‘IT: Welcome to Derry’ Is HBO Max’s Most-Watched TV Show of the Week Yet Again

Viewers are flocking to HBO Max this week for a mix of high-stakes drama and festive reality competitions. The current lineup features highly anticipated prequels and beloved animated series that appeal to a wide variety of audiences. Fans are also revisiting iconic prestige dramas while catching up on the latest sports documentaries and holiday specials. This diverse collection of programming highlights the broad appeal of the streaming platform during the winter season.

‘Holiday Baking Championship’ (2014–Present)

This festive competition series returns to bring holiday cheer and sweet treats to the streaming platform. Talented bakers from across the country face off in difficult challenges that test their creativity and technical skills. Judges taste an array of decadent desserts to determine who will be crowned the ultimate holiday baker. Families enjoy watching the contestants navigate the pressure of the kitchen while creating edible masterpieces.

‘Hard Knocks In Season’ (2021–Present)

Football fans get an intimate look at the inner workings of an NFL team as they navigate the challenges of the regular season. The documentary series captures the intensity of practice sessions and the emotional highs and lows of game day. Cameras follow coaches and players to reveal the human stories behind the helmets and the strategy required to win. This immersive experience offers an unprecedented perspective on professional sports during the most critical time of the year.

‘Smiling Friends’ (2020–Present)

The surreal animated comedy continues to find a dedicated audience with its bizarre humor and unique visual style. Employees of a small company dedicated to bringing happiness to the world face increasingly absurd and chaotic situations. Pim and Charlie navigate strange encounters with eccentric characters in a vibrant and often unsettling world. The show blends dark comedy with moments of genuine heart to create a distinct viewing experience for adult animation fans.

‘Baylen Out Loud’ (2025)

Internet personality Baylen Levine brings his signature brand of humor and mischief to a larger stage in this new reality series. The show follows Baylen and his friends as they embark on wild adventures and execute elaborate pranks in public spaces. Viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at the chaotic lifestyle of the content creator as he navigates fame and friendship. It serves as a lighthearted and energetic addition to the platform’s unscripted lineup.

‘Tournament of Champions: All-Star Christmas’ (2025)

Celebrity chefs step into the arena for a special holiday edition of the intense culinary competition. The randomizer machine determines the proteins and cooking styles that the competitors must master to impress the blind judging panel. Guy Fieri hosts this high-stakes battle where culinary titans fight for bragging rights and a massive cash prize. The festive twist adds an extra layer of pressure to the already demanding tournament format.

‘I Love LA’ (2025)

This scripted series explores the glamour and grit of life in modern Los Angeles through a sharp comedic lens. The story follows a group of friends attempting to navigate their careers and romantic lives in the sprawling metropolis. Characters deal with the unique absurdities of Hollywood culture while trying to maintain authentic connections. The show captures the vibrant energy of the city while satirizing the superficial elements of the entertainment industry.

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

Fans of the Land of Ooo return to this spinoff series that explores the multiverse with a more mature tone. Fionna and her magical cat Cake embark on a journey of self-discovery that takes them through various dimensions and dangerous realities. The narrative dives deep into the backstory of Simon Petrikov and examines themes of identity and purpose. It successfully expands the lore of the original franchise while standing on its own as a compelling adventure.

‘Mad Men’ (2007–2015)

The critically acclaimed period drama remains a powerhouse on streaming as new generations discover the world of 1960s advertising. Don Draper navigates the cutthroat business of Sterling Cooper while managing a complex web of lies in his personal life. The series is renowned for its historical accuracy and impeccable costume design that transports viewers back in time. It explores shifting social norms and the dark underbelly of the American Dream through deeply flawed but fascinating characters.

‘Heated Rivalry’ (2025)

This steaming sports romance adaptation has quickly become a sensation by translating the intensity of the hockey rink to the screen. Two star players from rival teams find their professional animosity turning into a complicated and passionate secret relationship. The series balances the physical demands of professional hockey with the emotional stakes of a forbidden romance. Viewers are captivated by the chemistry between the leads and the drama that ensues when their private lives threaten their careers.

‘IT: Welcome to Derry’ (2025)

The terrifying history of Derry is unearthed in this prequel series that sets the stage for the events of Stephen King’s iconic novel. Viewers witness the origins of the shapeshifting entity Pennywise and the curse that has plagued the town for generations. The show delivers intense scares and psychological horror as local families confront an ancient evil. It expands the mythology of the franchise and provides a chilling backstory that keeps horror fans on the edge of their seats.

Let us know which of these trending shows you are binge-watching this week in the comments.