Best TV Shows to Stream this Weekend on HBO Max, Including ‘IT: Welcome to Derry’

Looking for something fresh to queue up? This weekend’s Max lineup mixes brand-new premieres, animated favorites, reality staples, and international imports. Below you’ll find quick, info-packed snapshots—what each title is about, who made it, and who’s starring—so you can jump straight to the good stuff.

‘IT: Welcome to Derry’ (2025– )

Set in Derry during a tense chapter of the town’s past, this prequel digs into the origins of Pennywise and the events surrounding the burning of the Black Spot. It’s created by Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs, with Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane serving as showrunners. The cast includes Jovan Adepo, Taylour Paige, Chris Chalk, James Remar, and Bill Skarsgård, with Andy Muschietti directing multiple episodes and Benjamin Wallfisch composing. The story threads connect to Stephen King’s wider universe, including Dick Hallorann.

‘Teen Titans Go!’ (2013– )

The bite-size animated comedy follows Robin, Starfire, Raven, Cyborg, and Beast Boy on rapid-fire adventures between hero duties. Developed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, episodes lean on meta-gags, music cues, and deep DC references. Voice actors include Scott Menville, Hynden Walch, Tara Strong, Khary Payton, and Greg Cipes. Episodes typically run about eleven minutes, with frequent guest cameos and specials.

‘Expedition X’ (2020– )

Josh Gates dispatches a field team—biologist Phil Torres and investigator Jessica Chobot—to investigate strange phenomena around the world. Episodes combine on-site expeditions, night investigations, and lab analysis to vet claims from cryptids to hauntings. Later installments bring in paranormal researcher Heather Amaro on select cases. The production balances documentary methods with an investigative framework and expert consultations.

‘Dangerously Obese’ (2025– )

This medical-reality series follows individuals facing urgent health risks as they work through structured treatment plans. Bariatric surgeon Dr. Charles Procter appears as a central medical expert guiding evaluations, lifestyle changes, and potential surgical options. Episodes track clinical milestones, patient diaries, and post-procedure follow-ups. The format emphasizes long-term outcomes and the support systems around each participant.

‘Holmes Family Rescue’ (2022– )

Contractor Mike Holmes teams up with Mike Holmes Jr. and Sherry Holmes to fix unsafe, poorly executed renovations. The series features recurring collaborators like electrician Frank Cozzolino and designer Kimmberly Capone. Each case highlights structural, electrical, and design issues and how the team restores them to code. It continues the family’s “Make It Right” approach across a new slate of projects.

‘Haha, You Clowns’ (2025– )

A widowed father raises three teenage sons while the family navigates grief and everyday chaos with humor. The dramedy blends slice-of-life storytelling with coming-of-age plots for each sibling. Early listings point to a tone that balances warmth and gentle comedy with real-world challenges. It’s positioned as a week-starting addition to the schedule.

‘Vivant’ (2023)

A massive accounting anomaly pulls salaryman Yūsuke Nogi into an international conspiracy with corporate and geopolitical stakes. The main cast features Masato Sakai, Hiroshi Abe, Fumi Nikaido, Tori Matsuzaka, Koji Yakusho, and Kazunari Ninomiya, with narration by Megumi Hayashibara. Direction is led by TBS hitmaker Katsuo Fukuzawa with additional episodes by Yōhei Miyazaki and Akiko Kato. Scripts are credited to a writers’ room including Hiroyuki Yatsu and Lee Jeong-Mi across a ten-episode arc.

‘Mr. Mikami’s Classroom’ (2025)

Tori Matsuzaka stars as an elite Ministry of Education bureaucrat “exiled” to teach at a private high school. The assignment exposes entrenched power structures as he rallies students and faculty toward reform. The series is written by Roba Shimori and directed by Yōhei Miyazaki, Koya Shimada, and Sakura Komaki. Its Japanese broadcast run is noted for a large ensemble spanning the ministry and the school.

‘The Thaw’ (2022)

This Polish crime drama (Polish: ‘Odwilż’) follows Detective Katarzyna Zawieja as she probes a young woman’s death and a missing newborn, an investigation that spirals through local institutions. Stars include Katarzyna Wajda, Bartłomiej Kotschedoff, and Cezary Łukaszewicz. Created and written by Marta Szymanek, the series is directed by Xawery Żuławski with music by Łukasz Targosz. It comes from HBO Europe and Magnolia Films, blending procedural detail with character-driven storytelling.

‘True Beauty’ (2024)

Adapted from Yaongyi’s webtoon, the series centers on Lim Ju-kyung, a high-schooler who transforms her life through makeup while juggling secrets, friendship, and romance. The principal cast features Moon Ga-young, Cha Eun-woo, and Hwang In-youp. Director Kim Sang-hyeop helms the drama from scripts by Lee Si-eun. Supporting players include Park Yoo-na and Jang Hye-jin in key school and family arcs.

Tell us what you’re watching first on Max this weekend—and why—in the comments!