HBO Max launch in late May, and although I’m behind the trend on streaming services, I knew this was one I was going to have to jump on. But then, I got the GREAT news that I already had access because I subscribe to HBO.
But since its launch, I’ve been using it to watch “Friends” for the first time, as it’s now the only streaming service that has it. Last year, I was renting “Friends” on DVD from the library.
Now that I’m already into season 10 — the last season — I’m looking for other shows to binge. So, I did a little bit of digging over the weekend and decided to make a list for myself and for anyone else looking for something to watch.
Below is a list of series on HBO Max — some new, some old — but I’ve got nothing but time, so… let’s go:
HBO Originals
I’ll Be Gone in the Dark | Crime
I’m watching this now (I just have one episode left) and it’s a 6-part docuseries focused on author Michelle McNamara and her quest to find the Golden State Killer, and her book “I’ll Be Gone in the Dark”. I read the book a few years ago (my review here) and it is the most terrifying thing I’ve ever read and the series nearly matches how haunting it is.
I May Destroy You | Comedy-Drama
I’ve seen so many previews for this, but hesitated watching it for fear of sexual assault triggers. However, everyone is saying it’s so good! Here’s the scoop: Set in London, where gratification is only an app away, the story centers on Arabella, a carefree, self-assured Londoner with a group of great friends, a boyfriend in Italy, and a burgeoning writing career. But when her drink is spiked, she must question and rebuild every element of her life.
Foodie Love | drama
I’d never heard of this until I was searching for shows, but it sounds so good: Two thirtysomethings who met on a foodie mobile dating app embark on a gastronomic journey, learning about each other through the mediums of jamon, ramen and fine dining from around the world. Yet insecurities and doubts fueled by the scars of their previous relationships may prevent them from tasting true love.
Love Life | Romantic comedy
This is an HBO Max Original and people have been raving about it: This romantic comedy series tracks Darby Carter across her twenties as she navigates work and romance in New York City, often with the insecurities of youth bubbling to the surface.
Search Party | dark comedy
I feel like I’ve just recently seen previews for the newest season of this, but never knew what it was. Here’s the scoop: The disappearance of former college acquaintance Chantal leads several 20-somethings to get entangled in the mystery of how she went missing. Leading the search party is Dory, a lifelong doormat who works as a rich housewife’s assistant. Dory makes it her personal mission to find Chantal and she’s bringing her friends into the investigation with her. Self-diagnosed narcissist Elliott, who puts his ego aside to help Dory, is particularly good at detective work. Bubbly actress Portia excels at chatting up suspects for information because of her desperate need to be in the spotlight. Sheltered Drew has to grow a spine to help solve the mystery and save his deteriorating relationship with Dory. Dory’s ex-boyfriend Julian seeks the truth because of his background as a journalist.
Vice Principals | comedy
I watched the first season of this show while it was airing and it is hilarious! However, I didn’t even know there was a second season! It follows two vice principals who are trying to take the principal down… it’s laugh-out-loud funny.
The Righteous Gemstones | Comedy
I’ve heard so many great things about this series and I’m disappointed in myself for ignoring it this long given my love for Adam Devine. This comedy series tells the story of a world-famous televangelist family with a long tradition of deviance, greed and charitable work. John Goodman, Danny McBride, Edi Patterson, Adam Devine, Cassidy Freeman, Tony Cavalero, Tim Baltz and Greg Alan Williams star.
We’re Here | Reality
I devoured this show and I’m SO happy they’ve signed on for a second season. This show follows three drag queens: Shangela, Bob the Drag Queen, and Eureka as they visit small, conservative towns and invite locals to participate in a drag show. Locals’ stories get told and it’s emotional, but fabulous. I absolutely LOVE Shangela.
The Boondocks | Comedy
This isn’t an HBO Original, as it debuted on Cartoon Network, but HBO Max is rebooting it with two new seasons, sooo… I’m not usually big on cartoons, but this one sounds good. The Boondocks is an American adult animated sitcom based on the comic strip of the same name. The show begins with a black family, the Freemans, settling into the fictional, friendly and overall white suburb of Woodcrest.
2 Dope Queens | Comedy
I loved listening to “2 Dope Queens” the podcast, so when HBO announced a show — a series of comedy specials — I was in. 2 Dope Queens features Phoebe Robinson and Jessica Williams and it’s very funny. I actually just finished reading Robinson’s second book!
Girls | Drama
I had to include this — I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. I loved, loved, loved this show though. Yes, it’s about privileged white girls in the city, but there’s some funny parts and some relatable parts… and there’s Adam Driver.
Insecure | Drama-Comedy
Nominated for 8 Emmy Awards! I’m proud to say I’ve watched and loved this show from day one, episode one, and if you haven’t started watching it, I double-dog dare you. It’s some of the smartest TV writing I’ve ever seen, with beautiful scenes of LA and Inglewood, not to mention witty cultural references and the best soundtrack you’ve EVER heard.
Sex and the City | Drama
Can’t leave this one out! I used to love this show… I have since developed triggers that keep me from watching it, but if you haven’t seen it, it’s a pop culture moment that’s worth your time. At the very least, there’s fabulous fashion and lots of New York landmarks.
Veep | Political Comedy
Ugh, I’m embarrassed to say I haven’t watched this yet. The good news is, I can binge it! Julia Louis-Dreyfus is the Vice President of the United States in this hilarious HBO comedy series. Each episode follows her whirlwind day-to-day existence as she puts out political fires, juggles public and private demands and defends the interests of the chief executive–with whom she shares a uniquely dysfunctional relationship.
Autopsy | Crime
This one looks SO good — love a good crime solving show. Autopsy is a television series of HBO’s America Undercover documentary series. Dr. Michael Baden, a real-life forensic pathologist, is the primary analyst, and has been personally involved in many of the cases that are reviewed.
The Case Against Adnan Syed | Crime
Fans of the Serial podcast have been following Adnan Syed’s case for years, and this series adds a little more information. It’s very good, but also heartbreaking, depending on what you believe. The Case Against Adnan Syed explores the 1999 disappearance and murder of 18-year-old Baltimore County high school student Hae Min Lee, and the subsequent conviction of her ex-boyfriend, Adnan Syed — a case brought to global attention by the hugely popular Serial podcast.
McMillion$ | Crime
I devoured this as the episodes came out — it’s informative, but funny, and it almost seems too dramatic to be true. From Executive Producer Mark Wahlberg, the HBO documentary series McMillion$ takes a look into the con that allowed one man to rig the results of McDonald’s popular Monopoly game for an entire decade.
True Detective | Crime
I didn’t have HBO when this came out, but I remember how much buzz I heard around it. Touch darkness and darkness touches you back. From creator/executive producer Nic Pizzolatto comes this searing series of troubled cops and the investigations that drive them to the edge. Each season features a new cast and a new case.
The Newsroom | Drama
I wish there were more seasons of this show! But, there’s 3… so if you haven’t watched it, you get a small binge. I watched this a few years ago and while it’s a bit slow to start, the payoff is worth it, especially if you’re a news junkie.
Legendary | Reality
This is an HBO Max Original and I’m excited to start watching! Legendary is a voguing reality competition web series, exploring the world of ball culture. The series follows mainly Black and Latino LGBTQ house members—predominantly from eight houses—as they navigate through nine balls, with US$100,000 prize for the winning house.
Lipstick empire | Reality
As a makeup junkie, this looks good: Follow Lora Arellano and Dana Bomar, co-founders and CEOs of Melt Cosmetics, as they conquer the beauty industry. As the owners and faces of Melt, the two fierce makeup moguls tell their story that began behind a makeup counter and has blossomed to be one of the biggest independent makeup brands. The fast-paced, fans-first business keeps the co-CEOs busy balancing friendship, life and the highly competitive beauty industry.
Classics
Friends | Comedy
Like I said earlier, I’m watching this series for the first time and am already on season 10. I don’t want it to end!
The OC | Drama
I watched this for the first time a few years ago, and it’s a goodie. I don’t think I would have enjoyed it as much if I’d watched it on TV when it originally aired.
Katy Keene | Drama
I really liked this show and I’m sad it won’t be returning for a second season. The show follows four roommates in New York as they work in fashion and entertainment… it’s very “Gossip Girl” but they’re on their own.
Whose Line is it Anyway | Comedy
A classic, but we could all use some more laughter right now…
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