All the TV Shows Coming to HBO Max in January 2026

January 2026 brings an expansive slate of programming to Max, ranging from long-running reality favorites to highly anticipated scripted dramas. The month begins with a focus on home renovation and lifestyle series before transitioning into intense investigative documentaries and the expansion of major fantasy franchises. Viewers can expect a steady stream of new episodes and series premieres across several genres including true crime, animation, and high-stakes competition. This diverse lineup ensures significant content additions for subscribers throughout the first month of the year.

‘Lakefront Bargain Hunt Renovation’ (2017)

‘Lakefront Bargain Hunt Renovation’ returns to the platform on January 2 to showcase homeowners transforming affordable waterfront properties into dream escapes. The series follows the renovation process as buyers navigate the challenges of coastal construction and design. Experts provide guidance on how to maximize value while maintaining a focus on scenic views. Each episode concludes with the final reveal of a revitalized lakeside home.

‘The Cult of the Real Housewife’ (2026)

Debuting on January 2, ‘The Cult of the Real Housewife’ explores the intense cultural impact and devoted fanbases of the famous reality franchise. The documentary series examines how the show influences social trends and the personal lives of its viewers. Interviews with cultural critics and super-fans provide insight into the obsession surrounding the various ‘Real Housewives’ casts. It also delves into the controversies that have defined the brand over the years.

‘Home Town’ (2016)

‘Home Town’ arrives on January 5, continuing the story of Ben and Erin Napier as they restore historic homes in Mississippi. The couple uses local resources and traditional craftsmanship to revitalize properties while preserving their original character. Each episode focuses on a different family looking to find their place in a small-town setting. The series highlights the importance of community and the art of modern Southern renovation.

‘The Cult Behind the Killer: The Andrea Yates Story’ (2026)

‘The Cult Behind the Killer: The Andrea Yates Story’ premieres on January 6 as a deep dive into one of the most tragic cases in American legal history. This documentary series investigates the religious influences and psychological factors that led to the devastating events involving the Yates family. It features new interviews and archival footage to provide a comprehensive look at the societal failures surrounding the case. The program aims to offer a nuanced perspective on mental health and fringe belief systems.

‘Haunted Hospitals’ (2018)

‘Haunted Hospitals’ joins the January 6 lineup to explore chilling paranormal accounts from medical facilities around the world. The series uses first-hand testimonies from doctors, nurses, and patients who claim to have encountered the supernatural. Reenactments bring these eerie stories to life, focusing on the history of the buildings and the spirits said to remain there. It combines elements of history and horror to investigate unexplained phenomena in clinical settings.

‘Baking Championship: Next Gen’ (2026)

‘Baking Championship: Next Gen’ launches on January 6, featuring a new group of talented young bakers competing for a grand prize. The contestants must complete various themed challenges that test their technical skills and creative abilities. Professional judges provide feedback and eliminate participants based on the quality of their confections. This series brings a fresh energy to the established baking competition format by highlighting emerging culinary talent.

‘1000-lb Sisters’ (2020)

‘1000-lb Sisters’ returns on January 7 to follow the ongoing health and personal journeys of Amy and Tammy Slaton. The series documents their efforts to lose weight and qualify for life-changing bariatric surgery. Viewers witness the emotional highs and lows as the sisters navigate family dynamics and medical challenges. It continues to provide an intimate look at the complexities of severe obesity and the road to recovery.

‘Moonshiners’ (2011)

‘Moonshiners’ continues its long run on the platform starting January 7, detailing the lives of people who produce illegal spirits in the Appalachian Mountains. The series explores the history and traditional methods of moonshining while following the protagonists’ attempts to evade law enforcement. Tensions rise as rivalries between different distillers impact their secret operations. The show offers a glimpse into a hidden subculture that has persisted for generations.

‘Wildcard Kitchen’ (2024)

‘Wildcard Kitchen’ arrives on January 7, bringing a high-stakes culinary competition where chefs must adapt to unpredictable variables. Participants face randomized challenges that force them to rethink their menus and cooking techniques on the fly. The series emphasizes speed, creativity, and the ability to handle pressure under difficult circumstances. It features a rotating panel of expert judges who evaluate the final dishes.

‘Nevada Wild’ (2025)

‘Nevada Wild’ premieres on January 7, focusing on the diverse wildlife and rugged landscapes of the desert state. The series captures the survival strategies of various species living in extreme environments, from high mountains to arid plains. Stunning cinematography highlights the natural beauty and the ecological challenges facing the region. It serves as an educational and visual exploration of a unique American ecosystem.

‘Expedition X’ (2020)

‘Expedition X’ returns on January 8 to investigate unexplained mysteries and paranormal activity in remote locations. The team of investigators uses advanced technology and historical research to uncover the truth behind local legends. Each episode takes the crew to a new destination where they interview witnesses and conduct overnight vigils. The series aims to bridge the gap between science and the supernatural.

‘Real PD: Kansas City’ (2021)

‘Real PD: Kansas City’ joins the schedule on January 8, providing a fly-on-the-wall perspective of law enforcement in Missouri. The series follows officers as they respond to emergency calls and conduct criminal investigations in real time. It offers an unvarnished look at the daily challenges and dangers faced by those in the police force. The program emphasizes the human stories behind the headlines in an urban environment.

‘The Pitt’ (2025)

‘The Pitt’ debuts on January 8 as a realistic medical drama set in a modern Pittsburgh hospital. Starring Noah Wyle, the series focuses on the front-line healthcare workers who manage life-and-death situations every day. The narrative examines the personal and professional pressures inherent in the American medical system. It aims to provide a gritty and authentic portrayal of contemporary urban medicine.

‘Ugliest House in America’ (2022)

‘Ugliest House in America’ returns on January 8, with host Retta traveling across the country to find the most visually offensive homes. Homeowners submit their properties in hopes of winning a professional renovation to fix the disastrous designs. The series features a mix of bizarre architecture, questionable decor, and failed DIY projects. Each season concludes with one lucky winner receiving a total home transformation.

‘My Strange Addiction’ (2010)

‘My Strange Addiction’ arrives on January 8 to document the lives of individuals struggling with unusual behavioral or physical compulsions. The series provides a compassionate yet unflinching look at how these addictions impact personal relationships and health. Experts and therapists offer guidance to help the participants understand and manage their conditions. It remains a fascinating study of the extremes of human behavior.

‘House Hunters International’ (2006)

‘House Hunters International’ joins the January 9 lineup, following individuals and families as they search for homes in foreign countries. Each episode explores the unique real estate markets and cultural differences found in various international locations. Buyers must balance their wish lists with the realities of local prices and architectural styles. The series offers a virtual tour of global living spaces and lifestyle choices.

‘Industry’ (2020)

‘Industry’ continues its exploration of the high-stakes world of international finance on January 11. The drama follows a group of young graduates competing for permanent positions at a prestigious investment bank in London. Themes of ambition, corporate ethics, and personal identity are central to the narrative as characters navigate a cutthroat environment. The series is known for its intense pacing and complex portrayal of the financial sector.

‘Love & Marriage Huntsville’ (2019)

‘Love & Marriage: Huntsville’ returns on January 11 to follow the lives of successful African American couples in Alabama. The series centers on friends who are working to revitalize the city through their various real estate ventures. It delves into the complexities of balancing marriage, business, and social standing in a tight-knit community. Viewers witness the personal dramas and professional triumphs that define their collective journey.

‘Unexplained: Caught on Camera’ (2019)

‘Unexplained: Caught on Camera’ arrives on January 11, featuring mysterious footage captured by cell phones, security cameras, and drones. Each clip is analyzed by experts and eyewitnesses to determine if the events have a rational explanation. The series covers everything from potential extraterrestrial sightings to ghost-like figures and strange natural phenomena. It invites viewers to question the reality of the footage presented.

‘Totally Spies!’ (2002)

‘Totally Spies!’ returns to the platform on January 11, bringing the adventures of Sam, Alex, and Clover to a new generation. The animated series follows three Beverly Hills teenagers who balance their high school lives with secret missions as international spies. Using high-tech gadgets and martial arts, they battle various villains to protect the world. The show is celebrated for its mix of action, comedy, and early-2000s fashion.

‘Primal’ (2019)

‘Primal’ joins the January 12 schedule, showcasing Genndy Tartakovsky’s visually stunning animated series about survival in a prehistoric world. The show follows a caveman and a dinosaur who form an unlikely bond after suffering similar tragedies. With minimal dialogue, the narrative relies on expressive animation and sound design to convey emotion and action. It is an intense exploration of nature, loss, and the will to survive.

‘Street Outlaws: No Prep Kings: The Great Eight (2022)

‘Street Outlaws: No Prep Kings: The Great 8’ arrives on January 13, focusing on the elite racers from the ‘No Prep Kings’ circuit. This spin-off features the top eight drivers competing in a high-stakes points battle for a significant cash prize. The series emphasizes the technical skill required to race on surfaces that have not been professionally treated. It provides an inside look at the competitive world of underground drag racing.

‘The Curious Case of…’ (2025)

‘The Curious Case of…’ premieres on January 13 as an investigative documentary series looking into unresolved anomalies and legal mysteries. Each episode focuses on a specific case that has baffled the public or the authorities for years. Through new evidence and expert testimony, the show attempts to provide clarity or closure to these strange occurrences. It appeals to viewers who enjoy true crime and investigative journalism.

‘Street Outlaws: No Prep Kings’ (2018)

‘Street Outlaws: No Prep Kings’ returns on January 13, featuring a larger field of racers competing across the country on un-prepped tracks. The series documents the preparation and strategy involved in maintaining high-performance vehicles for unpredictable conditions. Drivers must manage both the mechanical stress on their cars and the psychological pressure of the competition. It highlights the raw power and danger associated with street-style racing.

‘People Magazine Investigates’ (2016)

‘People Magazine Investigates’ joins the January 13 lineup, bringing famous true crime stories from the pages of the magazine to the screen. The series features interviews with victims’ families, law enforcement, and the journalists who covered the original cases. Each episode seeks to uncover new details and provide a definitive account of high-profile crimes. It combines heart-wrenching human stories with rigorous investigative reporting.

‘Suddenly Amish’ (2026)

‘Suddenly Amish’ debuts on January 14, following individuals who choose to leave their modern lives behind to join an Amish community. The series explores the cultural shock and the difficult adjustments required to live without modern technology and conveniences. Participants must prove their commitment to the faith and the community’s strict social rules. It offers a unique perspective on the search for simplicity and spiritual fulfillment.

‘Evil Lives Here’ (2016)

‘Evil Lives Here’ returns on January 14 to tell the stories of people who lived with notorious killers before their crimes were discovered. The series uses intimate interviews and dramatic reenactments to explore the signs that were missed and the psychological impact on the families. It focuses on the realization that a loved one was capable of extreme violence. The program provides a chilling look at the duality of human nature.

‘Hot Rod Garage’ (2014)

‘Hot Rod Garage’ arrives on January 15, featuring experts who demonstrate how to build and modify high-performance vehicles. The series focuses on the technical aspects of automotive engineering, from engine swaps to custom bodywork. Each episode takes a project car through the various stages of restoration and enhancement. It is a must-watch for car enthusiasts interested in the mechanics of speed and power.

‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ (2026)

‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight’ premieres on January 18, expanding the ‘Game of Thrones’ universe. Set a century before the original series, it follows the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall and his young squire, Egg. This adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s novellas offers a more grounded look at the world of Westeros during the Targaryen dynasty. The series explores themes of chivalry, honor, and the burgeoning history of the Seven Kingdoms.

‘Street Outlaws: Locals Only’ (2023)

‘Street Outlaws: Locals Only’ arrives on January 20, featuring established racing stars traveling to various cities to find the fastest local drivers. The winners of these local competitions earn a chance to race against the pros for a large cash prize. This series emphasizes the community aspect of racing and the talent found in grassroots scenes across America. It provides a platform for unknown racers to showcase their skills.

‘Real Time with Bill Maher’ (2003)

‘Real Time with Bill Maher’ returns for its new season on January 23, offering satirical commentary on current events and politics. The show features a panel of guests from across the political spectrum discussing the week’s most pressing news. Maher concludes each episode with his signature “New Rules” segment, blending humor with social critique. It remains a staple of late-night programming for its unfiltered take on American culture.

‘My Haunted Hometown’ (2024)

‘My Haunted Hometown’ joins the January 23 lineup to explore the local legends and ghost stories that define specific American towns. Residents share their personal experiences with the supernatural and the history of the locations said to be haunted. The series investigates how these stories impact the identity and reputation of the communities involved. It combines local folklore with modern-day paranormal investigations.

‘Have I Got News for You’ (2024)

‘Have I Got News for You’ arrives on January 25, bringing the American version of the long-running British satirical panel show to viewers. The series features comedians and public figures competing to answer questions about the latest headlines and cultural trends. It uses wit and irony to skewer politicians and the media while recapping the events of the week. The program offers a humorous perspective on the often chaotic news cycle.

Please share your thoughts on these upcoming January releases in the comments.