As a total cinema and TV buff, let me tell you about 5 HBO Max shows you absolutely need to binge-watch this week, December 8th through the 12th, 2025. I’ve rounded up some of the most talked-about new releases, as well as a few hidden gems that everyone’s raving about – these are the series you won’t want to miss!
Looking for a great show to watch on Prime Video? These popular hits are getting everyone talking and are perfect for binging! The top pick is critically acclaimed and even labeled a masterpiece by some.
Stay up-to-date with Ebaster’s weekly guides to the best shows on Netflix, Apple TV+, Paramount+, and Prime Video. Plus, find out the top 5 series you can binge-watch on HBO Max today!
True Detective
This anthology series follows police investigations that reveal the hidden lives and secrets of everyone connected to the cases – from the officers involved to the suspects and those around them.
Even after the recent deal between Netflix and Warner Bros., and wherever you’ll be able to watch HBO shows in the future, True Detective will always be remembered as one of the network’s greatest and most award-winning series.
From its incredible first season with Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, to the newest installment featuring Jodie Foster set in the icy Alaskan wilderness, True Detective remains a captivating series that’s absolutely worth watching all at once on HBO Max.
Succession
The Roy family owns a massive global media and entertainment empire, but their lives are thrown into turmoil when their father, the company’s longtime leader, decides to retire.
HBO’s Succession is a highly praised drama, earning a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and winning 19 Emmy Awards, including the award for Outstanding Drama Series. It’s also ranked as one of the greatest TV shows of all time, currently at #61 on IMDb’s Top 250 list.
With most episodes clocking in at over an hour, all four seasons of Succession (39 episodes total) offer a truly captivating experience – perfect for a December binge! The show is known for its darkly comedic tone, memorable visuals, and incredible acting, making it a consistently excellent choice for drama fans on HBO Max.
Mad Men
This drama is set in the early 1960s and centers on the high-stakes world of a top New York advertising agency. The story follows Donald Draper, a brilliant but enigmatic executive whose talent drives the firm’s success.
Okay, so HBO had a bit of a rocky start getting all seven seasons of Mad Men up in 4K, but honestly, it’s worth powering through those initial glitches. HBO Max remains the absolute best place to dive into all 92 episodes of what I truly believe is one of the greatest drama series ever created. If you haven’t experienced Don Draper’s world yet, now’s the time – and HBO Max is where you want to do it.
Starring the incredibly talented Jon Hamm, Mad Men is a critically acclaimed and popular show that has won 16 Emmy Awards and currently holds a spot in the top 110 on IMDb’s list of the greatest shows of all time. With near-perfect scores on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s a truly captivating series and perfect for binge-watching on HBO Max this week.
It: Welcome To Derry
In 1962, a family—a couple and their son—moves to Derry, Maine, around the time a young boy goes missing. Their arrival coincides with a series of unsettling events that begin to plague the town.
You can watch all episodes of It: Welcome to Derry starting this Sunday, December 14th. Following what many fans are calling the best episode so far, which was released on December 7th, the first season is expected to end with a very popular and well-received finale.
The prequel to It is currently the most popular show on HBO Max globally and is expected to stay that way for the rest of 2025. The captivating horror series has been renewed for two more seasons, with the second season planned for release in 2027, potentially on Netflix.
Hacks
This story follows the unlikely bond between Deborah Vance, a famous Las Vegas comedian, and a young, privileged woman who feels like an outsider.
Hacks remains a top-tier comedy series on HBO Max, proven by its recent three Golden Globe nominations. These include nominations for Best TV Series – Musical or Comedy, Jean Smart for Best Actress in a Comedy Series, and Hannah Einbinder for Best Supporting Actress.
The comedy series Hacks has received critical acclaim, winning 12 Emmy Awards over its four seasons and achieving a 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. A fifth season is planned for 2026, though its future depends on Netflix. Regardless, Hacks is a genuinely funny and clever show with a unique look inside the entertainment industry, making it a great choice to watch on HBO Max this week.
Looking For More Streaming Options This Week?
Check out Ebaster’s binge-watching guides for last weekend’s top shows.
- Netflix (Dec 5–7, 2025)
- Prime Video (Dec 5–7, 2025)
- HBO Max (Dec 5–7, 2025)
- Paramount+ (Dec 5–7, 2025)
- Apple TV (Dec 5–7, 2025)
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2025-12-08 23:00