Lesser-Known HBO Max TV Shows That Are Totally Worth Watching

Max offers a vast library of content that extends far beyond its most famous blockbuster hits and fantasy epics. Subscribers willing to dig a little deeper will discover a treasure trove of critically acclaimed dramas and innovative comedies that often fly under the radar. This list highlights fifty series that deserve more attention for their unique storytelling and compelling performances. These hidden gems range from international acquisitions to cult classics that defined the network’s experimental phases.

‘The Other Two’ (2019–2023)

Brooke and Cary Dubek struggle to find success while their younger brother Chase becomes a viral internet sensation overnight. The series explores the absurdity of fame and the entertainment industry through a sharp satirical lens. The siblings navigate their own professional failures while trying to support their brother and mother. This show balances heartwarming family moments with biting humor about pop culture.

‘South Side’ (2019–2022)

Two friends who just graduated from community college seek business success while working at a rent-to-own shop in Chicago. The show captures the vibrant energy of the South Side through a large ensemble cast of eccentric characters. It utilizes a fast-paced comedic style that blends scripted jokes with naturalistic dialogue. The series offers a hilarious and authentic look at life in the city.

‘Somebody Somewhere’ (2022–)

Sam Miller returns to her hometown in Kansas to deal with a midlife crisis and the loss of her sister. She finds solace and community in a group of outsiders who do not fit the traditional mold of the town. The show celebrates the beauty of friendship and finding your voice in unexpected places. It is praised for its gentle humor and deeply emotional performances.

‘Starstruck’ (2021–)

A millennial woman in London navigates the complications of accidentally sleeping with a famous film star. The series follows their on-and-off romance as they deal with the disparity in their lifestyles and careers. It serves as a modern screwball comedy that subverts traditional romantic tropes. The chemistry between the leads drives the charming and witty narrative.

‘Los Espookys’ (2019–2022)

A group of friends in a dreamy Latin American country turns their love for horror into a peculiar business. They fabricate supernatural events for clients who need to stage exorcisms or hauntings for various reasons. The show combines magical realism with deadpan humor to create a truly unique viewing experience. Its visual style and absurdist plots make it a standout entry in the comedy genre.

‘High Maintenance’ (2016–2020)

A cannabis delivery man known only as The Guy rides his bicycle around Brooklyn to visit a diverse array of clients. Each episode offers a glimpse into the private lives of New Yorkers from different backgrounds and walks of life. The anthology format allows for poignant and often surprising character studies. This series masterfully captures the human condition through fleeting interactions.

‘Betty’ (2020–2021)

A diverse group of young women navigates the male-dominated world of skateboarding in New York City. The show focuses on their friendships and efforts to carve out space for themselves in the local skate scene. It features a relaxed atmosphere and visually stunning cinematography that highlights the urban landscape. The narrative prioritizes character dynamics and atmosphere over high-stakes drama.

‘How to with John Wilson’ (2020–2023)

Filmmaker John Wilson films the streets of New York City while offering advice on seemingly simple topics. His tutorials inevitably spiral into wild and unexpected directions that reveal deep truths about human behavior. The documentary style captures candid and often bizarre moments from everyday life. It stands as a profound and hilarious meditation on the eccentricities of the modern world.

‘Joe Pera Talks with You’ (2018–2021)

A choir teacher from Michigan speaks directly to the audience about calm and mundane subjects like iron or breakfast. The show uses a gentle and deliberate pacing that contrasts sharply with most modern television comedies. It explores themes of community and simple pleasures through the eyes of its sincere protagonist. The series provides a soothing and wholesome escape for viewers.

‘Industry’ (2020–)

Young graduates compete for permanent positions at a prestigious investment bank in London. The series depicts the high-pressure environment of international finance where boundaries are frequently crossed. Characters navigate toxic workplace politics and personal indulgences in their quest for success. It offers a gritty and intense look at ambition and the cost of corporate survival.

‘Tokyo Vice’ (2022–2024)

An American journalist moves to Japan and infiltrates the Tokyo Metropolitan Police ethics squad. He descends into the neon-soaked underbelly of the city to uncover corruption and criminal activity. The show is loosely based on a true story and features stylish direction alongside tense plotting. It examines the clash of cultures and the dangers of seeking the truth.

‘Sort Of’ (2021–)

A gender-fluid millennial tries to balance their various identities as a bartender and a caregiver for an upper-middle-class family. The series tackles themes of transition and belonging with a mix of dry humor and genuine heart. Sabi Mehboob navigates romantic entanglements and family expectations while trying to live authentically. The show provides a fresh perspective on modern adulthood.

‘I Hate Suzie’ (2020–2022)

A fading teenage pop star turned actress sees her life unravel when her phone is hacked and compromising photos are leaked. The show follows her through the various stages of grief and panic as she tries to salvage her career and marriage. It is a frantic and visceral exploration of public shaming and personal identity. The lead performance is raw and incredibly compelling.

‘Search Party’ (2016–2022)

Four self-absorbed twenty-somethings become entangled in a mystery when a former college acquaintance goes missing. The series evolves from a dark comedy into a psychological thriller and eventually a horror satire. It brilliantly critiques millennial culture and the obsession with validation. The plot twists are unpredictable and the characters remain fascinatingly flawed throughout.

‘Bored to Death’ (2009–2011)

A struggling writer decides to moonlight as an unlicensed private detective after his girlfriend breaks up with him. He recruits his best friend and his eccentric editor to help him solve minor crimes around Brooklyn. The show blends noir tropes with literary references and stoner comedy. It features immense chemistry between the three leads and a distinct noir-lite atmosphere.

‘Enlightened’ (2011–2013)

A corporate executive suffers a public breakdown and returns from a holistic treatment center with a new spiritual outlook. She tries to effect positive change in her workplace and personal life but often causes more chaos. The series is a cringe-inducing yet empathetic study of a woman trying to be better in a cynical world. It remains a critical darling for its complex writing.

‘Getting On’ (2013–2015)

The staff of a geriatric extended care wing at a California hospital deals with the unglamorous realities of healthcare. The show finds humor in the bureaucratic red tape and the eccentricities of both the patients and the nurses. It is marked by its understated performances and observational comedy style. The series offers a quiet but biting critique of the American medical system.

‘Looking’ (2014–2016)

Three gay friends living in San Francisco navigate life, love, and professional aspirations. The show offers a naturalistic and intimate look at the modern gay experience without relying on stereotypes. It focuses on the nuances of relationships and the search for connection in a big city. The cinematography beautifully captures the unique light and atmosphere of the Bay Area.

‘Carnivàle’ (2003–2005)

A traveling carnival moves across the Dust Bowl during the Great Depression while a battle between good and evil brews. The series weaves a complex mythology involving avatars and supernatural powers. It is known for its rich production design and dense atmospheric storytelling. The show was ahead of its time in terms of serialized fantasy drama.

‘Treme’ (2010–2013)

Residents of New Orleans try to rebuild their lives and their unique culture in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The series highlights the importance of music and food in the recovery of the city. It features an ensemble cast and weaves together multiple storylines about survival and resilience. The show is a love letter to the spirit of New Orleans.

‘Show Me a Hero’ (2015)

A young mayor in Yonkers faces intense public backlash when he is court-ordered to build public housing in white neighborhoods. The miniseries explores the deep-seated racial and class tensions that divide the community. It is based on true events and offers a detailed examination of municipal politics. The narrative is tragic and gripping as it details the cost of political courage.

‘We Are Who We Are’ (2020)

Two American teenagers living on a military base in Italy explore their identities and sexuality. The series captures the aimlessness and intensity of adolescence against a unique backdrop. It utilizes a languid pacing and immersive sound design to convey the emotions of the characters. The show is a poetic and visual exploration of growing up.

‘Irma Vep’ (2022)

An American movie star travels to France to star in a remake of a classic silent film about vampires. The series blurs the lines between reality and fiction as the production descends into chaos. It serves as a satire of the film industry and a reflection on the nature of art. The narrative is playful and often surreal.

‘Rain Dogs’ (2023)

A working-class single mother fights to provide a stable life for her daughter while navigating a toxic friendship with a wealthy man. The show depicts poverty and ambition with a dark and uncompromising sense of humor. The characters are deeply flawed yet undeniably human in their struggles. It offers a fresh and gritty take on the unconventional family dynamic.

‘Landscapers’ (2021)

A mild-mannered British couple becomes the focus of a police investigation when two bodies are discovered in a back garden. The miniseries uses stylized fantasy sequences to depict how the couple views their own romantic narrative. It is based on a true crime story but approaches the subject with dark whimsy. The visual style is inventive and separates it from standard crime dramas.

‘The Third Day’ (2020)

A man and a woman arrive at a mysterious island off the British coast at different times and encounter the strange locals. The series is divided into two distinct parts that explore grief and folk horror traditions. It creates a sense of dread and disorientation through its visual language. The show is an experimental psychological thriller with intense performances.

‘My Brilliant Friend’ (2018–)

Two girls growing up in a poor neighborhood in Naples form a complex and lifelong bond. The series spans decades as it charts their intellectual growth and the changing landscape of Italy. It is a faithful adaptation of the acclaimed novels that captures the intensity of female friendship. The production design and performances are incredibly authentic to the time periods.

‘Gentleman Jack’ (2019–2022)

Anne Lister returns to her ancestral home in 1832 Halifax determined to restore its fortunes and find a wife. The series is based on her coded diaries and depicts her refusal to conform to the gender norms of her time. It is a spirited and energetic period drama with a modern sensibility. The protagonist breaks the fourth wall to share her inner thoughts with the audience.

‘Perry Mason’ (2020–2023)

A down-and-out private investigator in 1930s Los Angeles takes on a sensational kidnapping case that exposes the corruption of the city. This origin story reimagines the classic legal character with a noir atmosphere and gritty tone. The show delves into the trauma of war and the racial politics of the era. It features stunning period details and a moody aesthetic.

‘Julia’ (2022–2023)

Julia Child launches her pioneering cooking show and changes the way Americans think about food and television. The series is a warm and delightful look at her rise to fame and her supportive marriage. It explores the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry. The show is full of charm and features mouth-watering food styling.

‘Vice Principals’ (2016–2017)

Two bitter high school vice principals forge an unholy alliance to take down the new principal who stole the job they both wanted. The show is a dark comedy that escalates into increasingly violent and absurd territory. It examines fragile masculinity and petty rivalries with aggressive humor. The series tells a complete story over two chaotic seasons.

‘The Comeback’ (2005–2014)

Sitcom actress Valerie Cherish agrees to star in a reality show that documents her attempt to revive her career. The series is a pioneering mockumentary that exposes the humiliation and ageism women face in Hollywood. It is often painful to watch due to the cringe-inducing situations the protagonist endures. The show gained a cult following for its biting satire.

‘Hello Ladies’ (2013–2014)

A gangly Englishman searches for the woman of his dreams in Los Angeles but usually ends up humiliated. The show highlights the protagonist’s desperate need for validation and his inability to read social cues. It creates comedy from awkward silences and excruciating social mishaps. The series serves as a deconstruction of the typical romantic comedy lead.

‘Family Tree’ (2013)

A man who has lost his job and his girlfriend inherits a mysterious box that sparks an interest in his genealogy. He travels to connect with eccentric relatives and uncover the secrets of his family history. The show utilizes an improvisational style that gives the interactions a loose and natural feel. It is a quirky and gentle comedy about finding one’s roots.

‘Sally4Ever’ (2018)

A woman living a dull suburban life leaves her boyfriend for a chaotic and manipulative artist she meets on the subway. The series explores the toxic and obsessive nature of their new relationship with graphic and dark humor. It pushes boundaries with its depiction of love and control. The show is a distinctively British cringe comedy.

‘Animals.’ (2016–2018)

New York City rats and pigeons and bedbugs grapple with existential crises and relationship issues just like humans. The animated series uses mumblecore dialogue and a lo-fi visual style to create a unique comedy. It features a wide array of guest voice actors from the comedy world. The sketches are often bizarre and surprisingly poignant.

‘The Life & Times of Tim’ (2008–2012)

An average corporate employee constantly finds himself in embarrassing situations due to bad luck and poor judgment. The animation is intentionally crude and the dialogue is dry and improvisational. The show finds humor in the mundanity of office life and social obligations. It is a cult favorite for its understated and repetitive comedic rhythm.

‘Doom Patrol’ (2019–2023)

A team of traumatized and outcast superheroes bands together to protect a world that wants nothing to do with them. The show embraces the weirdest corners of comic book lore with sentient streets and distinct personalities. It balances absurdist humor with deep emotional dives into the characters’ psyches. The series is a heartfelt exploration of trauma and recovery.

‘Banshee’ (2013–2016)

An ex-con assumes the identity of a murdered sheriff in a small Amish town in Pennsylvania. He enforces his own brand of justice while hiding from the mobsters he betrayed years ago. The show is known for its brutal fight choreography and high-octane pulp storytelling. It delivers relentless action and complex character dynamics.

‘The Knick’ (2014–2015)

A brilliant but drug-addicted surgeon pushes the boundaries of medicine at a New York hospital in the early 1900s. The series depicts the gruesome reality of surgical innovation before the era of antibiotics. It features a pulsating electronic score that contrasts with the period setting. The direction is kinetic and immerses viewers in the chaotic environment.

‘Quarry’ (2016)

A Marine returns home to Memphis from Vietnam in 1972 and finds himself shunned by his community. He is drawn into a network of contract killers to survive and support his wife. The show captures the mood of the era with a slow-burn narrative and strong atmosphere. It is a tense and character-driven crime drama.

‘The Baby’ (2022)

A woman unexpectedly finds herself with a baby that seems to manipulate everyone around it and leave a trail of death. The series is a horror-comedy that uses the supernatural to explore the terrors of motherhood. It deconstructs societal expectations placed on women regarding children. The tone shifts rapidly between dark humor and genuine horror.

‘Rap Sh!t’ (2022–2023)

Two estranged high school friends from Miami reunite to form a rap group. The show utilizes social media screens and phone perspectives to tell the story of their rise. It offers a realistic look at the music industry and the hustle required to make it. The series is energetic and captures the voice of the current generation.

‘A Black Lady Sketch Show’ (2019–2023)

A core cast of black women performs sketches that range from grounded situations to magical absurdity. The show is the first of its kind to be written by and starring African American women. It is known for its high production value and recurring characters. The series is celebrated for its wit and rapid-fire jokes.

‘Random Acts of Flyness’ (2018–)

Artist Terence Nance presents a stream-of-consciousness program that blends documentary, animation, and musical performances. The show explores themes of race and gender through an avant-garde lens. It challenges traditional television formats with its fluid structure. The series is a visual and auditory experiment that provokes thought.

‘Gomorrah’ (2014–2021)

A crime syndicate in Naples struggles for internal control while fighting off rivals and law enforcement. The series offers an unglamorous and brutal look at the inner workings of the Camorra organization. It focuses on the cycle of violence and the lack of loyalty among thieves. The show is widely considered one of the best international crime dramas ever made.

Tell us which of these hidden gems you plan to watch first in the comments.