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

Max’s weekly top shows mix buzzy new premieres with comfort-watch staples, so whether you’re into horror prequels, animated comedies, or reality competitions, there’s something easy to start tonight. Below, you’ll find quick, useful details on what each series is about, when and where new episodes are landing, and why they’re convenient picks to stream on Max right now.

‘Baylen Out Loud’ (2025–)

This reality series follows Baylen Dupree as she navigates life with severe Tourette Syndrome, offering a personal look at family, work, and health. The show premiered in 2024 and currently has two seasons streaming on Max. Episodes are filmed in a docu-style format that makes it easy to follow her day-to-day experiences. It’s categorized under reality and family on the platform.

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

HBO’s weekly news series features deep-dive segments on a single topic alongside quick recaps of the week, with each episode streaming on Max after its Sunday HBO premiere. Segments are designed to work as stand-alone pieces, so you can jump to any topic of interest. The show maintains a consistent Sunday schedule across most of the year. Recent and past seasons are available on demand.

‘Alex vs ARod’ (2025)

This documentary mini-series follows Alex Rodriguez as he revisits career highs, controversies, and personal turning points, with interviews from players and family. Directed by Gotham Chopra, the series streams on Max and is presented in limited-episode format. It provides archival footage and contemporary reflections in a chronological narrative. All parts are available for a straightforward binge.

‘Holiday Baking Championship’ (2014–)

Food Network’s seasonal competition brings home bakers into festive challenges judged by network regulars, with episodes available to stream on Max. New seasons typically arrive each holiday period, making it a timely watch for November and December. Rounds highlight themed bakes—from pies to showstopping cakes—with eliminations each episode. Earlier seasons and specials are also on demand.

‘I Love LA’ (2025–)

Set in Los Angeles, this comedy-drama tracks a tight-knit friend group reuniting years later as careers and relationships pull them in different directions. The series premiered in 2025 and streams on Max. Episodes focus on contemporary life in the city—careers, creative ambitions, and complicated friendships—making it an easy binge for viewers who like ensemble stories. The debut season is currently available.

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

This spin-off follows Fionna and Cake across multiverse adventures alongside Simon Petrikov, expanding the ‘Adventure Time’ franchise with 20-plus-minute episodes. Season 1 debuted in August 2023 on Max, with season 2 premiering in October 2025. Episodes are serialized within each season, so starting from episode 1 of a season is recommended. Both seasons stream on Max in most regions.

‘Real Time with Bill Maher’ (2003–)

HBO’s long-running weekly series features a monologue, interviews, and a panel discussion covering politics, culture, and current events. New episodes premiere on HBO and are available to stream on Max the same night. The format also includes recurring segments and one-on-one sit-downs with newsmakers. Archives and recent installments are accessible on demand for catch-up viewing.

‘The Chair Company’ (2025–)

This HBO comedy stars Tim Robinson in a surreal office setting and premiered in 2025, with the first season streaming on Max. It’s a workplace series that leans into escalating, awkward corporate mishaps across half-hour episodes. The show’s debut year positioned it among the platform’s notable comedy launches. A second season has been reported as in the works.

‘Smiling Friends’ (2020–)

The adult-animated comedy from Zach Hadel and Michael Cusack follows a small company that takes oddball assignments to make people happy, with episodes available to stream on Max after Adult Swim broadcasts. The series launched in 2022 following its 2020 pilot and has continued with new seasons, most recently premiering season 3 in October 2025. Episodes are short, standalone stories that make it easy to jump in anywhere. New seasons have been confirmed beyond the current run.

‘IT: Welcome to Derry’ (2025–)

This horror prequel follows events in Derry, Maine decades before the film storyline, with Andy and Barbara Muschietti and Jason Fuchs developing the series and Bill Skarsgård returning as Pennywise. It premiered on October 26, 2025, with episodes rolling out weekly on HBO and streaming on Max. The season is set for a run of eight episodes that air Sunday nights through December 14, 2025. Early viewership made it one of HBO’s biggest recent debuts.

Tell us which of these you’re watching on Max this week—and what we should add to our queue—in the comments!