10 Great HBO Max Shows With a 100% Rotten Tomatoes Score

In the realm of streaming services, HBO Max has been a go-to destination for TV lovers craving top-tier content. Although they’ve churned out numerous award-winning and critically acclaimed shows, very few have consistently achieved a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. While some of these popular series have secured the perfect rating for specific seasons, it’s uncommon for them to maintain this mark. For instance, Bill Hader’s Barry earned a 100% for Season 2 but has an overall score of 98%.

The challenge of immense fame is dealing with an increased number of reviews, and as more opinions roll in, there’s a higher likelihood of encountering critics. A single negative review can spoil an otherwise perfect score. Interestingly, some exceptional programs have managed to overcome this hurdle. These shows, either absolutely flawless or simply underrated gems so far, currently hold the prestigious Rotten Tomatoes 100% rating on HBO Max.

10) Somebody Somewhere

HBO Max’s “Somebody Somewhere” stands out as a compelling dramedy, praised for its exceptional acting and near-flawless conclusion. In this series, Bridget Everett shines as Sam Miller, a woman navigating life in a small town in Kansas following her sister’s passing. Everett’s portrayal is truly remarkable, blending raw humor with deep emotional sensitivity to evoke the complex feelings of being adrift in one’s own hometown and questioning where you truly belong.

Over the course of its two highly regarded seasons, the show consistently maintained its perfect Rotten Tomatoes rating. Numerous reviews commend the rich emotional fabric created by the series, incorporating elements of sorrow, affection, and humor. The friendship between Sam and Joel, portrayed superbly by Jeff Hiller, is a standout aspect; it underscores the idea that those who help us might not always be our expected rescuers. This show delivers compelling storytelling in a straightforward manner, with an honest heart that resonated deeply with both critics and viewers.

9) The Lady and the Dale

The series titled “The Lady and the Dale” is a new documentary that tells the story of Elizabeth Carmichael’s three-wheeled car company during the 1970s oil crisis. This intriguing miniseries combines ambition and controversy, shedding light on how fraud can emerge following success, much like the case of Elizabeth Holmes. The series offers a captivating perspective on the tangled complexities of self-reinvention.

The documentary series captivated critics with its riveting use of archival storytelling and a character development that matches many top fiction shows on streaming platforms. Naturally, it received a perfect 100% score from critics, even though its full audience potential hasn’t been fully realized. However, it remains a thought-provoking, multi-layered examination of an incredibly engaging topic.

8) A Black Lady Sketch Show

HBO’s A Black Lady Sketch Show, penned by Robin Thede, is a gem of comedy with bizarre situations and biting social commentary. This series has gathered an impressive cast of talented performers such as Quinta Brunson, Gabrielle Dennis, Ashley Nicole Black, and Skye Townsend. Ranging from a troop of apocalypse survivors to recurring sketches like “The Black Lady Courtroom,” the vibrant array of characters and scenes are consistently smart, subversive, and expertly executed.

Throughout its successful four-season span, the series consistently held a flawless rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite challenges faced by conventional sketch comedy in adapting to the streaming age, A Black Lady Sketch Show demonstrated that there was indeed a demand for this genre. With numerous Emmy victories for both writing and guest appearances, the show has continued to remain innovative due to widespread acclaim for its refreshing take on revitalizing sketch comedy from a distinctive viewpoint.

7) The Defiant Ones

In a typical scenario where miniseries receive top ratings, this four-part documentary, titled “The Defiant Ones“, follows suit. It’s an engaging narrative about two individuals hailing from distinct backgrounds – Jimmy Iovine, a tenacious Brooklyn record producer, and Dr. Dre, a Compton-born rapper and producer. The series delves into the transformation of their relationship that predates the $3 billion sale of Beats. Rich with uncommon archival footage and open interviews, it functions as a historical snapshot of this cultural epoch and a portrait of two influential figures in the industry.

Notable appearances by Eminem, Stevie Nicks, Gwen Stefani, Snoop Dogg, Patti Smith, and Bono share personal insights into the impact of Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine’s influence, which transcended various music genres. The exceptional documentary The Defiant Ones, rated a perfect 100 by HBO, is no longer accessible on its streaming platform. However, you can still watch it on YouTube TV and Apple TV+.

6) The Yogurt Shop Murders

The mini-series titled “The Yogurt Shop Murders” delves deeply into one of Austin’s chilling unsolved mysteries – the 1991 yogurt shop murders. Produced by Margaret Brown, with Emma Stone and Dave McCary serving as executive producers, this four-part production explores the case and its repercussions through conversations with investigators, journalists, and affected family members.

The series, “The Yogurt Shop Murders,” has been highly commended for its methodical investigative style, powerful emotional impact, and distinction from the monotonous wave of true crime content. Critics have given it a flawless 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite being a recent release, the miniseries puts forth significant effort to maintain its perfect critical score, making it a must-watch. While miniseries often face less pressure than long-running shows, “The Yogurt Shop Murders” certainly demonstrates why it deserves this accolade.

5) Like Water for Chocolate

As a movie enthusiast, I must say that HBO Max’s latest rendition of “Like Water for Chocolate” has breathed new life into Laura Esquivel’s 1989 novel, making it accessible and captivating to contemporary audiences. This story unfolds around Tita de la Garza, a young woman in 20th-century Mexico who, due to family tradition, cannot marry the man she loves. Instead, she channels her love, longing, and defiance into the delicious dishes she prepares. It’s a spellbinding narrative of romance, restriction, and resistance, crafted using magical realism, and stands out as one of the most distinctive romantic dramas on HBO Max.

The show has been highly praised for its stunning visuals and faithful adaptation, leading to a flawless critical review on Rotten Tomatoes. Like Water for Chocolate offers a fresh perspective on period romance by portraying love through food, which serves as both a catalyst for change and an outlet for self-expression. It’s as tantalizing and captivating as the culinary creations presented in the story.

4) Los Espookys

Discover where terror meets humor in a vivid Latin American landscape, and you’ll come across Los Espookys. This Spanish-speaking series follows a gang of friends who transform their passion for gruesome horror movies into a venture, orchestrating intricate supernatural scams for those willing to pay. Julio Torres, Ana Fabrega, and Fred Armisen are the creators as well as main characters in this show. Notably, Torres has garnered considerable attention for his understated acting as Andrés, a wealthy heir who often appears bewildered and who might, or might not, be haunted by a demonic spirit.

Enthusiasts lauded the program’s uniquely bizarre charm, leading it to achieve a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes throughout its two-season broadcast. The combination of magical realism, dry wit, and quirky set design made it an immediate cult favorite. Viewers were genuinely saddened when HBO decided to end the show in 2022. However, its Peabody Award underscores what fans have long suspected: Los Espookys is a masterpiece that has remarkably managed to evade widespread recognition.

3) The Larry Sanders Show

Before hit comedy shows became common, HBO aired “The Larry Sanders Show” from 1992 to 1998. This innovative satire mocked late-night television and was created by Garry Shandling. The series focused on a fictional talk show host named Larry Sanders, giving viewers an insightful, often humorous look at the egos, power struggles, and strange happenings in TV production behind the scenes.

Fans and humorists alike regard “The Larry Sanders Show” as one of the best TV comedies ever produced, and its impressive 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes remains consistent throughout its remarkable six-season span. Furthermore, the series garnered an astounding 56 Emmy nominations and took home three awards, while paving the way for the careers of future comedy titans such as Judd Apatow and Bob Odenkirk, who were part of the writing team. In essence, “The Larry Sanders Show” was a groundbreaking comedy that genuinely deserves its perfect score.

2) Random Acts of Flyness

When HBO approved the production of Random Acts of Flyness, they were venturing into bold new territory. Terence Nance crafted a groundbreaking show that stands as one of the most experimental productions ever to air on the network. The series, with its sketch-like format, seamlessly merges surrealism, Afrofuturism, live performances, animation, and documentary elements into an extraordinary fusion of art and television. Each episode delves into complex themes revolving around Black identity, sexuality, technology, history, and resistance. However, the visuals and structure of the show consistently defy conventional TV norms, offering a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on television storytelling.

The show, titled Random Acts of Flyness, garnered both a Peabody Award and a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes for both seasons. Critics praised it as a groundbreaking piece of television art. This thought-provoking series, unafraid to challenge conventions, stirred mixed reactions among viewers but was widely acclaimed by critics. In the realm of daring TV productions, HBO certainly made a bold move with this unique series created by Nance.

1) How To with John Wilson

In essence, “How to with John Wilson” is a straightforward instructional docuseries on paper, featuring filmmaker John Wilson providing guidance on everyday tasks like making small talk or setting up scaffolding. However, in practice, it transforms into something far more peculiar, captivating, and insightful. Each episode, lasting around half an hour, starts with a seemingly ordinary question, but quickly deviates, taking unexpected turns as John Wilson’s wandering camera lens delves deep into the colorful lives of New Yorkers, revealing their quirks and teaching us valuable lessons. The end product is a blend of instruction, essay, and existential humor.

Critics adored Wilson’s unique talent as a filmmaker in their reviews, commending his knack for discovering the absurd within everyday life and the poetic within the absurd. Throughout all three seasons, the show managed to keep a perfect “fresh” score on Rotten Tomatoes. The show, How To with John Wilson, was equally cherished by its devoted fanbase, concluding as per Wilson’s wishes, thereby solidifying its exceptional overall rating and establishing itself as one of HBO’s most creatively innovative successes.

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2025-08-28 01:12