The Best Max Original Shows To Stream Right Now
There are so many streaming services out there, but one streaming service that I love has a great selection of amazing original TV series, and that is Max, formerly known as HBO Max.
From shows about cooking to The Flight Attendant, Max has been coming out with all sorts of shows that people of all ages will enjoy, with some even appearing on the 2024 TV premiere schedule, all of which you can access with a Max subscription. If you’re looking for your next show to binge, check out these great Max original shows.
The Flight Attendant
The Flight Attendant stars Kaley Cuoco as a reckless flight attendant who has an alcohol problem and ends up waking up next to her dead one night stand. Now, she has to retrace her steps to try and find the person responsible – wondering if somehow, she could be the killer.
First off, Kaley Cuoco is fantastic in this series. While I know she’s beloved for her comedic skills on The Big Bang Theory, she genuinely shines in The Flight Attendant and shows off her ability to act in dramatic ways as well. Secondly, the murder mystery of this show really captures you and draws you in like no other. It’s such a classic find-the-real-killer premise, and one that The Flight Attendant does well. Season 2 of the show came out in 2022, and there aren’t any more plans for another season, so be sure to check out both of them on the platform.
Stream The Flight Attendant on Max.
Peacemaker
He’s here to make peace…by breaking some heads. Peacemaker, a spinoff of the popular 2021 film, The Suicide Squad, follows the titular character after he recovers from his injuries from the movie. Now, he joins a black ops squad called A.R.G.U.S., a team with a mission to eliminate parasitic butterfly-like creatures and to stop them from taking over the bodies of humans.
Peacemaker is so silly, I can’t even put it into words, but in the best way. John Cena is great as a leading man, and him playing the titular character works wonders, to the point where you know there isn’t another actor out there that could play this character better. And now with Season 2 already ordered, it’s only a matter of time before we get to see him again, and all the incredible references once more.
The Staircase
Do you want a drama miniseries? The Staircase has you covered. Tragedy strikes a North Carolina family when the wife of Michael Peterson dies, but her death is surrounded by a veil of mystery, and as time goes on, more and more conspiracy theories begin to arise that make her passing all the more suspicious.
I loved this miniseries. There are so many out there but this was truly one of the best I have ever seen. The Staircase cast all act amazingly, and from the moment the first episode begins, you will be hooked and on the edge of your seat. The two leads, Toni Collette and Colin Firth, were both nominated for Primetime Emmys, so you know it’s good.
And Just Like That…
If you happen to be a fan of Sex and the City and/or Darren Star TV shows, then this is the show for you. And Just Like That… is the latest show from the hitmaking machine that brought you the series adaptation of Sex and the City. The Max original is a sequel series to the popular comedy, featuring the Sex and the City cast in the next chapter of their characters’ lives in New York City. This time, it follows them in their fifties, as they navigate their lives, friendships and relationship drama..
While I personally feel that the original series is still the best out of all the sequels and spinoffs this franchise has had, And Just Like That… is a good addition to that and brings back a lot of the familiar beats that fans tend to love. With two full seasons to stream and a third season on on the way, it’s time for you to step into the world of Carrie Bradshaw.
Stream And Just Like That… on Max.
Hacks
In this comedy series, Hacks tells the story of a legendary Las Vegas comedian, Deborah Vance, who has to team up with Ava, a Gen Z comedy writer who has been canceled over an insensitive tweet. The two are reluctant to work together, but must, so that Vance can freshen up her material and keep her job.
Let me just say that Jean Smart in Hacks is wonderful and her comedic timing is excellent. Plus, the chemistry that blossoms between her and Hanna Einbinder, who plays Ava, makes this show so enjoyable to watch. The generational difference between the two characters only adds to this comedy and makes it watchable for anyone. It’s seriously one of the best comedy shows in such a long timeThere are three full seasons to watch, with a fourth ordered.
Love & Death
How far would you go to protect yourself and the ones you love? Love & Death is the latest miniseries from Max to tell a true story, this time following Candy Montgomery. Her decision to have an affair leads to the murder of a close friend – and a court case that Texas will never forget.
Elizabeth Olsen stars as Candy in the show and does an excellent job, but the whole entire Love & Death cast is jam-packed with talent that keeps your eyes glued to the screen for the entire length of the miniseries. With seven episodes to watch, Love & Death is the perfect show to watch in an afternoon to fuel your true crime obsession even more.
Adventure Time: Fionna And Cake
If you’re like me and you grew up watching Adventure Time back in middle and high school, then this series is the one for you. Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake is an adult animated series that is based on the Adventure Time series, and is made for adults this time around. Fionna and Cake are two different versions of Finn and Jake the Dog from the original series, and this show follows the adventures of these two long-life companions.
I just love this show. I don’t know what it is. I’ll even be honest and say that while I did love Adventure Time growing up, I almost love this show more. It’s almost like the comedy aged with the audience and now, we’re just going on more adventures with characters that feel similar but are also so different – which is what makes this series that much more fun. The series was renewed for a Season 2, so you better check out the first season now.
Stream Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake on Max.
Harley Quinn
While the dark comedy animated series was originally on DC Universe, it later moved over to Max and has been an original with Season 3 onwards. Harley Quinn is an animated series (for adults) all about Harley Quinn, the legendary partner to the Joker, but this time, she’s doing her own thing and taking names with her own crew of evil, as well as her best friend, Poison Ivy.
The show itself is honestly one of the best pieces of DC television media, and features not only the excellent voice talents of Kaley Cuoco, but some awesome relationships and fun action sequences. You’ll also fall in love with Harley and Ivy. That’s all I’ll say without spoiling anything. Also, this show is not for kids, so keep them far away from there. But enjoy this yourself, because thankfully it survived all of the show cuts on Max and is getting a Season 5.
Doom Patrol
Did ya like Peacemaker? Do you want another dark DC television show? Then Doom Patrol is the one for you. Originally beginning on DC Network before moving over to Max (when it was HBO Max), Doom Patrol follows the heroes that make up the titular group, all of which obtained their powers in seemingly tragic ways, and the adventures that they travel on.
The show itself is so much fun, and in an age where there is almost an oversaturation of superhero shows to watch, Doom Control separates itself just enough with its dark comedy mixed in with some aspects of science fiction. With four complete seasons, this show is a great one to binge in a weekend.
Selena + Restaurant
When Selena + Chef premiered, people loved watching superstar Selena Gomez cook in her kitchen with famous chefs during both COVID and after. Now, Selena is stepping out of the house in Selena + Restaurant. She travels to places owned by famous chefs, learning their recipes, and presenting her own ideas that could be featured on a menu for people to enjoy.
As someone who truly loved Selena + Chef, watching her in this show is so adorable and I love every second of it. It’s almost like she’s evolved up in the world of cooking like I have over the last few years, and to see her passion for food and everything else just makes me love her more. Gomez is a great host, and you can’t deny that by the end of each episode, you’ll be feeling hungry for more. Technically the series is a Food Network show, but since it streams on Max at the same time, I’m totally putting it here.
Stream Selena + Restaurant on Max.
The Sex Lives Of College Girls
Shows and movies that take place in college are always fun, and The Sex Lives Of College Girls is a great example of that. Following four friends who are going to college for the first time, we follow them as they learn to grow up and become sexually active young women, alongside the trials and tribulations that modern-day universities can bring.
I personally love this show. As someone who is decently fresh out of college (2020), I can relate to many of the instances or issues that these girls go through, from personal relationships to professor problems to so much more. Plus, The Sex Lives of College Girls cast is so talented, their vibes together are immaculate. You really believe that they’re legit close friends who went to college together. You have to give it a shot if you’re looking for a fun comedy. With two seasons to watch, and a third on the way, it’s such a fun time.
Stream The Sex Lives of College Girls on Max.
Bookie
Starring Sebastian Maniscalco, Bookie is the comedy series that you’ve been waiting for, and it’s right here on Max. Created by Chuck Lorre (the same guy behind Two and a Half Men, The Big Bang Theory, Mom, and Young Sheldon), Bookie is about a bookie, someone who facilitates gambling, and how he survives in a world where sports gambling is now legal in Los Angeles.
This series is so much fun, and there’s already a second season in the works. The cast all has great chemistry, but I have to say – the best part about this series is that Charlie Sheen pops up, and he and Lorre often make great TV together. Unsurprisingly, Bookie is a great comedy series and one that I’m sure we’ll be around for a while.
Station Eleven
While this is a limited series and not an ongoing TV show, Station Eleven is a brilliant piece of media to watch. In this original, we are in a world that is recovering from a deadly flu that has killed much of the human population. The survivors twenty years later have to struggle to rebuild the world from the ground up, and somehow find hope in a world of darkness.
Let me just say that this show is so stunning. The cinematography alone from just the trailer drew me in, but what really keeps you coming back to this limited series are the relationships that are built with these characters. They are at the end of their rope and trying to make a new world, and it’s all about trying to stick together despite the worst happening, no matter what humanity has to throw at them.
Julia
This show feels a little underappreciated and I am here to give it the loving that it deserves. In Julia, starring Sarah Lancashire as the titular chef, Julia Child, we follow the legendary lady as she makes waves in not only the cooking world, but the television world as well, showing just how iconic and influential she was in both industries, and her rise to fame.
As I said before, I have a passion for cooking, which is what initially drove me to watch this show, because I love the story of Julia Child. But you don’t need to have a passion for cooking to like this series. There’s so much to love, from the setting to the background, to even just the main character, Julia. She has so much perseverance that she makes me want to be a better person and strive for more. It makes me excited about cooking again - and I love that.
Full Circle
If you’re looking for a great miniseries again, then Full Circle is a good one. Starring Zazie Beetz, Claire Danes, Dennis Quaid and more, Full Circle tells the story of how an investigation into a botched kidnapping gives more questions than answers, showing that in New York City, people that seemingly would never have a connection to each other are very much connected – i.e., a full circle.
I’d like to say that Full Circle is certainly one of those shows that has gone under the radar. Max has so many great series that sometimes, it might be hard to keep track of how many great ones are truly there, but I think Full Circle is one you could binge in just a day, and have a great time doing it.
Clone High
Last but not least, we have Clone High. While the first two seasons originally premiered back in the early 2000s, the show was brought back in 2024. The series takes place at a high school, where there are famous clones of historical figures who all go there at the same time – just as teenagers, such as JFK, Cleopatra and more.
I have to say that as someone who only just got into Clone High, I’m astounded that it took this long to bring it back. This show is funny and has some great voice acting, and the concept itself is incredibly original in comparison to many other comedy series’ nowadays. Plus, you have actors like Will Forte, Ayo Edebiri and more as part of the main cast.
At least now you have an idea of some of the awesome shows Max has to offer so far - and hopefully, we’ll get to add on even more in the future.
