The 15 Best HBO Max Original Series of All Time

This brilliantly absurd comedy from creators Diallo Riddle (One Song), Bashir Salahuddin (Top Gun: Maverick), and Sultan Salahuddin follows two recent community college graduates as they hustle through a series of bizarre odd jobs on the South Side of Chicago.

South Side was celebrated by critics for its sharp, rapid-fire humor, its boundless creativity, and its authentic, loving portrayal of its community. Reviewers praised the show for finding a perfect sweet spot between pointed social satire and pure, joyful silliness. The hilarious ensemble cast and endlessly inventive scenarios were frequently highlighted, cementing the show's status as a criminally underrated gem.

"A fearless, unapologetic, equal opportunity offender — sometimes going to near absurdist lengths in shining a spotlight on racial and cultural and societal issues, but never in mean-spirited fashion, and always in the interest of keeping us laughing. And thinking." —Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun-Times

* Season 1 originally aired on Comedy Central before the series moved to HBO Max for its final two seasons.

This gripping limited series dramatizes the stranger-than-fiction true story of novelist Michael Peterson, who was accused of murdering his wife Kathleen after she was found dead at the bottom of a staircase in their home. The series, starring Colin Firth and Toni Collette, earned widespread critical acclaim for its masterful performances and thoughtful, nuanced approach.

Critics praised the show for moving beyond a simple whodunit to become a profound exploration of family, truth, and the very nature of storytelling itself, even incorporating the documentary crew responsible for the acclaimed 2004 documentary about this case. Rather than offering easy answers, The Staircase was lauded for its compelling ambiguity and its intelligent examination of a case that continues to fascinate.

"This series is more concerned with asking questions than with making statements. It follows the evidence where it leads: What's refreshing is that that evidence is less about guilt or innocence in a case on which the court has ruled, but about the strangeness and unknowability of the human heart." —Daniel D'Addario, Variety

Expanding on the world of Matthew A. Cherry's Oscar-winning animated short Hair Love, this charming animated series follows the everyday lives of the Young family (voiced by Scott Mescudi, Issa Rae, Lorette Devine, and Harry Lennix) as they navigate careers, parenthood, and multigenerational dynamics in Chicago.

The show was met with a warm and positive critical reception, and celebrated as a funny, heartfelt, and beautifully animated family sitcom. Reviewers praised its authentic and relatable portrayal of a modern Black family, its gentle humor, and its ability to tackle realistic life challenges with warmth and optimism. It was hailed as a delightful and much-needed series that offers both comfort and genuine laughs for viewers of all ages.

"By combining the elements of a family sitcom with the accessibility of animation, the show is able to tap into a particular universal truth: that we are all trying to strive for a better life for ourselves and our loved ones." —Max Gao, The A.V. Club

Originally released with the subtitle "Original Sin," this reboot of the popular Freeform teen mystery series introduces a new generation of "Liars" in a blue-collar town haunted by a long-ago tragedy. From Riverdale creator Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Lindsay Calhoon Bring, the reboot series received a surprisingly strong critical reception, with many reviewers praising it as a superior and more daring take than its predecessor.

Critics celebrated its successful pivot into the slasher genre, lauding its genuinely tense horror sequences and its smart, stylish homages to classic scary movies. While still delivering the juicy teen melodrama fans expect, it was the show's darker tone, compelling mystery, and effective scares that made it a standout surprise for critics. 

"Original Sin's blend of mystery and horror is done surprisingly well. A series of stylistic homages to classic slasher flicks sets the exact-right tone." —Colemann Spilde, The Daily Beast

This vibrant comedy from creator Issa Rae (Insecure) follows two estranged high school friends from Miami who reunite to form a rap group. The series was met with a strong positive reception, and celebrated for its sharp humor, authentic voice, and insightful commentary on music, social media, and female ambition.

Critics praised the dynamic chemistry between its leads, Aida Osman and KaMillion, as well as the show's distinctive visual style, which cleverly integrated social media into its storytelling. Rap Sh!t was hailed as a smart, funny, and timely exploration of what it takes to make it in the modern world, all set to a killer soundtrack. Like many pandemic-era streaming shows, its run was brief: It was canceled after two seasons. 

"The vibrant half-hour comedy layers flashy pop-culture trimmings atop meaningful personal journeys as it follows estranged high school friends Shawna (Aida Osman) and Mia (KaMillion) when they reconnect in their 20s and form an unlikely rap duo." —Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times

Based on Emily St. John Mandel's acclaimed novel, this limited series chronicles the lives of survivors of a devastating pandemic, weaving together multiple timelines before and after the collapse of civilization. Station Eleven received near-universal critical acclaim and was hailed as a profound, ambitious, and deeply moving masterpiece. Critics praised its stunning cinematography, brilliant performances (including those of Mackenzie Davis, Himesh Patel, and David Wilmot), and its masterful, non-linear storytelling.

More than just a post-apocalyptic drama, it was celebrated as a hopeful and ultimately life-affirming meditation on the enduring power of art, human connection, and what it means to rebuild. It is widely considered one of the best television shows of the decade. Ironically lost or avoided by many viewers during the pandemic, this series is ripe for rediscovery. 

"It is discomfort viewing. It's essential viewing, too. ... Art teaches us about who we are and who we used to be for the sake of reconciling the two. That's 'Station Eleven's' power." —Andrew Crump, The Playlist

This savagely funny sitcom follows two struggling millennial siblings (Helene Yorke, Drew Tarver) whose lives are thrown into chaos when their teenage brother (Case Walker) becomes a viral pop sensation.

The Other Two was celebrated by critics as one of the sharpest and most hilarious satires on television. Reviewers praised its brilliant sendup of fame and celebrity culture, its rapid-fire jokes, and the surprisingly heartfelt family story at its core. The entire ensemble cast (including Molly Shannon as the siblings' eager, wide-eyed mother) was lauded for its perfect comedic timing, cementing the show's status as a modern comedy classic.

"The Other Two ensemble is across-the-board excellent. ... With its blend of biting showbiz commentary and earned emotional moments, The Other Two is a goofy gem, a modern-day fable about the healing power of other people's fame." —Kristen Baldwin, Entertainment Weekly

* Season 1 originally aired on Comedy Central before the series moved to HBO Max for its final two seasons.

This series of four hour-long animated specials revisits the beloved and visually inventive world of Adventure Time, checking in on characters like BMO, Princess Bubblegum, Finn, and Jake after the original series finale. The specials were met with widespread critical acclaim and deemed a heartfelt and worthy continuation of the landmark animated show.

Critics praised Distant Lands for retaining the original's signature blend of goofy humor, poignant emotion, and surreal, imaginative storytelling. It was hailed as a perfect and satisfying return to a cherished universe, adding delightful fan service to the genuine sense of wonder that made the original a classic. The franchise would continue with Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake in 2023. 

"More importantly, it just feels fantastic to be back in this world—even if said world isn't actually, well, Ooo. The show's comedy writing is as sharp as ever, and a whole host of great guest stars and returning voices (Randall Park, John Hodgman, John DiMaggio, Tom Kenny, Stephen Root, and more) all bring their characters to life with that very specific Adventure Time blend of irony and sincere weirdo glee." —William Hughes, The A.V. Club

This breathtaking animated series, created by Joe Bennett (Common Side Effects) and Steve Hely, follows the stranded survivors of a damaged interstellar freighter as they navigate a visually stunning but profoundly dangerous alien planet. Most critics immediately hailed Scavengers Reign as a sci-fi masterpiece, and were captivated by its gorgeous and imaginative animation, which creates a mesmerizing and fully realized ecosystem.

The series was celebrated for its masterful "show, don't tell" storytelling, which often forgoes dialogue in favor of pure visual narrative. It's praised as a profound, hypnotic, and often terrifying exploration of survival and the awe-inspiring, brutal beauty of nature.

After Max canceled the series following its first season, Netflix briefly acquired the rights to the program only to decide against renewing it for a second season.

"When its immense beauty comes rushing in at key moments, Scavengers Reign creates something as utterly spectacular as it is sublime. Through every delicately crafted detail, it proves to be one of the most exciting animated series in recent memory." —Chase Hutchinson, Collider

This gritty medical drama centered around ER vet Noah Wyle as burned-out but passionate chief attending physician Dr. Michael "Robby" Rabonivich, plunges viewers into the chaotic and high-stakes environment of a busy Pittsburgh emergency room, exploring the toll it takes on those medical professionals working on the frontlines of the troubled American medical system. The series is presented in "real time," with each of the episodes representing an hour of a single 15-hour shift.

The Pitt was almost immediately met with popular and critical acclaim, quickly becoming one of the top-viewed streaming series upon its release. Critics and medical workers alike have praised The Pitt's raw, realistic tone, its sharp writing and propulsive format, and the ensemble cast's intense and technically realistic performances and seemingly effortless chemistry. The show has been recognized for its often visually and emotionally harrowing (though occasionally amusing) medical cases as well as its critique of our social and healthcare systems in which the ER serves as a last resort. Its complex, topical plot lines and its deeply human portrayal of its flawed heroes at its center make it a standout achievement in the genre. 

A third season will stream in early 2027.

"The Pitt is the product of veteran TV writers, actors, and directors firing on all cylinders. Equal parts thrilling, devastating, and entertaining, it's just as likely to make you laugh from a particularly gross injury as it is to rip your heart out if you aren't careful." —Devan Suber, IGN

This bloody, profane, and hilarious animated series follows Harley Quinn (Kaley Cuoco) after her explosive breakup with the Joker (Alan Tudyk) as she strives to become Gotham's next great supervillain. Originally debuting on short-lived streamer DC Universe, the show would become a flagship Max original.

Harley Quinn has received universal critical acclaim for its razor-sharp wit, gleeful violence, and surprisingly heartfelt character arcs. Critics praised it as a brilliant, meta-satire of the superhero genre, lauding its strong voice cast and its smart, funny, and often touching exploration of Harley's journey toward self-actualization and her (fan favorite) relationship with Poison Ivy (Lake Bell).

"Harley Quinn is both a tender kiss on the cheek and a baseball bat to the face, and we wouldn't have it any other way." —Jenna Scherer, The A.V. Club

* Seasons 1-2 originally aired on DC Universe; after that service went defunct, the series moved to Max for its final three seasons.

Co-created by and starring Billie Piper (Secret Diary of a Call Girl), this frenetic and fearless British series follows a celebrity whose life is thrown into chaos after her phone is hacked and compromising photos are leaked to the public. The show was met with universal critical acclaim and hailed as a bold, original, and masterful piece of television.

Critics lavished praise on Piper's tour-de-force lead performance and the show's innovative, anxiety-inducing direction, with each episode tackling a different stage of trauma. It was celebrated as a brilliantly chaotic, deeply uncomfortable, and utterly unforgettable exploration of fame, womanhood, and the dizzying nightmare of losing control.

"Above all, I Hate Suzie is a masterclass in tone. ... I Hate Suzie is ambitious, thorny, darkly humorous, and incredibly charming—a portrait of vulnerability that bewitches not by prettifying itself, or making itself ugly, but instead with stark, unfiltered honesty. Suzie is not always the hero of this story—the title indicates she's sometimes her own worst enemy—but the show's dedication to her range of being is what ends up making I Hate Suzie so lovable." —Sonia Saraiya, Vanity Fair

This Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning comedy explores the emotional and hilarious mentorship between legendary but fading Las Vegas comedian Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) and the entitled, outcast young writer (Hannah Einbinder) hired to freshen up her act. Hacks has received much critical love across its 5-season run (which sadly ends later this month) and is often referenced as one of the best and smartest comedies on television.

Critics have heaped praise on its brilliant, hilarious, and poignant writing as well as its sharp, insightful commentary on the worlds of comedy and show business. The electric chemistry between Smart and Einbinder is almost universally cited as the show's powerhouse core; Smart's impeccable performance is often hailed as iconic.

"Hacks is the rare comedy that not only nails its punchlines, but brutally deconstructs the pain, effort, and genius it takes to make jokes land. ... A spectacular showcase for its leading ladies, and above all, a love letter to life in the comedy trenches." —Meghan O'Keefe, Decider

From creator Russell T Davies (Queer as Folk, Years and Years), this powerful 5-episode limited series follows a group of young gay men in London during the 1980s as their lives are irrevocably changed by the burgeoning AIDS crisis. It's a Sin received universal and rapturous critical acclaim and was hailed as a heartbreaking, life-affirming, and essential masterpiece.

Critics praised the show's vibrant energy, its celebration of queer joy, and its emotionally shattering storytelling. Intense, vital performances from the series' young ensemble cast added an immediacy to a piece of television that serves as both a joyous tribute and a devastating memorial.

"It is a series intimately in conversation with life and death, with the possibility of youth and the injustice of quashed potential. It is celebratory of the LGBTQ community, unabashedly sexy and fun, but moving and somber when it needs to be. And it's certainly not a sin." —Kelly Lawler, USA Today

Directed by Ethan Hawke, this profound 6-part documentary chronicles the epic, 50-year love story and iconic careers of Hollywood legends Paul Newman (The Sting) and Joanne Woodward (The Three Faces of Eve). The series received universal critical acclaim and was celebrated as a masterful, intimate, and deeply moving exploration of art, love, and partnership.

Critics praised Hawke's innovative approach, which took transcripts of past interviews whose footage has been lost and recreated them (using the voices of contemporary actors like George Clooney and Laura Linney) to bring the story to life. The series, not simply a standard biography, became a poignant, revealing, and beautifully crafted meditation on the meaning of a life lived both in and out of the spotlight.

"The radical brilliance of Ethan Hawke's penetrating look into the exceptional art and stormy marriage of Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward is essential viewing for fans and newbies alike and an outpouring of movie love you'll never forget." —Peter Travers, ABC News