Top 10 HBO Max Series Ranked by US Viewers
HBO Max gives you a lot of choices for what to watch next, and it can feel like a full-time job. With a continually growing library of content ranging from groundbreaking original series to beloved classics, it’s easy to lose yourself in endless scrolling. You want to spend your time watching something actually worth watching, a show that everyone is talking about. That’s where we come in.
We’ve crunched the numbers, heard the chatter, and distilled the ultimate ranking of the top 10 HBO Max shows, ranked by US viewers. Whether you’re in the mood for a gritty drama, a laugh-out-loud comedy, or a mind-bending sci-fi epic, this 2025 entertainment guide will help you uncover your next obsession. We’ll tell you what makes each show worth watching so you’ll spend less time searching and more time bingeing.
The Ultimate HBO Max Watchlist for 2025
Max has established itself as a force to be reckoned with as a streamer, standing shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Netflix and Hulu. Its secret weapon? a strong respect for quality over quantity. From the epic fantasy worlds of Westeros to the cutthroat boardrooms of New York City, these are the shows that have captivated the imagination of American audiences. Let’s get started with our list of Top 10 HBO Max Series Ranked by US Viewers:
Top 10 HBO Max Series Ranked by US Viewers:
10. The White Lotus
Genre: Dark Comedy, Satire
Why US Viewers Love It: A savvy, satirical commentary on wealth, privilege, and the messy lives of ultra-rich people, The White Lotus hits a nerve with its cringeworthy comedy and stunning beachside scenes. Each season brings a new cast of dysfunctional guests and hotel staff, assembling their secrets over the course of a one-week vacation. It’s the sort of show you watch through your fingertips, both appalled and endlessly amused. Its anthology style ensures that things never get dull, and it’s a popular topic of discussion after each new season airs.
9. Barry
Genre: Dark Comedy, Crime Thriller
Why US Viewers Love It: What happens when a downbeat hitman from the Midwest decides to move to Los Angeles and find a passion for acting? The result is Barry, a stunning blend of comedic genius and bone-deep pathos, and gruesome violence. Bill Hader delivers a career-defining turn as the titular character, attempting to leave his past behind as he maneuvers the absurd world of LA’s acting scene. It’s an audio lesson in tonal balance that leaves you on the edge of your seat.
8. Hacks
Genre: Comedy-Drama
Why US Viewers Love It: The chemistry between Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder is purely charged on-screen. Hacks is based on an improbable friendship between a longtime Las Vegas comedian, Deborah Vance, and a young, privileged comedy writer, Ava. Their quick and clever exchanges and their generational misunderstandings offer endless comedy, yet what is most powerful about the show is its emotional examination of ambition, mentorship, and sacrifice women make in entertainment. It is a clever, comical, and rather sentimental show.
7. Succession
Genre: Satirical Black Comedy, Drama
Why US Viewers Love It: Exploring the unhealthy environment of the Roy family, a media conglomerate that is always fighting over who will inherit the kingdom of their father, Succession is a Shakespearean tragedy of the present, with more F-bombs. The words are sharp, the acting is perfect, and the dramas are terrifying and exciting to watch. It is a searing indictment of corporate greed and family dysfunction that has become a cultural fad in the USA.
6. The Last of Us
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic Drama
Why US Viewers Love It: Adapted from the critically acclaimed video game, The Last of Us set a new standard for game-to-screen adaptations. Set 20 years into a pandemic caused by a fungal infection, the series follows hardened survivor Joel (Pedro Pascal) and a teenage girl, Ellie (Bella Ramsey), who may hold the key to a cure. It’s a harrowing journey across a desolate America that is as much about human connection and love as it is about survival. The show’s emotional depth and world-building resonated deeply with both fans of the game and newcomers.
5. Euphoria
Genre: Teen Drama
Why US Viewers Love It: Based on the award-winning video game, The Last of Us was the first video game that receive a new standard of screen adaptation. The series is set 20 years into a pandemic of a fungal infection, and follows hardened survivor Joel (Pedro Pascal) and a teenage girl, Ellie (Bella Ramsey), who might be the key to a cure. It is a terrifying look into a barren America, which is even more concerned with human connection and love than it is with survival. The emotional richness of the show and world-building appealed to both game fans and those unfamiliar with the game.
4. House of the Dragon
Genre: Fantasy, Drama
Why US Viewers Love It: Coming back to Westeros was a huge television event, and House of the Dragon did not fail. The prequel series takes place almost 200 years before Game of Thrones and follows the bloody civil war that ripped House Targaryen to shreds. By maintaining a very narrow scope with a great deal of political intrigue, family drama, and, naturally, dragons, the show re-created the magic that made its predecessor a sensation worldwide. In the USA, this is where you can find epic fantasy.
3. Mare of Easttown
Genre: Crime Drama, Mystery
Why US Viewers Love It: Kate Winslet gives a tour de force as the small-town Pennsylvania detective trying to solve a local murder even as her own life is falling apart around her. Mare of Easttown is not only a whodunit but also an incredibly moving picture of a community in mourning and hiding. The authentic setting, compelling mystery, and compelling character exploration all made it must-watch TV, and the limited series format is the best format when it comes to telling contained, impactful stories.
2. The Rehearsal
Genre: Docu-Comedy
Why US Viewers Love It: Nathan Fielder’s The Rehearsal is one of the most bizarre, innovative, and thought-provoking shows on television. The premise is simple: Fielder helps ordinary people rehearse for difficult life moments by constructing elaborate sets and hiring actors. However, the show quickly spirals into a mind-bending exploration of human behavior, control, and the nature of reality itself. It’s cringe-comedy elevated to an art form and a truly unique viewing experience.
1. Game of Thrones
Genre: Fantasy, Serial Drama
Why US Viewers Love It: Several years after a rather scandalous ending, Game of Thrones is unquestionably the leader in HBO series. It was almost ten years and the largest show in the world, a cultural event of discussions on Sunday night. It was an epic production due to its grand scale, convoluted characters, outrageous plot twists, and gigantic battles, which established a new standard in television production. Even though the journey through the Seven Kingdoms has ended, it was still one of the most compelling and immersive experiences ever recorded on screen, and people keep watching and re-watching it on Max.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some common questions about navigating the Max streaming service and its top shows.
Where can I watch these series in the USA?
All the series listed above are available to stream exclusively on Max in the United States. Max is a standalone streaming service that can be subscribed to directly or sometimes accessed through providers like Hulu or Amazon Prime Video as an add-on channel.
Is Max the same as HBO Max?
Yes and no. In 2023, HBO Max and Discovery+ merged their libraries to create a new, enhanced service called Max. It includes everything that was on HBO Max (all HBO originals, Warner Bros. films, etc.) plus a vast library of content from Discovery, HGTV, Food Network, and more.
What are some other popular shows on Max?
Beyond our top 10, Max has a deep bench of incredible series. Some other fan favorites include:
- Curb Your Enthusiasm
- The Sopranos
- The Wire
- Veep
- Chernobyl
If you’re looking for more recommendations, check our list of top Netflix series in 2025 for a comparison of what the different platforms offer.
Is this list up to date for 2025?
Yes, this ranking reflects viewer popularity and cultural relevance heading into 2025. We constantly update our lists to provide the most current entertainment guide. Keep in mind that new hit shows can always shake up the rankings!
What Will You Watch Next?
That is it, the 10 most popular series on Max according to the audience of the United States. Playing the political chess of Succession and the apocalyptic heartbreak of The Last of Us, there is absolutely something on this giant platform. You can spend months filling your watchlist with either catching up on a cultural phenomenon or having a whole new adventure.
Now we want to hear from you! What is your favorite show on Max? Have we overlooked one of your regular series? Write to us in the comments below and tell us what you rank!
