HBO and its streaming companionMaxhave retained the reputation of being a home for prestige dramas, hilariously absurd comedies, and fruitful combinations of both. With series such asSuccession,theGame of Thronesfranchise, andThe White Lotusunder its umbrella, the media giant has inspired culturally relevant discussions about tourism, hierarchy, and capitalism. However, there are several underrated projects that similarly poke and prod at societal taboos and contentious topics with a similar or stronger method of execution.
These shows cover a wide range of diverse perspectives and plots, and despite the growing perception of said presence, the representation only bolsters the strength and appeal of the story at hand. Furthermore, these shows are congruent with HBO’s reputation for platforming quality storytelling and compelling characterization.
Here are the 10 best shows on Max you probably haven’t watched yet.
10’Scavenger’s Reign' (2023)
Scavengers Reign
Scavenger’s Reignis an animated sci-fi marvel that looks at the various experiences of a stranded, deep space crew. Landing in a visually stunning yet mysterious new world, the crew at hand juggle their own complicated personalities with the reality of their peculiar situation. As the series progresses, Scavenger’s Reign proves to be one of the most ambitious and vibrant examples of new, original science fiction that deserves greater appreciation.
An Underrated, Humanistic Sci-Fi Epic
Favorably compared toArcaneandThe Expanse, the series is just as much defined by its characters, and the wondrous world of Vesta, as it is with its themes of human survival and how morality morphs when uncertainty is introduced into the lives of the space crew. With contributions from the likes of Sunita Mani (Mr. Robot), Wunmi Mosaku (Sinners, His House), and Bob Stephenson (Jericho), to name a few,Scavenger’s Reignreminds audiences of the true power and appeal of science fiction, reflecting viewers’ current perceptions of reality, personal strengths and growth areas while also illustrating the calamity that awaits when moments of reflection and empathy are discarded.
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9’Common Side Effects' (2025)
Common Side Effects
Common Side Effectssees two former high school classmates reunite under the most surreal yet scary circumstances. Marshall Cuso (Dave King) and Frances Applewhite (Emily Pendergast) convene after the former discovers the “Blue Angel”, a mushroom with properties believed to heal anything in the world. However, their reunion is complicated when Reutical Pharmaceuticals, Frances’ job, reveals their dedication to suppressing all information about said mushroom for selfish and ominous purposes.
A Hilarious and Holistic Look at Health
Rather than legitimizing harmful discussions and theories about the medical industry,Common Side Effectsgoes to the root cause of universal grievances with “Big Pharma”. Combining worthwhile commentary about personal growth and healing, with hilarious assertions about the state of the world,Common Side Effectsis an enthralling watch. Moreover, the series’ animation accentuates the story’s strong combination of thoughtfulness and humor.
8’Enlightened' (2011 - 2012)
Enlightened
BeforeThe White Lotus, Mike White struck gold withEnlightened.The series follows Amy Jellicoe (Laura Dern), a woman who returns to her home in Riverside, California, after spending two months in a treatment facility. As the series chronicles her recovery, audiences also get a close look at the enabling factors behind her mental breakdown, including her relationships with alcohol, professional peers, and her loved ones. Moreover, the series also shines a light on the normalization of harm and abuse in corporate and intimate spaces.
A Worthwhile Exploration of the Cycle of Abuse
Despiteits cancellation after two seasons,Enlightenedremains an overlooked stroke of genius. Having the ability to balance various important topics with the tools necessary to grow into even greater, on-screen realizations, following Amy on her journey to a better relationship with those around her as well as herself is nothing but illuminating and entertaining. As the title suggests,Enlightenedcontinues to be a heartfelt examination of a deeply punitive world, with each question begging audiences to consider the roles they play in said maintenance and reformation of said world.
7’My Brilliant Friend' (2018 - 2024)
My Brilliant Friend
An Embrace of History and Intimate Friendships
Concluding in 2024, all four seasons were embraced by critics, who lauded the show’s depiction of female friendships, as well as the multifacetedness of both Elena and Lila. Taking a look at how structures such as patriarchy, poverty and the rise of schools of thought such as Communism influence both women’s lives, the luminary series also serves a necessary and engaging paradox: celebrating and interrogating the intimate connection between Elena and Lila and the ever-changing exterior that is life in Italy during the back half of the 20th century.
6’Somebody Somewhere' (2022 - 2024)
Somebody Somewhere
Somebody Somewheresees Sam (Bridget Everett), a woman in her forties dealing with the passing of her sister. Moving back home to take care of said sister, Sam decides it would be best to form a community of her own, not only to honor said sister but also to enjoy the joys and formative moments life has to offer. A semi-autobiographical piece, Somebody Somewhere has enjoyed critical acclaim throughout its run and for amazing reasons.
Embracing The Path of Positivity
The series, in many ways, envisions a community outside its current definition as well as the often romanticized depiction one may find online. As Sam, Everett taps into a universal feeling of dread derived from embarrassment, loneliness, and regret. Once the series expands to include similarly admirable and amusing characters like Joel (Jeff Hiller) and Sam’s sister, Tricia Miller (Mary Catherine Garrison), the show continues to impress and nourish audiences with its cutting yet healing comedy and a willingness to embrace and learn from life’s challenges.
5’Get Millie Black' (2024)
Get Millie Black
Get Millie Blackis thelatest Max miniseriesto go under the radar. However, its lack of recognition bears no correlation to its quality. Set in Jamaica’s capital city of Kingston, the series introduced the titular detective (Tamara Lawrance), who returns from her position in London to assist the Jamaican police force. When news of Janet Fenton (Shernet Swearine), a promising young student gone missing, rattles the city, Millie and her partner Curtis (Gershwyn Eustache Jnr) quickly discover that an even more nefarious plot is afoot. Concurrently, Millie also comes face-to-face with past childhood trauma, attempting to rebuild a relationship with her sister Hibiscus (Chyna McQueen), both of whom faced the wrath of their abusive mother.
A Chilling, Contemplative Mystery Delight
The series doubles as an exhilarating Trans-Atlantic mystery and a worthwhile character study. With each episode dedicated to a character, the audience gets a holistic look at modern life in Jamaica, and a glimpse of the United Kingdom. With topics such as the legacy of British imperialism, homophobia and transphobia in Jamaica, as well as corruption and childhood trauma, the series offers one of the better rogue-cop journeys to justice, never losing its footing once on its way to the truth.
4’We Are Who We Are' (2020)
We Are Who We Are
We Are Who We Areis a coming-of-age miniseries from the mind of cherished director Luca Guadagnino. Set on an American military base in Italy, the series chronicles the trials and tribulations of the children of soldiers and other military personnel. Boasting an ensemble cast including Jack Dylan Grazer, Jordan Kristine Seamón, Kid Cudi, Francesca Scorcese, and Chloë Sevigny, the series stands as a fascinatingly authentic look at maturity, identity, and growing pains.
A Messy, Earnest Chronicle of Adolescence
One of Guadagnino’s underrated projects,We Are Who We Arenever shies away from the uncomfortable aspects of adolescence. Sex, drugs, joy, and self-determination alike are explored with a refined and nuanced perspective, allowing characters, regardless of the amount of screen time they have, to evoke memories the audience may have of their embarrassing yet informative moments as a teen. Grazer and Seamón deliver career-defining performances as Fraser and Caitlin, respectively, and if all else fails, the series benefits from an artistic use of Blood Orange’s “Champagne Coast.”
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3’Full Circle' (2023)
Full Circle
Full Circleis a captivating drama miniseries that follows the sequences of events leading up to and following a botched kidnapping plot. When Detective Mel Harmony (Zazie Beats) discovers the case, she decides to slip between the cracks and unearth the mysteries of said case. The six-episode adventure offers audiences a chilling yet worthwhile look at class and race, both in their impact on the mystery at hand as well as their role in the daily functions of a city like New York.
A Captivating, Cross-Cultural Conundrum
Through an earnest exploration of the Guyanese diaspora,Full Circlepaints a clear picture of how wide the web of exploitation truly is, illustrating consequences that the unassuming ye may not pick up on. Juxtaposed with the McCusker family’s dilemma, the series slowly but surely highlights the bridge between both communities. An impressive synthesis of logic and spirituality, the series provides a look at every moving piece in an all-too-familiar scheme and the lasting consequences.
2’The Other Two' (2019 - 2023)
The Other Two
The Other Twois a hilarious look at fame and grief from the perspective of a brother-sister duo whose tenuous journey to fame becomes fast-tracked by their younger brother (Case Walker), turning into a Bieber-like sensation. Alongside the trio of siblings, their upbeat mother (Molly Shannon), Chase’s comically inept manager (Ken Marino), and the head of Chase’s new record label (Wanda Sykes) offer magnetic performances that affirm the audience’s fears and desires while also making light of the spontaneity of life.
A Hilariously Biting Look at Life Under the Limelight
Aspiring actor Cary Dubek (Drew Tarver) and his equally ambitious sister Brooke Dubek (Helene Yorke) deal with the unique struggles that come with fame, most notably in how their increased popularity also heightens feelings of inadequacy and self-loathing, manifesting in self-destructive actions. In spite of the heavy topics discussed, or perhaps because of them, the show remains incredibly amusing, relying on an authentic and absurd reflection of real life to create such relatable, messy yet admirable characters.
1’Sort Of' (2021 - 2023)
Sort Ofis a CBC/Max collaboration that follows Sabi (Bilal Baig), a non-binary Canadian millennial of Pakistani descent who tries to remedy the imbalance that comes with their multifaceted identity, romantic life, close-knit friendships, and responsibilities that come with being a caregiver to young children. Set in Toronto, the show offers a more intimate look at the famous Canadian city, inviting audiences into intimate queer, Pakistani, and Muslim spaces without transforming their respective experiences into spectacle. In under three concise seasons, the show’s quality manages to rival and even surpass like-minded introspective comedies about adulthood likeInsecureorFleabag.
The Most Underrated, yet Uniquely Gratifying Look at Millennial Life
Many shows claim to be inclusive or examples of strong representation. However,Sort Ofremains emblematic in its representation and how it informs the plots. Queer people are not a monolith and a series likeSort Ofoffers a bevy of queer characters like 7ven (Amada Cordner), Deenzie (Becca Blackwell), and Olympia (Cassandra James) that authentically process everything from friendships to broader aspirations in life.
The series does not shy away from the totality of the queer experience. Troubling family dynamics, the unique risks queer folks experience, combined with universal feelings of dread, as well as the interruption and subsequent rebirth of a person after they come into their own serve as the basis of the many compelling plots found inSort Of. If one is looking for a series that reminds them of HBO’s embrace of messy but ultimately human protagonists with a message for the world,Sort Ofis the perfect place to start.
