‘The Chair Company’ and All the Other TV Shows Coming to HBO Max This Week

It’s a busy week on Max, with a mix of animation, reality competitions, and a brand-new HBO comedy rounding out the lineup. Below, you’ll find quick primers on each incoming title so you can jump in already knowing the basics—who made it, who stars in it, and what it’s about.

Dates below reflect when each project is set to arrive this week—Monday, October 6 through Sunday, October 12—so you can plan exactly what to watch and when.

‘Smiling Friends’ (2020– )

The offbeat animated series created by Zach Hadel and Michael Cusack follows employees of Smiling Friends Inc.—primarily Charlie and Pim—who take on bizarre assignments to make clients happy, with a revolving door of oddball characters and mixed-media gags. The voice cast features Michael Cusack, Zach Hadel, Marc M., and Joshua Tomar, among others; episodes run about 11 minutes. It’s scheduled to hit Max on Monday, October 6.

Beyond the premise, the show’s production has involved studios like Princess Bento Studio and Studio Yotta across seasons, with music by Chris O’Neill and Brendan Caulfield. The series originated on Adult Swim and has built a cult following for its surreal comedy and anthology-like storytelling that hops between styles and tones.

‘Baylen Out Loud’ (2025–)

This unscripted series centers on Baylen Dupree, a social-media creator living with Tourette Syndrome, documenting her path toward independence and the day-to-day realities of navigating work, relationships, and family life. It’s slated to arrive on Wednesday, October 8.

Baylen’s story features participation from her family and fiancé and aims to broaden awareness around Tourette Syndrome through candid, first-person storytelling. Coverage has noted the show’s focus on education and advocacy alongside Baylen’s personal milestones and growing public profile.

‘Alex vs America’ (2022– )

The competitive cooking format pits acclaimed chef Alex Guarnaschelli against themed groups of chefs in two elimination rounds, with host Eric Adjepong overseeing the action and guest judges rotating episode to episode. Expect culinary matchups that range from regional cuisines to specialist skill sets. It’s set to land on Wednesday, October 8.

The show highlights Guarnaschelli’s strategy and versatility under pressure while Adjepong—himself a chef and competition-show veteran—anchors the format as host. Episodes frequently feature familiar Food Network judges and champions evaluating head-to-head cook-offs and deciding who advances to challenge Alex in the final round.

‘VGLY’ (2023– )

Set in Mexico City’s urban-music scene, this drama follows aspiring artist Vgly and his crew—friends trying to break out while navigating hustles, rivalries, and industry gatekeepers. Cast members include Benny Emmanuel, Crystal López, Juan Daniel García Treviño, and others. It’s scheduled for Thursday, October 9.

The series is produced with involvement from Exile Content and Warner Bros. Television and has featured real-world artists in guest roles; music supervision has been a calling card, with attention to contemporary Mexican genres. A second season was announced, underscoring the show’s traction with audiences.

‘Bugs Bunny Builders’ (2022– )

This preschool Looney Tunes spinoff follows Bugs, Lola, Daffy, Porky, and Tweety as they tackle kid-friendly construction projects with teamwork and problem-solving. Voice talent includes Eric Bauza, Jeff Bergman, Bob Bergen, Candi Milo, Chandni Parekh, and Fred Tatasciore. The show arrives Friday, October 10.

Developed by Jacob Fleisher and produced by Warner Bros. Animation with executive producer Sam Register, the series features 11-minute episodes and has aired on Cartoon Network’s Cartoonito block, with additional availability on Max. It has two seasons to date.

‘Lu & the Bally Bunch’ (2023)

An animated preschool series created, written, and directed by Nicky Phelan, it follows Lu—a ladybird starting preschool—and her friends as they learn social skills through music and play. The voice ensemble includes performers such as Freya McLaughlin and Aileen Mythen. It’s set for Friday, October 10.

Produced by 9 Story Media Group and Brown Bag Films, the show’s development involved Sarah Lonsdale and Jennie Stacey, with music by Darren Hendley. It has aired across CBC Kids, Cartoonito, and related preschool blocks internationally.

‘Impractical Jokers’ (2011– )

The long-running hidden-camera series stars The Tenderloins—James “Murr” Murray, Brian “Q” Quinn, and Sal Vulcano—as they dare one another to improvise increasingly awkward public pranks; former member Joe Gatto appeared through season nine. The series is due Saturday, October 11.

Produced by NorthSouth Productions, the show has spanned more than a decade, a feature film, and multiple touring specials, with recent seasons premiering on TBS in the U.S. The format remains consistent: whoever loses the most challenges faces a “punishment” crafted by the others.

‘Bering Sea Gold’ (2012– )

This unscripted series follows dredge crews in Nome, Alaska, as they mine for placer gold on the floor of the Bering Sea. Narration has included Thom Beers (seasons 1–2) and Mike Rowe (seasons 3–12). The show is scheduled for Saturday, October 11.

Produced by Original Productions—the company behind ‘Deadliest Catch’—the franchise has split between open-water and “Under the Ice” seasons, chronicling the logistics, engineering, and hazards of sub-zero diving and marine operations in a short mining window.

‘The Chair Company’ (2025– )

Created by Tim Robinson and Zach Kanin, this HBO comedy stars Robinson as William Ronald Trosper, a Midwestern office worker who begins investigating a sprawling conspiracy after an embarrassing workplace incident. The ensemble includes Lake Bell, Sophia Lillis, Will Price, Joseph Tudisco, and Lou Diamond Phillips; it premieres Sunday, October 12.

Executive producers include Robinson, Kanin, Andrew DeYoung, Adam McKay, Todd Schulman, and Igor Srubshchik, with directing duties shared by DeYoung and Aaron Schimberg across the season. HBO has slated an eight-episode run.

Tell us which of these you’ll be watching first—drop your picks in the comments!