If there’s one network that continues to set the gold standard in television, it’s HBO. Known for its masterful storytelling, top-tier production, and unforgettable characters, HBO remains a juggernaut in the ever-evolving world of streaming. Now, with HBO Max consolidating its expansive library under one platform, fans have access to an even more compelling lineup of binge-worthy series and films. Whether you’re drawn to edgy comedies, gritty dramas, or post-apocalyptic thrillers, HBO Max is delivering something for every kind of viewer in 2025.
This year, HBO originals and HBO Max exclusives are dominating the cultural conversation like never before. Thanks to a mix of returning favorites and buzz-worthy debuts, 2025 is already shaping up to be a banner year for the platform. From zombie thrillers and sharp-witted comedies to sweeping historical sagas, here are 10 HBO and HBO Max shows you’ll want to start watching right now.
Here are 10 HBO and Max shows taking over in 2025…
#1. The Last of Us (Season 2)
HBO’s critically acclaimed drama The Last of Us returns with a heart-wrenching, action-packed second season that dives even deeper into its postapocalyptic world. Inspired by the beloved video game sequel, this chapter follows Ellie as she navigates the trials of coming of age in a shattered America, with Joel, her mentor and protector, never far from her side. New cast additions like Isabela Merced, Catherine O’Hara, and Kaitlyn Dever bring fresh energy and emotional depth to an already stellar ensemble. Bold, brutal, and beautifully told, The Last of Us continues to redefine genre storytelling, cementing its place as one of the must-watch HBO Max series of 2025.
#2. Hacks (Season 4)
Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder are back in Hacks, the razor-sharp comedy-drama that brilliantly captures the chaos of stand-up and the tension of a cross-generational creative duo. In Season 4, Deborah and Ava find themselves navigating a fractured partnership while working to launch Deborah’s much-anticipated new special. Packed with the show’s signature blend of biting humor and unexpected emotional depth, Hacks continues to shine as one of HBO Max’s standout series in 2025. And with surprise cameos from comedy legends like Jimmy Kimmel and Carol Burnett, this season delivers more laughs—and more heart—than ever.
#3. The Pitt
One of the most buzzed-about new HBO shows of 2025, The Pitt delivers high-stakes drama with every heartbeat. Created by the team behind ER, this real-time medical thriller unfolds over the course of a single, grueling hospital shift. The result? A gripping, edge-of-your-seat look at the chaos, urgency, and raw humanity of emergency medicine. Led by ER alum Noah Wyle, The Pitt balances pulse-pounding tension with deeply personal storytelling. In short, it’s one of the most addictive new series streaming on HBO Max this year.
#4. The White Lotus (Season 3)
The darkly satirical The White Lotus is back. This time with a new setting (Thailand) and, of course, another mysterious death. As always, a fresh batch of entitled tourists crosses paths with a cunning hotel staff, setting the stage for chaos. Mike White’s signature blend of social critique and absurd drama is sharper than ever. With fan-favorite Belinda returning, plus plotlines involving a daring heist and a high-society scandal, it’s no surprise this HBO staple remains one of the most buzzed-about shows of 2025.
#5. The Gilded Age (Season 3)
“The Gilded Age” Season 3 will premiere this June on HBO and Max. Here’s your first look. pic.twitter.com/cBPnDp7hJy
— Variety (@Variety) April 16, 2025
Julian Fellowes’ opulent period drama The Gilded Age returns with even more ambition, elegance, and intrigue. Set against the backdrop of 1880s New York, the series once again pits old money against new, as Bertha Russell doubles down on her quest for social supremacy. Between the lavish sets, razor-sharp dialogue, and powerhouse performances from Carrie Coon and Christine Baranski, The Gilded Age firmly secures its place as one of HBO Max’s standout shows of 2025.
#6. The Staircase
Based on the real-life case that captivated global headlines, The Staircase is a true-crime drama that only gets more unsettling as it unfolds. Colin Firth delivers a chilling portrayal of Michael Peterson, the husband accused of murder, while Juliette Binoche and Parker Posey add emotional complexity to an already tangled narrative. At once a courtroom thriller and a psychological study, the series dives deep into themes of media, justice, and the ambiguity of truth. No surprise—it’s one of the most haunting HBO Max watches of 2025.
#7. House of the Dragon (Season 2 Recap)
Though Season 3 isn’t arriving until 2026, the buzz surrounding House of the Dragon shows no signs of slowing. As the Game of Thrones prequel, it has reignited fans’ love for political scheming, fiery betrayals, and, of course, dragons. Season 2 delivered on all fronts, with shocking twists and devastating turns that left viewers reeling. So now’s the perfect time to revisit Westeros, rewatch your favorite moments, and prepare for the storm that’s surely coming. Few shows keep the stakes this high, and House of the Dragon remains one of HBO’s crown jewels.
#8. Curb Your Enthusiasm (Final Season)
Although Curb Your Enthusiasm officially wrapped in 2024, Larry David’s comedy masterpiece is far from forgotten. In fact, its cultural relevance has only deepened. Now streaming in full on HBO Max, the series continues to delight old fans and attract new ones with its razor-sharp wit and brilliantly awkward moments. With 12 seasons of gloriously uncomfortable comedy, Curb remains one of HBO’s most iconic—and endlessly rewatchable—triumphs.
#9. Sex and the City
Few shows have left a mark quite like Sex and the City. While its sequel series, And Just Like That, keeps the story going, the original remains a cultural touchstone—bold, stylish, and endlessly quotable. Now streaming in full on HBO Max, it’s the perfect time to revisit the fashion, friendships, and fearless storytelling that made it iconic. Even in 2025, its influence is still felt across HBO Max’s most daring and character-driven programming.
#10. Harley Quinn (Season 5)
Rounding out our list is the animated gem Harley Quinn, a wild ride through Gotham that’s as raunchy as it is revolutionary. This R-rated superhero satire takes no prisoners with its sharp humor, over-the-top action, and unapologetic irreverence. Kaley Cuoco delivers a standout performance as Harley, leading an all-star cast of villains and antiheroes on a thrilling, chaotic adventure. With its bold, rebellious spirit, Harley Quinn stands out as one of HBO Max’s most refreshingly original shows in 2025.
Featured image: @FilmUpdates/X
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