20 Insanely Good TV Shows To Watch on HBO Max This Summer

Summer is the perfect time to catch up on television. With long days and warm nights, it’s a great opportunity to dive into a new series. HBO Max offers a large library of shows, from classic dramas to modern comedies. Whether you’re looking for something to make you think or just want to be entertained, there is a show for you.

This list highlights 20 shows available on the platform. It includes a mix of genres and styles, so there is something for everyone. You will find critically acclaimed series that have won numerous awards, as well as popular shows that have captured the attention of audiences worldwide. Get ready to find your next summer binge-watch.

The Sopranos (1999)

This series follows Tony Soprano, a New Jersey mob boss who tries to balance his criminal life with his family life. He begins seeing a psychiatrist to deal with his anxiety and personal issues. The show explores themes of power, family, and morality. It is known for its complex characters and strong writing.

“The Sopranos” is considered one of the greatest television shows of all time. It won many awards during its run and had a major impact on popular culture. The performances, especially by James Gandolfini as Tony, are highly praised. It’s a compelling drama that will keep you engaged from beginning to end.

The Wire (2002)

“The Wire” offers a realistic look at the city of Baltimore. Each season focuses on a different aspect of the city, from the drug trade to the school system. The show is known for its detailed storytelling and its exploration of social and political issues. It presents a complex and often critical view of American urban life.

Created by a former police reporter, the series is praised for its authenticity. It features a large cast of characters, each with their own story and perspective. “The Wire” did not win major awards during its time on air, but it is now widely regarded as one of the best shows ever made.

Game of Thrones (2011)

Based on the book series by George R.R. Martin, “Game of Thrones” is an epic fantasy drama. It tells the story of noble families fighting for control of the Iron Throne of Westeros. The show is known for its large scale, with big battles and stunning locations. It is a story of political intrigue, war, and dragons.

The series became a global phenomenon, attracting a massive and dedicated fanbase. It was praised for its intricate plot and compelling characters. While the final season was divisive, the show as a whole had a significant cultural impact and remains a must-see for fans of the fantasy genre.

Succession (2018)

“Succession” is a satirical black comedy-drama about the Roy family. They are the owners of a global media and entertainment conglomerate. The show follows the power struggles among the family members as they fight for control of the company. It is known for its sharp dialogue and dark humor.

The series has received widespread critical acclaim for its writing, acting, and directing. It explores themes of wealth, power, and family dysfunction in a compelling and often hilarious way. The show has won numerous awards and is considered a modern television classic.

The Last of Us (2023)

Based on the popular video game, “The Last of Us” is set in a post-apocalyptic world. A deadly fungal pandemic has turned most of humanity into aggressive creatures. The story follows Joel, a hardened survivor, who is tasked with escorting a teenage girl named Ellie across the United States.

The show was a huge success, praised for its faithful adaptation of the source material while also expanding on its world and characters. The performances of the lead actors, Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, were highly acclaimed. It is a story of survival, hope, and the bonds that form in the face of despair.

House of the Dragon (2022)

This series is a prequel to “Game of Thrones” and focuses on the Targaryen dynasty. Set almost 200 years before the events of the original show, it depicts the civil war known as the “Dance of the Dragons.” The conflict arises from a dispute over who should succeed to the Iron Throne.

“House of the Dragon” was met with positive reviews, with many praising its return to the political intrigue that made the early seasons of “Game of Thrones” so popular. It features a strong cast and the same high production values as its predecessor, including impressive dragon sequences.

The White Lotus (2021)

“The White Lotus” is a satirical comedy-drama anthology series. Each season is set in a different White Lotus resort and follows the lives of the wealthy guests and the hotel staff over the course of a week. The show explores themes of class, privilege, and the dark side of paradise.

The series has been a critical and commercial success, winning numerous awards. It is known for its sharp writing, ensemble cast, and its ability to blend humor with suspense and social commentary. The show offers a witty and often uncomfortable look at the lives of the very rich.

Hacks (2021)

“Hacks” is a comedy-drama about the professional relationship between a legendary Las Vegas comedian and a young, entitled comedy writer. The older comedian needs to modernize her act to avoid losing her residency, so she reluctantly hires the younger writer to help.

The show has received critical acclaim, particularly for the performances of its two leads, Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder. It is a funny and heartfelt exploration of generational differences, mentorship, and the challenges of a career in comedy. The series has won several awards for its writing and acting.

Barry (2018)

“Barry” is a dark comedy series created by and starring Bill Hader. He plays a former Marine turned low-rent hitman who travels to Los Angeles for a job and ends up finding an accepting community in a group of aspiring actors. He begins to question his path in life and dreams of becoming an actor.

The show has been praised for its unique blend of comedy and drama, as well as for its compelling characters and surprising plot twists. Hader has won multiple awards for his performance as the title character. It is a show that is both funny and deeply moving.

True Detective (2014)

“True Detective” is a crime drama anthology series where each season features a new story and a different cast of characters. The seasons are self-contained and explore complex criminal investigations. The show is known for its atmospheric tone, philosophical themes, and strong performances.

The first season, starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, was a massive critical and popular success. Subsequent seasons have featured different stars and settings, each offering a unique and moody crime story. The series is a great choice for those who enjoy dark and thought-provoking mysteries.

Chernobyl (2019)

This five-part historical drama miniseries tells the story of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster in the Soviet Union. It follows the people who were involved in the immediate response to the catastrophe, as well as those who investigated the causes. The series highlights the human cost of the disaster.

“Chernobyl” received universal acclaim from critics for its historical accuracy, writing, and powerful storytelling. It is a harrowing and deeply affecting account of one of the worst man-made disasters in history. The show won numerous awards and is considered one of the best miniseries ever made.

Band of Brothers (2001)

“Band of Brothers” is a ten-part miniseries that follows the story of “Easy” Company, a unit of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, during World War II. Based on the non-fiction book by Stephen E. Ambrose, the series depicts the company’s experiences from training in the United States to the end of the war in Europe.

The series was executive produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks and is praised for its historical accuracy, realism, and emotional depth. It provides a powerful and personal look at the lives of soldiers during the war. “Band of Brothers” won numerous awards and is considered a landmark in television production.

Veep (2012)

“Veep” is a political satire comedy series that follows the personal and professional life of Selina Meyer, the Vice President of the United States. The show hilariously skewers the world of American politics, showcasing the absurdities and power plays that happen behind the scenes.

The series received critical acclaim throughout its run, with particular praise for its sharp, witty dialogue and the performance of Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Selina Meyer. It won numerous awards, including multiple Emmys for Outstanding Comedy Series. It is a smart and very funny look at the inner workings of Washington, D.C.

Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000)

This comedy series stars Larry David as a fictionalized version of himself. The show follows Larry as he navigates the petty annoyances and social conventions of everyday life, often with disastrous and hilarious results. Much of the dialogue is improvised by the actors.

“Curb Your Enthusiasm” is known for its cringe-worthy humor and its unique storytelling, where seemingly unrelated events often come together in a comedic climax. The show has been a long-running critical success and has had a significant influence on the comedy genre.

Sex and the City (1998)

“Sex and the City” follows the lives of four women in New York City as they navigate their careers, relationships, and personal growth. The show is based on the book by Candace Bushnell and stars Sarah Jessica Parker as columnist Carrie Bradshaw. It was known for its frank discussions about sex and relationships.

The series was a cultural phenomenon and was praised for its fashion, its portrayal of female friendship, and its celebration of single life. It won numerous awards and has had a lasting impact on television and popular culture. The show continues to be popular with audiences around the world.

Six Feet Under (2001)

“Six Feet Under” is a drama series that follows the lives of the Fisher family, who run a funeral home in Los Angeles. After the death of the family patriarch, his two sons are forced to take over the family business. Each episode begins with a death, which sets the tone for the themes explored in that episode.

The show is known for its deep exploration of life, death, and grief. It features complex characters and deals with difficult subjects in a thoughtful and often humorous way. “Six Feet Under” received critical acclaim for its writing and acting and is remembered for having one of the most celebrated series finales in television history.

Boardwalk Empire (2010)

Set in Atlantic City during the Prohibition era, “Boardwalk Empire” tells the story of Nucky Thompson, the undisputed political boss and gangster of the city. The series chronicles his rise to power and his dealings with other infamous figures of the time. The show was created by Terence Winter and executive produced by Martin Scorsese.

The series was praised for its lavish production design, historical detail, and strong performances, particularly by Steve Buscemi as Nucky. It is a compelling crime drama that explores the dark side of the Roaring Twenties. The show won several awards during its five-season run.

Euphoria (2019)

“Euphoria” follows a group of high school students as they navigate the complexities of love, friendship, identity, and trauma. The show is known for its visually stunning cinematography and its raw and unflinching look at teenage life. It deals with mature themes such as drug addiction and mental health.

The series has been praised for its bold storytelling and the powerful performance of Zendaya as the main character, Rue. While sometimes controversial for its explicit content, the show has resonated with many viewers for its honest portrayal of the challenges faced by today’s youth.

The Righteous Gemstones (2019)

This dark comedy series tells the story of a world-famous televangelist family with a long tradition of deviance, greed, and charitable work. The show follows the dysfunctional Gemstone family as they try to protect their empire from outside threats and their own internal conflicts.

Created by and starring Danny McBride, the series is known for its outrageous humor and satirical take on organized religion. It features a strong ensemble cast that includes John Goodman and Adam DeVine. “The Righteous Gemstones” is a hilarious and often shocking look at a family that preaches virtue but practices vice.

Peacemaker (2022)

A spin-off from the film “The Suicide Squad,” “Peacemaker” follows the further adventures of the title character, a jingoistic killer who believes in achieving peace at any cost. The series sees him joining a new team to take on a mysterious threat.

The show, created by James Gunn, was a surprise hit, praised for its humor, action, and unexpected heart. John Cena’s performance as Peacemaker was widely acclaimed for its comedic timing and emotional depth. The series also became known for its memorable and fun opening dance number.