Here are the Best Series to Binge on HBO Max in December 2025

December on HBO Max brings a mix of landmark dramas, hit reality franchises, and food-competition staples, plus a new CNN original—perfect for lining up a holiday binge. Below are 10 notable picks from this month’s arrivals, with dates so you can plan exactly when to press play.

‘Mad Men’ (2007)

This acclaimed period drama lands on HBO Max on December 1. Set in 1960s New York, the series follows advertising executive Don Draper and the evolving culture inside Madison Avenue agencies. Storylines track shifting social norms, workplace hierarchies, and identity in an industry built on persuasion. Its restoration of mid-century design and meticulous historical detail help it stand out as a defining prestige series.

’90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After?’ (2016)

The long-running relationship follow-up arrives December 1. Cameras revisit couples from ’90 Day Fiancé’ after marriage to document finances, family dynamics, and immigration hurdles. Episodes chart how partners handle cross-cultural expectations and everyday pressures beyond the K-1 visa timeline. The season structure provides multi-couple updates that viewers can track week to week.

‘New Orleans: Soul of a City’ (2025)

This CNN Original Series premieres December 2. The show surveys New Orleans’ cultural fabric through music, food, and neighborhood traditions, highlighting how local history shapes the present. Segments spotlight artists, restaurateurs, and community figures sustaining the city’s identity. The production’s thematic focus makes it a concise primer on the Crescent City’s heritage.

‘Chopped’ (2009)

The time-trial cooking competition joins the library on December 2. Chefs open mystery baskets and assemble appetizers, entrées, and desserts under strict clocks, with judges eliminating one contestant each round. Episodes emphasize pantry strategy, flavor balance, and technique under pressure. The format makes it easy to sample standout battles or binge multiple tournaments.

’90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days’ (2017)

This prequel-format entry becomes available December 4. It follows couples who met online but have not met in person, documenting first meetings and travel logistics before any engagement decisions. Episodes capture visa-related steps alongside culture-shock moments across different countries. The structure introduces new relationships while connecting to the franchise’s broader timeline.

‘House Hunters’ (1999)

The real-estate staple streams from December 5. Each episode features buyers touring three properties while weighing budgets, commutes, and renovation plans. The series presents regional markets across the U.S., offering quick snapshots of local inventory and pricing. Its consistent format makes it simple to browse episodes by city or buyer profile.

‘House Hunters International’ (2006)

The global spinoff arrives December 5. Buyers relocate abroad, navigating language barriers, residency rules, and neighborhood research as they compare urban apartments and rural homes. Episodes often contrast lifestyle trade-offs—space, commute, and cost—between countries. The show serves as a guide to housing market basics in destinations worldwide.

‘The Bold Type’ (2017)

This workplace dramedy drops on December 15. Set at a New York–based women’s magazine, the series follows three friends balancing reporting assignments, career growth, and personal relationships. Storylines include digital media pivots, editorial ethics, and mentorship inside a fast-moving newsroom. Its ensemble structure makes it easy to follow multiple arcs per season.

‘Celebrity IOU’ (2020)

The renovation series arrives December 22. Celebrities team up with the Property Brothers to surprise important people in their lives with custom home makeovers. Episodes cover client interviews, design plans, and build execution from demo to reveal. Projects emphasize practical upgrades that fit recipients’ daily routines.

‘Guy’s Grocery Games’ (2013)

This supermarket-set cooking contest lands December 24. Competing chefs race through aisles to gather ingredients for themed challenges before preparing dishes for judges. Rounds test adaptability through constraints like budget caps and mandatory items. The show’s self-contained episodes make for quick, satisfying binge sessions.

Tell us which December arrivals you’re queuing up first on HBO Max in the comments!