"It’s a tale as old as… streaming services. You finally found a show worthy enough to watch 18 times in a row but open up Facebook and get the devastating news flashed in front of your face: it’s leaving the streaming platform at the end of the month. Now you have to go on the hunt to find out exactly where your favorite cinematic creation went. 9 times out of 10, it went straight to HBO Max.
It’s no secret that HBO Max is the home to some of the most monumental TV shows, including Game of Thrones, Sex and the City, and Friends. All of which were streamable on another platform at one time or another. When we were all forced to subscribe to yet another streaming platform in order to view our favorites, we actually got lucky with it being HBO Max because it has gifted us some exceptional television since.
Here is your ultimate HBO Max streaming guide, for all your viewing pleasure.
What is HBO Max?
The HBO network has been around for decades, literally. Since its conception it has brought us some of television’s most celebrated stories. They’re the masterminds behind Curb Your Enthusiasm, Hard Knocks, and, of course, The Sopranos, as well as numerous binge-worthy shows in the last few years. It was only a matter of time before they needed their collection housed under one roof, and in 2020, they did just that. You can think of the platform as a library of HBO and Warner Brothers productions; one that you will want to spend countless hours perusing.
Who Should Have an HBO Max Subscription?
If you were a lover of the big shows I mentioned above, you’re going to need an HBO Max subscription. Not only can you rewatch your favorites again and again without worrying they will leave the platform, but HBO Max does you one better. They have created sequels, prequels, and even documentaries on some of the most iconic shows that you will not want to miss.
Though the streaming service is relatively new, the HBO network has been putting out iconic shows for decades, and they’re all housed here. There’s something for everyone on HBO Max: classics, enticing dramas, and humorous sitcoms. Come to HBO Max for the shows you know and love, and stay for the ones you have yet to experience.
How Much Does HBO Max Cost?
You can get access to all of this for the low, LOW price of $9.99 per month. That is with ads, of course. If you’d prefer to go ad free, you can upgrade for $14.99 per month. They also currently have a promotion where you can get 40% off if you pay for a yearly subscription.
Our Can’t-Miss HBO Max Exclusives
House of the Dragon
GOT fans, and more specifically, Targaryen Stans rejoice. After years without violence, medieval attire, and dragons we are finally gifted a prequel to the powerhouse show that is Game of Thrones – House of the Dragon. The Mother of Dragons, Breaker of Chains, one true Khaleesi, and quintessential bad-ass Daenerys Targaryen gained a cult following as fans watched her build herself up from literal ashes in GOT. So much so that HBO created a prequel specifically for the house Targaryen, aka House of the Dragon. 200 years prior to the GOT setting we know, the Targaryen clan had a civil war, and it was just as bloody, brutal, and heart wrenching as GOT fans would expect.
The Princess
There are few celebrities who have captured quite as many hearts as Princess Diana in her day. The Princess takes a deep dive into the life of the Princess of Wales, as well as her relationship with Prince Charles. Through audio and video clippings, you will get a look at every major life event, including her picturesque marriage, the birth of her two sons, her divorce (and the iconic “revenge” dress), and her untimely death.
Euphoria
If there’s one thing HBO is known for, it’s pushing the envelope. That’s exactly what it gives us with Euphoria. We can all agree that high school is tough, right? We’re trying to fit in, figure out who we are, hopefully make a few friends, all while weird hormones are making their way through our bodies. Add that on top of drugs, sex, social media, and dark histories and you get East Highland High School. Watch as the main character, Rue (played by the incomparable Zendaya), and the other students navigate their relationships in a tumultuous environment.
The Sex Lives of College Girls
If there’s anything more interesting to watch than teens trying to navigate high school, it’s young adults feeling their way through college. That’s why The Sex Lives of College Girls is streaming gold. Created in part by the talented Mindy Kaling, watch as 4 freshman girls adjust to life at their prestigious school, Essex College. And Es-sex they will have. You will laugh, cry, and relate hardcore with the girls as they battle hardships and celebrate their successes.
And Just Like That
If you’re like me, a book, 6 seasons, and 2 movies weren’t enough time with my favorite New Yorkers. That’s why I was so excited to find out Sex and the City was getting a new adaption on HBO Max. Follow Carrie, Charlotte, and Miranda as they navigate post-pandemic life in NYC at all new stages in life—and see Carrie & Big stable together for, arguably, the first time ever. Sadly, we don’t get to see the beloved Samantha, but her character is mentioned in numerous episodes.
Other HBO Max Offerings
TV Shows
- Game of Thrones
- Friends
- Sex and the City
- Westworld
- Succession
- Hard Knocks
- The Sopranos
- Abbott Elementary
- True Detective
- The White Lotus
- Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin
- Titans
Movies & Documentaries
- The Janes
- And Just Like That: The Documentary
- Old
- Last Night in Soho
- The Heat
- Jurassic Park Trilogy
- Death on the Nile
- Harry Potter 8 Film Collection
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
- Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts