5 unmissable HBO Max shows to binge-watch this month: From 'IT: Welcome to Derry' to 'Sex and the City'
The likes of 'A Knight of Seven Kingdoms' and 'The Pitt' might be taking top spots as fan favorites in HBO Max, but the streamer has an impressive roster of shows: some old, and some fairly recent that are absolutely binge-worthy. While familiar faces from 'Game of Thrones', 'Succession', and 'Industry' are expected to be in the top five, we mixed up the genres and came up with five shows we believe are worth giving a shot. With some new shows slated for weekly episode drops, our recommendations fill the gaps while you wait.
'IT: Welcome to Derry'
Stephen King's 'IT' gets a prequel from Andy Muschietti, director of both 'IT' movies, and writer Jason Fuchs. Set in 1962, the series tracks the Hanlons, a Black family arriving in Maine, only to experience that evil exists in its chilliest form. Bill Skarsgård reprises his role as Pennywise the Dancing Clown in IT. Chris Chalk, James Remar, Stephen Rider, Clara Stack, Amanda Christine, Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, and Mikkal Karim-Fidler round up the rest of the cast.
'Peacemaker'
Starring John Cena, the Suicide Squad DC comic character is all about keeping the peace, except he has no qualms about being extremely violent to achieve it. Written by James Gunn, the series' debut season was a spinoff of 'The Suicide Squad', while Season 2 takes place after the events of DCU's 'Superman'. Danielle Brooks, Freddie Stroma, Chukwudi Iwuji, Jennifer Holland, Steve Agee, and Robert Patrick starred in the first season, with MCU alum Frank Grillo joining in the second installment.
'I Love LA'
Widely regarded as one of the best HBO comedy shows in recent times, Rachel Sennott's dramedy's success saw the streamer waste no time in renewing it for Season 2. 'I Love LA' follows a group of friends as they navigate challenges — personally and professionally in the City of Angels. Starring alongside Sennott are Odessa A’zion, True Whitaker, Jordan Firstman, and Josh Hutcherson. All eight episodes are now available for streaming.
'Heated Rivalry'
The Canadian gay sports drama went viral upon debut last season and continues to make headlines to date. Starring Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie as professional ice hockey stars on rival teams, 'Heated Rivalry' follows their passionate, intense secret love story, and the emotional journey of their long-term relationship. While their lives and career trajectories change, the relationship stays intact. Throw in great music and impressive hockey sequences, and the romance series makes for a perfect binge.
'Sex and the City'
One of the shows that became a household name upon its debut in the late 1990s, 'Sex and the City' follows four best friends in New York City as they navigate love and life. While it has always been immensely popular, the show's resurgence after joining the streamer's roster is now putting it in the pantheon of iconic shows. Newspaper columnist Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), PR professional Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall), art dealer Charlotte York (Kristin Davis), and lawyer Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon) take viewers on an emotional and fun journey in this six-season series.
