21 Best Shows on HBO Max to Watch in 2023

The best shows on HBO Max are what make this new streaming service worth it. HBO Max is a new streaming service that offers HBO shows and other content. The quality of the content that they offer is out of this world. It’s perfect for people who love watching TV without having to wait a week for the next episode. 

But with a lot of content to choose from, it can be hard to find which shows are the best. That’s why we compiled an overview of all the best shows on HBO Max to get started in 2023. The list includes not only the most anticipated new shows but also some of HBO’s greatest hits. So keep reading!

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HBO Max is a popular streaming service that brings HBO to your fingertips. Whether you’re a Game of Thrones fanatic or a Silicon Valley fan, HBO Max has it all. With HBO Max, viewers have an endless library of movies and TV shows at their fingertips. 

In order to narrow down your search, here are some of the best shows on HBO Max from various genres that you should check out!

⏳ Short in time? Here is a quick guide for you:

To access all the content on HBO Max I suggest you use a VPN. ExpressVPN is the overall best VPN for HBO Max unblocking & Streaming, offering over Tor feature. And also Express well works with other streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Prime, Hotstar, and Disney+. Server speed is reliable And there are 30 days money-back guarantee so no risk in trying this VPN.

The Best Shows on HBO Max You Must Watch

1. Boardwalk Empire

HBO’s Boardwalk Empire is a series created by Terence Winter and based on the book written by Nelson Johnson. It takes place in Atlantic City during the 1920s Prohibition era, when people were driven to bootlegging as a means to earn a living. Nucky Thompson is the main character in this series who is played by Steve Buscemi. He reigned for many years as a political boss in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

The show follows his career from starting out as a politician, to being imprisoned for income tax evasion, and finally becoming an advisor for gangster Al Capone in Chicago.

Year: 2010

Creator: Terence Winter

Cast: Steve Buscemi, Michael Pitt, Kelly Macdonald, Michael Shannon, Shea Whigham, Aleksa Palladino, Michael Stuhlbarg And More

IMDb Rating: 8.5

2. Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones is one of the most popular fantasy drama television series created by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss. The story takes place on the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, where the seasons can last for years at a time. The Game of Thrones is a story about power, from the king’s throne to the small council chambers. Politics and intrigue are everywhere, as characters scheme against one another in pursuit of power. An all-star cast brings these dramatic confrontations to life, including Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister, Michelle Fairley as Catelyn Stark, Lena Headey as Cersei Lannister and Kit Harington as Jon Snow.

Year: 2011

Creators: David Benioff, D. B. Weiss

Cast: Peter Dinklage, Emilia Clarke, Lena Headey, Maisie Williams, Sophie Turner And More

IMDb Rating: 9.2

3. Starstruck

Starstruck is one of the most popular HBO Max comedy series directed by Karen Maine and created by Rose Matafeo and Alice Snedden. Starstruck is a comedy show that has the best things going for it! It tells a story about two people from different cultures and backgrounds fated to meet again and again across time. The series will please both romantics and cynics because of its tone, which is lighthearted but not without depth. And thankfully it was renewed for season 2 already!

Year: 2021

Creators: Rose Matafeo, Alice Snedden

Cast: Minnie Driver, Emma Sidi, Rose Matafeo, Nikesh Patel

IMDb Rating: 7.6

4. Station Eleven

Station Eleven is also a popular American post-apocalyptic sci-fi miniseries cinematography by Christian Sprenger, Steve Cosens, Daniel Grant and created by Patrick Somerville. Twenty years after a flu pandemic caused the collapse of civilization, a group of survivors who make a living as traveling artists face a violent cult led by a man whose past is unknowingly linked to that of a member of the squad.

Year: 2021

Creator: Patrick Somerville

Cast: Himesh Patel, Matilda Lawler, Nabhaan Rizwan, Daniel Zovatto, Philippine Velge, Lori Petty, Mackenzie Davis, David Wilmot

IMDb Rating: 7.3

5. How To with John Wilson

How To with John Wilson is an American comedy TV series written by John Wilson, Michael Koman, Alice Gregory and directed by John Wilson. The story is about an anxious New Yorker struggles to deal with his own personal issues while trying to give advice.

Year: 2020

Creator: John Wilson

Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, John Wilson, Yanjaa Wintersoul, Niko Nelson And More

IMDb Rating: 8.7

6. Dawson’s Creek

Dawson’s Creek is a TV series that aired from 1998 to 2003. It was created by Kevin Williamson. The show followed the lives of four friends growing up in the fictional town of Capeside, Massachusetts. Dawson’s Creek is one of those shows that many people watched as a teenager and then as an adult. Some people might not have realized that it was still on TV or might have forgotten about it after they left high school. 

Year: 1998

Creator: Kevin Williamson

Cast: Joshua Jackson, Katie Holmes, Kerr Smith, Meredith Monroe, Busy Phillips, James Van Der Beek, Michelle Williams

IMDb Rating: 6.7

7. Torchwood

Torchwood is a British science fiction television programme broadcast on HBO Max, which was created by Russell T Davies. The concept behind Torchwood is that it handles all of the alien threats that are too much for the average human being to handle. It’s mission statement is “to defend Earth against alien threats”. The idea of immortals who are hundreds if not thousands of years old fighting off alien threats may sound improbable, but the show does a good job of balancing out serious moments with humor.

Year: 2006

Creator: Russell T. Davies

Cast: Burn Gorman, Naoko Mori, Gareth David-Lloyd, Kai Owen, John Barrowman, Eve Myles

IMDb Rating: 7.7

8. Silicon Valley

Silicon Valley is an American sitcom that premiered on HBO on April 6, 2014. The series was created by Mike Judge, John Altschuler and Dave Krinsky and was inspired by the book “The Accidental Billionaires” by Michael Lewis about the founding of Facebook. In Silicon Valley, a group of computer programmers in San Francisco struggle to make a name for themselves in a cutthroat industry that looks down on their work with little respect. The show has been met with universal acclaim from critics with many calling it one of the best comedies on TV.

Year: 2014

Creators: Mike Judge, John Altschuler, Dave Krinsky

Cast: Josh Brener, Martin Starr, Kumail Nanjiani, Christopher Evan Welch, Amanda Crew, Zach Woods, Thomas Middleditch, T.J. Miller And More

IMDb Rating: 8.5

9. Pretty Little Liars

Pretty Little Liars is a teen drama mystery-thriller series created by I. Marlene King set in the fictional town of Rosewood, Pennsylvania. The series follows the lives of four girls, Aria Montgomery, Hanna Marin, Spencer Hastings and Emily Fields. After one of their friends goes missing, the girls begin receiving messages from an anonymous person called “A” who threatens to expose their secrets – including long-hidden ones they thought only each other knew.

Year: 2010

Creator: I. Marlene King

Cast: Troian Bellisario, Ashley Benson, Holly Marie Combs, Lucy Hale, Ian Harding, Bianca Lawson

IMDb Rating: 7.4

10. Band of Brothers

Band of Brothers is a war drama miniseries based on the best-selling book by Stephen E. Ambrose. The series follows Easy Company from jump training in Georgia, through D-Day and the ensuing battles in France and Germany, to VE Day. These men were often under fire for 36 hours at a time without relief, dealt with extreme winter conditions in Europe, captured Adolf Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest at Berchtesgaden, and accepted the surrender of over 25,000 German troops. Watching this film is an emotional roller coaster that will make you laugh and cry.

Year: 2001

Creators: Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg

Cast: Michael Cudlitz, Dale Dye, Rick Gomez, Scott Grimes, Tom Hardy, Kirk Acevedo, Eion Bailey And More.

IMDb Rating: 9.4

11. Dexter

Dexter is an American television series that originally aired from October 1, 2006 to September 22, 2013. The show tells the story of Dexter Morgan (played by Michael C. Hall), a blood spatter analyst for the Miami Metro Police Department who also leads a secret life as a serial killer, hunting down criminals who have slipped through the cracks of the justice system and those committing murder and other crimes he deems “intolerable” and “must be stopped”. Dexter is one of the best shows of all time with its dark twists and turns. It’s about what drives us to do what we do, who we are when nobody’s looking, and how even good people choose to do bad things. 

Year: 2006

Creator: James Manos Jr.

Cast: Michael C. Hall, Julie Benz, Jennifer Carpenter, Erik King, Lauren Vélez, David Zayas And More

IMDb Rating: 8.6

12. Sons of Anarchy

Sons of Anarchy is an American television show about a lawless motorcycle club that operates both illegal and legal businesses in a small town. The show was created by Kurt Sutter, who sought to create a drama with a more diverse cast than other shows about outlaw motorcyclists. The show’s first season centers on the club’s vice president, Jax Teller, played by Charlie Hunnam, as he learns he is named after his father, Jackson “Jax” Teller, Sr., played by Tommy Flanagan. His mother tells him that his father named him after himself without knowing that she was pregnant.

Year: 2008

Creator: Kurt Sutter

Cast: Mark Boone Junior, Kim Coates, Tommy Flanagan, Johnny Lewis, Maggie Siff, Charlie Hunnam, Katey Sagal

IMDb Rating: 8.5

13. The Big Bang Theory

The Big Bang Theory is an American sitcom created by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady. The series depicts two physical prodigy physicists who know little about life outside of work. They live across the hall from a beautiful blonde waitress who takes care of them in their hour of need, which is often. The show features nerd culture and conflicts involving masculinity norms in this era.

Year: 2007

Creators: Chuck Lorre, Bill Prady

Cast: Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Sara Gilbert And More

IMDb Rating: 8.1

14. Curb Your Enthusiasm

In 2000, a comedy series called “Curb Your Enthusiasm” premièred on HBO. It was created by Larry David and often referred to as a “Seinfeld” spin-off. The show is filmed in a documentary style with multiple cameras and no laugh track. The series is about Larry David who stars as himself. He often finds himself in awkward situations that are largely due to his lack of tact in dealing with others. Upon its debut, the series received universal acclaim from critics, who praised it as one of the most original shows of 2000.

Year: 2000-21

Creator: Larry David

Cast: Cheryl Hines, Susie Essman, J. B. Smoove, Larry David, Jeff Garlin

IMDb Rating: 8.7

15. How I Met Your Mother

How I Met Your Mother is an American sitcom that follows the lives of Ted Mosby, Marshall Eriksen, Lily Aldrin, Robin Scherbatsky, and Barney Stinson. The series was created by Craig Thomas and Carter Bays. It was broadcasted on CBS from September 19, 2005 to March 31, 2014. The show explores the lives of Ted, Marshall, Robin, Barney and Lily through flashbacks from their college days to the year 2030. This sitcom is all about relationships and how they work out in the end. This show has been on for so many years now that it’s hard to keep up with each episode.

Year: 2005

Creators: Carter Bays, Craig Thomas

Cast: Josh Radnor, Jason Segel, Cobie Smulders, Neil Patrick Harris, Alyson Hannigan, Cristin Milioti

IMDb Rating: 8.3

16. True Detective

True Detective is an American television crime thriller series that airs on HBO. Season one was set in Louisiana bayous and followed the lives of detectives Rust Cohle (played by Matthew McConaughey) and Martin Hart (played by Woody Harrelson), as they investigated murder cases involving drug trafficking, serial killers, and satanism. The show is created by Nic Pizzolatto, who also serves as writer for season one. It premiered on January 12, 2014, with rave reviews from critics. The first episode was the most watched season premiere in HBO’s history.

Year: 2014

Creator: Nic Pizzolatto

Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Michelle Monaghan, Michael Potts, Tory Kittles And More

IMDb Rating: 8.9

17. Friday Night Lights

Friday Night Lights is an American sports drama series about a high school football team and its coach in small town Texas. It was created by Peter Berg and directed by David Dobkin. It’s not just about football; it’s about family, loyalty, and overcoming odds. In the small town of Odessa, Texas, everyone knows everybody. The players on the Permian Panthers varsity football team are not only good at their sport but also have been groomed from an early age to excel in academics as well as athletics. When Taylor receives word that his mother’s cancer has come back, he heads back to Dallas to be close to her during her final days without revealing.

Year: 2006

Creator: Peter Berg

Cast: Kyle Chandler, Connie Britton, Gaius Charles, Zach Gilford, Minka Kelly, Adrianne Palicki, Taylor Kitsch And More

IMDb Rating: 8.6

18. The Sopranos

The Sopranos is an American television drama series about a troubled crime boss and his family. As the head of a New Jersey-based Italian-American Mafia family, Tony Soprano faces conflict at home as he tries to balance his personal life with professional responsibilities. The show has been praised for its realistic portrayal of mob life, violence, and bitter humor. It also won awards including fifteen Emmy Awards, five Golden Globe Awards, four Screen Actors Guild Awards, and two Critics’ Choice Television Awards.

Year: 1999

Creator: David Chase

Cast: James Gandolfini, Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco, Michael Imperioli, Dominic Chianese, Steven Van Zandt

IMDb Rating: 9.2

19. The Night Of

HBO’s The Night Of is a crime mini-series that takes place in New York City. It tells the story of Naz, a Pakistani American who is wrongly accused of involvement in a brutal crime he didn’t commit. The Night Of was written by Steven Zaillian and Richard Price and directed by Zaillian. The series is an adaptation of the BBC One show Criminal Justice, and stars John Turturro and Riz Ahmed as the central characters. The Night Of explores not only how different people react to what happens to Naz but also how America’s criminal justice system works — or doesn’t — with devastating consequences for everyone involved. 

Year: 2016

Creators: Richard Price, Steven Zaillian

Cast: John Turturro, Riz Ahmed, Bill Camp, Payman Maadi, Poorna Jagannathan, Sofia Black-D’Elia And More

IMDb Rating: 8.5

20. Big Little Lies

Big Little Lies is a British-American mystery drama television series created by David E. Kelley and based on the novel of the same name written by Liane Moriarty. Big Little Lies follows three mothers living in Monterey, California, as they weave their lives together around their children’s school trivia night. The women are suspecting each other’s motives for choosing to be there and quickly realize that none of them can escape unscathed in what appears to be a game of cat and mouse with no clear victor.

Year: 2017

Creator: David E. Kelley

Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, Alexander Skarsgård, Adam Scott, Zoë Kravitz And More

IMDb Rating: 8.5

21. The West Wing

The West Wing is a series about a fictional United States presidential administration that ran from 1999 to 2006. It was created by Aaron Sorkin and aired on NBC for seven seasons. The show takes place in an alternate timeline, meaning it’s not set in the past, the present, or the future. The show starts with a president who has a heart attack and is soon replaced by his Vice President Dick Cheney. From their first day in office, President Bartlet’s staffers think there is more going on behind the scenes than meets the eye. In order to keep their president alive and healthy they must find out what’s really happening behind closed doors.

Year: 1999

Creator: Aaron Sorkin

Cast: Rob Lowe, Moira Kelly, Dulé Hill, Allison Janney, Richard Schiff, John Spencer And More

IMDb Rating: 8.8

How To Access Movies & Shows on HBO Max From Anywhere

The HBO Max is an American streaming service offering popular content in high quality including the latest releases from Warner Bros. This is a new streaming service featuring cartoon network, CNN, and some Original series like Game of Thrones as well.

HBO Max official site services are working only in the USA. All this is because of the content copyrights and distribution rights that are blocking this site. When you try to access the HBO Max site, it will show that services are not available in your area.

Don’t be hopeless still thinking there is no way to access HBO Max, there is a way. But it is only possible with a VPN. When you connect to the USA server using VPN, that means you are virtually present in the USA. In this way, you can access HBO Max even when you are outside the US. But, it is as important as choosing the best & reliable VPN. So here are the best VPNs to unblock movies & shows on HBO Max:

1. ExpressVPN: Top Rated VPN

ExpressVPN Horizontal Logo
  • 3000+ Servers in 160+ locations (94 countries)
  • Unblock Amazon Prime, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, HBO, BBC iPlayer, and more
  • Unbeatable Security Encryption with OpenVPN (TCP/UDP), L2TP, IPSec, IKEv2
  • Full Torrenting Support (Dedicated P2P Servers) with split tunneling.
  • Compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Consoles, routers etc.
  • 5 Simultaneous device connections
  • Zero Log Policy.
  • Reliable kill switch
  • 24/7 Customer Support
  • 30 Days full refund policy

ExpressVPN uses OpenVPN, Ikev2, and L2Tp-IPSec protocols, which are known as the most reliable security protocols. This VPN has 3000+ servers across 94 countries offering 100Mb/s internet speed. 

They offer a 30 days risk-free money-back program and 24/7 live chat support for all of your problems. You can even stream Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video, and mostly anything in Ultra HD quality. The only limitation is that ExpressVPN has only five device limitations.

Price: $6.67/month on yearly subscription + 3 months extra.

2. Surfshark: Universal VPN

Surfshark
  • 3200+ Servers in 65 Countries
  • Standard AES 256-bit encryption with OpenVPN, WireGuard and IKEv2 protocols
  • Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Amazon Prime and HBO
  • Whitelister and Cleanweb feature
  • Multihop mode to stream the content in high quality without buffering.
  • Static IP Addressess available
  • Reliable Kill Switch
  • No Log Policy
  • Unlimited device connections.
  • 7 Days free trail & 30 days refund policy

Surfshark is a very easy-to-use No Log VPN with a comprehensive interface and is well suited for new users. While everything runs on RAM servers there is no logging. Its vast server network can unblock any trading platform for you and the best part is that you can pay in crypto (BTC, ETH, etc) while taking a subscription. 

While there are no independent audits run by this VPN, they offer a 45 days risk-free money-back guarantee program. There are no IP or DNS leaks found, you can check out on full review.

Price: $2.49/month on 2-year subscription.

NordVPN
  • 5500+ servers in 62+ Countries
  • Double VPN feature for extra privacy
  • Unlimited Streaming in HD quality without data caps
  • Unlimited P2P/Torrenting anonymously with dedicated P2P servers
  • CyberSec to avoid malware and block ads
  • Stream International Netflix, Hulu, Prime, HBO, iPlayer, and other streaming sites
  • Reliable kill switch
  • Strict No-logs policy
  • 30 Days full refund policy

NordVPN offers 5400+ servers in 62+ countries, you can enjoy all local content immersively. This VPN is compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. There will be no DNS/IPv6 leaks as it offers high-grade security. 

You will also get six simultaneous connections per subscription along with Netflix streaming ability. They are offering 30 days of the money-back guarantee program. So, if you don’t like the app then you will get your full refund within 5 days.

Price: $3.29/month on 2-year subscription.

4. CyberGhost: Optimized Servers for Streaming

CyberGhost
  • CyberGhost has a gigantic number of servers of about 6500+ over 90 countries.
  • Work’s great, especially with Amazon Prime.
  • Supports a maximum of 7 devices simultaneous streaming.
  • 45 days money-back guarantee.
  • Compatible with Android, iOS, Chrome, Linux, and other devices
  • You can unblock Amazon Prime, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and many other streaming platforms in high quality. 

Cyberghost VPN has a solid no-logs policy, and security is guaranteed by support for the best OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP protocols and by military-grade 256-bit encryption. It has optimized servers for streaming and torrenting with a good price value. 

Cyberghost is available at a discount price of only $2.75 per month on a 3-year plan. I tried to test Netflix, Hulu, Disney+. Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and other streaming services from different servers in the US, UK, India.

Price: $2.75/month on 3-year subscription.

5. IPVanish: Unlimited Connections (No log)

IPVanish
  • 1500+ Servers in 75+ Locations
  • Endless Streaming with optimized servers
  • 10 devices support with a single account.
  • Faster connection speeds with unlimited data caps
  • Multi-platform iOS support with a reliable kill switch
  • No Log Policy with superior anonymity
  • 30 days Full Refund Policy

You can enjoy unblocking streaming services and grab crazy deals by spoofing your location with 1500+ servers in more than 75 locations across the world (Dynamic IPs) IPVanish works well in real-time with decent internet speeds. 

They have also included leak protection along with standard 256-bit encryption and OpenVPN protocol. They offer a 30 days risk-free money-back program and 24/7 live chat support for all of your problems. If you want then there is a hidden page for low price subscriptions.

Price: $3.99/month on 1-year subscription.

Final Words

So here we have got information about some of the best shows on HBO Max that are worth checking out. HBO Max is a popular streaming service that features HBO shows, movies, and documentaries. This service is accessible via your TV, smart device, tablet, or computer. All you need to do is download the app and find the perfect show for you through this article! Hope you liked this article and do share this article with your friends so that they too can watch their favorite shows on HBO Max.

FAQs

Which is the most popular drama show available on HBO Max right now?

All of these shows listed in this article are the best shows on HBO Max in 2023. But “Game of Thrones” is the most popular drama show on HBO Max right now.

Can I use a free VPN to watch HBO Max?

No, though there are tons of free VPNs available on the internet. Most of them will sell your personal data to earn money. Also, they limit your streaming speeds, bandwidth, and fewer servers [might not have US servers]. So, using a premium VPN, like ExpressVPN, is always safe.

Can I get HBO Max for Free?

HBO is not offering any free trial as of now. But you can get a free trial if you have a Hulu account with you. But if you are trying to access it outside the US, then you need a reputable VPN like ExpressVPN.

Will I Get HBO Max for free, if I am an HBO Subscriber?

Yes, you will get HBO Max without any extra costs if you are a HBO Subscriber through Amazon Appstore, Apple, Google Playstore or Roku channel store.

Doubts or Problems?

If you still have any doubts or suggestions related to “21 Best Shows on HBO Max to Watch in 2023″ then feel free to contact us via our dedicated page. Our team will try to short out your concerns as soon as possible.

About Tapash Ranjan

Tapash Rajan is a Cybersecurity Analyst, taking a critical eye on VPNs and Cybersecurity services. When not working he can be found watching Animes, Movies, and K-Dramas.

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