10 Unmissable Shows on Max to Fuel Your Watchlist

Released on September 19, 2024, The Penguin follows Oswald "Oz" Cobb as he navigates the chaotic aftermath of the seawall's collapse. With a power vacuum left by the passing of Carmine Falcone, Oz is determined to rise to power while aiming to provide his mother, Francis, with the life he has long promised her. However, his journey is complicated by the need to confront both enemies and the dark legacy tied to his identity as “the Penguin.” Rated 4.5 stars, this gripping narrative weaves action with deeply personal stakes.

Since its debut on January 9, 2025, The Pitt has drawn viewers into the high-stakes environment of Pittsburgh's Trauma Medical Center. Rated 4.4 stars, this series delves into the struggles of medical staff working tirelessly in an overcrowded and underfunded emergency department. Through their dedication and resilience, the staff's heart-wrenching decisions shine a light on the challenges faced within the healthcare system.

Since its original release on January 10, 1999, The Sopranos has been hailed as a groundbreaking series, garnering an astounding rating of 4.8 stars. The series chronicles the life of Tony Soprano, a New Jersey-based Italian-American mobster grappling with the pressures of leading a criminal organization while maintaining his family life. With psychiatrist Jennifer Melfi often serving as a sounding board, the show's complex characters and narratives remain impactful and relevant today.

Debuting on June 2, 2002, The Wire has achieved a cult status with an impressive rating of 4.8 stars. Set in Baltimore, this series explores the drug trade's intricacies through the eyes of both the police and the criminals. The show presents a raw and unfiltered view of a city in the grips of a systemic drug crisis, challenging viewers' perceptions of morality, law, and order.

Premiering on September 22, 1994, and still cherished today, Friends has earned a solid rating of 4.7 stars. This beloved sitcom follows a group of six young adults navigating life’s ups and downs in New York City. Through friendship, love, and laughter, the ensemble cast provides viewers with timeless moments that resonate with anyone facing the realities of adult life.

Planet Earth is an awe-inspiring documentary series launched on March 5, 2006, receiving a stellar 4.6-star rating. Narrated by David Attenborough, this series showcases the breathtaking diversity of life on Earth, filmed over four extraordinary years in 64 different countries. Each episode delicately balances beauty with the pressing need for conservation, urging viewers to appreciate and protect our planet.

Launched on May 13, 2021, Hacks has garnered acclaim with a rating of 4.3 stars. The series follows the unexpected mentorship between Deborah Vance, a seasoned Las Vegas comedian, and a disgraced young writer, highlighting both laughs and deep insights into their contrasting worlds. The show deftly explores themes of ambition, creativity, and the generational clash of ideas in comedy.

As a beloved ensemble of superheroes, Justice League represents the long-awaited rebirth of iconic characters such as Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, debuting on November 17, 2001, with an average rating of 4.3 stars. The series brings together these legendary figures as they combat formidable villains and tackle global threats, emphasizing teamwork and heroism.

Released on January 22, 2021, It's a Sin vividly chronicles the lives of five friends during a decade marked by the AIDS epidemic, achieving a heartfelt rating of 4.3 stars. This series artfully blends humor and heartbreak, illustrating the love, loss, and unwavering spirit of its characters against a historical backdrop that shaped a generation.

Premiering on December 7, 2003, Angels in America offers an unflinching look at the lives of six New Yorkers intertwined during the AIDS crisis of 1985, receiving a 4.3-star rating. Through surreal storytelling and rich character development, this miniseries addresses themes of love, politics, and the struggle for acceptance, exemplifying the power of art in periods of turmoil.