The 45 best shows on Max right now
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From landmark dramas like "The Sopranos" to animated wonders like "Harley Quinn," here are the big blue streamer's best offerings.
The phrase "prestige TV" has become nearly synonymous with Max's treasure trove of offerings. With series like The Sopranos, Deadwood, and Curb Your Enthusiasm, the olden HBO of yore cemented itself as the leading provider of high-quality, adult-skewing television years before the so-called "Golden Age" kicked off with Mad Men and Breaking Bad (over at AMC).
Now simply known as Max, the streaming service is positively packed full of classics that are well-known or waiting to be widely discovered. Here are the best shows on Max right now.
Abbott Elementary (2021–present)
Quinta Brunson's lauded mockumentary, following five disparate teachers at an under-funded Philadelphia public school struggling to help their students, achieves something the form rarely does: It actually makes you laugh. Abbott Elementary is reminiscent of cult classic sitcoms like Arrested Development twisted with the warm, universal appeal of Modern Family. —Declan Gallagher
Where to watch Abbott Elementary: Max
EW grade: A– (read our review)
Cast: Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Lisa Ann Walter, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Janelle James, Chris Perfetti, William Stanford Davis
Related content: EW drinks three rounds with the cast of Abbott Elementary
Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens (2020–present)
A funnier, edgier take on the Broad City formula — a tremendously high mark to match, let alone surpass — Awkwafina's Comedy Central showcase is prime comfort viewing. It follows the titular Nora (Awkwafina) who, along with her cousin, father, and eccentric grandmother, tries to navigate life in Flushing, Queens. —D.G.
Where to watch Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens: Max
Cast: Awkwafina, Bowen Yang, Lori Tan Chinn, B.D. Wong, Jennifer Esposito
Related content: Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens looks to put a new kind of Asian American family on screen
Barry (2018–2023)
Bill Hader masterminded this highly decorated dark dramedy, which wrapped up its final season in 2023. There's no better time to binge the hilarious, often tragic exploits of its title character, a hitman (Hader) who worms his way into an acting class, and as a result, gets a second chance at life. As the batty instructor, Henry Winkler has rarely been better. —D.G.
EW grade: B+ (read the review)
Cast: Bill Hader, Henry Winkler, Sarah Goldberg, Stephen Root, Anthony Carrigan
Related content: Bill Hader says goodbye to Barry
Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1995)
As the streaming home of DC media, Max has numerous Batman films and shows on its platform. And while everyone has their preferred take on the character, few would argue that Batman: The Animated Series is top tier, if not the best. This is the gold standard for superhero television, from its striking visuals to the writing to its signature voice performances. —Kevin Jacobsen
Where to watch Batman: The Animated Series: Max
Cast: Kevin Conroy, Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Loren Lester, Bob Hastings, Robert Costanzo, Mark Hamill, Arleen Sorkin
Related content: Batman: The Animated Series: The 25 best episodes, ranked
Big Little Lies (2017–2019)
The level of A-list talent on this Emmy-winning adaptation of Liane Moriarty's best-selling novel is still astonishing in retrospect. Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, Zoë Kravitz, and Laura Dern star as a group of five Monterey women involved in a murder investigation, though each has more than their fair share of drama in their personal lives, too. —K.J.
Where to watch Big Little Lies: Max
Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, Zoë Kravitz, Laura Dern, Alexander Skarsgård, Adam Scott, Iain Armitage, Kathryn Newton, Meryl Streep
Related content: 12 differences between the Big Little Lies book and show
Boardwalk Empire (2010–2014)
Martin Scorsese and Terence Winter's rip-roaring prohibition-era crime epic follows Enoch "Nucky" Thompson (Steve Buscemi), Atlantic City's treasurer who also happens to supply its illicit liquor. Working with gangsters such as Al Capone and lining the pockets of the metropolitan elite, Nucky soon becomes the most fearsome figure on the East Coast — and one of the most notable television characters of the 2010s. —D.G.
Where to watch Boardwalk Empire: Max
EW grade: B+ (read the review)
Cast: Steve Buscemi, Michael Pitt, Michael Shannon, Kelly Macdonald, Gretchen Mol
Related content: Boardwalk Empire gets a wardrobe update
Chernobyl (2019)
You might not expect one of the worst nuclear tragedies in history to make for enjoyable, or even watchable, television. Yet Craig Mazin's searing limited series — a disaster drama deconstructing the calamity and its aftermath — manages to be all of those things. It's also one of the best-written shows in recent memory. —D.G.
EW grade: A– (read the review)
Cast: Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgård, Jessie Buckley, Emily Watson
Related content: Chernobyl creator Craig Mazin discusses the series finale
The Comeback (2005; 2014)
This terrifically uncomfortable mockumentary show (created by Sex and the City's Michael Patrick King) had one season in 2005 before getting brought back for a fan-generated reboot in 2014. The series follows the hubristic exploits of faded actress Valerie Cherish (Lisa Kudrow) as she tries to get her career back on track with a hip new sitcom and a reality television crew in tow. The Comeback gives its star many opportunities to flex her significant comedy muscles in an edgier setting than Friends allowed for. —D.G.
Where to watch The Comeback: Max
EW grade: N/A (read the review)
Cast: Lisa Kudrow, Malin Åkerman, Laura Silverman, Robert Michael Morris, Damian Young
Related content: Lisa Kudrow is too afraid to ask HBO for another season of The Comeback: 'I don't want to hear no'
Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000–2024)
Larry David became everyone's favorite curmudgeonly father over 12 seasons of antagonism, so much so that his real life blends with that of his onscreen counterpart. Curb is ambling and often shapeless (especially as it goes along) but the general thread of Larry insulting everyone he encounters with seemingly innocuous remarks and igniting petty grievances somehow never gets old. —D.G.
Where to watch Curb Your Enthusiasm: Max
EW grade: A– (read the review)
Cast: Larry David, Jeff Garlin, Cheryl Hines, Susie Essman, J.B. Smoove
Related content: The 25 best episodes of Curb Your Enthusiasm
Deadwood (2004–2006)
Set in the lawless, Civil War-era mining town of the title, David Milch's startlingly violent (and profane) Western revitalized the genre across three seasons and a movie. It demonstrated that horse operas could be more than John Wayne, one-liners, and saloon brawls. Following an assortment of characters wandering through town to make a buck, Deadwood made stars out of Timothy Olyphant (as Sheriff Seth Bullock) and Ian McShane (as dastardly Al Swearengen). —D.G.
EW grade: N/A (read the review)
Cast: Ian McShane, Timothy Olyphant, Robin Weigert, Molly Parker, Dayton Callie
Related content: Timothy Olyphant discusses Deadwood return: 'Why did this ever go off the air?'
Enlightened (2011–2013)
Prashant Gupta/HBO/Courtesy: Everett
Laura Dern on 'Enlightened'One of HBO's most underrated series in its long legacy, Enlightened follows Amy Jellicoe (Laura Dern), a California woman who suffers a mental breakdown and is subsequently treated at a wellness facility. She emerges renewed as she returns to work, where she uncovers corporate malfeasance and becomes a self-proclaimed "agent of change." Dern has arguably never been better in her portrayal of all the beautiful complexities of Amy's messy life. —K.J.
Where to watch Enlightened: Max
Cast: Laura Dern, Luke Wilson, Diane Ladd, Sarah Burns, Timm Sharp, Mike White
Related content: Mike White on the possibility of bringing back HBO's Enlightened
Euphoria (2019–present)
Sam Levinson's signature series profiles a cadre of high schoolers living on the absolute razor's edge of humanity, indulging in drug use and sexual situations that would curl even Caligula's toes. It's harrowing viewing, and occasionally uncomfortable for the wrong reasons, but you'd be hard-pressed to stop watching. —D.G.
EW grade: B (read the review)
Cast: Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, Hunter Schafer, Alexa Demie, Barbie Ferreira, Maude Apatow, Angus Cloud, Jacob Elordi
Related content: Sydney Sweeney says her dad and grandpa turned Euphoria off and walked out of the room
Friends (1994–2004)
The classic sitcom about six chums tryin' to make it in the Big Apple is available in its entirety on Max for all of your binging purposes. Not all of it has aged brilliantly, but some of it is funnier than you might remember. —D.G.
EW grade: A– (read the review)
Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, David Schwimmer
Related content: Friends creators pay tribute to 'brilliant talent' Matthew Perry: 'Our hearts are broken'
Full Circle (2023)
Steven Soderbergh directed this magnetic limited series — about a kidnapping in New York City and its ripple effects — is a tight, six-episode punch. Soderbergh is ultimately a humanist filmmaker, and that rings truer than ever in this labyrinth mystery which places its characters first. —D.G.
Where to watch Full Circle: Max
Cast: Claire Danes, Timothy Olyphant, Zazie Beetz, CCH Pounder, Dennis Quaid
Related content: Steven Soderbergh talks his new sci-fi series Command Z
Game of Thrones (2011–2019)
The groundbreaking fantasy series about the various dynasties struggling for power over the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros is perhaps the network's best-known output after The Sopranos. Based on George R. R. Martin's tomes, Game of Thrones continues to captivate audiences. Now that the smoke has settled from its controversial final season, the show can be enjoyed on its own merits — which are substantial. —D.G.
Where to watch Game of Thrones: Max
EW grade: B (read the review)
Cast: Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington, Rose Leslie, Gwendoline Christie, Maisie Williams, Sophie Turner, Emilia Clarke, Lena Headey
Related content: HBO reportedly spent 'over $30 million' on failed Game of Thrones spinoff pilot starring Naomi Watts
Girls (2012–2017)
Lena Dunham's millennial answer to Sex and the City — featuring an equal number of social outrages and dating talking points — has its share of pitfalls, but it manages to accomplish the same thing its parent show did for its generation. In showing a way of modern living for younger generations rarely depicted with such realism, Girls was quietly revolutionary. —D.G.
EW grade: A (read the review)
Cast: Lena Dunham, Allison Williams, Zosia Mamet, Jemima Kirke, Adam Driver
Related content: Girls and the (lost?) art of anti-aspirational TV
Gossip Girl (2007–2012)
Call it a proto-Euphoria if you'd like, this soap about the very dramatic lives of NYC prep schoolers provides a comfort-food alternative to Sam Levinson's hair-raiser. xoxo, EW —D.G.
Where to watch Gossip Girl: Max
EW grade: N/A (read the review)
Cast: Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Penn Badgley, Ed Westwick, Taylor Momsen
Related content: Taylor Momsen says 'complicated' decision to leave Gossip Girl changed her life 'overnight'
Hacks (2021–present)
Jean Smart reinvigorated her career in the clever, barbed portrait of a Joan Rivers-style comedian trying to get her act back on track while mentoring a millennial (Hannah Einbinder) with a bad attitude. It walks a brilliant line between nostalgic showbiz paean and modern cringe-comedy. —D.G.
EW grade: A– (read the review)
Cast: Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder, Mark Indelicato, Paul W. Downs, Megan Stalter
Related content: Watch Hacks stars Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder & Co. perform a live script read of the season 2 finale
Harley Quinn (2019–present)
HBO/Courtesy Everett Collection
Harley Quinn, voiced by Arleen Sorkin, on 'Batman Begins Forever'Much like 2020's Birds of Prey, Harley Quinn manages to get what was always so tantalizing about the character exactly right. Consistently, it seems, the best versions of superheroes are their animated counterparts. Kaley Cuoco makes a brilliant fit as the voice of Harley Quinn, a queenpin trying to carve out her independence in Gotham City. —D.G.
Where to watch Harley Quinn: Max
EW grade: A (read the review)
Cast: Kaley Cuoco, Lake Bell, Alan Tudyk, Tony Hale, Christopher Meloni
Related content: How Harley Quinn made Bane so hilariously lovable
I Hate Suzie (2020–present)
Billie Piper stars as Suzie Pickles, a singer-turned-actress (like Piper) who has some nude photos of her leaked onto the internet (unlike Piper). The ensuing show is a darkly comic meditation on modern womanhood, celebrity, and the often uneasy entwinement of the two. —D.G.
Where to watch I Hate Suzie: Max
EW grade: A (read the review)
Cast: Leila Farzad, Billie Piper, Daniel Ings, Nathaniel Martello-White, Chelsea Edge
Related content: Billie Piper 'horrified' anyone would think she's like her I Hate Suzie character
I May Destroy You (2021)
Michaela Coel's phenomenal, groundbreaking work stands as one of the most staggeringly original series HBO has shepherded. It's a powerful testament to recovery, friendship, and the power of writing as it follows Arabella (series creator and writer Coel) in the aftermath of a sexual assault. —D.G.
Where to watch I May Destroy You: Max
EW grade: B (read the review)
Cast: Michaela Coel, Paapa Essiedu, Marouane Zotti, Weruche Opia, Lewis Reeves
Related content: How snubbing I May Destroy You cracked the Golden Globes' diversity problem wide open
The Knick (2014–2015)
Steven Soderbergh's credible, rollicking tale of surgeons at New York's premier hospital at the turn of the 20th century might be the most underrated show here. It's equal parts historical drama, medical thriller, and body-horror — Boardwalk Empire by way of Cronenberg. It's the greatest television work yet from Soderbergh, one of the finer American filmmakers by some distance. —D.G.
EW grade: B+ (read the review)
Cast: Clive Owen, André Holland, Juliet Rylance, Jeremy Bobb, Eve Hewson
Related content: The Knick season 2 finale: Clive Owen talks about Thackery's self-surgery
The Larry Sanders Show (1992–1998)
The original meta-comedy, The Larry Sanders Show details the narcissistic machinations of the eponymous character behind the scenes of his fake talk show. It's ground zero for many soon-to-be-influential comedians, including Judd Apatow and Janeane Garofalo. As the anchor, Garry Shandling is unimpeachable. —D.G.
Where to watch The Larry Sanders Show: Max
Cast: Garry Shandling, Rip Torn, Jeffrey Tambor, Janeane Garofalo, Penny Johnson
Related content: How Garry Shandling used Larry Sanders to tell the story of human beings
The Last of Us (2023–present)
This buzzy, apocalyptic zombie series — perhaps one of the best works ever based on a videogame — lit up HBO during its first season with unexpected storytelling and primal central chemistry between Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. There's no better time to rewatch as we wait with bated breath for season 2. —D.G.
Where to watch The Last of Us: Max
Cast: Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey
Related content: A guide to The Last of Us Easter eggs
Last Week Tonight With John Oliver (2014–present)
Comedian/commentator John Oliver has collected a boatload of Emmys for bringing his righteous, riotous perspective to the issues plaguing the world today, including hot-button topics like income inequality, ongoing wars, and reproductive rights, and deeper dives into the world of cryptocurrencies and televangelism. —K.J.
Where to watch Last Week Tonight With John Oliver: Max
Cast: John Oliver
Related content: John Oliver calls out new Warner Bros. Discovery bosses for 'burning down my network'
The Leftovers (2014–2017)
Damon Lindelof's series details the aftermath of a mass event in which a small portion of the world's population suddenly disappears into thin air. Those that are left, are, well…you get it. The show spun three seasons of cerebral, compelling world-building which managed to more or less stick its landing without letting down the audience. It remains one of Justin Theroux's finest performances, a tantalizing mix of traditional leading-man bravado and humble vulnerability. —D.G.
Where to watch The Leftovers: Max
EW grade: N/A (read the review)
Cast: Justin Theroux, Carrie Coon, Margaret Qualley, Amy Brenneman, Liv Tyler
Related content: Justin Theroux shares his interpretation of The Leftovers series finale
Mare of Easttown (2014–2015)
Kate Winslet's brilliant performance (and another by Jean Smart) highlights this creepy, tragic examination of family grief. As the town detective, Mare (Winslet) traverses a fresh murder case that may link to a cold case — and could tie closer to her family than she ever considered. Director Craig Zobel infuses Mare of Easttown with such a specific sense of time and place that by the time you get to the end, you'll be craving a walk around the block in bright sunlight. —D.G.
Where to watch Mare of Easttown: Max
Cast: Kate Winslet, Angourie Rice, Evan Peters, Julianne Nicholson, Jean Smart
Related content: Julianne Nicholson discusses the Mare of Easttown finale
Perry Mason (2020–2023)
An old-fashioned noir with a dose of modern kink and nihilism, this retooling of Erle Stanley Gardner's classic sleuthing lawyer is sumptuously designed and wittily played. It's sort of a post-Tarantino Dashiell Hammett. As Mason's sidekick Della Street, Juliet Rylance brings vigor to a character not done justice in previous adaptations. —D.G.
Where to watch Perry Mason: Max
Cast: Matthew Rhys, Juliet Rylance, John Lithgow, Tatiana Maslany, Robert Patrick
Related content: Death and life of the lawyer show
Project Greenlight (2001–2005; 2015; 2023)
Matt Damon and Ben Affleck's reality series, in which they select a first-time filmmaker's work for production, hasn't quite launched the next Christopher Nolan. However, each season is a tremendously entertaining (and often frightening) look inside the film industry, with Issa Rae helming the latest season. —D.G.
Where to watch Project Greenlight: Max
EW grade: N/A (read the review)
Cast: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck
Related content: Project Greenlight winner Jason Mann: I try to avoid the show 'as much as I can'
The Rehearsal (2022–present)
Nathan Fielder's uproarious, genuinely unbelievable show — in which he prepares everyday people for uncomfortable conversations and personal milestones by holding a rehearsal of the event — lies somewhere between a sketch program and hidden camera show. It unfolds in such a way that it is indescribable. However, it's sure to get you both laughing and cringing in equal measure. —D.G.
Where to watch The Rehearsal: Max
Cast: Nathan Fielder
Related content: HBO renews The Rehearsal for season 2, giving Nathan Fielder more time to practice
The Righteous Gemstones (2019–present)
Danny McBride and David Gordon Green's riotous take on the American religious industry, following a family of grifting televangelists, is one of the most creative and outré things HBO has ever produced. It's unmissable television, and we envy any potential first-time viewers out there. —D.G.
Where to watch The Righteous Gemstones: Max
Cast: Danny McBride, John Goodman, Adam DeVine, Edi Patterson, Tim Baltz
Related content: Danny McBride promises HBO comedy The Righteous Gemstones isn't a takedown of religion
Sex and the City (1998–2004)
Though it began as a hipper, more barbed comedy than the fairy tale it would become, Sex and the City managed to remain consistent throughout its six seasons. It was somewhat radical in its depiction of Miranda's (Cynthia Nixon) unwary motherhood, while Carrie's (Sarah Jessica Parker) indecision over Mr. Big (boo, and indeed hiss) and Aidan (The One) can still generate conversation. —D.G.
Where to watch Sex and the City: Max
Cast: Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon
Related content: Sex and the City: An oral history
Six Feet Under (2001–2005)
Being depressed was never quite as fun as it was on Six Feet Under. Creator Alan Ball's tale of the Fisher family, who own a particularly busy funeral parlor in Los Angeles, is his masterwork. It's a perfect combination of his morose whimsy and dark social satire. —D.G.
Where to watch Six Feet Under: Max
EW grade: N/A (read the review)
Cast: Peter Krause, Frances Conroy, Lauren Ambrose, Michael C. Hall, Rachel Griffiths
Related content: Six Feet Under at 20: A look back at HBO's groundbreaking drama
The Sopranos (1999–2007)
A show about gangsters and the mafia for those who aren't at all interested in either subject, The Sopranos still remains HBO's landmark series. It's fantastically well written, occasionally hard to watch, but often surprisingly warm and funny. Taking the standard Scorsese model and transposing it into a warped suburban dramedy, the lauded saga follows mobster Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) as he navigates panic attacks in therapy, home life with his fiery wife Carmela (Edie Falco), and New Jersey's criminal underworld. —D.G.
Where to watch The Sopranos: Max
EW grade: A (read the review)
Cast: James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Michael Imperioli, Tony Sirico, Lorraine Bracco
Related content: The Sopranos' 10 best episodes
South Park (1997–present)
Trey Parker and Matt Stone's everlasting series about a cadre of foul-mouth school chums has spoofed current events — seemingly in real time — since 1997 (plus a movie). You'd be hard-pressed to find a show that has more cultural relevance or staying power than South Park. The work has a reputation for being ceaselessly vulgar (which, in fairness, it is) but what many people don't discuss is how clever it is, too. —D.G.
Where to watch South Park: Max
Cast: Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Isaac Hayes, April Stewart, Adrien Beard
Related content: How South Park was born: An oral history of 'The Spirit of Christmas'
Station Eleven (2021–2022)
Based upon Emily St. John Mandel's novel of the same name, this all-too-credible postapocalyptic drama follows survivors of a devastating pandemic as they try to rebuild what's left of society. The show is patiently paced, mirroring its source material, and though the premise is largely horrific, Station Eleven is guided by a sense of hope and optimism. Perhaps its biggest asset is how eminently bingeable it is, though you wouldn't think that at first brush. —D.G.
Where to watch Station Eleven: Max
Cast: Mackenzie Davis, Himesh Patel, Daniel Zovatto, David Wilmot, Matilda Lawler
Related Content: Station Eleven showrunner reflects on the series finale: Danielle Deadwyler 'is a revelation'
Steven Universe (2013–2019)
Steven Universe has become one of the most beloved animated series of the 21st century thanks to its well-earned uplifting message, bright animation, and dynamic voice performances. The series follows the titular young boy who fights to protect Earth alongside a trio of friendly aliens known as the Crystal Gems. —K.J.
Where to watch Steven Universe: Max
Cast: Zach Callison, Estelle, Michaela Dietz, Deedee Magno Hall
Related content: Steven Universe creator has done more for LGBTQ visibility than you might know
Succession (2018–2023)
The saga of the Roy (definitely not Murdoch) family, which unfolded over four fraught seasons, provided Max viewers on the internet at large with much to discuss. We won't spoil anything here, because it's all just so good. Succession is modern-day Shakespeare with better suits. —D.G.
Where to watch Succession: Max
EW grade: A (read the review)
Cast: Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook, Kieran Culkin, Matthew Macfadyen
Related content: Succession's Brian Cox says he's 'dazzled' by people who 'want to be told to f--- off!'
True Detective (2014–present)
No one will argue that True Detective is consistent across its anthology seasons, but all four have their attributes. Season 1 is undoubtedly the best, a cryptic and chilly serial killer thriller with dashes of the occult and supernatural. But seasons 2 and 3, which follow more traditional pulp trajectories, contain boundless thrills and some genuinely innovative narrative turns. Then there's season 4, subtitled Night Country, which embraces the supernatural and centers primarily on women, compared to its masculine-heavy predecessors. —D.G.
Where to watch True Detective: Max
EW grade: A (read the review)
Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams, Taylor Kitsch, Vince Vaughn, Mahershala Ali, Jodie Foster, Kali Reis
Related content: True Detective is a universe now? An investigation
Veep (2012-2019)
If The West Wing is too saccharine for you, try Veep. Julia Louis-Dreyfus anchors this over-the-top satire as an under-appreciated vice president who seems to be met by embarrassment at every turn. Its depiction of bumbling, fumbling White House staff used to seem gleefully exaggerated until 2016, when real headlines quickly eclipsed Veep's manic imagination. As foul-mouthed ensemble comedies go, there really isn't anything better. Veep gives you something to chew on while providing the giggles of an over-caffeinated adolescent. —D.G
EW grade: B+ (read the review)
Cast: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Anna Chlumsky, Matt Walsh, Tony Hale, Timothy Simons
Related content: Farewell to Veep: Inside the final days of TV's smartest, filthiest comedy
Watchmen (2019)
Quite possibly the best thing to have Damon Lindelof's name on it, this adaptation of Alan Moore's seminal graphic novel redeems the much-derided 2009 movie. In a world where superheroes have been outlawed, the eponymous vigilantes struggle to fight for what's right. Featuring yet another terrific performance by Jean Smart, along with wonderful Emmy-winning turns by Regina King and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Watchmen sucker-punched audiences with its potent blend of popcorn entertainment and social commentary. —D.G.
EW grade: A– (read the review)
Cast: Regina King, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Jean Smart, Don Johnson, Jeremy Irons
Related content: Watchmen creator Alan Moore is 'definitely done with comics,' decries 'unbearable' industry
The West Wing (1999–2006)
The show that single-handedly revitalized walking and talking in hallways, Aaron Sorkin's whip-smart dramedy follows the president (Martin Sheen) and his White House staffers. The West Wing fashions a world of politics we all wish was real. Sure, there are disagreements, but it's nothing a quickly delivered, inspired monologue can't handle. Plus, everyone looks so damn handsome doing it. —D.G.
Where to watch The West Wing: Max
Cast: Martin Sheen, Rob Lowe, Allison Janney, Bradley Whitford, Richard Schiff
Related content: Martin Sheen 'wept with joy' at The West Wing reunion
The White Lotus (2021–present)
Mike White's series about privileged vacationers descending on a gorgeous but unlucky locale is predominantly spoken of for Jennifer Coolidge's involvement, but it must be said that each season is one of the finest ensemble drama/comedy/mystery mash-ups in recent memory. Plus, the scenery can't be beat. —D.G.
Where to watch The White Lotus: Max
EW grade: B+ (read the review)
Cast: Jennifer Coolidge, Murray Bartlett, Connie Britton, Alexandra Daddario, Jake Lacy, Natasha Rothwell, Sydney Sweeney, F. Murray Abraham, Meghann Fahy, Michael Imperioli, Theo James, Haley Lu Richardson, Will Sharpe
Related content: The White Lotus creator Mike White says an 'all-star season' would be 'fun'
Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty (2022–2023)
Adam McKay's propulsive, imaginative series about the rise of the Lakers under Jerry Buss is a spirited recollection of the period. It's brilliantly shot to evoke its era, features some of John C Reilly's most nuanced work, and is sorely missed in the wake of its premature cancellation. —D.G.
Where to watch Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty: Max
Cast: John C. Reilly, Quincy Isaiah, Gaby Hoffmann, Jason Clarke, Adrien Brody, Rob Morgan, Jason Segel, Sally Field
Related content: It's Showtime! The Winning Time dream team on capturing the Laker magic
The Wire (2002–2008)
David Simon's bracing, quintessentially gritty urban thriller following cops and criminals on the streets of Baltimore is one of the most understated police dramas to air on television. It's also one of the most richly played, supplying all characters big and small with complete, satisfying arcs. —D.G.
Cast: Dominic West, Michael K. Williams, Lance Reddick, Felicia Pearson, Idris Elba
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