10 Best HBO Max Original Series

In recent years, streaming services have revolutionized the way we consume television, and HBO Max has quickly become one of the most popular platforms for original content. From critically acclaimed dramas to hilarious comedies and everything in between, HBO Max has something for everyone. In this article, we will take a look at the 10 best HBO Max original series that have captured audiences with their compelling storylines, exceptional performances, and stunning visuals.

Peacemaker

DC’s Peacemaker streaming series was initially met with skepticism due to the morally flawed nature of the main character in The Suicide Squad. However, James Gunn’s direction and John Cena’s portrayal transformed the character into a captivating, flawed figure, resulting in a critically acclaimed show that became DC’s top-rated live-action series on IMDb. The success of the first season led to the development of a second season, and James Gunn was appointed as an executive for DC Entertainment, showcasing the potential for even the most questionable projects to exceed expectations with the right creative force behind them.

The Last of Us

The Last of Us, a post-apocalyptic drama, follows a tough smuggler and a young girl as they journey through a ruined America. Based on the hit video game, the series reveals that the girl, Ellie, is immune to the deadly fungal infection that transforms humans into vicious killers, making her crucial to their survival. Starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, the show promises intense action and violence set against a bleak backdrop. With support from Gabriel Luna, Merle Dandridge, and Anna Torv, The Last of Us is a gripping adventure that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Hacks 

Hacks is a comedy series that follows Ava, a 25-year-old writer who is trying to revive her career after losing her job due to a bad tweet. Reluctantly, Ava starts writing material for Deborah Vance, a veteran comedian who leads a life of beautiful but empty opulence due to her eschewed personal life. Initially, the odd couple pairing of Ava and Deborah seems unlikely, but as they realize their similarities, they bond. Smart and Einbinder deliver excellent performances, with Smart playing the brash Deborah with subtlety and warmth. With a talented cast and great direction, Hacks is a must-watch series.

Game Of Thrones

We can say that Game of Thrones revolutionized TV in the early 2010s, setting a new standard for epic fantasy filmmaking before Netflix and Amazon Prime’s big-budget shows. With eight groundbreaking seasons, the series showcased noble families competing for the iron throne in the Westeros land. Although the final two seasons were disappointing for some, the first few seasons offered masterful storytelling, world-building, and breathtaking set-pieces. The show’s intricate plot twists and sharp dialogue made it a true masterpiece in dramatic storytelling.

Harley Quinn 

This highly recommended series perfectly captures the essence of the character. It follows Harley’s journey to establish herself as a prominent figure in Gotham with the help of Poison Ivy and other iconic villains. The show masterfully balances humor, romance, and violence, while remaining true to Harley’s character. Praised for breaking the mold of comic-based animation, the show targets adult humor while maintaining character-driven moments. With a well-crafted Gotham, the series delivers everything DC fans could ask for – from the burgeoning romance between Harley and Ivy to her becoming Batman’s therapist. It’s a must-watch for genre fans.

Julia

Starring Sarah Lancashire as Julia Child and David Hyde Pierce as her supportive husband, “Julia” is a biographical series based on the life of the culinary pioneer who introduced cooking shows on television. The show, created by Daniel Goldfarb, documents Child’s transition from a well-known author to a small screen personality with her popular show “The French Chef.” “Julia” follows the life of the trailblazing chef both on and off camera, delivering a heartwarming and humorous account of her incredible journey.

The Wire 

The Wire is a crime drama set in Baltimore, recognized as one of the best TV shows ever made. It portrays a harsh reality of police corruption, systemic oppression, and injustice. David Simon, a former police reporter, created the show, which aired for five seasons from 2002 to 2008. However, the show didn’t receive the recognition it deserved until after it ended. Now, twenty years since its debut, The Wire is considered a seminal work of dramatic television.

Doom Patrol

Doom Patrol, a TV series based on a comic book, features a team of atypical superheroes who are outcasts in society due to their extraordinary powers. Their leader, The Chief, played by Timothy Dalton, offers them a sense of belonging and a new residence, enabling them to unite as a team. While they initially struggle with their differences, the Doom Patrol members eventually connect and work together as a unified force. The program delves into themes of accepting oneself, forming meaningful relationships, and the challenges of fitting in a society that marginalizes those who are unconventional.

Chernobyl 

It is a five-episode miniseries that depicts the aftermath of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster and the cleanup efforts that followed. Craig Mazin created and wrote the show, with each episode directed by Johan Renck. The ensemble cast, led by Jared Harris as Soviet scientist Valery Legasov, accurately portrays the heroism undertaken to contain the disaster and the devastating effects of radiation poisoning on those exposed to it. The show was a hit for HBO, receiving critical acclaim and winning numerous Emmys. Its powerful depiction of the disaster and its aftermath resonated with both audiences and critics alike.

Succession  

Succession, a black-comedy drama created by Jesse Armstrong, has become a major hit for HBO since its 2018 debut. The show focuses on the Roy family’s struggle to take control of the company amidst the uncertainty surrounding family patriarch Logan Roy’s health. The storyline portrays a constant power struggle among the four siblings, including an arrogant playboy and a power-hungry, visionary addict. The final season culminates with a gripping conclusion as the Roy family employs unethical tactics, displays their opulence, and becomes embroiled in controversies. Succession is not only one of HBO’s best shows but also one of the best shows of this decade.

Also Read: Top 10 TV Shows Based on DC Comics