15 Best Shows to Binge on HBO Max

The flagship of HBO since season one, GoT was the gritty, racy, edge-of-your-seat series that every sci-fi/fantasy nerd worth his salt needed to see. It’s brutal, it’s scary, it’s thrilling, it’s funny, and it balances fear, humor, and action in a totally unique way. Also, dragons! With an all-star cast including Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, Sophie Turner, and Peter Dinklage (to name just a few), “winter is coming,” so strap in and start streaming! But don’t get too attached to your favorite characters …

Ask any critic, and they’re likely to say The Wire is one of the three best shows ever made. There are some universities that even teach classes focusing entirely on the series! This award-winning crime drama from the mind of David Simonis a multi-perspective tale that dives deep into the dark heart of the Baltimore narcotics scene. The war on drugs has grayed the lines between good and evil, and taking a stand has never meant so much. This remarkable series is as layered and detailed as any novel. And it might be the most quotable show of all time. Seriously!

The infamous animated satire that regularly challenges pop culture, South Park became one of the most gutsy shows of all time. Towing (and occasionally overstepping) the line between hilarious and political, South Park regularly sends the most truthful message in the most inappropriate way possible. We’ve been treated to these foul-mouthed kids for decades and they still make us laugh.

BFFS? Check. Hilarious? Check. Timeless commentary on the pitfalls of relationships and the struggles of achieving a successful love life? Check, check, check. If you’re a fan of long-running comedy TV series like How I Met Your Mother or Big Bang Theory, Friends is a must-watch and a must-binge.

Set in Alan Moore’s America, Watchmen on HBO Max takes place in the same gloomy superhero counterculture. While the characters on-screen may appear as superheroes – masks, capes, and flying vehicles included – the point is not to inspire readers with tales of heroism and glamour, but rather to question them. Fans of the gritty, dark feel of DC comics and the DC universe will undoubtedly feel some familiar vibes with Damon Lindelof’s modern masterpiece. It shouldn’t work, but it does. And after the events of 2020, it’s somehow even more relevant.

You may be familiar with the long-running NBC sitcom of the same name, but have you ever seen the original series that inspired it? From the buffoonish boss to unrequited love to a series of bizarre coworkers, this is the breakthrough that spawned an army of imitators. Be forewarned that the UK version is significantly more sharp-edged than its cheerful American cousin, but it’s arguably much funnier as a result. Check out the show that made stars of Ricky Gervais and Martin Freeman. And be careful not to misplace your stapler.

In his timeless breakout role, Will Smith plays a lovable teen who grew up roughing it in the streets of West Philadelphia. What happens to that same kid when he’s transported across the country to live in the comforts of Bel-Air? An absolute gem of comedy and heartwarming family dynamic, Fresh Prince is a great choice for a series to revisit and binge in its entirety.

And if you love this show, you must see the Fresh Prince Reunion Special, also on HBO Max. You’re going to cry.

Looking for a mob-style crime drama that you can binge for a full six seasons? You got it. Bunker down for the not-so-nice tale of Tony Soprano, his wife Carmela, and his young protégé Christopher Moltisanti. It’s funny, moving, violent, and written like a Shakespearean tragedy. The cast and writing are galaxy-level great. We’re askin’ you once to watch it nicely. Just don’t ask us what the ending means.

Wishing there was more Seinfeld in this world? Curb Your Enthusiasm is your best bet. Seinfeld creator Larry David stars in this often-improvisatory parallel universe where everything seems to go wrong in the best of ways. HBO Max has 10 full seasons, so you’re in for a delightful, silly ride.

This nail-biting miniseries reenacts the true story of the Chernobyl nuclear meltdown. But it’s not just about one horrible event. It’s an amazing character study of what happens when a nation turns its back on its people, and the courage it takes to stand up against overwhelming odds. This modern masterpiece was nominated for 19 Emmy Awards and took home 10. You’ll be hooked from the first scenes and you can binge the whole miniseries in a weekend.

Succession handlar om maktspelen, politiken och familjebanden kring en åldrande, rik mediemogul och hans fyra barn.

Familjen Fisher driver begravningsbyrån Fisher and Sons Funeral Home i Pasadena, Kalifornien och äldste sonen Nate har rest från Seattle hem till Kalifornien för att fira jul. Under flygresan träffar han en kvinna vid namn Brenda och de båda har sex direkt efter att de anlänt till flygplatsen. Under akten ringer yngste brodern David och meddelar att deras dominante far Nathaniel blivit påkörd av en buss under färden i firmans nyinköpta begravningsbil och omkommit. David ringer även till dottern i familjen, Claire, som sekunderna innan samtalet rökt crystal meth och drabbas av tyngden i samtalet mitt under ruset. Modern Ruth verkar på ytan samlad men allteftersom dödsbeskedet om hennes man blir verkligt, drabbas hon av enorma skuldkänslor och hon erkänner för sönerna att hon varit honom otrogen den sista tiden.

Under en tid av plundring och girighet lockar det största guldfyndet i USA:s historia en samling missanpassade personer till en laglös bosättning där allt - och alla, har ett pris. Nybyggarna, som består av allt från en före detta lagman och en beräknande saloonägare till självaste Wild Bill Hickock och Calamity Jane, är alla rastlösa själar som kämpar för sin överlevnad med alla medel som står till buds.

I den här mörka komediserien får en deprimerad lönnmördare ett uppsving i karriären när han upptäcker en förtrollande värld på en teaterskola i Los Angeles. Men det är inte så lätt att lämna en brottslig bana bakom sig.