Here are some of the best shows on HBO Max (now branded simply as Max in many regions) to check out right now, balancing critic picks, fan favorites, and what’s trending as of late 2025–early 2026.

Prestige must‑watch series

These are the big, buzzy series people still talk about years later.

  • Succession – A razor‑sharp drama about a toxic media dynasty, packed with biting dialogue and dark comedy; it’s become one of HBO’s defining shows of the 2020s.
  • The Last of Us – Post‑apocalyptic drama adapted from the hit game, praised for emotional character work and high production values.
  • House of the Dragon – A tense, character‑driven prequel to Game of Thrones focused on the Targaryen civil war and messy family politics.

Fan‑favorite HBO classics

If you’re new to HBO’s back catalog, these are essential.

  • Game of Thrones – Epic fantasy about warring families, dragons, and power struggles; controversial ending, but still a huge cultural touchstone and a top recommendation list mainstay.
  • Curb Your Enthusiasm – Larry David’s long‑running cringe comedy about everyday annoyances, with its twelfth and final season closing out a legendary run.
  • Friends – Comfort‑watch sitcom about six friends in New York; remains one of the platform’s most‑streamed older shows.

Recent and trending on Max

These shows are currently high in the platform’s popularity charts or recent editorial picks.

  • The Pitt – A Max original that keeps showing up at or near the top of global Top 10 charts, especially as a leading TV title in many countries.
  • Heated Rivalry – A highly talked‑about romantic sports drama described as “sex on ice,” and a top overall title in several markets, including the US.
  • Primal – An animated, dialogue‑light action series that has become a recurring top TV title across multiple regions on Max.

Great if you like drama and mystery

For slower burns, crime arcs, and twisty plots:

  • True Detective: Night Country – The new anthology season featuring Jodie Foster, leaning into eerie Arctic noir vibes and awards chatter.
  • Industry – Sharp, stressful drama about young bankers and traders trying to survive in high finance, frequently surfacing in Max’s top TV rankings.

Community picks & forum favorites

Public forum discussions and recommendation threads keep bumping these as “must‑watch” or “rewatchable” Max titles.

  • Character‑driven dramas like Succession and The Last of Us are often praised for writing and performances.
  • Long‑running series such as Curb Your Enthusiasm and older HBO dramas regularly appear in “rewatch” and “essential Max shows” threads.

TL;DR: If you want a quick starting lineup for “best shows on HBO Max” right now, jump into Succession , The Last of Us , House of the Dragon , The Pitt , Heated Rivalry , Curb Your Enthusiasm , and Game of Thrones and you’ll hit a mix of prestige, comfort, and buzzy new TV.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.