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The best all-in-one streaming service of 2023 - 85+ TV channels

HBO has always been known for great shows, ever since its breakout hit drama “Oz” in the ’90s. Since then, it has produced some of the best series of the last few decades, several with outsized cultural impact. Its merger with Warner Bros. expanded and rebranded the streaming service as Max, so now there’s even more great TV to choose from. Max is truly the streaming service for TV lovers, as the quality of shows in our list will demonstrate.

We’ve curated our favorite 25 shows from the streamer’s long history of outstanding TV. Expect to see the best Max series of the last few years and plenty of HBO classics in a range of genres to suit anyone's taste. We’ll be updating this list frequently to include fresh new content.

‘The White Lotus’ (2021 to Present) — Editor’s Top Pick

Two young women lounge and read by the pool in this image from Rip Cord Productions.
The ensemble cast in “The White Lotus” makes it worth watching. (Image: Rip Cord Productions)

Rated: TV-MA | Genre: Dark Comedy-Drama | Length: 2 seasons, 13 episodes total

IMDb Rating: 7.9/10 | Metacritic Rating: 82

Cast: Jennifer Coolidge, Sydney Sweeney, Aubrey Plaza, Michael Imperioli

Watch the trailer for “The White Lotus”

At the opulent White Lotus resort, a deep unsettling feeling festers under the breeze-blown palms. Vacationers, seeking solace and rejuvenation, find themselves ensnared in a web of ever-intensifying eerie occurrences. Each season of “The White Lotus” begins with an unidentified death, followed by the mysteries, evolving relationships, and intricacies of human interaction leading to the pivotal moment. The series seamlessly weaves dark comedy with incisive societal observations on class, privilege, imperialism, and the thin veneer of civility. Emotional range, a fantastic ensemble cast, and relevant themes make “The White Lotus” hands-down one of the most riveting series of recent times.

Watch “The White Lotus” on Max

‘The Last of Us’ (2023 to Present)

A man examines a young girl on a hospital bed in this image from Sony Pictures Television.
Based on the critically acclaimed video game, “The Last of Us” was one of TV’s most-anticipated shows in 2023. (Image: Sony Pictures Television)

Rated: TV-MA | Genre: Post-Apocalyptic Drama-Thriller | Length: 1 season, 9 episodes

IMDb Rating: 8.8/10 | Metacritic Rating: 84

Cast: Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Lamar Johnson, John Getz

Watch the trailer for “The Last of Us”

Following a world-shaking pandemic event, smuggler Joel (Pedro Pascal) embarks on a dangerous mission to escort a Cordyceps-immune teenager, Ellie (Bella Ramsey), to a facility where the doctors can produce a vaccine. The duo travel from the quarantine enclave and across a ravaged, postapocalyptic U.S. Their journey is rife with stark survivalist challenges, multifaceted allies and adversaries, and imminent infected (humans taken over by the fungal infection) lurking around every corner.

While “The Last of Us” TV series draws its roots from a popular 2013 video game of the same name, the resonance of the show has been magnified against the backdrop of our recent real-world pandemic ordeals. It paints a compelling tapestry of endurance and fragile survival, the ephemerality of life and the inevitable decay, and the myriad shades of human nature, making it a standout entry in the postapocalyptic genre.

Watch “The Last of Us” on Max

‘House of the Dragon’ (2022 to Present)

A young woman stands in front of a tactical map table in this image from HBO.
In this prequel spin-off, Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) is the leading character. (Image: HBO)

Rated: TV-MA | Genre: Fantasy | Length: 1 season, 10 episodes

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10 | Metacritic Rating: 69

Cast: Milly Alcock, Matt Smith, Emma D’Arcy

Watch the trailer for “House of the Dragon”

Fans of “Game of Thrones” find themselves transported back to the realm of Westeros in this prequel spin-off. Two centuries prior to the events of “Game of Thrones,” the land is already caught up in intoxicating power struggles and cutthroat politics. “House of the Dragon” delves into the rise of House Targaryen and the seismic civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. Tensions rise and family ties fray following King Viserys I’s (Paddy Considine) choice to defy age-old customs, designating his dragon-riding daughter, Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy), as his rightful successor. In true Westeros fashion, her claim is far from accepted without a battle. Returning to this rich fantasy world with its raw depiction of societal prejudices, insatiable thirst for power, and intricate, savage politics is a feast for any “Game of Thrones” aficionado.

Watch “House of the Dragon” on Max

‘Our Flag Means Death’ (2022 to Present)

A man looks glum while hanging on a ship’s ropes in this image from Gentleman Pirate Productions
Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby) plays the “Gentleman Pirate.” (Image: Gentleman Pirate Productions)

Rated: TV-MA | Genre: Historical Comedy Adventure | Length: 2 seasons, 18 episodes total

IMDb Rating: 7.8/10 | Metacritic Rating: 72

Cast: Rhys Darby, Joel Fry, Matthew Maher

Watch the trailer for “Our Flag Means Death”

“Our Flag Means Death ” returned to Max on Oct 5 with its highly-anticipated second season. (Very) loosely based on the life of the Gentleman Pirate, Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby), the show tells the story of Bonnet abandoning his family and comfortable life as a landed gentry of Barbados to go pirating. His misadventures with his dysfunctional crew include avoiding run-ins with naval forces and other brutal pirates, as well as navigating the choppy waters of queer love, including the unlikely romance between Bonnet and the famed but unfulfilled pirate Captain Blackbeard (Taika Waititi). The show has been celebrated for its representation of gay, non-binary, and POC characters interwoven into the lives of real figures, challenging historical stereotypes about race and sexuality. “Our Flag Means Death” is a coming-of-age story for those who bloom late in life, celebrating the love, friendship, and adventure that can come from following your heart.

Watch “Our Flag Means Death” on Max

‘Abbott Elementary’ (2021 to Present)

Three women sit in a school assembly in this image from Warner Bros. Television
Educators have the toughest job, being a role model for the kids while dealing with less-than-desirable circumstances. (Image: Warner Bros. Television)

Rated: TV-PG | Genre: Mockumentary Sitcom | Length: 2 seasons, 35 episodes total

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10 | Metacritic Rating: 83

Cast: Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Lisa Ann Walter

Watch the trailer for “Abbott Elementary”

“Abbott Elementary” is a mockumentary-style sitcom that follows a group of hilariously mismatched teachers in an under-resourced, predominantly Black, Philadelphia elementary school. The result is a binge-worthy mix of chaotic classrooms, water cooler moments, and enough bureaucratic tape to wrap the school thrice over. Juggling shoe-string budgets, mountains of paperwork, student squabbles, challenges in their own personal lives, and the intricacies of their workplace dynamics, these educators give a master class in making lemonade out of lemons. Lighthearted and wholesome, “Abbott Elementary” is proof that, while you can’t do all the good the world needs, the world needs all the good you can do.

Watch “Abbott Elementary” on Max

‘Euphoria’ (2019 to Present)

Two teens lay on the ground outside in this image from HBO Entertainment
“Euphoria” is darker than most teen dramas, providing an unapologetic and realistic lens into everyday lives. (Image: HBO Entertainment)

Rated: TV-MA | Genre: Teen Drama | Length: 2 seasons, 18 episodes total

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10 | Metacritic Rating: 70

Cast: Zendaya, Hunter Schafer, Sydney Sweeney, Jacob Elordi

Watch the trailer for “Euphoria”

“Euphoria” captures the raw essence of the Gen Z ethos like no other show before it, presenting a poignant exploration of the turbulent waters of modern adolescence. In the corridors of East Highland High School, characters grapple with self-identity, evolving sexuality, substance abuse, dysfunctional families, harrowing trauma, and the omnipresent allure of social media. The narrator, Rue Bennett, portrayed with captivating depth by Zendaya, whose performance earned her the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 2020, is a young girl ensnared in the complexities of drug addiction. Amidst her battles with family turmoil and intricate love dynamics, she observes the painful yet hopeful parallel journeys of her high school peers. Deeply emotional and beautifully written, “Euphoria” is one of the best TV teen dramas of all time.

Watch “Euphoria” on Max

‘Doom Patrol’ (2019 to 2023)

Two people in an office with superheroes clawing at the window in this image from DC Entertainment
The superheroes of “Doom Patrol” aren’t like the others you usually see on the big and small screens. (Image: DC Entertainment)

Rated: TV-MA | Genre: Superhero Action Comedy | Length: 4 seasons, 40 episodes total

IMDb Rating: 7.8/10 | Metacritic Rating: 72

Cast: Diane Guerrero, Brendan Fraser, Matt Bomer

Watch the trailer for “Doom Patrol”

The motley Doom Patrol crew are outcasts who all received their powers through tragic circumstances. Between multiple personalities, bizarre body quirks, biotech modifications, and uncontrollable abilities, keeping the squad together is challenging enough — and that’s without saving the world. As they embark on surreal and absurd adventures, our unlikely superheroes often have to come to terms with their dark pasts in order to find their strength and purpose.

Critics have lauded “Doom Patrol” for its “faith in weirdness,” calling it the “best reason yet to sign up for DC's streaming service.” It’s a show that looks at dysfunction with dark humor, wit, and emotional depth while maintaining empathy for some pretty weird characters. This month, you can catch the fourth and final season of “Doom Patrol” when it premieres on Oct. 12 on Max.

Watch “Doom Patrol” on Max

‘His Dark Materials’ (2019 to 2022)

A young girl looks at a strange instrument with a white weasel on the table in this image from New Line Productions.
“His Dark Materials” is based on the book trilogy of the same name by Philip Pullman. (Image: New Line Productions)

Rated: TV-14 | Genre: Fantasy Drama | Length: 3 seasons, 23 episodes total

IMDb Rating: 7.8/10 | Metacritic Rating: 71

Cast: Dafne Keen, Kit Connor, Ruth Wilson, Amir Wilson

Watch the trailer for “His Dark Materials”

“His Dark Materials,” an adaptation of Philip Pullman's revered dark academic fantasy trilogy, elevates the TV fantasy genre, bringing to life its literary origins. Unfolding across a multiverse of intertwined realms, we follow the audacious and inquisitive orphan Lyra Belacqua (Dafne Keen) and her animal daemon Pantalaimon (Kit Connor), an outer manifestation of part of her soul. As she ventures beyond the majestic spires of her alternative Oxford University home, Lyra finds herself unraveling the enigma of a powerful cosmic substance named Dust. Along the way, she meets fellow dimension-hopper Will Parry (Amir Wilson), a youth marked by a fate as profound as hers. Traversing worlds filled with witches, armored polar bears, elusive spirits, and shadowy factions, the pair eventually finds themselves in a world with dangers closer to home.

Watch “His Dark Materials” on Max

‘Succession’ (2018 to 2023)

A man sits behind a desk in this image from HBO Entertainment
After four seasons, “Succession” ended its run this year. (Image: HBO Entertainment)

Rated: TV-MA | Genre: Satirical Comedy-Drama | Length: 4 seasons, 39 episodes total

IMDb Rating: 8.9/10 | Metacritic Rating: 85

Cast: Nicholas Braun, Brian Cox, Peter Friedman, Alan Ruck

Watch the trailer for “Succession”

“Succession” looks at the tumultuous undercurrents, Machiavellian machinations, and intimate vendettas that swirl within the lavish realm of the Roy family, lords of one of the world's most influential media conglomerates. As the once-indomitable patriarch, Logan Roy (Brian Cox) contends with his waning health and looming mortality while the question of the succession of his colossal empire becomes the crucible of conflict. The battle of ambition between each of his four children leads to subterfuge, aspiration, and convoluted familial ties that threaten to fracture both their bonds and their empire's foundations. With a combination of biting humor and incisive examinations of corporate hegemony and affluence, “Succession” offers a window into the sanctums of the elite, laying bare the staggering lengths to which people will go to fortify their legacies and shape their futures.

Watch “Succession” on Max

‘Barry’ (2018 to 2023)

A man kneels in front of a young boy while a woman looks on in this image from HBO Entertainment.
“Barry” is another TV series that ended its run this year. (Image: HBO Entertainment)

Rated: TV-MA | Genre: Black Comedy Crime Drama | Length: 4 seasons, 32 episodes total

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10 | Metacritic Rating: 88

Cast: Bill Hader, Sarah Goldberg, Stephen Root, Henry Winkler

Watch the trailer for “Barry”

Shackled by the weight of loneliness and depression while grappling with guilt for his actions in Afghanistan, Barry Berkman (Bill Hader) went from an ex-Marine to a modestly paid hitman. During a take-down job in Los Angeles, a twist of fate ushers Barry into the enigmatic sphere of the theater, sparking a love of the performing arts. Adopting the nom de guerre “Barry Block,” he dares to reimagine a life in the spotlight, though the consequences of his tumultuous past prove relentless. As he balances dual realities, Barry is torn between the murky allegiances of his underworld ties and the allure of the stage, leading to a series of events both hilarious and tragic. “Barry” is an insightful and witty tale of morality and our capacity for change.

Watch “Barry” on Max

‘The Leftovers’ (2014 to 2017)

A man kneels in front of a woman at an outdoor table in this image from Warner Bros. Television.
“The Leftovers” is based on the novel of the same name by Tom Perrotta. (Image: Warner Bros. Television)

Rated: TV-MA | Genre: Supernatural Drama | Length: 3 seasons, 28 episodes total

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10 | Metacritic Rating: 76

Cast: Justin Theroux, Liv Tyler, Christopher Eccleston, Amy Brenneman

Watch the trailer for “The Leftovers”

“The Leftovers” takes place following a Rapture-like phenomenon called the “Sudden Departure” that sees 140 million souls, a staggering 2 percent of the globe's populace, vanish without a trace. Within the confines of the quaint town of Mapleton, Kevin Garvey (Justin Theroux) works as the police chief, wrestling with the unexpected effects of the enigma on his family while simultaneously shepherding a community in the throes of inexplicable bereavement and sorrow. The cataclysmic event gives rise to an array of cults and factions hungry for meaning. Among these is the Guilty Remnant, a forbidding sect that ensnares the likes of Meg Abbott (Liv Tyler), viewing themselves as both martyrs and living reminders of mortality. “The Leftovers” is a quest to understand faith, loss, humanity's ceaseless search for truth, and the resilience that perseveres in the face of the unknown.

Watch “The Leftovers” on Max

‘Veep’ (2012 to 2019)

A man and a woman sit on a couch in this image from Dundee Productions.
“Veep” won several major awards. (Image: Dundee Productions)

Rated: TV-MA | Genre: Political Satire Comedy | Length: 7 seasons, 65 episodes total

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10 | Metacritic Rating: 82

Cast: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Tony Hale, Hugh Laurie, Gary Cole

Watch the trailer for “Veep”

Navigating the slippery slopes of Washington, D.C., with all the grace of a bull in a china shop, Selina Meyer (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) climbs the political ladder from Vice President, or Veep, to the actual President of the Not-Always-So-United States. Surrounded by a motley crew of advisors who frequently bungle their tasks, Selina attempts to stake her claim in the annals of history. That is, if she can dodge the relentless hailstorm of blunders, cringeworthy gaffes, and scandals that seem to follow her like a bad Wi-Fi connection. Acclaimed for its whip-smart banter and keen-eyed lampooning of the hot mess that is American politics, this uproariously funny series is a lesson in how to make a mockery of, well, a mockery.

Watch “Veep” on Max

‘Game of Thrones’ (2011 to 2019)

A woman with white-blonde hair stands in front of a river in this image from HBO Entertainment.
Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) is one of the most recgonizable faces of the TV series. (Image: HBO Entertainment)

Rated: TV-MA | Genre: Fantasy Drama | Length: 8 seasons, 73 episodes total

IMDb Rating: 9.2/10 | Metacritic Rating: 86

Cast: Emilia Clarke, Peter Dinklage, Sean Bean, Sophie Turner

Watch the trailer for “Game of Thrones”

Despite a controversial final season, “Game of Thrones” had a good run as the best fantasy TV show. Breathtaking visuals and special effects transport viewers into the rich, sprawling landscapes of Westeros and Essos, realms brimming with political intrigue and fated quests for the coveted Iron Throne. We follow different families as they strategize, form precarious alliances, and grapple with unforeseen betrayals. While human ambition rages, a chilling, ancient menace, the White Walkers, stirs in the North, casting a foreboding shadow over the world's protective barriers. This epic saga is marked by multifaceted characters, intricate plots, and battles of legendary scale. More than just a fantasy series, “Game of Thrones” is an artful exploration of power, loyalty, passion, treachery, and the intricate moral compass guiding, or misguiding, its characters.

Watch “Game of Thrones” on Max

‘Girls’ (2012 to 2017)

A young woman stares pointedly in this image from Apatow Productions.
Lena Dunham is the showrunner and main character in “Girls.” (Image: Apatow Productions)

Rated: TV-MA | Genre: Comedy-Drama | Length: 6 seasons, 62 episodes

IMDb Rating: 7.4/10 | Metacritic Rating: 80

Cast: Lena Dunham, Allison Williams, Zosia Mamet

Watch the trailer for “Girls”

What “Euphoria” has done for Gen Z, “Girls” did for Millennials, capturing the heartbeat of a generation and laying bare the uncomfortable realities they grapple with daily. This slice-of-life series follows four flawed women in their 20s in the ever-challenging rat race of New York City as they wrestle with life’s relentless curveballs via relationships and fledgling careers. Despite being criticized for the lack of diversity, the series paints a poignant picture while exploring the murky waters of contemporary womanhood, evolving identities, and the tumultuous journey to maturity. Through its unapologetic depictions of imperfections, aspirations, and tangled romances, “Girls” captures the nuanced struggles of a generation searching for purpose and connection in an ever-changing society and technological landscape.

Watch “Girls” on Max

‘Boardwalk Empire’ (2010 to 2014)

A man sits in a garden with a pensive expression in this image from HBO Entertainment.
“Boardwalk Empire” is for fans of period dramas and gangster films. (Image: HBO Entertainment)

Rated: TV-MA | Genre: Period Crime Drama | Length: 5 seasons, 56 episodes total

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10 | Metacritic Rating: 83

Cast: Steve Buscemi, Kelly Macdonald, Michael Shannon

Watch the trailer for “Boardwalk Empire”

Amidst the dry echoes of the Prohibition Era in Atlantic City, Enoch “Nucky” Thompson (Steve Buscemi) emerges as a commanding political titan, moonlighting as a bootlegger following alcohol's banishment. Straddling the shadows of the underworld and the luminous corridors of the elite, Nucky's charisma and intricate web of alliances provide a fragile shield against the grasp of federal oversight and the threat of looming rivals. “Boardwalk Empire” intertwines historical events and figures with fictional narratives, portraying the rise and fall of criminal dynasties against a rich backdrop of political intrigue, intimate treacheries, and a nation in flux. Celebrated for its immersive detail, captivating multifaceted personas, and layered depiction of the Prohibition Era's societal complexities, “Boardwalk Empire” is a must-see for both period drama and gangster movie fans alike.

Watch “Boardwalk Empire” on Max

‘True Blood’ (2008 to 2014)

A woman and a man lean in for a kiss in this image from HBO Entertainment.
TV shows about vampires were made popular by “True Blood.” (Image: HBO Entertainment)

Rated: TV-MA | Genre: Fantasy Horror Drama | Length: 7 seasons, 80 episodes total

IMDb Rating: 7.9/10 | Metacritic Rating: 69

Cast: Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Alexander Skarsgård

Watch the trailer for “True Blood”

In Bon Temps, Louisiana, telepathic waitress Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin) is a rare open-minded citizen in the small, ignorant town. Tensions rise and prejudices prevail now that vampires, no longer lurking in myths, have “come out of the coffin,” sustained by an innovative synthetic blood elixir that eliminates their need for human prey. Drawn to the seductive world of the supernatural, Sookie's path entwines with the mysterious Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer), a vampire embodying the charm of the antebellum South and opting for harmonious coexistence with mortals. “True Blood” is a sultry romance with palpable suspense, deep mysteries, and intoxicating Southern Gothic allure that explores universal themes of tolerance, identity, and the nature of humanity.

Watch “True Blood” on Max

‘Pushing Daisies’ (2007 to 2009)

A man leaning on crossed arms in this image from Jinks/Cohen Company
Weird and whimsical, “Pushing Daisies” is a clever dark comedy about life and death. (Image: Jinks/Cohen Company)

Rated: TV-PG | Genre: Dark Comedy Mystery | Length: 2 seasons, 22 episodes total

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10 | Metacritic Rating: 85

Cast: Lee Pace, Anna Friel, Chi McBride

Watch the trailer for “Pushing Daisies”

“Pushing Daisies” is a whimsically morbid tale of death, dessert, and detective work that follows Ned (Lee Pace), a pie-maker with the ability to bring the dead back to life with a single touch, but if he touches them again, they’re gone for good. Ned uses this rocky talent to form his own scrappy private detective agency, gaining success by resurrecting the dead for a quick Q&A. Ned has a soft spot for his childhood sweetheart, Charlotte (Anna Friel), who he resurrects but can never touch again. The otherworldly pair set out to solve mysteries with the help of private investigator Emerson Cod (Chi McBride), who’s got more quips than a stand-up comedy night at a cemetery.

This quirky, darkly humorous, oddball forensic fairytale is a smart look at life and death perfect for fans of Tim Burton.

Watch “Pushing Daisies” on Max

‘Deadwood’ (2004 to 2006)

A mustached man glares at someone in a saloon in this image from Roscoe Productions.
Western television remains relevant because of series like “Deadwood.” (Image: Roscoe Productions)

Rated: TV-MA | Genre: Western Drama | Length: 3 seasons, 36 episodes total

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10 | Metacritic Rating: 85

Cast: Timothy Olyphant, Ian McShane, Molly Parker

Watch the trailer for “Deadwood”

In the rugged, dust-kissed landscapes of Deadwood, South Dakota, we follow the transformation of a bandit camp teeming with gold-thirsty prospectors into a burgeoning town in the bucking Wild West, marred by rampant lawlessness and subterfuge. Blending American history with creative fiction, “Deadwood” looks at the delicate dance of power and politics in this frontier bastion. We follow Al Swearengen (Ian McShane), a saloon owner pulling strings from the shadows, Seth Bullock (Timothy Olyphant), a lawman-turned-hardware-store-owner, and an eclectic ensemble ranging from prostitutes to ambitious moguls, each navigating the turbulent waters of Deadwood's society. The series has been praised for its lyrical dialogue, captivating personas, and unflinching gaze into the gritty marrow of frontier existence.

Watch “Deadwood” on Max

‘The Wire’ (2002 to 2008)

A man and a woman stand outside talking in this image from HBO Entertainment.
“The Wire” opens up conversations about urban life and its systemic failures. (Image: HBO Entertainment)

Rated: TV-MA | Genre: Crime Drama | Length: 5 seasons, 60 episodes total

IMDb Rating: 9.3/10 | Metacritic Rating: 91

Cast: Dominic West, Lance Riddick, Idris Elba

Watch the trailer for “The Wire”

Often cited as one of the best crime dramas of all time, “The Wire” is a complex and enduringly relevant portrayal of crime and punishment in modern America. In Baltimore, we are painted a gritty picture of urban life and the systemic failures of institutions spanning from the drug trade to the police department, the school system, the media, and the political arena. Each season focuses on a different facet of the city’s institutions, with the drug trade forming a consistent, intertwining thread. The show’s ensemble cast demonstrate career-making commitment to their roles, and unconventional cinematography creates a dark, immersive world. “The Wire” gives us a nuanced, realistic portrayal of the trials and complexities of urban life and our individual and collective struggles for survival and change.

Watch “The Wire” on Max

‘Six Feet Under’ (2001 to 2005)

A man and a woman attend a funeral in this image from HBO Entertainment.
For a nuanced depiction of grief, watch “Six Feet Under.” (Image: HBO Entertainment)

Rated: TV-MA | Genre: Black Comedy Drama | Length: 5 seasons, 63 episodes total

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10 | Metacritic Rating: 74

Cast: Michael C. Hall, Frances Conroy, Peter Krause, Lauren Ambrose

Watch the trailer for “Six Feet Under”

The dysfunctional Fisher family runs a funeral home in Los Angeles, dealing with death every day. Yet, when their own family patriarch (Richard Jenkins) unexpectedly passes away, they find their cozy world of coffins disrupted. The family's funeral parlor falls to the befuddled sons, Nate (Peter Krause) and David (Michael C. Hall), who, with the company of their grieving mother Ruth (Frances Conroy) and artsy sister Claire (Lauren Ambrose), tread a chaotic path of self-discovery, tricky relationships, and the relentless challenge of keeping the family business afloat. Every episode kicks off with a death, setting a darkly comedic tone for a show that explores the myriad ways people cope with life, love, and loss. “Six Feet Under” is a lethal blend of character nuances, humor, and a candid look at life and death.

Watch “Six Feet Under” on Max

‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ (2000 to Present)

Larry David holds a white dog in this image from HBO Entertainment
Larry David plays a version of himself in “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” (Image: HBO Entertainment)

Rated: TV-MA | Genre: Sitcom | Length: 11 seasons, 110 episodes total

IMDb Rating: 8.8/10 | Metacritic Rating: 84

Cast: Larry David, Cheryl Hines, Jeff Garlin

Watch the trailer for “Curb Your Enthusiasm”

If “Seinfeld” was about nothing, then “Curb Your Enthusiasm” is about everything that irks Larry David in his sun-soaked L.A. life. Crafting a comedy around himself, Larry David serves viewers a semi-scripted peek into the daily struggles of being, well, Larry David. This isn't just about those pesky little life annoyances; it’s about Larry’s unyielding determination to tackle them head-on, decorum be damned. Navigating the murky waters of social faux pas and “Did he just say that?” moments, the show gives us side-splitting humor, razor-sharp societal digs, and the odd sprinkle of star-studded run-ins. This well-loved and long-running sitcom will have you guffawing at the sheer audacity of one man's commitment to being himself

Watch “Curb Your Enthusiasm” on Max

‘The Sopranos’ (1999 to 2007)

Two men talk in a car in this image from HBO Entertainment
In the vast catalog of crime dramas, “The Sopranos” remains one of the best. (Image: HBO Entertainment)

Rated: TV-MA | Genre: Crime Drama | Length: 6 seasons, 86 episodes total

IMDb Rating: 9.2/10 | Metacritic Rating: 94

Cast: James Gandolfini, Michael Imperioli, Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco

Watch the trailer for “The Sopranos”

“The Sopranos” was incredibly influential and should be included in any list of the greatest TV shows. Mob boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) confides his mental struggles to his therapist (Lorraine Bracco) as he juggles the demands of running a criminal empire. Tony’s New Jersey “family” is engaged in daily battles of loyalty, power, and betrayal in the Mafia world, while Tony comes to terms with his own personal vulnerabilities and complex psyche. Mixing dark humor, gritty crime narratives, and deep character exploration, “The Sopranos” examines and satirizes modern American society, familial tugs of war, the necessity and absurdity of criminal empires, and the complexities of the human psyche — all while defiantly flipping TV norms on their head.

Watch “The Sopranos” on Max

‘Sex and the City’ (1998 to 2004)

Two women drink martinis in this image from HBO Entertainment.
Some might argue “Sex and the City” is the definition of a rom-com for TV. (Image: HBO Entertainment)

Rated: TV-MA | Genre: Romantic Comedy-Drama | Length: 6 seasons, 94 episodes total

IMDb Rating: 7.3/10 | Metacritic Rating: 64

Cast: Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon

Watch the trailer for “Sex and the City”

Amid the high heels and high-rises of New York City, “Sex and the City” takes us into the glamorous whirlwind lives of four women as they balance love, friendship, and career ambitions — like “Girls” but sprinkled with a dash more sparkle and a tad less angst. As our main gal, journalist Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), and her glamorous posse conquer the Big Apple’s dating maze, glitzy galas, and fashion frenzies, every situation is punctuated with wit, humor, and plenty of steamy romance. Long before many dared to put it on the screen, this show wore its conversations about sex and modern love like a badge of honor. “Sex and the City” is an era-defining, stiletto-clad glimpse into the exhilarating roller coaster that was urban single life at the turn of the millennium.

Watch “Sex and the City” on Max

‘Oz’ (1997 to 2003)

Two men stand in front of prison bars in this image from HBO Original Programming.
“Oz” paved the way for HBO. (Image: HBO Original Programming)

Rated: TV-MA | Genre: Prison Drama | Length: 6 seasons, 56 episodes total

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10 | Metacritic Rating: 73

Cast: Ernie Hudson, J.K. Simmons, Lee Tergesen, Dean Winters

Watch the trailer for “Oz”

Immediately setting HBO apart from the crowd during its debut, “Oz” is the grandfather of hour-long HBO dramas (a format that it’s credited with creating). Set behind the foreboding walls of the Oswald State Correctional Facility, or “Oz”, the story pulls back the bars on a dangerous world bursting with gang tiffs, power plays, and the ever-present undercurrent of racial tension. The series is colored by moral ambiguity as we examine the complex moralities and survival tactics of drug dealers, violent criminals, law enforcers, and the wrongly accused. With its unflinching portrayal of the American prison system and its gritty, brutal, and unconventional storytelling, “Oz” etched its mark on TV and set the golden standard for its successors.

Watch “Oz” on Max

‘Sesame Street’ (1969 to Present)

A young girl learning Spanish with Grover in this image from Sesame Workshop
“Sesame Street” has been educating kids with fun and laughter for over 50 years. (Image: Sesame Workshop)

Rated: TV-Y| Genre: Kids Educational | Length: 53 seasons, 4,500+ episodes

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10 | Metacritic Rating: 79

Cast: Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Caroll Spinney

Watch the trailer for “Sesame Street”

“Sesame Street” is the ultimate educational adventure that's been captivating children and adults alike for generations. Iconic puppet characters Big Bird, Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Grover teach us about everything from our ABCs to the ups and downs of daily life. Bursting with catchy songs, hilarious antics, and heartwarming moments, “Sesame Street” never fails to be just as entertaining as it is educational. The first show ever to use a measurable curriculum to teach kids vital life skills like empathy, diversity, and problem-solving, “Sesame Street” is a must for anyone with young children. On “Sesame Street,” excitement, learning, and friendship are always on the itinerary.

Make sure to catch Season 54  when it premieres on Max on Nov. 9!

Watch “Sesame Street” on Max

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