Available Seasons: 2 | Cast: Rhys Darby (Stede Bonnet), Taika Waititi (Edward Teach), Ewen Bremner (Nathaniel Buttons), Con O'Neill (Izzy Hands), Joel Fry (Frenchie)

Created by David Jenkins and executive produced by the unimitable Taika Waititi comes Our Flag Means Death, Max's outrageously funny 18th-century pirate comedy series. In it, Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby) is a wealthy man living in Barbados who gets bored with his everyday life and up and decides to become a pirate. With his ragtag crew, Bonnet sets sail on the Revenge and has a wild string of misadventures, including a run-in with the infamous pirate Edward Teach, aka Blackbeard (Taika Waititi). By its premise, Our Flag Meets Death sounds like total escapist fun, and it is, but the show has also been widely praised for its array of LGBTQ+ representation, as Our Flag Means Death features three gay romantic relationships. Comedy lovers will want to set sail with Our Flag Means Death before season 2 drops on October 5.

Available Seasons: 6 | Cast: Sarah Jessica Parker (Carrie Bradshaw), Kim Cattral (Samantha Jones), Kristin Davis (Charlotte York), Cynthia Nixon (Miranda Hobbes)

Sex and the City is one of Max’s most iconic and timeless shows, creating an enduring legacy that can be felt decades on from its release. Featuring an all-female lead cast, the show chronicles the lives of four New Yorkers - Carrie Bradshaw portrayed by Sarah Jessica Parker, Samantha Jones portrayed by Kim Cattrall, Charlotte York portrayed by Kristin Davis, and Miranda Hobbes portrayed by Cynthia Nixon – as they negotiate their lives across the city trying to find a partner. The show is credited with helping the network gain tremendous viewership and popularity, as well as spawning a slew of lesser imitators.

Available Seasons: 3 | Cast: Danny McBride (Jesse Gemstone), John Goodman (Eli Gemstone), Adam DeVine (Kelvin Gemstone), Edi Patterson (Judy Gemstone)

Dysfunctional families are the stuff that TV comedy dreams are made of, and The Righteous Gemstones doesn't disappoint. It centers on the titular Gemstone clan, a family of televangelists led by patriarch Eli Gemstone (John Goodman), the lead pastor of the Gemstone Salvation Center, a megachurch in Charleston, South Carolina. This is Danny McBride's third series for HBO, after Eastbound & Down and Vice Principals, and it's quite possibly his best. He's in top form playing his typical loudmouth, profane characters, and the contrast between Jesse's personality and his job as an associate pastor is a big reason why The Righteous Gemstones is so hilarious.

Available Seasons: 1 | Cast: Maisie Williams (Kim Noakes), Sian Clifford (Tina Noakes), Taheen Modak (Jay)

A darkly comic coming-of-age comedy-drama, Two Weeks To Live has a somewhat sinister premise that frequently leads to hilarious results. The show stars Game of Thrones favorite Maisie Williams as Kim Noakes. Kim is raised off-the-grid by her mother (Sian Clifford) in rural Scotland to believe that the end of the world is near. When Kim leaves her protective bubble, she becomes the victim of a prank that leaves her believing the apocalypse is nigh. Williams and Clifford both received praise for their performances, while the show as a whole won plaudits for its seamless blend of genres.

Available Seasons: 4 | Cast: Bill Hader (Barry Berkman), Stephen Root (Monroe Fuches), Henry Winkler (Gene Cousineau), Sarah Goldberg (Sally Reid), Anthony Carrigan (NoHo Hank)

Perhaps the darkest comedy series on Max, Barry may seem like it has a fun premise — an unhappy hitman accidentally joins an acting class and wants to give up his profession to try and make it as a Hollywood star — but it's really a haunting meditation on past trauma and finding one's purpose in life. However, that doesn't mean there aren't laughs to be had, particularly from pompous acting coach Gene Cousineau (Henry Winkler) and bubbly mobster NoHo Hank (Anthony Carrigan). But Bill Hader, who also co-created the show with Alec Berg, is the true standout as the titular anti-hero, and he's won two Emmys for his work. For those who like their comedy with a side of existential dread, Barry is their best bet.

Available Seasons: 1 | Cast: Sarah Lancashire (Julia Child), David Hyde Pierce (Paul Child)

Following in the footsteps of the hit 2009 movie Julie & Julia, Julia is a love letter to the legacy of iconic TV chef Julia Child. The show features Happy Valley's Sarah Lancashire as Child, the woman credited with popularizing the modern cooking show format. The series light-heartedly chronicles her rise to stardom with her show The French Chef, with David Hyde Pierce starring as her loving and supportive husband. Julia boasts an impressive 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, further highlighting its credentials.

Available Seasons: 11 | Cast: Larry David (Larry David), Jeff Garlin (Jeff Greene), Susie Essman (Susie Greene), Cheryl Hines (Cheryl David), J. B. Smoove (Leon Black)

From the show about nothing to a show about his life, Curb Your Enthusiasm sees Seinfeld co-creator Larry David play a semi-fictionalized version of himself. Peak cringe comedy, each episode inevitably sees Larry get himself into a social conflict, often sprung from either his flouting or ignorance of social conventions. David is hilarious, but he's bolstered by a deeply talented supporting cast, with the profane Susie (Susie Greene) and the blunt yet mellow Leon (J. B. Smoove) two particular standouts who always deliver the laughs. With over 20 awards to its name and all 11 seasons to stream on Max, Curb Your Enthusiasm makes for a pretty, pretty, pretty good bingewatch.

Available Seasons: 3 | Cast: Sarah Jessica Parker (Frances Dufresne), Thomas Haden Church (Robert Dufresne), Molly Shannon (Diane), Talia Balsam (Dallas Holt), Tracy Letts (Nick)

Sarah Jessica Parker's famous HBO show Sex and the City is all about finding love, but Divorce is about losing it. Parker plays Frances Dufresne, an upper-middle-class woman bored in her marriage to Robert (Thomas Haden Church). When Frances gets caught having an affair, she and Robert begin the painful, and at times painfully hilarious, divorce process. For a premise that could have easily seen its characters devolving into sitcom caricatures, Parker and Church keep Frances and Robert firmly rooted in reality. Though divorce brings out the worst in both of them, they are still warm, likable protagonists worth rooting for. Parker has long since proven herself a hit-maker on HBO, and Divorce is her underrated gem.

Available Seasons: 1 | Cast: Daisy May Cooper (Costello Jones), Jack Farthing (Selby), Fleur Tashjian (Iris)

A heartfelt black comedy from the UK, Rain Dogs follows a single mother struggling to make ends meet and support her adolescent daughter. Starring Daisy May Cooper in the lead, the unconventional family drama employs dark gallows humor to hilarious effect. The series won critical acclaim and was even recognized as the number-one-rated new show for the first half of 2023 in the United States, according to Metacritic. Despite plenty of established competition, Rain Dogs easily ranks among the best comedy TV shows on Max.

Available Seasons: 1 | Cast: Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Selina Meyer), Anna Chlumsky (Amy Brookheimer), Tony Hale (Gary Walsh)

From the brilliant mind of Armando Iannucci comes the whip-smart political satire Veep. It stars Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Selina Meyer, who is elected Vice President of the United States, and her dependable, hilarious support staff. While Selina's party affiliation is never revealed, Veep offers shrewd commentary and is a brilliant send-up of almost every political trope. Louis-Dreyfus shattered the supposed "Seinfeld curse", winning a staggering six consecutive Emmys for her role, proving that she has and will always be one of the funniest, most talented actors on television, and the show itself is a comedy masterpiece.

Available Seasons: 1 | Cast: Mala Emde (Helene), Salka Weber (Maike), Knut Berger (Günther)

With a rare 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Oh Hell is a cut above the average comedy drama. The German-language series centers around 24-year-old Helene, whose chaotic personal life has left her feeling disillusioned with life and love. However, upon meeting a lovelorn cello teacher, she begins to imagine how she can begin to live again. Deriving its comedy from often excruciating social situations, Oh Hell is instantly relatable, irrespective of whether the audience speaks fluent German.

Available Seasons: 3 | Cast: Drew Tarver (Cary Dubek), Helène York (Brooke Dubek), Molly Shannon (Pat Dubek)

Drew Tarver and Case Walker star in The Other Two, a comedy about two siblings who must grow up in the limelight of their younger sibling’s pop-star fame. Co-created by Chris Kelly and Sarah Schneider, the series' premise sees it take a novel approach to familiar problems like family drama and sibling rivalry. Molly Shannon is hilarious as the lead pair's fame-hungry mother, and the show made the move to Max after season 1 following a successful debut on Comedy Central.

Available Seasons: 2 | Cast: Bridgett Everett (Sam), Jeff Hiller (Joel), Mary Catherine Garrison (Tricia Miller)

Created by Hannah Bos and Paul Thureen, Somebody Somewhere is another roaring comedy success for HBO. The series follows Sam, portrayed by Bridgett Everett, who suffers a midlife crisis following the traumatic and surprising death of her sister. Set in Manhattan, Kansas, the show poignantly deals with loss and identity in a way that is both touching and funny – a difficult balance to strike. With a third season in the works, the pressure is on for the show to continue its 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating from seasons 1 and 2.

Available Seasons: 2 | Cast: Bilal Baig (Sabi Mehboob), Gray Powell (Paul Bauer), Amanda Cordner (7ven)

Sort Of is a hit sitcom revolving around a young non-binary millennial, starring and created by Bilal Baig, who struggles to balance their job as an LGBTQA bartender, caregiver to the children of a family, and their own complicated family life. The show has received extremely positive reviews for representing and addressing subjects pertaining to race, gender, sexuality, and identity while dealing with external forces that demand a person to play specific roles in society. With both seasons boasting 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, Sort Of proves that sticking within established themes and storylines isn't always necessary to make a successful and relevant comedy.

Available Seasons: 2 | Cast: Jared Harris (Valery Legasov), Stellan Skarsgård (Boris Shcherbina), Emily Watson (Ulana Khomyuk), Paul Ritter (Anatoly Dyatlov), Jessie Buckley (Lyudmilla Ignatenko)

From Band of Brothers to John Adams, nobody does a historical miniseries better than HBO, and Chernobyl is another resounding example. The miniseries tells the story of the horrific 1986 Chernobyl power plant disaster from several characters' perspectives, from those who were involved in it to those who dealt with its aftermath. Chernobyl is unsurprisingly a difficult watch and its relentless pacing is unforgiving for the viewer. But this provides an immersive experience that allows the audience to fully grasp the tragedies of the disaster. The miniseries thoroughly deserved its Outstanding Limited Series Emmy win, and it's one of the best dramas on Max.

Available Seasons: 10 | Cast: Jennifer Aniston (Rachel Green), Courteney Cox (Monica Geller), Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe Buffay), David Schwimmer (Ross Geller), Matt LeBlanc (Joey Tribbiani), Matthew Perry (Chandler Bing)

Max adding Friends to its catalog in 2020 was a huge win for the streaming service, as Friends is one of TV's most iconic sitcoms. Even those who have never seen an episode know all the characters and actors' names, as the show about six twenty-somethings living, working, and dating in Manhattan, New York City defined the 1990s. Friends won a whopping 78 awards when it was on the air, including six Primetime Emmys. Whether it's Friends' Thanksgiving episodes, its many famous guest stars, or quotes like "PIVOT!" that are now part of the cultural zeitgeist, fans new and old can enjoy all the magic of Friends on Max.

Available Seasons: 2 | Cast: Quinta Brunson (Janine Teagues), Tyler James Williams (Gregory Eddie), Janelle James (Ava Coleman), Lisa Ann Walter (Melissa Schemmenti), Jacob Hill (Chris Perfetti), Sheryl Lee Ralph (Barbara Howard), William Stanford Davis (Mr. Johnson)

One of the standout shows in the dwindling landscape of network TV, Abbott Elementary airs on ABC and becomes available on Max after each season wraps. The mockumentary workplace sitcom follows Janine Teagues (Quinta Brunson, also the show's creator) and a group of teachers at the titular public school in Philadelphia who try their hardest to educate their students while dealing with severe underfunding. The series has won three Emmys, including an acting award for Sheryl Lee Ralph, and a writing one for Brunson. Much more heartfelt than shows of a similar genre like The Office, Abbott Elementary is a feel-good experience that still manages to educate and inform the viewer about the real-life hardships facing the American public school system.

Available Seasons: 3 | Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Steve Buscemi, Geraldine Viswanathan (Various)

In his post-Harry Potter career, Daniel Radcliffe seems to have made it his mission to pick the most bizarre projects possible, and Miracle Workers proves why that choice is a rousing success. Miracle Workers is an anthology comedy series based on the works of Simon Rich, a humor writer and the show's creator. Radcliffe leads an ensemble of actors including Steve Buscemi and Geraldine Viswanathan through these irreverent quirky stories — season 1 sees God (Buscemi) as the boss of a corporate workplace, season 2 takes place in the Dark Ages, season 3 on the Oregon Trail, and season 4 (not available on Max) in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Miracle Workers' offbeat humor may not be everyone's cup of tea, but the cast is phenomenal, and Radcliffe proves he doesn't need a wand to command the screen.

Available Seasons: 6 | Cast: Ernie Hudson (Leo Glynn), Terry Kinney (Tim McManus), Harold Parrineau (Augustus Hill), Eamonn Walker (Kareem Saïd), Rita Moreno (Sister Peter Marie Reimondo), Kirk Acevedo (Miguel Alvarez), Lee Tergesen (Tobias Beecher), J. K. Simmons (Vernon Schillinger), Dean Winters (Ryan O'Reilly)

HBO is seen as the pinnacle of peak TV, and it all started with Oz, the cable network's first one-hour original drama series. Oz takes place in the Oswald Maximum Security Prison, specifically Emerald City, the prison's experimental unit run by idealist Tim McManus (Terry Kinney). Despite its confined setting, Oz boasts a sprawling ensemble of talented actors who give gripping, intense, and haunting performances. HBO has long since proven it's not afraid to push the envelope, but the disturbing scenes in Oz still pack a punch all these years later. Viewers who can handle Oz's graphic content will have no doubt in their minds of how HBO got its reputation.

Available Seasons: 2 | Cast: Carrie Coon (Bertha Russell), Morgan Spector (George Russell), Louisa Jacobson (Marian Brook), Cynthia Nixon (Ada Brook), Christine Baranski (Agnes van Rhijn)

Julian Fellowes crosses the pond to share the stories of 1880s New York elite with The Gilded Age. The Downton Abbey creator focuses his HBO series on the Upper East Side's rapidly changing high society as the old-money socialite Agnes van Rhijn (Christine Baranski) contends with her Fifth Avenue neighbors, the new-money Russells (Carrie Coon and Morgan Spector). Caught in the middle is Agnes' young niece Martha Brook, who is reliant on Agnes' charity but yearns for her freedom. A Fellowes show through and through, The Gilded Age is full of astonishing period costumes, powerhouse performances, and scandalous storylines that still manage to offer a deep commentary on society.

Available Seasons: 1 | Cast: Damian Lewis (Richard D. Winters), Donnie Wahlberg (C. Carwood Lipton), David Schwimmer (Herbert Sobel), Eion Bailey (David Kenyon Webster), Ron Livingston (Lewis Newton), Kirk Acevedo (Joe Toye)

Created by the Hollywood dream team of Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, Band of Brothers is not only one of HBO's best miniseries but its best shows period. Starring a cast of TV's best actors, from Billions' Damian Lewis to Blue Bloods' Donne Wahlberg, Band of Brothers centers on a group of WW2 paratroopers and their astonishing achievements in the war. The miniseries is a frank and honest depiction of war and all its horrors, but it is neither gratuitous nor romantic and sentimental. Band of Brothers won multiple awards, including Outstanding Miniseries at the Emmys, and there's a reason it's still being talked about over 20 years later.

Available Seasons: 1 | Cast: Woody Harrelson (E. Howard Hunt), Justin Theroux (G. Gordon Liddy)

White House Plumbers makes full use of its excellent cast to hilariously satirize the Watergate scandal, led by Woody Harrelson as E. Howard Hunt and Justin Theroux as G. Gordon Liddy. The witty and slapstick humor helps shed light on how Richard Nixon’s closest allies killed his presidency, telling the story that eschews the typical somber self-seriousness that often defines political scandal. The series sticks surprisingly close to the original narrative, which adds more authenticity alongside the absurdity.

Available Seasons: 4 | Cast: Brian Cox (Logan Roy), Jeremy Strong (Kendall Roy), Keiran Culkin (Roman Roy), Sarah Snook (Siobhan Roy)

Both a pitch-black comedy and touching family drama, Succession has been rightly praised as one of the stand-out TV shows of the past decade. Brian Cox stars as the foul-mouthed patriarch of an empire-owning American family tasked with figuring out how best to secure his legacy once he's gone. Deliciously sweary, with some of the sharpest dialogue ever committed to the small screen, Succession uses real-life inspiration to tell a gripping original story that doesn't let up until its devastating finale.

Available Seasons: 2 | Cast: Jennifer Coolidge (Taya McQuoid), Theo James (Cameron), Aubrey Plaza (Harper), Alexandra Daddario (Rachel Patton)

A satirical swipe at classism and the hollowness of pecuniary wealth, The White Lotus is a truly original addition to Max's roster. The anthology spends each new season at a different branch of the White Lotus hotel – initially in Hawaii, and then in Italy. With some notable exceptions, a different cast of characters comes under the spotlight, creating different stories to explore with each outing. Frequently funny, The White Lotus is also an uncomfortable critique of the things society supposedly values.

Available Seasons: 2 | Cast: John C. Reilly (Jerry Buss), Quincy Isaiah (Magic Johnson), Jason Clarke (Jerry West), Adrien Brody (Pat Riley), Gaby Hoffmann (Claire Rothman), Jason Segel (Paul Westhead), Tracy Letts (Jack McKinney)

Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty offers a dramatized peek behind the curtain of the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team as they achieved massive success in the NBA throughout the 1980s. Season 1 centers on the Lakers' 1979-80 season, Magic Johnson's (Quincy Isaiah) rookie year and Jerry Buss' (John C. Reilly) year owning the team. Winning Time is mired in controversy, as several former players criticized the show for inaccuracies. The show also led to executive producer Adam McKay's famous falling out with Will Ferrell after the actor was passed over to play Buss. While Ferrell would have been great in the role, it's impossible to deny Reilly's brilliance, and Winning Time never advertised itself as a documentary. When taken as the dramatization it's meant to be, the show is a slam dunk.

Available Seasons: 1 | Cast: Amy Adams (Camille Preaker), Patricia Clarkson (Adora Crellin), Chris Messina (Richard Willis), Eliza Scanlen (Amma Crellin)

Anyone who's read thriller writer Gillian Flynn knows why she's a bestselling author, and though HBO miniseries Sharp Objects, based on Flynn's novel of the same name, may not be as well-known as Gone Girl, it's just as twisty and disturbing. Steeped in the Southern Gothic subgenre, Sharp Objects predominantly takes place in Wind Gap, Missouri, the hometown of Camille Preaker, a crime reporter who returns to investigate the murder of two young girls. While there, Camille, who has been self-harming since her youth, must confront her own demons. While most will come to Sharp Objects for the mystery, they'll stay for the psychological drama, as Camille's unfinished business with her mother Adora (Patricia Clarkson) is a horror show nobody can (or will want to) look away from. Adams, Clarkson, and a scene-stealing Eliza Scanlen all give searing performances that will forever burn themselves into the audience's memories.

Available Seasons: 2 | Cast: Matthew Rhys (Perry Mason), Juliet Ryalance (Della Street), Katherin Waterston (Ginny Ames)

Perhaps somewhat surprisingly canceled after two gripping and acclaimed seasons, Perry Mason is an evolution of the long-established legal thriller series. Starring Matthew Rhys in the title role, the show is set in 1930s Los Angeles, allowing the cinematography to evoke a film noir style, while telling a distinctly modern story. Season 1 follows the protagonist's investigation of the murder of a baby boy, featuring stunning performances from John Lithgow, Juliet Rylance, and Shea Wigham. Apart from the stellar performances by the cast, the series also received praise for its brilliantly immersive production design, marking it out as one of the best dramas on Max.

Available Seasons: 7 | Cast: Martin Sheen (Jed Bartlet), John Spencer (Leo McGarry), Rob Lowe (Sam Seaborn), Allison Janney (C.J. Cregg)

One of the shows most responsible for legitimizing TV as an art form equivalent to cinema, The West Wing remains relevant and engaging nearly two decades on from its finale. Starring Martin Sheen as President Jed Bartlett, the show utilizes Aaron Sorkin's signature rapier dialog to full effect, creating some of the most dramatic and nail-biting hall walks in TV history. Hailed throughout its run, The West Wing is augmented by a superb supporting cast and great political storytelling.

Available Seasons: 5 | Cast: Peter Krause (Nate Fisher), Michael C. Hall (David Fisher), Frances Conroy (Ruth Fisher), Lauren Ambrose (Claire Fisher)

Few TV characters have as much experience with death as the Fishers, as the Six Feet Under family owns and operates a funeral home. The show begins with eldest son and family black sheep Nate Fisher (Peter Krause) returning home after the sudden death of his father, Nathaniel Fisher (Richard Jenkins). For the Fishers, death is easy and it's living that's the hard part, as the dysfunctional family members each face their own struggles. Shows about dysfunctional families aren't exactly original, but the unique nature of the Fishers' lives, combined with the fascinating device of having each episode begin with a death, makes Six Feet Under stand out. The show took major storytelling risks which largely paid off, as Six Feet Under was decorated with a slew of awards.

Available Seasons: 3 | Cast: Justin Theroux (Kevin Garvey), Amy Brenneman (Laurie Garvey), Christopher Eccleston (Matt Jamison), Margaret Qualley (Jill Garvey), Chris Zylka (Tom Garvey), Carrie Coon (Nora Durst)

Based on the Tom Perotta novel of the same name, The Leftovers begins three years after the "Sudden Departure", in which 2% of the global population disappeared without a trace. The show focuses on several of the titular "leftovers" in New York who try to continue their lives while the world deals with the fallout from the occurrence. The Leftovers isn't exactly a feel-good watch, but the show has developed a cult following, as audiences who can get past the show's grimness are able to engage with the heavy subject matter and thought-provoking questions. While not an Emmy awards darling, The Leftovers appeared on several TV critics' "best shows of the 2010s" lists.

Available Seasons: 2 | Cast: Billie Piper (Suzie Pickles), Leila Farzad (Naomi Jones), Daniel Ings (Cob Betterton)

Billie Piper delivers a dazzling performance as Suzie Pickles - an actress whose family life comes crashing down after the leaking of some very private photos on I Hate Suzie. The plot of this darkly comic drama examines how celebrity can have devastating consequences, as well as how obsessive popular culture can quickly become toxic. The show can be uncomfortable, gritty, and enlightening, juggling between highs and lows for the central character, producing anxiety and suspense in equal measure.

Available Seasons: 1 | Cast: Pedro Pascal (Joel), Bella Ramsey (Ellie)

One of the most successful videogame-to-screen adaptations ever, The Last of Us rewrote the rulebook on what a live-action version of a game can be. The post-apocalyptic drama stars Pedro Pascal as Joel, a smuggler tasked with aiding Ellie, played by Bella Ramsey, a teenager immune to the pandemic that destroyed humanity. The show was co-created by Craig Mazin, known for Chernobyl, and Neil Druckmann, the original game’s director, and has been credited for its faithful retelling of the original story, as well as its ability to adapt the source material for a different format when necessary. With season 2 on the way, The Last of Us is already established as one of 2023's best TV series.

Available Seasons: 2 | Cast: Zendaya (Ruby Bennett), Maude Apatow (Alexandra Howard), Jacob Elordi (Nate Jacobs), Sydney Sweeney (Cassie Howard)

Controversial and celebrated in equal measure, Euphoria is somewhat notorious for its uncompromising depiction of teenagehood. Starring screen favorites Zendaya, Jacob Elordi, Sydney Sweeney, and numerous other gifted actors delivering exceptional performances, this show is a devastating mixture of gripping drama and heartbreaking tragedy, making for an undeniably compelling watch. Seriously bingeworthy and boasting a fabulous soundtrack, Euphoria has struck a chord with a younger generation of TV viewers.

Available Seasons: 1 | Cast: Matt Smith (Daemon Targaryen), Paddy Considine (Viserys Targaryen), Emm D'Arcy (Rhaenyra Targaryen)

Following the contentious conclusion to the sweeping fantasy drama Game of Thrones, expectations were mixed ahead of House of the Dragon's debut. As it turns out, fans needn't have worried. The prequel, set about 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones, chronicles the power-hungry Targaryen family and the beginning of their decline. Matt Smith, Paddy Considine, and Emma D’Arcy deliver riveting performances, while the series' plot dispenses with Game of Thrones' more controversial elements to tell a streamlined and thrilling story.

Available Seasons: 8 | Cast: Sean Bean (Ned Stark), Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen), Kit Harington (Jon Snow), Maisie Williams (Arya Stark)

One of the most-talked-about fantasy dramas ever made, Game of Thrones was the definitive TV experience for nearly a decade. Attracting huge viewership numbers, the show chronicled the epic struggle for the throne of Westeros between competing factions. Blending action with backstabbing political intrigue, the show's initial strength came from its willingness to kill off anyone and everyone in aid of furthering the story. Despite being marred by a sub-par finale, Game of Thrones remains one of the best TV shows on Max.

Available Seasons: 1 | Cast: Jacob Anderson (Louis de Pointe), Sam Reid (Lestat De Lioncourt), Bailey Bass (Claudia), Eric Bogosian (Daniel Molloy)

The first in Anne Rice's Immortal Universe franchise for AMC, Interview with the Vampire, based on Rice's novel of the same name, centers on vampire Louis de Pointe (Jacob Anderson) sharing his life story, particularly his romance with Lestat De Lioncourt (Sam Reid) to journalist Daniel Molloy (Eric Bogosian). Interview with the Vampire was also famously a 1994 film starring Brad Pitt as Louis and Tom Cruise as Lestat. Though the TV series doesn't pack the same star power, Anderson and Reid make these iconic characters their own. The show has been praised for leaning into the LGBTQ+ elements of the characters, something that is only hinted at in the books, and by making Louis de Point a Black man, Interview with the Vampire adds some much-needed diversity and layering to a typically white genre.

Available Seasons: 5 | Cast: Dominic West (Jimmy McNulty), Idris Elba (Stringer Bell), Michael K. Williams (Omar Little)

Just as The Sopranos redefined Mafia TV shows, The Wire was a fiercely original update to the classic police procedural. Inside of showing the war on drugs from one side of the legal line, the show created a rich tapestry of characters spanning every stage of the process – from hard-boiled detective Jimmy McNulty, to the charming and dangerous drug kingpin Stringer Bell. The Wire probably ranks among the most ambitious shows ever made, with each series switching up the focus to paint a comprehensive portrait of the drugs trade. Led by an incredible ensemble cast, it remains one of the best TV shows ever.

Available Seasons: 3 | Cast: Matthew McConaughey (Rust Cohle), Woody Harrelson (Marty Hart), Colin Farrell (Ray Velcoro)

It is difficult to overstate how compelling and exciting True Detective was during its astonishing debut season in 2014. Nick Pizzolatto's anthology crime drama begins with a demonic tale of abuse and murder set in Louisiana, showcasing two exceptional performances from McConaughey and Harrelson. Subsequent seasons boast equally impressive casts, with the likes of Rachel McAdams, Colin Farrell, and Mehershala Ali all appearing. With True Detective season 4 in the works, the hit series shows no sign of slowing down.

Available Seasons: 6 | Cast: James Gandolfini (Tony Soprano), Edie Falco (Carmella Soprano), Lorraine Braco (Jennifer Melfi), Michael Imperioli (Christopher Moltisanti)

Often hailed as the greatest TV show of all time, The Sopranos helped redefine the modern television landscape. With ambitious storytelling, electric writing, and some of the most iconic performances ever seen on the small screen, it's little wonder the show continues to receive acclaim. The plot revolves around Tony Soprano, portrayed by James Gandolfini - an Italian mobster based out of New Jersey who struggles to balance family life with the pressures of being a crime boss. Influential long after its conclusion, The Sopranos deservedly features on multiple "must-watch" lists of the best television series.

Available Seasons: 4 | Cast: Sandra Oh (Eve Polastri), Jodie Comer (Villanelle)

Based on the Villanelle book series by Luke Jennings, British spy show Killing Eve is equal parts thrilling, hilarious, and steamy. It follows MI6 Agent Eve Polastri (Sandra Oh), who is obsessed with loose cannon assassin Villanelle (Jodie Comer), who in turn develops her own reciprocal obsession with Eve. With showrunner-writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge (of Fleabag fame) and Promising Young Woman's Emerald Fennell at the helm for seasons 1 and 2, respectively, Killing Eve was met with rave reviews. The critical consensus is that the show dipped in quality after that, but the chemistry between Oh and Comer cannot be ignored. Their performances have garnered them several awards nominations, resulting in a Golden Globe for Oh and an Emmy for Comer. Killing Eve is one cat-and-mouse thriller that audiences definitely want to catch.

Available Seasons: 5 | Cast: Anna Torv (Olivia Dunham), John Noble (Walter Bishop), Joshua Jackson (Peter Bishop)

A cult hit whose popularity has only grown with time, Fringe is now recognized as one of the best science fiction shows of the past 20 years. Following FBI agent Olivia Dunham, the show revolves around the existence of a parallel universe and the mysterious effects it can have on the real road. Over five twisted seasons, Fringe laid out a complex and intriguing plot, winning praise from critics and general audiences alike.

Available Seasons: 3 | Cast: Tyler Hoechlin (Kal-El), Elizabeth Tulloch (Lois Lane)

Although the big screen DCEU has had its struggles, DC's TV output has been consistently excellent – and Superman & Lois is no exception. Focusing on a more grounded and mature version of the Man of Steel, the show sees Kal-El and Lois Lane settled into a seemingly secure suburban existence – although predictably, trouble soon disturbs the peace. Praised for its alternate take on the famous character, Superman & Lois stands out in what is an increasingly crowded superhero landscape.

Available Seasons: 4 | Cast: Diane Guerrero (Kay Challis), Brendan Fraser (Robotman), Timothy Dalton (The Chief)

In contrast to the often family-friendly MCU, DC frequently takes greater risks with its small-screen projects. This approach is epitomized by the irreverent and hugely enjoyable Doom Patrol. Reveling in the weirdness of its protagonists, the series follows the titular crime-fighting team as they engage in a number of bizarre adventures – despite being generally shunned by society. Committed performances from the likes of Brendan Fraser help bring the source material to life, making Doom Patrol one of the most original superhero series on television.

Available Seasons: 1 | Cast: John Cena (Peacemaker), Danielle Brooks (Leota Adebayo), Chukwudi Iwuji (Clemson Murn)

Reprising his somewhat surprising breakout role from James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad, John Cena returns for the stand-alone series Peacemaker. Despite his pacifistic pseudonym, Peacemaker is one of the most violent characters in the DCU and rarely misses a chance to pick a fight. Gunn returns as writer and director, providing more of the signature humor and wit that made the character so popular in the 2021 DCEU entry. Alongside Cena, co-star Jennifer Holland also delivers a superb performance, making Peacemaker one of the best sci-fi shows on Max.

Available Seasons: 13 | Cast: David Tennant, Matt Smith, Peter Capaldi, Jodie Whittaker & more (The Doctor)

BBC sci-fi series Doctor Who has been impacting the pop culture landscape since it first premiered in 1963. The show follows the Doctor as they travel across space and time in their TARDIS alongside various companions, and fight off evil threats that threaten humanity. Every time the Doctor is severely harmed, they "regenerate" into a new body, and the character is played by a new actor. Thus far, 13 actors have played the Doctor with the most recent being Jodie Whittaker, the first woman to do so. Doctor Who isn't just full of cool gadgets, effects, and time travel adventures; it offers shrewd social commentary that ultimately makes the show just as thought-provoking as it does entertaining.

Available Seasons: 2 | Cast: Aaron LaPlante (Spear)

A surreal blend of horror, action, and silent movie-making tradition, Gennady Tartakovsky's Primal is one of the most innovative animations of recent years. Following human Spear and his dinosaur companion Fang, the show documents the various threats that abound in a fictitious prehistoric landscape. From other deadly dinosaurs to giant vampiric bats, Primal uses artfully brutal violence and minimal dialogue to tell a visual sumptuous story.

Available Seasons: 4 | Cast: Kaley Cuoco (Harley Quinn), Lake Bell (Poison Ivy), Alan Tudyk (Various)

After Margot Robbie's portrayal in the DCEU, Harley Quinn has become one of DC's most recognizable characters. However, anyone familiar with the character through film alone may well be shocked at the gloriously profane representation seen in Harley Quinn. Offering a less-than-serious take on some of Batman's most recognizable opponents and compatriots, the show is gratuitously vulgar and frequently hilarious, thriving in its ability to lampoon characters that can become tediously serious in other projects. Critically acclaimed across its run, Harley Quinn continues to be a major hit for Max into its fourth season.

Available Seasons: 6 | Cast: Justin Roiland (Various), Chris Parnell (Jerry Smith), Sarah Chalke (Beth Smith)

Created by Community's Dan Harmon, Rick and Morty is understandably considered to be one of the most significant animated shows of the past decade. Following the Back to the Future-inspired adventures of boorish genius Rick Sanchez and his skittish grandson Morty, the show is a madcap adventure that spans different dimensions, planets, and timelines. Laced with inventive comedy and classic standalone stories, Rick and Morty is a hugely entertaining riot from beginning to end.

Available Seasons: 10 | Cast: Jeremy Shada (Finn the Human), John DiMaggio (Jake the Dog), Tom Kenny (The Ice King), Hynden Walch (Princess Bubblegum), and Olivia Olson (Marceline the Vampire Queen)

Animated series often fall into two camps: pure kid fare or wildly meant for adults, like Family Guy. That's what makes Adventure Time such a treasure — it's sharp enough to appeal to adults while still having a sense of whimsy, fun, and lack of mature themes that older kids and teens can enjoy too. It centers on friends and adoptive brothers Finn the Human and Jake the Dog who have magical shape-shifting powers and together they, of course, go on adventures. Adventure Time won eight Emmys over the course of its run and its awards pedigree, combined with the show's proud gender inclusivity and diversity, make it one to add to the streaming queue.

Available Seasons: 1 | Cast: Luke Wilson (Jeff Cooper), Tim Heidecker (Darren Young), Pete Davidson (Martin)

Created by Nate Sherman and Nick Vokey, Fired on Mars is an adult-animated comedy based on the pair's 2016 animated short film of the same name. The series follows Jeff Cooper, voiced by Luke Wilson, a graphic designer for a Martian start-up who gets fired and falls into an existential crisis. Often mentioned in the same breath as the likes of BoJack Horseman on account of its witty and dark humor, the show uses its outlandish setting to point out the realities of life with delicate subtlety. Consistently fun and occasionally hard-hitting, Fired on Mars is a welcome addition to Max's animated TV show lineup.