20 Best TV Shows on Max 2026
Find the best Max picks for comedy, fantasy, sci-fi, action, and drama, from House of the Dragon to Mad Men, with fresh updates.
If you’re trying to narrow down what to stream on Max, the best picks span sharp comedy, epic fantasy, tense sci-fi, and grounded drama. Start with House of the Dragon for sweeping political chaos, then jump to Rick and Morty or Stuart Fails to Save the Universe for a faster, funnier ride. If you want something darker and more serious, The Pitt and Band of Brothers deliver intense, character-driven storytelling, while Mad Men remains one of the smartest dramas on the service. This guide also highlights newer arrivals like Monsters of God and cult favorites like Dogu, so there’s something here whether you want action, adventure, or a long weekend binge.
-
01
Lanterns
action & adventure · crime · drama · mystery & thriller · science-fiction
Two intergalactic cops, new recruit John Stewart and Lantern legend Hal Jordan, are drawn into a dark, Earth-based mystery as they investigate a murder in the American heartland.
Directed by James Hawes, Geeta Vasant Patel, Alik Sakharov, Stephen WilliamsCast Aaron Pierre, Kyle Chandler, Kelly Macdonald, Garret Dillahunt, Poorna JagannathanMax -
02
Nathan for You
documentary · comedy
Self-proclaimed business expert, writer, director and comedian Nathan Fielder helps real small businesses turn a profit with marketing tactics that no ordinary consultant would dare to attempt. From driving foot traffic to an off-the-strip souvenir shop by using Hollywood flair and a Johnny Depp impersonator, to creating a rebate that can only be redeemed by climbing a mountain, to founding a coffee shop called "Dumb Starbucks,” Nathan has always gone to the limit to make his ideas come to life. With his unorthodox approach to problem solving, Nathan’s genuine efforts to do good often draw the real people he encounters into an experience far beyond what they signed up for.
Directed by Nathan Fielder, Jason WolinerCast Nathan Fielder, Anthony Armentano, Kevin Carmony, Vicki Jo Costanzo, Amy GoddardParamount PlusMax -
03
The Rehearsal
documentary · comedy
With a construction crew, a legion of actors, and seemingly unlimited resources, Nathan Fielder allows ordinary people to prepare for life’s biggest moments by “rehearsing” them in carefully crafted simulations of his own design. When a single misstep could shatter your entire world, why leave life to chance?
Directed by Nathan FielderCast Nathan Fielder, Journey Baker, Anna Lamadrid, Thomas McNamara, Alexander LeissMax -
04
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe
comedy · fantasy · sci-fi
Comic book store owner Stuart Bloom, from The Big Bang Theory (2007), returns in a new series where he attempts--and apparently fails--to save the universe, staying true to his unlucky nature.
Directed by Kyle Newacheck, Jonathan FrakesCast Kevin Sussman, Lauren Lapkus, Brian Posehn, John Ross Bowie, Tommy WalkerMax -
05
The Pitt
drama
The staff of Pittsburgh's Trauma Medical Center work around the clock to save lives in an overcrowded and underfunded emergency department.
Directed by Damian Marcano, Amanda Marsalis, John Cameron, John Wells, Uta BriesewitzCast Noah Wyle, Patrick Ball, Katherine LaNasa, Fiona Dourif, Taylor DeardenMax -
06
Mad Men
drama
Set in 1960-1970 New York, this sexy, stylized and provocative drama follows the lives of the ruthlessly competitive men and women of Madison Avenue advertising.
Directed by Phil Abraham, Michael Uppendahl, Jennifer Getzinger, Matthew Weiner, Scott HornbacherCast Jon Hamm, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, January Jones, Christina HendricksAMC+Max -
07
House of the Dragon
action · adventure · drama · fantasy · romance
The Targaryen dynasty is at the absolute apex of its power, with more than 15 dragons under their yoke. Most empires crumble from such heights. In the case of the Targaryens, their slow fall begins when King Viserys breaks with a century of tradition by naming his daughter Rhaenyra heir to the Iron Throne. But when Viserys later fathers a son, the court is shocked when Rhaenyra retains her status as his heir, and seeds of division sow friction across the realm.
Directed by Clare Kilner, Geeta Vasant Patel, Miguel Sapochnik, Greg Yaitanes, Loni PeristereCast Matt Smith, Emma D'Arcy, Steve Toussaint, Sonoya Mizuno, Kurt EgyiawanMax -
08
Rick and Morty
animation · adventure · comedy · sci-fi
Rick is a mentally-unbalanced but scientifically gifted old man who has recently reconnected with his family. He spends most of his time involving his young grandson Morty in dangerous, outlandish adventures throughout space and alternate universes. Compounded with Morty's already unstable family life, these events cause Morty much distress at home and school.
Directed by Wes Archer, Jacob Hair, Pete Michels, Nathan Litz, Kyoung Hee LimCast Chris Parnell, Spencer Grammer, Sarah Chalke, Justin Roiland, Kari WahlgrenHuluMax -
09
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
action · adventure · drama · fantasy
A century before the events of Game of Thrones, two unlikely heroes wandered Westeros: a young, naive but courageous knight, Ser Duncan the Tall, and his diminutive squire, Egg. Set in an age when the Targaryen line still holds the Iron Throne and the last dragon has not yet passed from living memory, great destinies, powerful foes, and dangerous exploits await these improbable and incomparable friends.
Directed by Owen Harris, Sarah Adina Smith, Andrea HarkinCast Peter Claffey, Dexter Sol Ansell, Daniel Ings, Shaun Thomas, Danny WebbMax -
10
President Curtis
animation · comedy · sci-fi
Follows President Andre Curtis and his eccentric staff as they deal with various crises that Rick Sanchez typically ignores.
Directed by Fill Marc Sagadraca, Erik Kling, Juan Jose Meza-Leon, Bryan NewtonCast Keith David, Stephanie Beatriz, Jim Rash, Nick Reczynski, Alanna UbachMax -
11
The Big Bang Theory
comedy · romance
Physicists Leonard and Sheldon find their nerd-centric social circle with pals Howard and Raj expanding when aspiring actress Penny moves in next door.
Directed by Mark Cendrowski, Anthony Rich, Peter Chakos, Nikki Lorre, Howard MurrayCast Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, Kunal NayyarMax -
12
Ren Faire
documentary · science-fiction
When the ailing king of America's largest renaissance festival declares his retirement, an epic power struggle ensues between an actor, a former elephant trainer, and a kettle-corn kingpin to claim his throne.
Directed by Lance OppenheimCast Jeffrey Baldwin, Darla Smith, George Coulam, Louie MigliaccioMax -
13
Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage
comedy
Georgie and Mandy raise their young family in Texas while navigating the challenges of adulthood, parenting, and marriage.
Directed by Mark Cendrowski, Nikki LorreCast Montana Jordan, Emily Osment, Rachel Bay Jones, Will Sasso, Dougie BaldwinParamount PlusMax -
14
True Detective
crime · drama · mystery · thriller
An American anthology police detective series utilizing multiple timelines in which investigations seem to unearth personal and professional secrets of those involved, both within or outside the law.
Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, Issa López, Daniel Sackheim, John Crowley, Justin LinCast Matthew McConaughey, Colin Farrell, Mahershala Ali, Woody Harrelson, Rachel McAdamsMax -
15
Game of Thrones
action · adventure · drama · fantasy
Seven noble families fight for control of the mythical land of Westeros. Friction between the houses leads to full-scale war. All while a very ancient evil awakens in the farthest north. Amidst the war, a neglected military order of misfits, the Night's Watch, is all that stands between the realms of men and icy horrors beyond.
Directed by David Nutter, Alan Taylor, Alex Graves, Miguel Sapochnik, Mark MylodCast Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey, Kit Harington, Emilia Clarke, Sophie TurnerMax -
16
Friends
comedy · romance
Six young people from New York City, on their own and struggling to survive in the real world, find the companionship, comfort and support they get from each other to be the perfect antidote to the pressures of life.
Directed by Gary Halvorson, Kevin Bright, Michael Lembeck, James Burrows, Gail MancusoCast Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew PerryMax -
17
Schitt's Creek
comedy
Formerly filthy rich video store magnate Johnny Rose, his soap star wife Moira, and their two kids, über-hipster son David and socialite daughter Alexis, suddenly find themselves broke and forced to live in Schitt's Creek, a small depressing town they once bought as a joke.
Directed by Paul Fox, Jerry Ciccoritti, Jordan Canning, Andrew Cividino, T.W. PeacockeCast Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Dan Levy, Annie Murphy, Chris ElliottHuluMax -
18
DTF St. Louis
comedy
A love triangle among three adults experiencing middle-age malaise leads to one of them ending up dead.
Directed by Steve ConradCast Jason Bateman, David Harbour, Linda Cardellini, Richard Jenkins, Joy SundayMax -
19
Hacks
comedy · drama
Explore a dark mentorship that forms between Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas comedian, and an entitled, outcast 25-year-old.
Directed by Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, Desiree Akhavan, Jeff Rosenberg, Trent O'DonnellCast Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Mark Indelicato, Paul W. DownsMax -
20
The Sopranos
crime · drama
The story of New Jersey-based Italian-American mobster Tony Soprano and the difficulties he faces as he tries to balance the conflicting requirements of his home life and the criminal organization he heads. Those difficulties are often highlighted through his ongoing professional relationship with psychiatrist Jennifer Melfi. The show features Tony's family members and Mafia associates in prominent roles and story arcs, most notably his wife Carmela and his cousin and protégé Christopher Moltisanti.
Directed by Timothy Van Patten, John Patterson, Allen Coulter, Alan Taylor, Henry BronchteinCast James Gandolfini, Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco, Michael Imperioli, Dominic ChianeseMax
Wrapping Up
The best streaming lineup on Max changes often, but the right mix of new releases, classics, and fan favorites makes it easy to find your next watch. From big fantasy worlds to smart comedies and prestige drama, this list is built to help you sort through the noise and choose faster. Save this page and come back when you need a fresh recommendation, because it’s updated regularly with the latest standout titles. Whether you want something bold, funny, or packed with tension, there’s always another solid option waiting here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is this list updated?
We refresh this list regularly as titles are added or removed from streaming catalogs, so rankings and availability stay current.
Do I need a Max subscription to watch these?
Yes — every title on this list is currently available on Max. Availability can change, so we recommend checking the streaming link on each title before you start watching.
Related Guides
Last updated: September 11, 2026