, the series is great for a quick, easy binge-watch — especially if you’re a fan of the star’s particular brand of comedy.

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‘Bookie’ (2023 – Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 90% | IMDb: 7.4/10

Also titled How to Be a Bookie, this Max comedy follows the ups, downs, and in-betweens of the titular profession, all amidst the swirling instability of modern life and a changing professional landscape. Brilliantly funny from minute one, Bookie has earned itself a 90% Rotten Tomatoes rating — and for good reason. Featuring a selection of hilarious lead performances, each as unique as the last, Bookie should definitely be next on any comedy fan’s watchlist. – Jake Hodges

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‘Frozen Planet II’ (2022 – 2023)

Rotten Tomatoes: 75% | IMDb: 9.0/10

Sir David Attenborough’s impact on the nature documentary is unmatched, with many decades of dedicated work earning him the title of the world’s best in the genre. One of his more recent series, Frozen Planet II, follows on from the success of the first, venturing to the coldest parts of our fascinating planet and documenting the weird and wonderful wildlife that live there. Simply jaw-dropping, Frozen Planet II somehow outperforms the first in its eye-popping scale, proving that this often bleak world we live in is, in fact, full of awe and wonder. – Jake Hodges

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‘Get Millie Black’ (2024 – Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 6.0/10

Created by Marlon James, this crime drama follows Tamara Lawrence’s titular Millie-Jean Black, who returns to Kingston after leaving her job as a Scotland Yard detective. Now working in a missing persons unit, Black is about to uncover a winding mystery that will throw her life into chaos. A gripping tale perfectly led by Lawrence, Get Millie Black is both immersive and gorgeous, with the Jamaican backdrop making for a picturesque location to stage such a mystery. For those looking to experience authentic voices telling tales close to their heart, this is a great place to start. – Jake Hodges

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‘Creature Commandos’ (2024 – Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 96% | IMDb: 7.9/10

The most exciting new animated addition to Max, Creature Commandos follows an unlikely team of misfits assembled as a black ops unit comprised of a human leader, a werewolf, a vampire, Frankenstein’s monster, and a gorgon. The first television installment in the new DCU, Creature Commandos is bursting with vibrant life. Packed full of enticing action and plenty of creator James Gunn’s enigmatic style, Creature Commandos is the perfect start to this fresh era of DC as the tide of the superhero media landscape begins to once again turn. – Jake Hodges

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‘Like Water for Chocolate’ (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 7.8/10

This brand-new series based on the novel of the same name tells the endearing tale of Tita (Azul Guaita) and Pedro (Andres Baida), a couple destined to be together whose familial differences seem to constantly thwart their efforts. Sincerely touching and bathed in the quest for love we all undertake, Like Water for Chocolate is a story that will live long in your memory. If you’re looking for something heartwarming to take the chill out of these winter nights, Like Water for Chocolate is the series for you. – Jake Hodges

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‘Dune: Prophecy’ (2024 – Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 73% | IMDb: 7.5/10

A prequel to Denis Villeneuve’s beloved 2021 sci-fi epic Dune, Prophecy follows the creation of a mysterious all-female order called the Bene Gesserit by sisters Valya (Emily Watson) and Tula Harkonnen (Olivia Williams). For those (and there are many) who adored Villeneuve’s Dune, this prequel set 10,000 years before Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) joined the Fremen offers greater scope to a wholly immersive tale. A breathtaking addition to a franchise known for its visual beauty, Dune: Prophecy is a worthy addition to this ever-growing series. – Jake Hodges

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‘South Side’ (2019 – 2021)

Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 8.2/10

Created by Bashir Salahuddin and Diallo Riddle, South Side tells the story of two best friends who have a goal to succeed as businessmen. The main characters, Simon and Kareme, played by Sulta Salahuddin (Black-ish) and Kareme Young (The Chi), respectively, recently graduated from community college and are working at a rent-to-own store. Premiering in 2019 on Comedy Central, the show ran for three seasons and also starred Chandra Russel (Sherman’s Showcase), Bashir Salahuddin (Top Gun: Maverick), Quincy Young (Vitamin C), and Zuri Salahaddin (The Sound of Shadows).

With a homemade mockumentary feel, the show delivers just as many heartwarming moments as it does funny ones. The antics that our heroes get into are all in an honest attempt to make their lives better and that of their families and loved ones. The inclusion of Simon and Kareme’s families creates moments of reality in their otherwise chaotic lives and leaves viewers understanding the method behind their business madness. – Emily Cappello

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‘Los Espookys’ (2019 – 2022)

Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 7.5/10

This eye-popping blend of comedy, fantasy, and horror follows a group of friends who turn their passion, as well as the spooky location they live in, into their livelihood. With each of them a fan of the horror genre, the friends soon figure out that there’s a gap in the market for their content, with their faked horror movie scenarios and unexplained footage becoming an instant hit. But just how far are they willing to go?

Just as its premise suggests, Los Espookys is both a light-hearted tale and an often genuinely terrifying visual experience. Given its dedication to nailing many of the horror tropes so beloved by fans of the genre, the team behind Los Espookys used the comedy element to their story to subvert expectations, delivering an unexpectedly dry and always intelligent brand of humor that elevates this series into a unique viewing opportunity. Supported by a talented ensemble, Los Espookys delivers in every department and will certainly leave you far from disappointed. – Jake Hodges

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‘Breath of Fire’ (2024)

IMDb: 6.8/10

This brand-new documentary miniseries, directed and produced by Hayley Pappas and Smiley Stevens, follows the controversial life of Kundalini yoga teacher Guru Jagat and the rise of her spiritual teachings against the backdrop of abuse accusations. A bewildering, fast-paced miniseries with plenty of twists and turns, Breath of Fire is not simply a one-sided documentary, offering a range of perspectives on a topic full of nuance. However, it certainly doesn’t shy away from the controversies themselves, with Breath of Fire thriving as a critically intelligent piece of television. – Jake Hodges

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‘Uzumaki’ (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes: 89% | IMDb: 7.2/10

This terrifying anime, based on the Japanese manga of the same name by Junji Ito, is set in Kurouza, a land whose population loves spirals. However, as their fondness grows into an obsession, the consequences become bloody and edge toward fatal. Beloved by many, the source material for the series was always likely to require a meticulously crafted television adaptation. Thankfully, this is just that. Nail-biting and unafraid of gut-punching moments, Uzumaki is certainly not for the faint-hearted. Whether you’re aware of the original manga or not, this is well worth your time. – Jake Hodges

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