The Best Series to Binge on HBO Max in December 2025

HBO Max’s December slate mixes prestige dramas, fan-favorite reality series, comfort-food competition shows, and a few brand-new titles, with arrivals spaced throughout the month—perfect for holiday bingeing. Below are ten standouts drawn from the full December lineup, along with the exact dates they hit the platform so you can plan your queue.

‘Mad Men’ (2007–2015)

This landmark period drama tracks ad executive Don Draper and his colleagues through the shifting culture of 1960s Madison Avenue, weaving workplace storylines with social change. Created by Matthew Weiner, the series is known for its meticulous production design and serialized character arcs across seven seasons. It explores agency mergers, evolving gender roles, and how brands shaped American identity. It arrives on HBO Max on December 1, 2025.

’90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After?’ (2016– )

This reality spinoff revisits couples after their weddings to follow immigration steps, family integration, and financial and cultural hurdles. Episodes provide status updates on past pairings, adding new conflicts and reconciliations as circumstances change. The show documents legal processes, relocations, and relationship maintenance beyond the 90-day timeline. It lands on HBO Max on December 1, 2025.

‘New Orleans: Soul of a City’ (2025– )

This documentary series explores New Orleans through its music, foodways, neighborhoods, and community traditions, focusing on the people who keep them alive. Episodes highlight local institutions and artists to show how culture and resilience intertwine. The production spotlights the city’s historical roots and contemporary practice. It premieres on HBO Max on December 2, 2025.

‘Chopped’ (2009– )

In each episode of this competition format, four chefs cook through appetizer, entrée, and dessert rounds using mystery-basket ingredients. Judges evaluate technique, creativity, and plating, eliminating one contestant per course until a winner remains. The show emphasizes time management and improvisation under pressure. It joins HBO Max on December 2, 2025.

‘House Hunters’ (1999– )

This real-estate staple follows buyers as they tour three properties, weighing location, layout, and budget before making a selection. Episodes provide pricing context and trade-offs across markets, from urban condos to suburban homes. The format also shows negotiations and closing factors that influence final decisions. It arrives on HBO Max on December 5, 2025.

‘House Hunters International’ (2006– )

The global edition documents relocations abroad, covering visas, language barriers, and housing norms in new countries. Buyers balance commute times, schooling, and cultural fit while comparing rentals and purchases. Episodes showcase regional architecture and local market constraints. It becomes available on HBO Max on December 5, 2025.

‘The Bold Type’ (2017–2021)

Set at a New York–based women’s magazine, this series follows three friends navigating editorial workflows, social media strategy, and career development. Storylines include workplace policy, digital pivots, and ethics in journalism. It also depicts mentorship structures and cross-department collaboration inside a modern media company. It streams on HBO Max starting December 15, 2025.

‘Tony Shalhoub Breaking Bread’ (2025– )

This new series features Tony Shalhoub exploring food and culture through intimate meals and conversations. Episodes combine culinary traditions with personal histories from guests and hosts. The format emphasizes storytelling at the table and the connections forged over shared dishes. It debuts on HBO Max on December 15, 2025.

‘Secrets in the Sand’ (2023– )

This documentary program investigates buried ruins and artifacts in desert regions, using fieldwork and modern imaging to interpret ancient sites. Researchers and archaeologists trace trade routes, settlement patterns, and environmental shifts. Case studies illustrate how new evidence reframes historical narratives. It arrives on HBO Max on December 21, 2025.

‘Guy’s Grocery Games’ (2013– )

Hosted by Guy Fieri, this series turns a supermarket into a timed cooking arena with budget limits, aisle restrictions, and surprise challenges. Chefs adapt recipes to available ingredients and thematic twists while judges assess flavor and execution. Winners earn cash prizes based on performance across rounds. It hits HBO Max on December 24, 2025.

Tell us which December HBO Max additions you’re most excited to binge in the comments!