It's no surprise that Max has always been known for dishing out fantastic shows, and the streaming platform has a massive selection of flicks featuring some of your favorite A-list celebs. Whether you're in the mood for a crime drama, a docu-series, or you're just looking for a good laugh, there's something worth streaming on Max.
From Kaley Cuoco to Woody Harrelson and Pedro Pascal, this network has tons of celebrities worthy of gracing your TV screen. Here is a list of the Best TV Shows on Max to get you started on your binge-watching adventure.
22 Matt Smith — House of the Dragon (Season 1)
An English actor, Matt Smith has become a huge A-lister in Hollywood over the years, starring in some of the hottest binge-worthy shows, including Netflix's The Crown, which earned him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination. Smith is also known for his role in the popular BBC series, Doctor Who. Fans may also recognize him from his roles in films like Last Night in Soho and Morbius. Smith also made a name for himself as a theater actor in England, earning critical acclaim in plays like Swimming With Sharks and That Face.
These days, Smith has become known for his role in the popular prequel to Max's Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon. One of the most highly-anticipated shows on Max since its popular counterpart, the second season of the show is set to premiere in the summer of 2024, giving fans plenty of time to refresh their memories by streaming the first season. The show features a slew of talented actors, including Paddy Considine, Emma D’Arcy, Rhys Ifans, and Steve Toussaint.
21 Pedro Pascal — The Last of Us (Season 1)
Pedro Pascal, while now incredibly famous, didn't become a household name until later in his career. In recent years, he became most popular for his stint on the ultra-popular Game of Thrones as Oberyn Martell in season four as well Javier Peña in Netflix's Narcos.
Pascal has added another impressive notch to his belt in the role as Joel Miller on Max's The Last of Us. Based on the video game of the same name, Pascal's character is forced to survive in a dystopic reality after a fungus-based pandemic takes over the world. And, as no surprise, the show isn't short of crazy action and insane visuals.
20 Danny McBride — The Righteous Gemstones, Season 3
In need of a good laugh? Then watching this show, starring Danny McBride, is a great way to go. McBride first made a splash in Hollywood with his hit show, Eastbound & Down, followed by Vice Principles, and other films along the way. Along with being a successful actor, McBride is also a talented, screenwriter, producer, and comedian.
The Righteous Gemstones, now in its third season, continues to intrigue audiences by following McBride and his dynamic family as they manage their gemstone legacy. The show is filled with many other familiar faces, including Adam DeVine and John Goodman.
19 Elizabeth Olson — Love and Death (Season 1)
Younger sister of famous Full House stars Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Elizabeth Olson has earned fame far beyond her famous DNA. In fact, Olsen has become a highly respected actress in Hollywood, starring in popular movies like Marcy May Marlene. And more recently, she was named "Best Villain" for her role as Wanda in Doctor Strange 2 at the MTV Movie & TV Awards.
Based on Jim Atkinson and John Bloom's book, Evidence of Love: A True Story of Passion and Death in the Suburbs, Olson plays the role of Candy Montgomery who has an affair with her neighbor, ending in murder.
18 Lily-Rose Depp — The Idol, Season 1
Lily-Rose Depp is a newer A-lister on the scene, but she's surely making a name for herself. While the French-American actress is the daughter actor Johnny Depp and model Vanessa Paradis, she's carving out a name for herself, as she's starred in short films and other flicks, like Savage, The King, Wolf, and more.
In The Idol, Johnny Depp's daughter stars alongside pop singer The Weeknd, who is also one of the three creators behind the HBO show. The Idol explores the hectic yet exciting life of a pop star, played by Depp, looking to make a comeback. We can be sure this won't be features on any lists containing the Best Shows on HBO Max given it wasn't renewed for a second season.
17 Shaun White — The Last Run (Season 1)
If you're a sports fan who's not in the mood for a scripted show, Max's latest docuseries, The Last Run, is sure to whet your appetite. The series explores the three-time gold medalist Shaun White's life, as he reflects on his childhood and impressive career as a professional snowboarder and skateboarder.
In the show, fans will learn of White's heart condition he struggled with as a child and how he came to be a record-breaking Olympian as a young adult. Set to air in July 2023, this miniseries is sure to be a hit among sports fans and anyone who could use a little inspiration.
16 Kieran Culkin — Succession (Season 4)
For many, Kieran Culkin looks familiar, and it's probably because he's the brother of the famous child star, Macaulay Culkin. But despite this, Kieran Culkin has appeared in plenty of films and TV shows himself, including Father of the Bride, The Mighty, and Igby Goes Down, for which he won Critics' Choice Movie Award and was nominated for a Golden Globe Award.
Culkin is part of the talented cast of Succession, starring as Roman, the baby brother of the very rich, controversial Roy family. The show follows the family who owns the business empire known as Waystar Royco, as the airs to the proverbial throne fight their way to the top when their father gets very sick. The fourth season, which was released in 2023, is, sadly, its last.
15 Claire Danes — Full Circle (Season 1)
From classic movies, like Romeo + Juliet to critically acclaimed TV shows, like Homeland, Claire Danes is as seasoned an actress as they come. Given her wide range of recognized projects, it's no surprise Danes has won many awards over the course of her career, including three Primetime Emmy Awards and a whopping four Golden Globe Awards.
Much like her past projects Full Circle, Max's highly anticipated crime drama is bursting at the seams with talent under the direction of Steven Soderbergh. A limited series that will likely showcase Danes' and the rest of the dynamic cast's acting chops with twists and turns at every corner, this show is definitely among the Best Shows on HBO Max right now.
14 Kaley Cuoco — Harley Quinn (Season 4)
Kaley Cuoco became a household thanks to the many sitcoms she's starred in over the years, namely The Big Bang Theory. Since then, Cuoco has gone on to star in plenty of other binge-worthy shows, including Max's The Flight Attendant, and more. And all her hard work is paying off, as she's reported to have a net worth of a draw-dropping $110 million.
As if she hasn't already conquered it all in Hollywood, Cuoco has also proved to be an excellent voice actor, starring in Harley Quinn on Max. With four seasons available to stream, the animated series has become a favorite among viewers, with Cuoco voicing the lead character and serving as one of the producers with her production company, Yes.
13 Bill Hader — Barry (Season 4)
When Bill Hader first came onto the scene, he was making audiences laugh with his cooky characters on Saturday Night Live from 2005-2013. From there, Hader went on to act in many different movies, typically in the comedy genre. However, he began to take on more serious roles, earning him more respect as a dramatic actor.
Hader put his acting chops to the test in Barry, one of Max's most popular shows today. Now in its fourth season, Barry follows an awkward hitman named Barry Berman who gets bit with the acting bug after chasing down a kill in Los Angeles, CA. While the show has its comedic moments and cast of colorful characters, including seasoned actor Henry Winkler, Hader proves to be an excellent dramatic performer.
