‘IT: Welcome to Derry’ Is HBO Max’s Most-Watched TV Show This Week

From buzzy premieres to comfort-view staples, this week’s HBO Max top-ten mixes brand-new originals with returning favorites and unscripted crowd-pleasers. Below, you’ll find concise details for each series—what it’s about, when it premiered, who’s involved, and how episodes are rolling out—so you can quickly decide what to watch next.

‘Baylen Out Loud’ (2025–)

This docu-series follows Baylen Dupree, a young creator with Tourette syndrome, as she pursues independence and manages daily challenges in the public eye. Season 1 launched in 2025 and chronicles family, health, and career milestones. Episodes feature candid moments alongside interviews and verité footage. It’s currently streaming on HBO Max.

‘Last Week Tonight with John Oliver’ (2014–)

A weekly deep-dive format breaks down complex topics with longform segments, interviews, and recurring bits. New episodes premiere on Sunday nights on HBO and arrive shortly after on HBO Max. The show’s library includes multiple seasons with searchable episode descriptions. Specials and web-exclusive pieces are often linked from the same hub.

‘Adventure Time: Fionna & Cake’ (2023–)

This animated spin-off follows Fionna, Cake, and Simon through multiverse adventures that expand on ‘Adventure Time’ lore. Produced as a streaming-first series, its episodes run roughly 22–26 minutes. Season 1 is fully available, with extras and related ‘Adventure Time’ content also on the platform. The show blends standalone adventures with serialized character arcs.

‘Holiday Baking Championship’ (2014–)

Bakers compete in festive challenges themed to seasonal flavors and traditions, with eliminations each episode leading to a final holiday showdown. Episodes originate on Food Network and roll onto streaming, giving viewers a backlog of multiple seasons. The format typically includes preheat and main heat rounds judged by pastry experts. Seasonal specials and related spin-offs are often bundled alongside the main series.

‘Alex vs ARod’ (2025)

This two-episode docuseries tracks Alex Rodriguez’s journey from prodigy to MLB star, addressing controversies and personal struggles along the way. Directed by Gotham Chopra and Erik LeDrew, it features interviews with figures from Rodriguez’s life and career. The series is categorized under sports biographies and documentaries on HBO Max. Both episodes are available to stream.

‘I Love LA’ (2025–)

Created by and starring Rachel Sennott, this half-hour comedy follows an ambitious, codependent friend group navigating careers and relationships in Los Angeles. Season 1 premiered in November 2025 and is releasing weekly. Episodes and synopses are listed on the HBO Max series page, with the season scheduled to wrap in December. It streams exclusively on HBO Max in the U.S.

‘Real Time with Bill Maher’ (2003–)

This long-running weekly program features panel discussions, one-on-one interviews, and satirical segments on politics, media, and culture. New episodes typically debut Friday nights on HBO with next-day streaming availability. The show frequently includes authors, journalists, politicians, and entertainers in its panel lineup. Archives spanning many seasons are available to stream.

‘The Chair Company’ (2025–)

A workplace mishap sends a beleaguered employee—played by Tim Robinson—down a rabbit hole of corporate conspiracy in this offbeat comedy. The series launched in 2025 and currently has one season available to stream. Critics have highlighted its singular tone among the platform’s 2025 releases. Episodes are half-hour installments.

‘Smiling Friends’ (2020–)

This animated comedy follows small company employees who try to bring happiness to clients in surreal, often chaotic scenarios. Created by Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel, it initially launched with a pilot in 2020 before continuing with full seasons. Episodes run about 11 minutes, making it easy to binge through multiple in a sitting. Newer seasons stream on HBO Max after airing on Adult Swim.

‘IT: Welcome to Derry’ (2025–)

Set in 1962 Derry, this prequel expands Stephen King’s mythos with a new family confronting the town’s ancient evil, with Bill Skarsgård returning as Pennywise. The series premiered on October 26, 2025, and airs weekly on HBO alongside streaming on HBO Max. Andy and Barbara Muschietti developed the show with Jason Fuchs, with Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane as showrunners. Season 1 is eight episodes.

What did you watch from the list this week, and which one should everyone press play on next—drop your picks in the comments!