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

Streaming audiences this week are gravitating toward a mix of highly anticipated premieres and comforting holiday favorites. The current top ten list features a blend of gritty horror prequels and fresh comedy series alongside competitive cooking shows. Viewers are also revisiting acclaimed dramas and animated hits that continue to capture attention long after their initial release. The variety in genres highlights the broad appeal of the platform’s library as subscribers seek both thrills and festive cheer.

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

Guy Fieri hosts this high-stakes holiday special that pairs thirty-two superstar chefs into teams of two. The culinary duos must prepare both savory and sweet dishes to impress a panel of demanding judges. Winners compete for a cash prize of one hundred thousand dollars while navigating festive twists on the standard competition rules. The show combines the intensity of the original bracket style with seasonal ingredients and themes.

‘The Seduction’ (2025)

Anamaria Vartolomei stars as Isabelle de Merteuil in this prequel adaptation of the classic story Dangerous Liaisons. The narrative follows a naive country girl who transforms into a master manipulator after a fake marriage destroys her innocence. She teams up with Madame de Rosemonde to enact revenge against the men who wronged her in pre-Revolutionary France. The series explores complex themes of sexual politics and power dynamics within the aristocracy.

‘Holiday Baking Championship’ (2014–)

Bakers from across the country face difficult seasonal challenges to create decadent treats for a panel of expert judges. Jesse Palmer hosts this festive competition that tests skills in crafting cakes and cookies with holiday themes. Contestants aim to impress with both flavor and presentation to win the grand prize. The show provides plenty of recipe inspiration for viewers looking to bake for their own winter celebrations.

‘Adventure Time: Fionna & Cake’ (2023)

This spinoff follows the gender-swapped alternate versions of Finn and Jake on a journey through the multiverse. Fionna and her magical cat Cake seek the help of the former Ice King Simon Petrikov to find their purpose. The series explores deeper emotional themes while retaining the whimsical animation style of the original franchise. It bridges the gap between nostalgic childhood memories and mature storytelling for adult fans.

‘I Love LA’ (2025)

Rachel Sennott stars as Maia in this comedy about navigating friendship and professional ambition in Los Angeles. Maia deals with intense jealousy when her former best friend Tallulah returns from New York as a successful influencer. The series satirizes social media culture and the specific anxieties of living in the entertainment capital. The dynamic between the two leads drives the cringe-inducing humor and explores the fragility of modern relationships.

‘The Chair Company’ (2025)

Tim Robinson plays Ron Trosper in this comedy thriller about a man obsessed with a workplace mishap. After a humiliating accident involving a broken chair Ron begins investigating a potential conspiracy at the manufacturer known as Tecca. Lake Bell co-stars as his wife Barb who watches his paranoia escalate into a chaotic investigation. The show blends Robinson’s signature surreal humor with a surprising mystery element.

‘Smiling Friends’ (2020–)

Pim and Charlie work for a small charity dedicated to bringing happiness to their unhappy clients. The animated series features surreal humor and bizarre characters in a chaotic and often colorful world. Each episode presents a new case where the duo attempts to solve complex personal problems with optimism. The unique visual style mixes different mediums of animation to create a distinct aesthetic.

‘Mad Men’ (2007–2015)

Don Draper navigates the high-pressure world of advertising in 1960s New York City while hiding his mysterious past. The series explores the changing social mores of the decade through the professional and personal lives of the Sterling Cooper agency staff. Jon Hamm delivers a defining performance as the talented creative director who struggles with his identity. It remains a critically acclaimed drama known for its historical authenticity and character depth.

‘Heated Rivalry’ (2025)

Professional hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov engage in a secret romance while playing for opposing teams. This adaptation of Rachel Reid’s novel explores the tension between their public feud and private affection over the course of several years. The series highlights the immense pressure of maintaining a career in professional sports while hiding a relationship. Fans have praised the strong chemistry between the leads in this steamy romantic drama.

‘IT: Welcome to Derry’ (2025)

This prequel series travels back to the 1960s to reveal the origins of the shapeshifting entity Pennywise. The story explores the dark history of Derry and the curse that plagues its residents every twenty-seven years. Bill Skarsgård returns to portray the terrifying clown in a narrative that expands the Stephen King mythology. The show delivers intense horror sequences and character-driven drama that sets the stage for the feature films.

Share your favorite show from this week’s top ten in the comments.