7 Best Dramas to Binge on HBO Max Right Now (Dec ’25)

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Looking for something to watch this December? HBO Max has you covered. With the holidays bringing more downtime, it’s a great time to binge-watch new shows or revisit classics. HBO Max is especially strong when it comes to drama, offering many highly-rated and award-winning series. Beloved shows like The Sopranos, The Wire, True Detective, and Chernobyl are just a few examples, but the platform boasts a wide range of other captivating and intriguing dramas.

Okay, so if you’re like me and looking for some seriously good dramas to watch this December, I’ve got you covered. I’ve been checking things out, and there are seven shows on HBO Max that I think are absolute must-sees. Seriously, they’re perfect for cozying up when the weather gets cold!

7) Task

If you’re looking for a gripping crime thriller, check out HBO Max’s Task. This show follows FBI agent Tom Brandis (Mark Ruffalo), a former priest, as he leads an investigation into a series of robberies committed by a motorcycle gang in the Philadelphia area. What sets Task apart is its deep dive into the characters, particularly Brandis’s complicated past. The mystery unfolds slowly, revealing clues in a way that keeps you hooked, and the acting is superb, with standout performances from Ruffalo, Tom Pelphrey, and Emilia Jones. Task Season 1 didn’t get the attention it deserved when it first aired, so it’s definitely worth watching now.

6) Heated Rivalry

If you love romance shows, you absolutely need to check out Heated Rivalry, which is quickly becoming the hottest show right now. It’s a story about Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, stars on opposing hockey teams, who unexpectedly fall for each other. The show brilliantly blends the excitement of professional sports with a passionate love story, exploring the difficulties faced by LGBTQ+ athletes while delivering a captivating romance full of unforgettable moments. The actors, Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, share incredible chemistry, making their characters feel genuine and endearing. Heated Rivalry is one of the best new series of 2025, and HBO Max subscribers won’t want to miss it!

5) Game of Thrones

As a huge film and TV fan, I always find myself wanting to rewatch Game of Thrones around the holidays, and it’s even more fun with family and friends! If you’re thinking of diving in, or revisiting Westeros, I honestly think starting from the very beginning is the best way to experience it. With December here and that whole “Winter is Coming” vibe, it’s the perfect time to cozy up with a blanket and binge-watch this incredible show.

Even after all these years, the epic battles and memorable characters of Game of Thrones still feel fresh and exciting. Despite some disappointment with the show’s final seasons, Game of Thrones remains a truly exceptional television series. And with the upcoming premiere of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms this January and the third season of House of the Dragon in Summer 2026, now is a perfect time to revisit the world of Westeros.

4) The White Lotus

As winter arrives, many dream of escaping to a warm, sunny place, and The White Lotus offers a bit of that getaway. Each season of the show, filmed in beautiful locations like Hawaii, Italy, and Thailand, follows wealthy guests enjoying a luxurious resort vacation. However, these trips aren’t all relaxation – each storyline builds tension and ultimately ends with someone’s death. The White Lotus is a unique blend of unsettling, funny, and exciting, with compelling characters and sharp writing. It’s a critical look at the lives of the rich and privileged, and the HBO show is incredibly binge-worthy and worth watching again and again. December is the perfect time to virtually escape to a warmer climate and discover – or revisit – The White Lotus.

3) IT: Welcome to Derry

Now that the first season of Welcome to Derry has finished on HBO Max, it’s a great time to watch or finish the series. This show is a prequel to the IT movies from 2017 and 2019, and is based on the Stephen King novel. It takes viewers back to Derry, Maine, in the 1960s, where a terrifying supernatural evil is haunting the town. The story focuses on a new group of kids, and begins when one boy goes missing, leading to a series of unsettling events. Bill Skarsgård’s portrayal of the terrifying clown Pennywise is just as frightening even outside of the movies, and the series delves into his origins. Welcome to Derry also explores the history of the town itself, providing context for the larger story. Horror fans won’t want to miss the scares and compelling story of Welcome to Derry this season.

2) Mare of Easttown

You can always revisit Mare of Easttown, which remains the best murder mystery on HBO Max. The show follows detective Mare Sheehan (Kate Winslet) as she investigates the death of a young woman while also dealing with her own complicated life in a small Pennsylvania town. With its captivating story and brilliant performances, Mare of Easttown is a truly exceptional limited series. It expertly builds tension, delivers unexpected twists, and culminates in a thrilling finale, making it one of the best crime shows available.

Even knowing the ending doesn’t diminish how much you can appreciate Mare of Easttown on a second viewing. Kate Winslet’s award-winning performance gives Mare a complex and realistic emotional depth. The supporting cast, including Jean Smart as Mare’s mother Helen, Julianne Nicholson as her friend Lori, and Evan Peters as Detective Zabel, are also standouts. It’s a truly captivating drama that holds up remarkably well over time.

1) Mad Men

The critically acclaimed series Mad Men became available on HBO Max earlier this month, and it’s a must-watch for all subscribers. The show follows Don Draper, a talented advertising executive in New York City, and provides a look into the competitive world of the Sterling Cooper agency, as well as the personal lives of its employees both at work and at home.

Many consider Mad Men to be one of the best TV shows ever made, and for good reason. Its complex characters, witty writing, and detailed depiction of the 1960s make it a truly captivating series. With the holidays bringing extra time for TV, now is the perfect opportunity to binge-watch Mad Men on HBO Max – especially since it’s available in 4K! Whether you’ve never seen it or want to experience it again, the show’s seven seasons offer a real treat.

What are you watching on HBO Max this month? Share your picks in the comments and discuss them with other fans on the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-12-18 20:43