The Best Shows on HBO Max Right Now (October 2023)

Cast: Jessie Buckley, Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgård, Emily Watson, Paul Ritter

Jessie Buckley (Women Talking) and Jared Harris (Foundation) star in Chernobyl, a dramatic miniseries based on the horrific explosion of a nuclear power plant in 1986 in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Chernobyl is a captivating historical drama created by Craig Mazin (The Last of Us) revolving around the disaster and clean-up effort, shining a light on a catastrophe that occurred not too long ago. Praised for delicate authenticity, Chornobyl handled the story of one of the world’s worst man-made accidents with care by focusing on both the humanity and reality of the situation. – Yael Tygiel

Savior Complex is a deeply fascinating investigation into concepts of a savior complex with an emphasis on the white savior, particularly surrounding Christian Americans in Africa. From director Jackie Jesko, Savior Complex exposes the horrific history of an unqualified Christian nonprofit called Serving His Children, which — led by Renee Bach — provided meals and treatment for malnourished children in Uganda. The three-part documentary series includes interviews with victims of Bach’s charity, as well as Bach herself, who continues to argue that, even after countless deaths at her hands, her mission was sanctioned by a higher power. – Yael Tygiel

Creator: Phoebe Waller-Bridge

Cast: Jodie Comer, Sandra Oh, Fiona Shaw

Easily one of the most entertaining cat-and-mouse games on television, Killing Eve is four seasons of fun. Based on a series of novellas from Luke Jennings, Killing Eve blurs the line between spy thriller and dark comedy — especially when exploring the undeniable chemistry built by co-stars Jodie Comer (Freeguy) and Sandra Oh (Turning Red). Killing Eve centers on sociopathic assassin Villanelle (Comer) and the determined British intelligence agent, Eve Polastri (Oh), intent on catching her, developed into a perfect storm by creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Bursting with unexpected humor, engaging supporting characters, and an exciting espionage mystery, Killing Eve is a must-see series.

Cast: Jacob Anderson, Sam Reid, Eric Bogosian

Based on the bestselling novel The Vampire Chronicles by legendary author Anne Rice, Interview with the Vampire is a sizzling vampire romance drama starring Jacob Anderson (Game of Thrones) and Sam Reid. Praised for correcting many elements that diluted the 1994 film adaptation, which starred Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt (The Lost City), Interview with the Vampire is overflowing with rich mythology, allowing for both a better story and more layered characters. Interview with the Vampire is highlighted by steamy scenes, incredible acting, and vibrant costuming, which weave a visual feast worth enjoying. – Yael Tygiel

Cast: Teresa Palmer, Matthew Goode, Alex Kingston, Gregg Chilingirian

Teresa Palmer (Hacksaw Ridge) dazzles in A Discovery of Witches, a wickedly intriguing fantasy series based on the All Souls trilogy of novels by Deborah Harkness. A Discovery of Witches centers on historian Diana Bishop (Palmer), a witch who rejected her magical heritage yet finds herself thrust into a battle against magical threats, reluctantly teaming up with a charming and secretive vampire named Matthew Clairmont (Matthew Goode). In addition to enigmatic mysteries and elegant whimsy, A Discovery of Witches succeeds in building three seasons of chemistry between the characters, showcasing the wealth of talent provided by Palmer and Goode and elevating the series from expected to exquisite. – Yael Tygiel

Producers: Josh Safdie, Benny Safdie, Danny McBride

An unexpectedly captivating true crime documentary series, Telemarketers is a three-part comedic reveal of two unlikely heroes, Adam Bhala Lough and Sam Lipman-Stern, who spent 20 years documenting shady scams behind the telemarketing industry. Telemarketers is produced by Josh Safdie, Benny Safdie, and Danny McBride, along with Lough and Lipman-Stern, whose journey begins with frivolous employment, leading them to become investigative whistleblowers. Throughout the bizarre story, Telemarketers shares the truly wild, dark realities of capitalism, resulting in a weird merger of McMillions and Tiger King — especially with the use of personal footage from the stars’ workplace. – Yael Tygiel

Cast: Madeleine Martin, Roz Ryan, Tom Kenny, Andrew Rannells, Donald Glover

Spinning off from the long-running animated series Adventure Time, Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake brings an alternate universe version of the original main characters to the screen for an exciting and vivid new series that further uncovers the rich Adventure Time mythology. Co-starring Madeleine Martin as the voice of Fionna and Roz Ryan voicing Cake, Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake is ten episodes of colorful shenanigans assisted by former Ice King Simon Petrikov (Tom Kenny). While Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake focuses on Fionna’s journey of self-discovery, the series also playfully welcomes beloved characters like Marceline the Vampire Queen and Princess Bubblegum, among others. – Yael Tygiel

Creators: Chris Fedak, Sam Sklaver

Cast: Tom Payne, Lou Diamond Phillips, Bellamy Young, Michael Sheen

Prodigal Son is a crime thriller from co-creators Chris Fedak and Sam Sklaver that explores themes within criminology and father-son relationships. Prodigal Son centers on Malcolm (Tom Payne), a criminal psychologist working with police investigating a string of murders that strongly resemble that of Malcolm’s incarcerated serial killer father, played devilishly by Michael Sheen (Good Omens). Grounded in an intensely fascinating mystery and bolstered by incredible acting — not only from Payne and Sheen but also supporting cast members Lou Diamond Phillips and Bellamy Young (Scandal) — Prodigal Son maintains intrigue through its two-season run. – Yael Tygiel

Creators: Max Borenstein, Jim Hecht

Cast: John C. Reilly, Quincy Isaiah, Jason Clarke

Inspired by a book about Magic Johnson and the LA Lakers, Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty is a fictional interpretation of events taking place in the world of basketball in Los Angeles during the early 1980s. Co-created by Max Borenstein and Jim Hecht, Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty stars John C. Reilly as Jerry Buss, owner of the Lakers, with Quincy Isaiah as Magic Johnson. Although garnering criticism for inaccuracies, Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty is able to entertain and provide context for a pivotal moment in NBA history. – Yael Tygiel

Cast: Issa Rae, Kumail Nanjiani, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Meko Winbush

Project Greenlight: A New Generation is a documentary series about what it takes to be a filmmaker. Produced and led by Issa Rae, Project Greenlight: A New Generation is a revival of the popular series that now features Kumail Nanjiani and Oscar-winning director Gina Prince-Bythewood alongside Rae, refocusing the project on female directors. After receiving thousands of incredible submissions from directors across the country, Project Greenlight: A New Generation rewards one with the opportunity to direct her first feature film, chronicling the highs and lows, challenges and victories throughout. – Yael Tygiel

Cast: Ashley Graham, Ty Pennington, Christian Siriano, Marsai Martin

Ashley Graham (America’s Next Top Model) hosts The Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge, an exciting four-part HGTV special event. The Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge delightfully watches as eight teams of designers, carpenters, and even a Food Network chef cleverly transform a gorgeous home in Southern California into a magical Dreamhouse directly inspired by the iconic doll herself. Once renovations are completed, The Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge will welcome a Barbie superfan, providing them an unbelievable once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stay in the fantastical house. Featuring celebrity guests like fashion designer Christian Siriano and actress-producer Marsai Martin, The Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge is a beautiful dream to watch come true. – Yael Tygiel

Cast: Stanley Tucci, Felicity Blunt, Tess Masazza

Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy is an Emmy-winning series that follows actor and all-around wonderful guy Stanley Tucci (Spotlight) around the culinary scene of Italy as he eats and drinks the best food and beverages in the country. Tucci presents popular and lesser-known dishes from every corner of Italy while diving into the culture and agricultural history that led to the creation of these signature delicacies. But it’s not just Tucci that brings out the beauty of the boot-shaped pasta capital. The cinematography and editing of the show are just as much a feast for the eyes as the dishes being showcased. – Tauri Miller

Cast: Robin Thede, Gabrielle Dennis, Skye Townsend, DaMya Gurley, Tamara Jade

Comedian and actress Robin Thede (The Queen Latifah Show) has gathered some of the funniest Black women in show business to create a hilarious sketch show that’s unabashedly for the culture. The show is excellent at lampooning the unique experience of being a Black woman in America while acting out gut-busting situations that everyone can enjoy. The humor is the perfect combination of absurd, witty, and thought-provoking that’s only enhanced by some of the best wig and costume work in the business. Plus, the show has a plethora of guest stars like Nicole Byer (Grand Crew), Laverne Cox (Orange Is the New Black), and Loretta Devine (Grey’s Anatomy) that bring their own flavor to an already spicy comedy show. – Tauri Miller

Cast: Zazie Beetz, Claire Danes, Jim Gaffigan, Jharrel Jerome, Timothy Olyphant

Director Steven Soderbergh (No Sudden Move) and creator Ed Solomon (Mosaic) team up once again to present a six-part miniseries with a jam-packed cast, including Emmy-winner CCH Pounder (The Shield). The series follows three disparate yet connected storylines that surround the kidnapping of a wealthy couple’s child. It doesn’t take long for this twisty crime drama to weave all the characters into a desperate race of political intrigue that moves at a breakneck pace. Soderbergh and Solomon craft a tight narrative with zero waste or loose ends that is only bolstered by the phenomenal actors bringing the story to life. – Tauri Miller

Creator: Marcos Bucay, Santiago Espejo, Jorge Tijerina

Cast: Juan Daniel García Treviño, Sasha González, Benny Emmanuel, Joshua Okamoto, Emilio Cuaik

VGLY is a Mexican teen drama about a young rapper (Benny Emmanuel) and his crew trying to break into the Latin music business — even if it takes them down a pretty dark path. This Spanish-language series strips away the glamor of the rap game and shows the audience the genuine struggles of trying to become a hip-hop artist with no money, connections, or street cred. That said, the story also has some great comedic moments that are driven by the phenomenal main cast, including Sasha González and Juan Daniel García Treviño, who give amazing performances and deliver an authentic teenage experience even when they have to dive into the criminal underworld of Mexico City. – Tauri Miller

Creators: Johnnie Ingram, Steve Warren

Cast: Ashleigh Warren, Krishnanand Kelkar, Kesun Lee, Reagan Baker

Swiping America offers a brand-new angle on reality dating shows. Co-created by We’re Here’s Johnnie Ingram and Steve Warren, Swiping America approaches this dating adventure from a documentary perspective, plucking four singles from New York City and taking them across eight cities to experience romance. Hailed as the most inclusive dating series on television, Swiping America follows the journeys of Ashleigh Warren, Krishnanand Kelkar, Kesun Lee, and Reagan Baker as dating apps are used to introduce them to new potential partners while allowing them to form a bond with each other and reflect on their past experiences. With honest conversations about sex, sexuality, and connections, Swiping America is an unexpected breath of fresh air for a Love is Blind and The Bachelor generation. – Yael Tygiel

Cast: Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes

With the popularity of celebrity podcasts, it’s no surprise that three talented comedic actors would take their project on the road. SmartLess: On the Road chronicles the journey of SmartLess podcasters Jason Bateman (Thunder Force), Sean Hayes (Will & Grace), and Will Arnett (Murderville). Watch as these friends and colleagues set out on tour across the United States to record their podcast with live audiences and famous guests, including Saturday Night Live alum Will Ferrell. Charmingly intimate, SmartLess: On the Road explores new locations as well as a new perspective on their relationship. – Yael Tygiel

Creators: Reza Fahim, Sam Levinson, The Weeknd

Cast: Lily-Rose Depp, The Weeknd, Suzanna Son, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Hank Azaria

The Idol is glamourous mayhem created by Sam Levinson, Reza Fahim, and Grammy award-winning musical artist The Weeknd, who co-stars in the series with Lily-Rose Depp. The Idol focuses on a pop star (Depp) attempting to make a comeback after a fall from grace. Featuring tone and themes reminiscent of Euphoria’s beautiful disarray, The Idol is highlighted by an incredibly talented and exquisitely diverse cast that includes Moses Sumney, Hari Nef, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph (Only Murders in the Building). For audiences who love messy characters, stunning visuals of both dancing and drug use, and gorgeous people, The Idol is a can’t-miss. – Yael Tygiel

Cast: Lee Pace, Anna Friel, Chi McBride, Ellen Greene, Swoosie Kurtz

Created by Bryan Fuller (Star Trek: Discovery), Pushing Daisies is a whimsical fantasy crime comedy about a humble pie maker who uses his ability to temporarily bring the dead back to life to help solve murder cases. Lee Pace (Halt and Catch Fire) stars as the magical pie maker alongside Anna Friel (Limitless) as his formerly dead beloved, whom he can never touch lest she drops dead on the spot. The show has the aesthetic and narrative style of a fairytale — every frame is steeped in vibrant colors, and the costuming has a distinctly retro vibe that makes the show feel timeless. This highly acclaimed series is a light and bouncy watch that everyone should enjoy at least once.

Creator: Hannah Bos, Paul Thureen

Cast: Bridget Everett, Jeff Hiller, Mary Catherine Garrison, Danny McCarthy, Jane Brody

Somebody Somewhere is a semi-autobiographical drama inspired by the real life of actress, singer, and comedian Bridget Everett, who takes on the lead role. Everett plays Sam, a midwestern woman who moves back to Manhattan, Kansas, to take care of her sister shortly before she passes away. The show is a wonderful depiction of the ways grief can strip us of who we are and is an uplifting story about the journey of getting through to the other side. And that’s just season one. Now that the second season has been released, audiences get to spend more time with these quirky hometown characters, who feel as real as your very own neighbors, as Sam slowly finds community.