The Best TV Shows You Can Watch On HBO Max

Updated October 23, 2023 10.5K votes 919 voters

Over 900 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of All The Best Shows on HBO Max

Voting Rules

Vote up the shows you're the most excited about watching on HBO Max, both original series and exclusive distribution.

Latest additions: 30 Coins, Scavengers Reign, Navajo Police: Class 57

Most divisive: Adventure Time

HBO's streaming service was launched late May 2020, and HBO Max shows include a selection of great series from not only HBO's archives and HBO Max originals but also from the BBC, Crunchyroll, Cartoon Network, TNT, and more. The shows on HBO Max range from comedies like Friends to HBO dramas such as Euphoria and Big Little Lies. Not only are favorites from HBO, old and new, available but viewers will also find new shows on HBO Max.

Plenty of old HBO favorites, like Game of Thrones and Oz, are on HBO Max. Many new series are also planned, from fresh new Looney Tunes Cartoons and the anthology Love Life to the voguing competition series Legendary. Of all those hours of shows, many include BBC favorites like Doctor Who, Luther, and the orginal The Office series. But it's not all live-action thanks to a robust and growing library from Crunchyroll, Adult Swim and Cartoon Network. Animation fans can rewatch The Boondocks, Rick and Morty, and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. There are also several reboots and revivals, such as Adventure Time: Distant Lands and the new Gossip Girl. With a library that includes CNN docuseries, DC television shows, and even favorites from Sesame Workshop, HBO Max has something for everyone - including licensed TV shows like The Bachelor, The Big Bang Theory, and The OC.

Both old and new, the shows on HBO Max include some of the best sitcoms, dramas, British favorites and more - and now they're all available in one place. Now that they're all together, which of all the series on HBO Max are the best?

Ranked by

1
Band of Brothers
September 9, 2001
183 votes
- Actors: Damian Lewis, Ron Livingston, Rick Gomez, Scott Grimes, Frank John Hughes
- Network: HBO
Band of Brothers, a gripping World War II miniseries, delves into the harrowing experiences and unwavering camaraderie of Easy Company, a unit of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment. With masterful storytelling, the show garnered critical acclaim, earning numerous awards including a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Miniseries. The ensemble cast skillfully portrays real-life soldiers, such as Major Richard Winters (Damian Lewis) and Captain Lewis Nixon (Ron Livingston), capturing the essence of their valiant struggles and sacrifices. From the treacherous airborne landings in Normandy to the war's bitter end, Band of Brothers remains a poignant tribute to the Greatest Generation's heroism.
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2
The Sopranos
January 10, 1999
245 votes
- Actors: James Gandolfini, Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco, Michael Imperioli, Dominic Chianese
- Network: HBO
The Sopranos invites viewers to enter the world of mob life, unraveling the complexities of family dynamics and personal ambitions. Through its six-season run, this critically acclaimed crime drama garnered 21 Primetime Emmy Awards, showcasing the exceptional talents of its ensemble cast. With James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano at the helm, audiences bear witness to his struggle as a New Jersey mob boss navigating the treacherous waters of organized crime while balancing his tumultuous personal life. The show masterfully intertwines dark humor with intense emotional moments, delivering a compelling narrative that keeps fans enthralled until the very end.
3
Chernobyl
May 6, 2019
206 votes
- Actors: Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgård, Emily Watson, Paul Ritter, Jessie Buckley
- Network: HBO
Exploring the harrowing events of a nuclear disaster, this gripping historical drama delves into the heart-wrenching aftermath of the 1986 Chernobyl catastrophe. The series intricately weaves together the stories of those affected, highlighting their courage and resilience amidst chaos. Anchored by powerful performances from Jared Harris as Valery Legasov, Stellan Skarsgård as Boris Shcherbina, and Emily Watson as Ulana Khomyuk, the show has garnered critical acclaim, earning multiple awards, including numerous Emmys. By shedding light on the devastating consequences of human error and political negligence, the show serves as a chilling reminder of the potential cost of ignorance.
4
The Wire
June 2, 2002
205 votes
- Actors: Dominic West, John Doman, Frankie R. Faison, Wood Harris, Domenick Lombardozzi
- Network: HBO
A gritty exploration of the urban landscape, The Wire delves into the complex web of crime, law enforcement, and societal issues in Baltimore. As a critically acclaimed drama series, it boasts multiple various award nominations, highlighting its captivating storytelling and stellar ensemble cast. Central to the narrative is Detective Jimmy McNulty (Dominic West), whose relentless pursuit of justice brings him face to face with the city's underbelly. The show masterfully intertwines the experiences of various characters, from drug dealers to politicians, providing an unflinching look at the intricate connections that bind them together. In doing so, The Wire transcends the typical crime drama, offering viewers a thought-provoking and compelling experience.
5
Game of Thrones
April 17, 2011
291 votes
- Actors: Peter Dinklage, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Lena Headey, Emilia Clarke, Aidan Gillen
- Network: HBO
In a realm of political intrigue, mythical creatures, and clashing dynasties, the struggle for power and survival takes center stage. Game of Thrones, an award-winning fantasy drama, transports audiences to the fictional world of Westeros, where noble families vie for the Iron Throne while supernatural threats loom in the shadows. Through its rich storytelling and complex characters such as cunning Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage) and fierce Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke), the series explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the human capacity for both good and evil. With stunning visuals and gripping narratives, Game of Thrones has captured the hearts and minds of millions worldwide.
6
True Detective
January 12, 2014
134 votes
- Actors: Mahershala Ali, Stephen Dorff, Carmen Ejogo, Josh Hopkins, Scoot McNairy
- Network: HBO
In the realm of crime dramas, few series have managed to capture the essence of human complexity and dark intrigue as effectively as True Detective. This anthology series weaves together intricate narratives across multiple seasons, each boasting a star-studded cast and compelling storylines. With standout performances from the likes of Matthew McConaughey (Rust Cohle) and Woody Harrelson (Marty Hart), the show has earned critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe for McConaughey's riveting portrayal. Delving into the sinister underbelly of society, True Detective masterfully unravels its mysteries with finesse, leaving viewers eager for more.

Band of Brothers

The Sopranos

Chernobyl

The Wire

Game of Thrones

True Detective