Best shows on HBO Max: essential series to watch

Introduction

Choosing what to watch on streaming services can be daunting. The best shows on HBO Max attract attention because they span genres, influence television culture and often appear on critics’ and viewers’ curated lists. Recent rankings from IMDb, a January 2026 roundup and community recommendations on Reddit help viewers navigate the platform’s strongest offerings.

Main body

IMDb’s standout series

IMDb’s list of “40 best series on HBO Max” highlights several long-established favourites. Leading that list are The Wire and Game of Thrones, followed by Oz, The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, Rome, Deadwood and Band of Brothers. These titles illustrate HBO’s emphasis on complex drama, historical storytelling and ensemble casts.

January 2026 roundup

A January 2026 compilation titled “The 48 Best Shows on HBO Max Right Now” expands the scope with a mix of prestige and variety. The list includes entries such as A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, The Pitt, Industry, Heated Rivalry, Mad Men and I Love (as noted in the source extract). This selection demonstrates that recent roundups combine classic HBO staples with other acclaimed series available on the platform.

Community recommendations

On Reddit, HBO Max viewers often repeat certain recommendations. A thread summarises community sentiment by naming The Sopranos, The Wire and Six Feet Under as “an absolute must.” The same conversation notes that some excellent series receive less frequent mention, suggesting there are worthwhile, perhaps underappreciated, options beyond the most cited titles.

What this means for viewers

Across lists and community threads, overlap around shows such as The Wire and The Sopranos indicates consensus choices for newcomers. Meanwhile, broader roundups and forums point viewers toward both celebrated classics and less prominent but highly rated series, encouraging exploration across genres and eras.

Conclusion

For viewers deciding what to watch next, these lists provide a useful starting point. IMDb’s ranking and the January 2026 roundup together highlight enduring favourites and diverse options, while Reddit recommendations reflect strong community endorsements. Whether you favour crime drama, historical epics or workplace realism, the best shows on HBO Max — as identified by critics and audiences — offer varied entry points. Expect these curated lists to evolve as new series gain attention and as viewers continue to debate and recommend titles on public forums.