‘IT: Welcome to Derry’ Tops HBO Max’s Top 10 Most-Watched Shows List of the Week

Here’s a quick guide to what everyone’s streaming on HBO Max right now, with what each series is about, who’s involved, and where it fits on the service. Use it to decide what to sample next—whether you want laugh-out-loud animation, reality comforts, sharp talk shows, or brand-new originals.

‘Baylen Out Loud’ (2025–)

‘Baylen Out Loud’ follows Baylen Dupree and her family, documenting daily life with Tourette syndrome and her push toward independence. Episodes originally air on TLC and stream next day on HBO Max, making it easy to catch up. The series blends candid home moments with milestones like travel, work, and relationships. Viewers can follow a season-long narrative while still dropping into individual episodes for focused stories.

‘Last Week Tonight with John Oliver’ (2014–)

‘Last Week Tonight with John Oliver’ delivers deep-dive segments on policy and culture alongside rapid-fire news recaps. The show’s main story typically unpacks a complex topic with sourced research, graphics, and comedic beats. New episodes air on HBO and then hit HBO Max for on-demand viewing. Companion web extras and transcripts often appear after broadcast for those who want the details.

‘Adventure Time: Fionna & Cake’ (2023–)

‘Adventure Time: Fionna & Cake’ expands the franchise with multiverse adventures starring Fionna, Cake, and Simon Petrikov. Developed by Adam Muto, the series keeps the emotional core and playful lore of ‘Adventure Time’ while skewing a bit older. Episodes stream exclusively on HBO Max, with arcs that reward both newcomers and long-time fans. The show mixes stand-alone quests with serialized character growth across dimensions.

‘Holiday Baking Championship’ (2014–)

‘Holiday Baking Championship’ gathers home and professional bakers for festive dessert challenges judged by Food Network mainstays. Each episode sets themed tasks—like pies, cookies, and centerpiece cakes—with eliminations leading to a finale. Seasonal installments arrive during the holidays, and past and current episodes stream on HBO Max. Expect skill tests, time-crunch drama, and lots of recipe inspiration.

‘Alex vs ARod’ (2025)

‘Alex vs ARod’ is a limited documentary series charting Alex Rodriguez’s rise, controversies, and pursuit of redemption. The production compiles new interviews, archival footage, and sports analysis to track career milestones and off-field battles. Released as a short run, it’s designed to be binge-watched in a single sitting on HBO Max. Viewers get a chronological look at key seasons, suspensions, and the media glare that followed.

‘I Love LA’ (2025–)

‘I Love LA’ is a half-hour comedy created by and starring Rachel Sennott about a close friend group reconnecting and testing old dynamics in Los Angeles. The ensemble includes Odessa A’zion, True Whitaker, Jordan Firstman, and Josh Hutcherson. Episodes premiere on HBO with streaming on HBO Max, following a weekly release pattern. The show blends relationship messiness, career ambitions, and Westside hangouts into tight, character-driven episodes.

‘Real Time with Bill Maher’ (2003–)

‘Real Time with Bill Maher’ features roundtable conversations and one-on-one interviews covering politics, culture, and current events. The format pairs an opening monologue with a panel, plus recurring segments that dissect the week’s headlines. Episodes air on HBO and are available on HBO Max shortly after broadcast. The guest roster rotates between journalists, policymakers, entertainers, and authors for varied perspectives.

‘The Chair Company’ (2025–)

‘The Chair Company’ follows an office worker whose embarrassing incident sparks a conspiracy that upends his life. Created by Tim Robinson and Zach Kanin, it mixes cringe comedy with thriller and mystery elements, and features Tim Robinson alongside Lake Bell and Sophia Lillis. Episodes debut on HBO, with on-demand access on HBO Max. Each chapter runs under an hour, making it a quick weekly watch that steadily unspools a larger plot.

‘Smiling Friends’ (2020–)

‘Smiling Friends’ centers on a tiny company that solves people’s problems—often in wildly unexpected ways—through visits from employees Charlie and Pim. Created by Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel, the show blends fast-paced gags with surreal animation. New episodes and specials stream on HBO Max after Adult Swim airings. The series is known for short, self-contained installments that are easy to drop into and share.

‘IT: Welcome to Derry’ (2025–)

A prequel to Stephen King’s story, ‘IT: Welcome to Derry’ follows the town’s earlier cycle of terror as a new family encounters Pennywise’s creeping influence. The series is developed by Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs, continuing the creative team from the recent films. Episodes roll out weekly on HBO, with next-day streaming on HBO Max. Expect period settings in the early 1960s, an expanding ensemble, and a mythology that ties directly back to the events fans know.

What did you watch from this list—and what should everyone else queue up next? Share your picks in the comments!