If You Have to Watch 1 HBO Max Show in June 2025, Stream This 1 Now

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It’s evident that you’re a movie and TV enthusiast, since you’re here on Watch With Us. Have you ever fantasized about making it big in Hollywood? If your answer is yes, then perhaps you share something with Barry Berkman, the main character from HBO Max’s critically-acclaimed dramedy Barry. However, it’s likely that there aren’t many other similarities between you and him, as he’s a former Marine assassin who travels from one location to another to carry out hits for cash.

When tasked with eliminating a rival of a Chechen mobster’s wife, Barry tracks down the target at an acting class. Moved by the heartfelt interactions he witnesses among the performers, Barry chooses to abandon his criminal past and pursue a career in acting instead. However, breaking away from the Chechen mafia, and shedding the trail of casualties that follows him, proves challenging. Moreover, Barry’s assassination tasks persistently disrupt his efforts to embrace his new life as an actor.

Here’s why you should watch this series on HBO Max in June 2025.

It’s Bill Hader’s Best Performance

Bill Hader’s fame largely originates from his tenure on Saturday Night Live, where he gained recognition for his flamboyant characters and comedic talents. However, in the series Barry, which he co-created with Alec Berg, Hader has an opportunity to showcase his dramatic prowess. The character Barry Berkman grapples with PTSD from his military past, as well as crippling guilt and self-doubt. Despite being an anti-hero whose actions are often reprehensible, viewers find themselves caring deeply for him nonetheless.

In the TV show “Barry,” Hader frequently plays the straight man, a role that suits him exceptionally well. His awkward persona serves as a disguise for Barry’s internal struggles, and when that facade cracks to reveal the intense anger within, it’s genuinely chilling.

It Has One of the Best Side Characters Ever

Among the most captivating characters in TV history is NoHo Hank, portrayed by Anthony Carrigan, who possesses an unusual blend of friendly demeanor and a criminal past as a Chechen mobster.

In the initial plan for the series, it was intended that the character known as Hank (who’s real name remains unknown) would meet his end in the pilot episode. However, according to an interview with Hader, both he and Alec had a different idea: “We thought it would be crazy to get rid of such a hilarious guy,” Hader stated to Uproxx.

It turned out that casting NoHo Hank was one of the standout choices, as his journey throughout the series proved to be highly entertaining. From his earnest wish to befriend Barry to his blossoming relationship with Bolivian drug lord Cristobal (Michael Irby), there’s an endearing quality to NoHo Hank that makes him seem destined for a more peaceful existence than his criminal lifestyle. Carrigan skillfully balances the character’s humor and authenticity, creating a unique combination that is seldom seen in other shows.

Distinguished performers among the cast are Stephen Root, portraying Barry’s supervisor Monroe Fuches, Paula Newsome taking on the role of Detective Janice Moss, Sarah Goldberg as Barry’s romantic interest Sally, and Henry Winkler, who plays acting teacher Gene Cousineau.

Or, in a more casual tone:

Some other great cast members include Stephen Root as Monroe Fuches, Barry’s handler; Paula Newsome as Detective Janice Moss; Sarah Goldberg as Sally, Barry’s love interest; and Henry Winkler as Gene Cousineau, the acting teacher.

‘Barry’ Satirizes the Entertainment Industry Brilliantly

For those who keep up with Hollywood gossip, the wit in Barry’s portrayal of the film and TV industry is sure to amuse you. From the peculiar productions that get funded by seemingly unrelated streaming platforms – take Sally, Barry’s girlfriend, getting a gig on a series called The New Medusas on BanShe – to the extreme measures actors take in their quest for stardom, Barry consistently exposes the ridiculousness of the entertainment business.

Gene Cousineau, Barry’s acting coach and mentor, is so self-centered it borders on foolishness, and he’s pushed away nearly everyone in Hollywood with his demanding and diva-like attitude. Yet, due to his past fame, his students (including some comedic talents like D’Arcy Carden and Kirby Howell-Baptiste) adore him excessively, willingly enduring his tough and harsh training style.

On multiple occasions within the series “Barry“, the narrative’s exploration of guilt versus innocence is scrutinized, along with the impact of skillful storytelling on portraying Barry (and other characters) as either heroes or antagonists.

If you appreciate characters with moral depth, enjoy a touch of witty yet grim humor, and love exciting action scenes, don’t miss out on Barry, airing in June on HBO Max.

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2025-06-25 17:25