Best HBO Max Miniseries You’ll Binge in One Sitting
HBO Max packs a deep bench of limited series that wrap compelling stories in just a handful of episodes. These shows cover everything from historical epics to intimate character studies, with production details that make them easy to plan for a single sitting.
Below are twenty five standout miniseries available on the platform. For each one, you will find essential information like creators, cast, episode counts, and notable accolades so you can pick what fits your schedule and interests.
‘Chernobyl’ (2019)
Created by Craig Mazin and directed by Johan Renck, this five episode drama recounts the 1986 nuclear disaster and the investigation that followed. Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgård, and Emily Watson lead the cast, with production filmed across Lithuania to recreate Soviet era environments.
The series runs about five hours in total, features an original score by Hildur Guðnadóttir, and earned multiple awards including Emmys for Outstanding Limited Series and directing. It was produced by HBO and Sky, with extensive attention to historical procedure drawn from first person accounts.
‘Mare of Easttown’ (2021)
This seven episode crime drama was created by Brad Ingelsby and directed largely by Craig Zobel. Kate Winslet stars as a detective in suburban Pennsylvania, with Jean Smart, Evan Peters, and Julianne Nicholson in key roles.
The show totals roughly seven hours, was filmed in and around the Philadelphia area, and features a score by Lele Marchitelli. It received multiple awards recognition for acting and writing and was produced as an HBO limited series.
‘Watchmen’ (2019)
Developed by Damon Lindelof, this nine episode limited series continues the world of the graphic novel. Regina King, Yahya Abdul Mateen II, Jeremy Irons, and Jean Smart headline, with episodes directed by Nicole Kassell and others.
The production uses a mix of practical sets and location work in Georgia and Oklahoma and features music by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. The series received numerous Emmys including Outstanding Limited Series and recognition for its writing and performances.
‘The Night Of’ (2016)
Created by Richard Price and Steven Zaillian, this eight episode legal drama follows a murder case from arrest to verdict. Riz Ahmed and John Turturro lead the cast, with Zaillian directing most episodes.
The runtime is about eight hours, with filming across New York City and music by Jeff Russo. The series received multiple awards and is noted for detailed procedural elements across police work, courts, and corrections.
‘Sharp Objects’ (2018)
Based on the novel by Gillian Flynn, this eight episode limited series was created by Marti Noxon and directed by Jean Marc Vallée. Amy Adams and Patricia Clarkson star, with Chris Messina and Eliza Scanlen in supporting roles.
The production was shot primarily in California while depicting a Missouri setting and features a curated source music soundtrack. The series earned awards for acting and editing and was produced as an HBO limited project.
‘The Undoing’ (2020)
Created by David E. Kelley and directed by Susanne Bier, this six episode mystery stars Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant. The cast includes Donald Sutherland, Noah Jupe, and Edgar Ramírez, with principal photography in New York.
The total runtime is about six hours, supported by a score from composer Harald Kloser. The series premiered weekly on HBO and concurrently on streaming, achieving strong viewership and multiple nominations across major award bodies.
‘Band of Brothers’ (2001)
This ten episode World War II miniseries was produced by HBO with Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg as executive producers. It follows Easy Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, with Damian Lewis and Ron Livingston among the ensemble.
Filmed largely in the United Kingdom with extensive set construction and military advising, the production used wide scale extras and practical effects. The series received Emmys and a Golden Globe and includes companion documentaries and veteran interviews.
‘The Pacific’ (2010)
A ten episode companion to ‘Band of Brothers’, this series covers the Pacific Theater through the stories of three Marines. Executive producers include Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, and Gary Goetzman, with James Badge Dale, Joseph Mazzello, and Jon Seda starring.
Filming took place in Australia with large scale sets and water tank work, and the series features a score by Hans Zimmer and Geoff Zanelli. It earned multiple Emmys, including Outstanding Miniseries, and includes historical featurettes and archival material.
‘John Adams’ (2008)
This seven episode historical miniseries adapts David McCullough’s biography. Paul Giamatti portrays John Adams and Laura Linney portrays Abigail Adams, with Tom Hooper directing.
The production filmed in Virginia and Hungary to stand in for colonial Boston, Philadelphia, and European locations. It won numerous Emmys including Outstanding Miniseries and received recognition for makeup, costumes, and production design.
‘Show Me a Hero’ (2015)
Created by David Simon and William F. Zorzi and directed by Paul Haggis, this six episode series examines a public housing battle in Yonkers. Oscar Isaac leads the cast with Catherine Keener, Winona Ryder, and Alfred Molina.
The production runs about six hours and was shot in New York State to capture municipal settings and neighborhoods central to the story. It received critical recognition for script and performance and was produced by HBO as a limited series.
‘Olive Kitteridge’ (2014)
Based on Elizabeth Strout’s novel, this four episode series stars Frances McDormand and Richard Jenkins. Written by Jane Anderson and directed by Lisa Cholodenko, it chronicles decades in a small New England town.
With a total runtime near four hours, the series features location filming in Massachusetts and a subdued original score. It won multiple Emmys including Outstanding Limited Series and recognition for acting, directing, and writing.
‘Scenes from a Marriage’ (2021)
Created and directed by Hagai Levi, this five episode limited series adapts the classic story for a modern American setting. Jessica Chastain and Oscar Isaac star, with episodes focused on different stages of a relationship.
Filmed primarily on soundstages and controlled interiors, the series runs about five hours. It premiered weekly on HBO with streaming availability and received awards nominations for the lead performances.
‘We Own This City’ (2022)
From creators George Pelecanos and David Simon, this six episode series details corruption in the Baltimore Police Department. Jon Bernthal, Wunmi Mosaku, and Jamie Hector lead the ensemble.
The production filmed on location in Baltimore and uses a nonlinear structure across roughly six hours of runtime. It was produced by HBO and includes consultation with journalists whose reporting informed the narrative.
‘The Plot Against America’ (2020)
Created by David Simon and Ed Burns from the Philip Roth novel, this six episode series presents an alternate history set in the United States. The cast includes Winona Ryder, Zoe Kazan, John Turturro, and Anthony Boyle.
The series runs about six hours and features production work across New Jersey and New York to recreate period locations. It premiered on HBO and streaming with a single season format and received recognition for adaptation and design.
‘Irma Vep’ (2022)
Created and directed by Olivier Assayas, this eight episode limited series revisits his earlier film in a meta production setting. Alicia Vikander stars alongside a European and American ensemble.
The series totals about eight hours and was filmed in France with bilingual dialogue and industry specific detail. It premiered on HBO and streaming with weekly episodes and earned critical praise for its lead performance and direction.
‘Station Eleven’ (2021)
Created by Patrick Somerville from the novel by Emily St. John Mandel, this ten episode limited series follows a traveling theater troupe years after a pandemic. Mackenzie Davis, Himesh Patel, and Matilda Lawler star, with multiple directors including Hiro Murai.
The production filmed in Chicago, Ontario, and Georgia, with episodes running close to an hour each. It debuted on the streaming service with a staggered release and received multiple awards nominations for writing and direction.
‘It’s a Sin’ (2021)
Created by Russell T Davies, this five episode series chronicles a group of friends in London during the HIV crisis. Olly Alexander leads the cast with Lydia West, Omari Douglas, and Callum Scott Howells.
The U.S. streaming rights were carried by HBO Max, with total runtime near five hours. The series filmed in Manchester and Liverpool for period accuracy and received awards recognition from British television institutions.
‘The Staircase’ (2022)
Developed by Antonio Campos and Maggie Cohn, this eight episode dramatization revisits a well known true crime case. Colin Firth and Toni Collette star, with Parker Posey, Sophie Turner, and Juliette Binoche in supporting roles.
The series runs approximately eight hours, filmed in Georgia, and incorporates a nested production within the narrative. It premiered on the streaming platform with weekly installments and drew attention for its detailed legal and documentary elements.
‘DMZ’ (2022)
Created by Roberto Patino from the comic series, this four episode limited series is set in a near future Manhattan. Rosario Dawson and Benjamin Bratt lead the cast, with Ava DuVernay directing the opening episodes.
The production shot in Atlanta and on constructed backlot streets to depict a divided urban zone, with a total runtime near four hours. It was released as a Max Original with a short run format.
‘Love and Death’ (2023)
Created by David E. Kelley and directed by Lesli Linka Glatter, this seven episode true crime series stars Elizabeth Olsen and Jesse Plemons. The story examines events surrounding a 1980 Texas case.
Filming occurred in Texas locales with episodes close to an hour each and a score by Jeff Russo. It premiered on the streaming platform as a Max Original and received awards nominations for acting.
‘Full Circle’ (2023)
Directed by Steven Soderbergh and written by Ed Solomon, this six episode crime drama features Zazie Beetz, Claire Danes, Timothy Olyphant, and Dennis Quaid. The plot connects a kidnapping to past events and intersecting families.
The project was shot in New York City with Soderbergh serving as cinematographer and editor under his usual credit. It premiered as a Max Original with two episodes per week and totals about six hours.
‘The Third Day’ (2020)
Created by Dennis Kelly and Felix Barrett, this six episode limited series is divided into Summer and Winter chapters. Jude Law and Naomie Harris star, with an additional live event component produced as a long form broadcast.
Filming took place in the United Kingdom with location work on Osea Island and a combined runtime of about six hours. The series was a co production with Sky and aired on HBO and the streaming platform.
‘Generation Kill’ (2008)
Created by David Simon and Ed Burns from the nonfiction book by Evan Wright, this seven episode miniseries follows a Marine reconnaissance battalion during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Alexander Skarsgård and James Ransone are among the ensemble.
Shot in South Africa and Mozambique to stand in for Iraq, the production uses military advisors and practical vehicles. It aired on HBO as a one season project and runs roughly seven hours in total.
‘Angels in America’ (2003)
Adapted by Tony Kushner from his stage plays and directed by Mike Nichols, this six part miniseries stars Al Pacino, Meryl Streep, and Emma Thompson. The narrative explores intersecting lives in New York during the mid 1980s.
The series runs close to six hours with extensive makeup and multi role casting. It premiered on HBO and received multiple Emmys and Golden Globes, including awards for acting, writing, and directing.
‘The Outsider’ (2020)
Based on the novel by Stephen King and developed by Richard Price, this ten episode series begins with an investigation into a murder that carries unexplained elements. Ben Mendelsohn and Cynthia Erivo lead the cast with Jason Bateman directing early episodes.
The production filmed in Georgia with episodes around sixty minutes each. It aired on HBO with streaming availability and concluded as a single season limited series.
Share your favorite HBO Max miniseries in the comments and let everyone know which one you finished in a single sitting.
