Finding the best shows on Max can be interesting. One person's idea of a terrific TV series is another's idea of a bad time, so it can be difficult to work out what's worth streaming on Max. With so many choices, opinions on what’s worth watching vary wildly. Some viewers love high-stakes drama, while others prefer lighthearted comedy or intense thrillers. Instead of endlessly scrolling through the platform, this guide presents the top 12 TV shows currently available on the streaming platform.
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Whether you’re in the mood for gripping crime dramas, sharp comedies, or unforgettable character-driven stories, these picks promise something for everyone. Here are the must-watch shows on Max.
A high-stakes medical drama set in an underfunded Pittsburgh hospital, The Pitt follows ER doctors through one intense 15-hour shift per season. Led by Noah Wyle, the show brings a mix of raw emotion and fast-paced medical emergencies. The real-time storytelling keeps tension high as doctors battle to save lives while navigating personal struggles and hospital politics. The show’s realistic depiction of emergency medicine and its portrayal of the fractured U.S. healthcare system adds depth to the narrative. A gripping blend of drama and realism, The Pitt is a must-watch for fans of medical procedurals.
Bridget Everett stars in this heartfelt dramedy about a woman returning to her hometown after her sister’s death. Sam struggles with grief, feeling disconnected from her past and uncertain about her future. But through an unexpected friendship and her love of singing, she rediscovers purpose. This Peabody Award-winning series resonates with anyone who has ever felt lost, offering a touching mix of humor and emotional depth. The small-town setting, combined with strong character development, makes Somebody Somewhere a refreshing and relatable watch.
Bill Hader’s Barry is a darkly comedic crime thriller that follows a hitman who dreams of becoming an actor. When Barry Berkman moves to L.A. for an assignment, he unexpectedly finds himself drawn to a local theater group. But leaving behind his violent past isn’t so simple. The show expertly blends action, suspense, and offbeat humor, making it a standout among crime dramas. With layered performances, particularly from Hader and Henry Winkler, Barry delivers a thought-provoking look at identity, redemption, and the struggle to change.
An adaptation of the beloved novel, Like Water for Chocolate tells the story of forbidden love and passion set against the backdrop of the Mexican Revolution. Tita and Pedro are deeply in love, but Tita’s controlling mother forces Pedro to marry her sister instead. Tita expresses her emotions through cooking, with her food carrying the weight of her unspoken feelings. The series captures the novel’s magical realism beautifully, blending romance with cultural traditions. It’s a visually stunning and emotionally powerful drama about love, duty, and defiance.
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A powerhouse of modern television, Succession follows the dysfunctional Roy family as they fight for control over a media empire. At its core, the show is a study of power, betrayal, and greed, with biting satire and compelling drama. The Roy siblings—Kendall, Roman, and Shiv—vie for their father’s approval while undermining each other at every turn. The show’s sharp writing, complex characters, and intense corporate battles make it both entertaining and deeply compelling. If you enjoy political intrigue and ruthless ambition, Succession is unmissable.
Jean Smart shines as legendary comedian Deborah Vance in this witty and insightful dramedy. The show explores the evolving relationship between Deborah and Ava, a struggling young writer tasked with revitalizing her career. Initially at odds, the two women develop an unlikely bond that’s equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. Hacks captures the generational divide in comedy while delivering sharp dialogue and stellar performances. With its mix of humor and emotional depth, it’s an engaging watch that keeps you invested in both characters.
A whimsical detective series with a fantasy twist, Pushing Daisies follows Ned, a pie maker who can bring the dead back to life with a single touch. But there’s a catch—if he touches them again, they die permanently. As he helps a private investigator solve crimes, he grapples with his love for childhood sweetheart Chuck, whom he can never touch again. The show’s vibrant visuals, quirky storytelling, and charming characters make it a unique and unforgettable series. Though canceled too soon, Pushing Daisies remains a cult favorite.
Set in luxurious resorts, The White Lotus follows the lives of wealthy guests and resort, employees, as their interactions take dark and unexpected turns. With biting social commentary and a sharp script, the show dissects privilege, class tension, and personal ambition. Each season introduces a new cast and location, keeping the intrigue fresh. The show’s blend of comedy and drama, combined with stellar performances, makes it an addictive watch that keeps viewers guessing until the final moments.
A comedic take on pirate life, Our Flag Means Death follows aristocrat-turned-pirate Stede Bonnet as he attempts to captain a ship without any real experience. His misfit crew, combined with his unlikely friendship with the infamous Blackbeard, creates plenty of chaos. The series blends absurd humor with surprisingly heartfelt moments, making it a standout among period comedies. With its mix of adventure, satire, and unexpected romance, Our Flag Means Death is a fresh and entertaining take on pirate lore.
In 2019, HBO delivered a gripping retelling of one of the worst nuclear disasters in history with Chernobyl. This five-part miniseries dives deep into the events leading up to the 1986 explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine, as well as the harrowing aftermath that followed. The show captures the bravery of those who risked their lives to contain the disaster, while also exposing the layers of misinformation and denial that allowed it to spiral out of control. Created by Craig Mazin (The Last of Us), Chernobyl is a hauntingly powerful drama that lingers in the mind long after the final scene. It’s a devastating watch, but one that is undeniably worth it.
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Westerns may not dominate television like they once did, but Deadwood proved that the genre still had plenty of life left in it. Airing from 2004 to 2006, this HBO drama took viewers to the lawless gold rush town of Deadwood, South Dakota, blending real historical figures with fictionalized storytelling. Timothy Olyphant stars as Seth Bullock, a no-nonsense sheriff trying to bring order to a town riddled with corruption, while Ian McShane steals the show as the ruthless saloon owner Al Swearengen. Gritty, intelligent, and brimming with sharp dialogue, Deadwood remains one of HBO’s most celebrated series. Though its run was cut short after three seasons, the story was given some closure with Deadwood: The Movie in 2019.
A pandemic-ravaged world is the backdrop for Station Eleven, but unlike many post-apocalyptic dramas, this series finds beauty and hope amid the devastation. Adapted from Emily St. John Mandel’s novel, the story jumps between the past and the future, following a group of survivors trying to rebuild in the aftermath of a deadly global virus. While the premise may hit close to home, the show leans more into human resilience and the power of art rather than just survival. The result is a visually stunning and emotionally rich series that offers a refreshing take on the post-apocalyptic genre.
