The Max streaming platform has carved a niche for itself as the go-to destination for iconic HBO series such as Game of Thrones, The White Lotus, and The Last of Us. In addition to these hits, it offers a variety of striking original content. Notably, Hacks has garnered significant acclaim, while other series like Peacemaker and The Sex Lives of College Girls have attracted considerable viewership. Additionally, The Pitt has recently sparked conversations across social media, with the Spanish-language drama When No One Sees Us receiving widespread praise from critics.

With the vast array of streaming content available today, it’s easy for some exceptional shows on Max to go unnoticed. Amidst a landscape where series can be abruptly canceled or forgotten entirely—like Raised by Wolves—it’s worth exploring less popular titles that still deserve recognition.

(The following selections are Max originals, meaning they were either created for the platform or are currently presented solely via this service in North America. Titles that initially debuted elsewhere, such as Adult Swim’s Common Side Effects, are not included.)

The Pitt (2025 – Present, Renewed for a Second Season)

Returning to scrubs is Noah Wyle as Dr. Michael “Robby” Rabinavitch, the head attending physician at Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center. Robby grapples with the emotional aftermath of losing his mentor during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each episode captures the intensity of a single hour within a chaotic 15-hour shift, marked by tragedies such as a mass shooting. While medical dramas are plentiful, this one offers a distinctive and compelling narrative. You can watch The Pitt here.

Hacks (2021 – Present, Fourth Season Premieres April 10)

After facing a setback due to a controversial tweet, Ava (Hannah Einbinder), a 25-year-old writer, reluctantly embarks on a new career path by working with Deborah Vance (Jean Smart)—a comedic legend whose popularity is waning. Despite their stark differences, the chemistry between them is electric, with Smart delivering some of the finest performances of her career as the often unlikable Vance, matched by Einbinder’s strong presence. The series expertly balances humor and deeper emotional elements. You can view Hacks here.

When No One Sees Us (2025, Current Season)

This original Spanish crime thriller showcases Mariela Garriga as a Cuban-American Army special agent and Maribel Verdú as a sergeant in the Spanish Civil Guard. Together, they investigate a violent death labeled as suicide on a military base during Holy Week. The series deftly merges intricate storytelling with a focus on character development, making it a standout among contemporary crime dramas. You can check out When No One Sees Us here.

Trixie Motel (2022 – 2024, Two Seasons)

Trixie Motel is all about the whimsical question: how would a drag queen with a bit of capital run a hotel? The debut season featured Trixie Mattel and then-partner David Silver as they revitalized a vintage motel in Palm Springs. The follow-up season sees the duo purchasing and decorating a new residence, often with celebrity guests helping to add flair to their renovations. It’s colorful, campy, and utterly delightful. You can view Trixie Motel season one here, and Drag Me Home, the second season, here.

Doom Patrol (2019 – 2023, Four Seasons)

This unique DC comic adaptation, originating from the former DC Universe service, stands out for its intriguing and bizarre storytelling. With a roster of quirky characters—like the gender-fluid Danny the Street and the paranormal duo known as the Sex Men—it offers emotional depth alongside its eccentricity, featuring strong performances from a stellar cast including Brendan Fraser and Timothy Dalton. It’s an inclusive and sex-positive series in a genre often criticized for its lack of diversity. You can stream Doom Patrol here.

Full Circle (2023, Miniseries)

From the mind of Ed Solomon and directed by Steven Soderbergh, this miniseries intricately weaves together an ensemble cast and a tangled plot involving murder, abduction, corporate intrigue, and mystical elements. The narrative centers around a ritual performed by a crime lord, who draws a literal circle on the murder scene in New York. While it can be a bit convoluted, the chaotic storytelling keeps viewers intrigued. Leading actors include Zazie Beetz, Claire Danes, and Timothy Olyphant. You can stream Full Circle here.

Scavengers Reign (2023, One Season)

This sci-fi adventure garnered qualified enthusiasm, having been canceled after just one season despite leaving numerous questions unanswered. Following the journey of survivors aboard the ill-fated interstellar cargo vessel Demeter 227, it portrays their encounters with a foreign planet’s intricate ecosystem, showcasing remarkable animation and voice acting. Although season two is uncertain, the show’s inventive quality leaves lingering hopes for continuity. You can stream Scavengers Reign here.

The Flight Attendant (2020 – 2022, Two Seasons)

Kaley Cuoco stars as Cassie Bowden, a flight attendant with a penchant for partying, who wakes up in a Bangkok hotel alongside a dead passenger, with no recollection of the night before. As she attempts to reconstruct the events leading up to this shocking scene, the show blends dark humor with thrilling twists, earning several Emmy nominations, including one for Cuoco’s compelling performance. Despite its popularity, it was sadly cut short after two seasons. You can watch The Flight Attendant here.

The Sex Lives of College Girls (2021 – 2025, Three Seasons)

This series features a diverse group of college freshmen, focusing on Kimberly (Pauline Chalamet), Bela (Amrit Kaur), Whitney (Alyah Chanelle Scott), and Leighton (Reneé Rapp), as they navigate the complexities of young adulthood at the fictional Essex College. Created by Mindy Kaling and Justin Noble, the comedy-drama explores themes of female camaraderie, diverging from the more risqué implications suggested by its title. You can stream The Sex Lives of College Girls here.

Jellystone! (2021 – 2025)

This modern take on classic Hanna-Barbera characters features a delightful mix of nostalgic figures like Yogi Bear, Huckleberry Hound, and more, all set in the whimsical town of Jellystone. The humor plays to a contemporary audience while introducing familiar characters in a fun and entertaining format suitable for kids. You can watch Jellystone! here.

Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai (2023 – Present, Second Season Ongoing)

This animated prequel to the original Gremlins movie offers a much more family-friendly vibe, even as it explores some of the darker humor from its live-action predecessors. The series follows Sam Wing, portrayed as a youth, who embarks on an adventure through China with Gizmo, meeting various mythical creatures along the way. The voice cast includes notable talents such as Izaac Wang and Ming-Na Wen. You can stream Secrets of the Mogwai here.

The Other Two (2019 – 2023, Three Seasons)

This comedy series stars Heléne Yorke and Drew Tarver as siblings navigating life and ambition in the shadow of their younger brother’s rise to fame. With sharp humor that critiques current pop culture trends, the series strikes a balance between comedy and heartfelt moments, deserving a closer look from viewers. You can catch The Other Two here.

Tokyo Vice (2022 – 2024, Two Seasons)

This compelling series set in late ’90s Tokyo features Ansel Elgort alongside acclaimed Japanese actors Ken Watanabe and Rinko Kikuchi. As a young journalist embroiled in the city’s vice squad, he offers viewers a unique perspective on both the glamorous and sordid aspects of Tokyo, all packaged in a gripping narrative. You can stream Tokyo Vice here.

Rap Sh!t (2022 – 2023, Two Seasons)

In this clever follow-up to her previous success Insecure, Issa Rae tells the story of Shawna (Aida Osman), a socially aware Miami rapper who collaborates with her friend Mia (KaMillion), whose success on OnlyFans propels their new rap duo into the spotlight. Amidst their journey, Shawna’s boyfriend Cliff (Devon Terrell) wrestles with the challenges of their intertwined ambitions. Filled with humor, the series offers significant commentary on friendship among aspiring Black women. You can watch Rap Sh!t here.

The Big Brunch (2022, One Season)

This culinary reality show, hosted by Schitt’s Creek star Dan Levy, invites ten chefs to compete for a $300,000 prize by crafting the ultimate brunch dishes. Unlike traditional stressful cooking competitions, its relaxed format and humor make for an entertaining watch. It stands out in the genre, although its single season means you might wish for more. You can stream The Big Brunch here.

It’s a Sin (2021, Miniseries)

The impactful miniseries created by Russell T. Davies takes a poignant look at a group of friends in 1980s London grappling with the realities of burgeoning queer culture amidst the HIV/AIDS crisis. The narrative is powerful and resonant, bringing forward the voices of characters navigating a volatile era in their lives. You can see It’s a Sin here.

Peacemaker (2022 – Present, Renewed for a Second Season)

This dazzlingly original series derived from The Suicide Squad features John Cena as Peacemaker, a character blending humor with action as he embarks on ludicrous misadventures. With a plot that expands on his comic book origins, it seamlessly introduces new layers to his character while navigating a battle against an ominous butterfly threat. With enough comedy and heartfelt moments, it forms a bridge to the next phase of DC’s cinematic universe. You can stream Peacemaker here.

South Side (2019–2022, Three Seasons)

This sitcom, created by Bashir Salahuddin and Diallo Riddle, is set in Englewood and features a talented and close-knit cast. Focusing on two friends hoping to find success while managing a rent-to-own store, the show combines humor with a vibrant depiction of the community. You can catch South Side here.

Through Our Eyes (2021, Miniseries)

Originating from Sesame Workshop, this docuseries explores pressing issues faced by children, with each episode helmed by a different acclaimed director. Covering topics such as child incarceration, climate displacement, and caregiver reliance, the series offers insights into their experiences with honesty and sensitivity. Though limited to four episodes, there’s potential for future installments. You can stream Through Our Eyes here.

Equal (2020, One Season)

This well-crafted docuseries utilizes a blend of interviews and dramatizations to recount significant events in LGBTQ+ history from the 20th century. The combination of authentic storytelling and reenactments makes for a compelling viewing experience. You can stream Equal here.

Julia (2022 – 2023, Two Seasons)

This delightful series portrays the life of culinary icon Julia Child, with Sarah Lancashire delivering a fabulous performance that encapsulates her distinctive charm. The show also delves into the challenges faced during the early years of public television. While it deserves more seasons, its playful spirit remains delightful. You can stream Julia here.

Expecting Amy (2020, One Season)

This unique docuseries offers an insightful glimpse into comedian Amy Schumer’s journey through a complicated pregnancy. While it intertwines with the making of a stand-up special, it excels in its honesty and sincerity, addressing the broader family dynamics at play. While somewhat reliant on an appreciation for Schumer, it remains a fascinating exploration.

Titans (2018–2023, Four Seasons)

Pushing the boundaries of typical superhero narratives, Titans embraces darker themes and intense action, reflecting a mature comic adaptation. There’s a gritty quality that makes the series engaging, emulating the chase inherent in passionate comic book narratives while effectively showcasing character development amid dramatic storylines. You can stream Titans here.

Young Justice (2010–2022, Four Seasons)

This enduring animated series faced cancellation before being revived and now stands out within the DC universe. It compellingly tracks characters through their growth while exploring multiple narratives across various comic sources. This depth of character development and rejuvenation of the superhero genre complements its rich animation. You can stream Young Justice here.

Heaven’s Gate: The Cult of Cults (2020, One Season)

This intricate documentary delves into the tragic story of the Heaven’s Gate cult led by Marshall Applewhite. It navigates the absurd yet somber beliefs held by the cult, revealing disturbing truths behind their fate with exceptional footage. The emotional heft of the documentary is bolstered by its candid exploration of such a notable yet tragic subject. You can stream Heaven’s Gate: The Cult of Cults here.

Station Eleven (2021, Miniseries)

Released during the COVID pandemic, this adaptation of the Emily St. John Mandel novel depicts a world ravaged by a lethal virus. Following Kirsten Raymonde, a young actress, the narrative alternates between the early days of the outbreak and her life 20 years later, highlighting themes of resilience and the enduring power of art even in dire times. You can stream Station Eleven here.

Harley Quinn (2019 – Present, Renewed for a Sixth Season)

This vibrant adult animated series features Kaley Cuoco as Harley Quinn, offering a zany yet mature spin on the iconic anti-hero. Known for its humorous approach and strong representation, it diverges from traditional superhero tales while providing a refreshing outlook on familiar characters. A Kite Man spin-off is also in the works. You can watch Harley Quinn here.

The Staircase (2022, Miniseries)

Going beyond the standard narrative of true crime, The Staircase focuses on the aftermath of the death of Kathleen Peterson and the trials of her husband Michael, portrayed by Colin Firth. Rather than the crime itself, it explores the impact of the media on justice, offering keen insights into how public perception shapes criminal cases. You can stream The Staircase here.

Love & Death (2023, Miniseries)

This miniseries revisits the infamous case of Candy Montgomery, a housewife who committed murder under complex circumstances. Elizabeth Olsen delivers a powerful performance, showcasing her struggle and the societal repercussions of her actions, making it a thought-provoking exploration of morality and consequence. You can stream Love & Death here.

Search Party (2016–2022, Five Seasons)

This darkly comedic series explores the life of Dory, played by Alia Shawkat, as she embarks on a quest to find her missing college friend. The show’s blend of humor and the surreal challenges faced by millennial characters provides a unique perspective on contemporary life. Over its five seasons, it evolves into an exquisite examination of existential anxieties. You can watch Search Party here.