Max, originally known as HBO Max, is one of the leading streaming service providers in the country. On the site, you can not only stream old favorites such as Friends, Sex and the City, The Big Bang Theory and more, but you can also stream Max original series. Here are the 7 best HBO Max shows of 2024.
7. The Sympathizer
The Sympathizer is a dramedy starring Robert Downey Jr. and Hoa Xuande. The series follows a plant, who was embedded in the South Vietnam army, as he flees to the U.S. and lives in a refugee community, continuing to spy for the Viet Cong.
Making commentary on the Vietnam War, imperialism, and identity, especially in regards to nationality, The Sympathizer is one of the best HBO Max shows of 2024.
IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
6. Ren Faire
Ren Faire is a documentary series that tells the story of when the ailing king of America’s biggest renaissance festival declares his retirement from the throne.
Though this documentary series definitely has a target audience, it definitely appeals to all. The series is dark and emotional, not what someone thinks of when thinking of a renaissance festival. Ren Faire depicts the power struggles, ambition, and the boldness required of running these massive events. The series is shocking and one of the best HBO Max shows of 2024.
IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
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5. Fantasmas
Fantasmas is the tale of when Julio Torres lost a golden oyster. This HBO Max original comedy has kept viewers laughing.
This quirky, weird, and bold new project of the indie filmmaker, Julio Torres, is an exciting one and definitely deserves a watch.
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
4. Six Schizophrenic Brothers
Six Schizophrenic Brothers is a documentary series about an American family whose six out of twelve kids are schizophrenic.
Though the documentary is terrifying not only to think about but in execution, it is also intriguing, learning the ways schizophrenia tears the family apart. Six Schizophrenic Brothers is absolutely engrossing and evokes much emotion, making it one of the best HBO Max shows of 2024.
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
3. One South: Portrait of a Psych Unit
One South: Portrait of a Psych Unit examines a psychiatric unit at Zucker Hillside Hospital in Queen, NY that specializes in treating young adults.
One South gives valuable insight into what a psych ward can look like, destigmatizing some of the hurtful notions towards mental health care. This eye-opening documentary mini series is definitely one of the best HBO Max shows of 2024.
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
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2. Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV
Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV has been a groundbreaking documentary mini series discussing the toxic environment behind some of the most iconic children’s shows of the late 1990s and 2000s.
This documentary has been shocking to its viewers, offering a dark and upsetting perspective on many people’s favorite childhood TV shows, shows that are thought to be pure and joyful. The series opens people’s eyes to the abuse and manipulation many young actors face, shining the children’s entertainment industry in a new, much darker light.
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
1. Expedition From Hell: The Lost Tapes
Expedition From Hell: The Lost Tapes is a documentary series about a former special forces demolitions expert who leads a group of amateur explorers on a charity trek across South America when they are kidnapped by an indigenous tribe.
The film takes an interesting perspective, displaying how terrible the group leader was, and that people who seem like great leaders aren’t always that great. This binge-worthy series is the best HBO Max show of 2024.
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10