When HBO Max launched, it came with an advantage that Disney+ and Apple TV+ didn't have: Beyond flagship original series like Love Life and The Flight Attendant, there is also the full weight of Warner Bros. legacy — specifically, the decades of producing amazing film and television. On the TV side, this is especially exciting, because thanks to the prestige network which makes up 50 percent of this service's name, that means a ton of exciting series.
In addition, there are also a lot of TV shows which have been in streaming flux for a while. Some of them, like Doctor Who and Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant's original version of The Office, are now coming to HBO Max thanks to a deal made between Warner and the BBC. Some of them, like Friends and Pretty Little Liars, you might not have ever known were owned by Warner Bros., thanks to the way deals between networks and studios work. In short: There are a lot of great TV shows to watch on HBO Max.
Below are over 50 of the best series currently available to stream on HBO Max, with a special emphasis on the HBO original series that have helped the network win dozens and dozens of Emmys over the course of its lifetime. And things are only going to get better from here, as there are a ton of other classic series that will eventually join the service, plus a number of exciting originals that, fingers crossed, will be finished in time to join this list.
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: Last updated on February 10th to include Ghosts.
The Staircase (2022)
Created by: Antonio Campos (based on The Staircase by Jean-Xavier de Lestrade)
Cast: Colin Firth, Toni Collette, Michael Stuhlbarg, Dane DeHaan, Olivia DeJonge
It was a ripped-from-the-headlines story that flew under the radar of public consciousness when it first occurred: novelist and aspiring local politician Michael Peterson discovered his wife Kathleen lying at the bottom of the stairs in their Durham home. Theories swirled around the possible culprit or cause of her death, some of them seeming as improbable as they were outlandish at the time. The new HBO miniseries doesn't attempt to take a page straight from the award-winning documentary by Lestrade; it incorporates it into the narrative, with the director becoming a character himself in the engrossing story that also includes Colin Firth disappearing into the role of Michael Peterson and Toni Collette infusing Kathleen Peterson with a striking amount of depth and humanity prior to her death. This series doesn't just make for a good pairing with the original documentary, though; it demands a tandem viewing. - Carly Lane
Ghosts (2019-present)
Creators: Mathew Baynton, Jim Howick, Laurence Rickard
Cast: Kiell Smith-Bynoe, Charlotte Ritchie, Lolly Adefope, Jim Howick, Mathew Baynton
Ghosts is a hysterical British series created by Mathew Baynton, Jim Howick, and Laurence Rickard. Starring Kiell Smith-Bynoe and Charlotte Ritchie as a couple who inherit a home occupied by spirits of those who died on the premises, Ghosts inspired the hit CBS show of the same name that stars Rose McIver(iZombie). Along with Smith-Bynoe and Ritchie, Ghosts features a handful of British actors who should be recognizable to a US audience, including Lolly Adefope from Shrill and Jim Howick from Sex Education. While the foundation of the series is the same — one member of the couple has an accident allowing them to see and communicate with the specters in both — their undead are uniquely specific to the culture of their countries, resulting in hilarious hijinks. – Yael Tygiel
Pennyworth (2019-present)
Creator: Bruno Heller
Cast: Jack Bannon, Ryan Fletcher, Dorothy Atkinson
Jack Bannon stars as the title character in Pennyworth, a series chronicling the early life of a young man named Alfred, who would later serve as the butler for the wealthy Wayne family and eventually Batman. Created by Bruno Heller and infused with characters from the Batman universe, Pennyworth is an engaging spy thriller set in an alternate-history London. With impressive action and stunts, Pennyworth follows the former-soldier-turned-secret-agent as he battles foes and dishes out suave quips. Co-starring Ryan Fletcher and Dorothy Atkinson, Pennyworth doesn’t need to rely on the DC Comic canon to be an exciting watch. – Yael Tygiel
The Last of Us (2023-present)
Creators: Craig Mazin, Neil Druckmann
Cast: Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Gabriel Luna, Merle Dandridge, Anna Torv
Based on the successful video game and created by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, The Last of Us is a post-apocalyptic drama about a hardened smuggler and a teenage girl. The Last of Us follows these unlikely allies as they journey across what is left of the United States. Starring Pedro Pascal (The Mandalorian) as Joel and Bella Ramsey (Catherine Called Birdy) as Ellie, The Last of Us reveals that young Ellie might be the key to survival, as she’s immune to the deadly fungal infection which turns people into ruthless, bloodthirsty killers. Also featuring Gabriel Luna, Merle Dandridge, and Anna Torv, The Last of Us is a heart-pumping adventure wrapped in gritty scenescapes and graphic violence. – Yael Tygiel
The Climb (2023-present)
Cast: Jason Momoa, Chris Sharma, Meagan Martin, Tiffany Soithongsuk
Jason Momoa(Aquaman) joins a group of amateur climbers for a life-changing adventure in The Climb. Supported by professional rock climbing enthusiasts Chris Sharma and Meagan Martin, The Climb provides physical and mental challenges for these explorers to overcome as they participate in an all-encompassing competition featuring some of the world’s most intimidating ascents. With a prAna-sponsored climbing career as well as a $100,000 cash prize on the line, The Climb is more than visually-arresting backdrops, sharing with viewers both the planet’s natural beauty, as well as the strength of the human spirit. – Yael Tygiel
Velma (2022-present)
Creators: Charlie Grandy, Mindy Kaling
Cast: Mindy Kaling, Constance Wu, Sam Richardson, Ming-Na Wen
Velma is an adult animated series about the Scooby-Doo icon featuring Mindy Kaling(Ocean’s 8) as the voice of the titular role. Co-created by Kaling and Charlie Grandy (The Mindy Project), Velma is a clever new origin story for the beloved mystery solvers taking place during their high school years. Although aimed at a more mature audience, Velma is a darker series, finding itself in the hilariously vulgar territory of Harley Quinn. Along with Kaling’s voice, Velma features a diverse cast that modernizes the traditionally white characters, updating Daphne with the voice of Constance Wu and Shaggy with Sam Richardson. – Yael Tygiel
Trixie Motel (2022-present)
Creator: Trixie Mattel
Cast: Trixie Mattel, Dani Dazey, David Silver, Brandon Lim, David Rios
Spun-off from RuPaul’s Drag Race, Trixie Motel follows the beloved drag queen Trixie Mattel as she attempts to turn a rundown motel into a trendy Palm Springs attraction. Inspired by true investments, Trixie Motel is a reality show that reveals the performer’s interests and aspirations to expand her empire. With the assistance of friends and guest stars like Nicole Byer and Zooey Deschanel, as well as her supportive and loving motel co-owner David Silver, Trixie Motel’s first season sees the superstar team transform their property into a retro-kitschy ultimate drag paradise. – Yael Tygiel
I Hate Suzie Too (2022)
Creators: Lucy Prebble, Billie Piper
Cast: Billie Piper, Leila Farzad, Daniel Ings
I Hate Suzie Too is a cheeky three-part holiday special continuing the story from the hit series I Hate Suzie. In the special, which serves as a second season to the series, I Hate Suzie Too explores the continued antagonism the titular character receives while she prepares for a performance on a nationally televised dance-themed reality show. Starring Doctor Who alum Billie Piper (Catherine, Called Birdy), who also co-created the series with her Secret Diary of a Call Girl showrunner, Lucy Prebble, I Hate Suzie Too is founded on a collaboration of sincere trust between the two creators built through years of commitment. – Yael Tygiel
South Side (2019-present)
Creators: Diallo Riddle, Bashir Salahuddin, Sultan Salahuddin
Cast: Sultan Salahuddin, Kareme Young, Quincy Young, Chandra Russell
South Side is a hilarious and down-to-Earth sitcom created by Diallo Riddle, Bashir Salahuddin, and Sultan Salahuddin, who also stars in the series with Kareme Young, Chandra Russell,and Quincy Young. In the first season, South Side followed a couple of recent graduates who attempted to use their community college degrees to become entrepreneurs in Chicago's South Side. A true love letter to Chicago, South Side was filmed almost entirely in the city, with the characters and story growing alongside the city itself. Brimming with authenticity and candor, South Side finds beauty and humor in the truth of its creators and stars. – Yael Tygiel
Sort Of (2021-present)
Creator: Bilal Baig, Fab Filippo
Cast: Bilal Baig, Amanda Cordner, Grace Lynn Kung
Created by Fab Filippo with Bilal Baig, who also stars in the series, Sort Of explores the glorious fluidity of gender and sexuality through a hilariously relevant millennial lens. Sort Of is a cleverly crafted comedic series from Canada which delves heavily into themes of identity, both individually assigned as well as labels placed upon people by society. With a gorgeously diverse cast, Baig appears alongside Amanda Cordner, Grace Lynn Kung (Star Trek: Discovery), and Supinder Wraich. Blending humor and heart, Sort Of approaches societal and familial trauma with a delicately witty perspective. – Yael Tygiel
Shaq (2022)
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Cast: Lucille O'Neal, Dwyane Wade, Rick Fox
A four-part documentary series exploring the larger-than-life, award-winning athlete Shaquille O’Neal,Shaq allows friends and colleagues to reveal never-before-heard stories about the iconic basketball player. Shaq allows the man himself to share his life story with support from family members, including his siblings and mother, Lucille O'Neal. While Shaq highlights the trajectory of his career, featuring high-profile celebrities and athletes, including NBA Champion Dwyane Wade and Rick Fox, the docu-series also takes care to reveal an honest and vulnerable side of the sports giant. – Yael Tygiel
Gossip Girl (2021-present)
Created by: Joshua Safran
Cast: Jordan Alexander, Whitney Peak, Tavi Gevinson, Eli Brown
A reboot of the popular teen series that ended a decade ago, HBO Max’s Gossip Girl puts a Gen Z twist on the source that documents the lives of Manhattan’s elite. Using Instagram instead of a blog and centering influencer Julien (Jordan Alexander) instead of Serena, the new version is just as sleek, sexy, and scandalous. Including discussions about sexuality, class, and politics – not to mention a plethora of pop culture references – Gossip Girl has its finger on the pulse of what’s current, making it feel both more relevant and fun than ever. – Taylor Gates
Avenue 5 (2020-present)
Created by: Armando Iannucci
Cast: Hugh Laurie, Josh Gad, Zach Woods, Rebecca Front
A sci-fi comedy starring Hugh Laurie? Sign us up. Avenue 5 is hilarious futuristic show set in outer space. When a tragedy hits an interplanetary cruise ship, it’s up to its billionaire owner (Josh Gad) and its captain (Laurie) – both incompetent – to get everyone home safely. With sharply written jokes and juicy dramatic tension, Avenue 5 is a fun, silly, and occasionally even philosophical series. – Taylor Gates
Titans (2018-present)
Developed by: Akiva Goldsman, Geoff Johns, Greg Berlanti
Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Anna Diop, Teagan Croft, Ryan Potter
Based on the comic Teen Titans by Bob Haney and Bruno Premiani, Titansfollows a group of young superheroes fighting against evil. The show has been praised for its strong characterization and relationships, as well as for combining comedy with its dark subject matter. As gritty as it is humorous, Titans is a welcome addition to the rapidly expanding DC Universe. – Taylor Gates
The Big Brunch (2022-present)
Creator: Dan Levy
Cast: Sohla El-Waylly, Will Guidara, Dan Levy
Schitt’s Creek co-creator Dan Levy is back with a new series, The Big Brunch, and surprisingly, it’s a cooking competition. The Big Brunch allows Levy, as well as chefs Sohla El-Waylly and Will Guidara, to present 10 chefs with a life-changing opportunity. With a $300,000 prize on the line, these competitors must reveal their expertise, as well as their stories, to win. Levy’s show is more than a tournament about taste – he’s featuring contestants who strive to help their communities through food. The Big Brunch celebrates each person’s history and authenticity while also showing off delicious meals. – Yael Tygiel
Industry (2020-present)
Created by: Mickey Down, Konrad Kay
Cast: Myha'la Herrold, Marisa Abela, Harry Lawtey, David Jonsson
Industry follows five college graduates, all vying for a limited number of jobs at a prestigious London investment bank. The characters include Harper (Myha'la Herrold), a New York native who lies about her resume, queer Eton and Oxford graduate Gus (David Jonsson), working-class Robert (Harry Lawtey), and privileged Yasmin (Marisa Abela). Each of them must overcome unique obstacles in order to succeed and try not to sink under the intense pressure of the position. The show has been praised for its sharp writing and excellent, soapy ensemble. – Taylor Gates
Walker (2021-present)
Created by: Anna Fricke
Cast: Jared Padalecki, Lindsey Morgan, Molly Hagan, Keegan Allen
A reboot of the 90s show Walker, Texas Ranger, Walker is a western drama starring Supernatural’s Jared Padalecki. Padalecki plays the titular role of Cordell Walker, a widowed Texas ranger who comes home after a long undercover stint. He struggles to reconnect with his family and get along with his new partner, and to make matters even more complicated, he starts to get suspicious of the circumstances surrounding his wife’s death. – Taylor Gates
Abbott Elementary (2021-present)
Created by: Quinta Brunson
Cast: Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Lisa Ann Walter, Sheryl Lee Ralph
Abbott Elementary won several major awards at the 2022 Emmys, including Outstanding Writing and Outstanding Supporting Actress for Sheryl Lee Ralph – and for good reason. One of the most hilarious sitcoms in recent years, Abbott Elementary follows a group of teachers working at an underfunded Philadelphia school. Among the eclectic cast of characters, there’s young, determined Janine (Quinta Brunson), old-school mentor Barbara (Ralph), rough-around-the-edges yet kindhearted Melissa (Lisa Ann Walter), nerdy Jacob (Chris Perfetti), and irresponsible principal Ava (Janelle James). And that’s not to mention substitute teacher Gregory (Tyler James Williams), who has aspirations to become principal – and maybe to get with Janine. Abbott Elementary is one of those shows that will make you laugh hard and leave you feeling good after you watch it. – Taylor Gates
The Vampire Diaries (2009-2017)
Created by: Julie Plec and Kevin Williamson
Cast: Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley, Iam Somerhalder
You can now catch all eight seasons of The Vampire Diaries streaming on HBO. Based on the books by L.J. Smith, the story follows Elena Gilbert, a young girl who falls in love with a vampire named Stefan Salvatore. This show is an addictive teen supernatural drama full of twists and turns.
His Dark Materials (2019-2022)
Creator: Jack Thorne
Cast: Dafne Keen, Ruth Wilson, Amir Wilson, Lin-Manuel Miranda
Based on the hit book series, His Dark Materials follows Lyra, played by Dafne Keen (Logan), who lives in an alternate version of our reality. In Lyra’s world, human souls are manifested as Daemons, animal companions who cannot stray from the body to which they are linked. Through two seasons of His Dark Materials, Lyra uncovers intriguing secrets, setting her off on an exciting adventure across realities. Author Philip Pullman’s novels introduce curious philosophical questions paired with his fantastical realms, all of which are brought visually to the screen in the beautiful series. His Dark Materials is an enjoyable adaptation – a pleasant deviation from the failed film attempt of The Golden Compass. – Yael Tygiel