The shows we’re most excited to watch on HBO Max
The best recommendations for upcoming and returning shows to watch on the new streaming service.
HBO Max is streaming now in Aotearoa, which means it’s just become a lot easier to find something good to watch on the telly. HBO Max is a premium streaming service that pulls together the very best in HBO Originals, Warner Bros., Max Originals, the DC Universe and Discovery, which means subscribers can choose from an impressive variety of quality television shows and blockbuster movies, all in one place.
As well as being home to numerous award-winning favourites like The Pitt, The Last of Us, The White Lotus and Euphoria, there’s several excellent new and returning shows landing on HBO Max before the end of the year. We’ve hand-picked some of the most exciting and highly anticipated series headed our way, including the latest seasons of House of the Dragon and The Gilded Age, and Sharon Horgan’s charming new comedy-drama.
House of the Dragon
The prequel to fantasy drama Game of Thrones is back for a third epic season. Set in Westeros two centuries before the dramatic events of GOT and based on George R.R. Martin’s book Fire and Blood, House of the Dragon follows the disputes in the Targaryen dynasty that led to a devastating civil war, and ultimately, the decline of Targaryen power. Expect an increase in tension, scheming and deadly power plays, as well as a whole lot more fire-breathing dragons.
When is it coming? June 22, 2026.
How excited are we? So excited we could breathe fire.
Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness: An Almost History of America
“Nothing has prepared me for working with Larry David,” Barack Obama warns in the trailer for Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness. Obama and his wife Michelle are executive producers of David’s new sketch comedy show, which honours the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States by skewering major events in American history. It’s history, but with David at the helm, you know it’ll be surreal and hilarious. Guest stars include Bill Hader, Kathryn Hahn, Jon Hamm and Sean Hayes.
When is it coming? June 27, 2026
How excited are we? Very. Just curbing our enthusiasm.
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe
The Big Bang Theory (TBBT) is one of the biggest TV franchises in the world, and has already spawned one mega-successful spinoff in Young Sheldon. Now, the universe is expanding with Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, which follows comic book store owner Stuart Bloom as he accidentally brings about the end of the universe. Bloom struggles to control a bewildering, multi-layered armageddon, and he must rely on all of his comic book knowledge to save the planet. Expect the unexpected in this quirky comedy, which will no doubt contain lots of insider callbacks for TBBT fans.
When is it coming? July 24, 2026.
How excited are we? Extremely. Who doesn’t want to have a chuckle about the end of the world?
Lanterns
Superhero fans are eagerly awaiting the launch of DC’s Lanterns, a new mystery-drama based on the DC Comics Green Lantern characters Hal Jordan and John Stewart. Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre star as the Lanterns, two intergalactic police officers – one experienced, the other a new recruit – who are drawn into solving an Earth-based murder deep in rural America.
When is it coming? August 17, 2026
How excited are we? Fizzing. Think True Detective, but with a superhero twist.
The Gilded Age
If you love a sumptuous historical drama filled with beautiful sets and restrained emotions, then The Gilded Age is a must-watch. Created by Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey) and set in America in the late 19th century, The Gilded Age captures the societal tensions between families with new and old money in a rapidly-changing New York. The costumes are fabulous and with a cast that includes Christine Baranski, Cynthia Nixon, Carrie Coon and Louisa Jacobson, the quips are razor sharp.
When is it coming? Season four drops later in 2026, so plenty of time to catch up on the first three seasons.
How excited are we? So excited our corset might pop off.
Youth
The brilliantly talented Sharon Horgan is back in new comedy-drama Youth, which she writes, stars in and executive produces. Horgan plays a 50-year-old recent divorcee who’s navigating a new world of dating and romance, while also juggling the responsibilities of caring for her elderly parents and parenting her should-be-grown-up-by-now son. Expect raunchy, relatable humour from Horgan, alongside an impressive British cast that includes Rupert Friend, Harriet Walter, Anne Reid, Freddie Fox and Aran Murphy (son of Cillian).
When is it coming? Later in 2026.
How excited are we? Very. If you’ve seen any of Horgan’s other work (from Bad Sisters to Catastrophe), you’ll know how skilled a writer and actor she is.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Come all ye faithful to the first season of the new adaptation of the children’s fantasy novel series, which sees Nick Frost, Janet McTeer and John Lithgow don their capes and head off to Hogwarts. Season one of HBO’s new Harry Potter series consists of eight episodes, and as the first official teaser suggests, will feature all the characters and moments so beloved in the books.
When is it coming? Christmas, 2026.
How excited are we? Wands at the ready.