What’s worth watching on HBO Max – from award-winning The Pitt to beloved Friends star’s returning comedy

HBO Max has arrived in the UK with a strong lineup of new shows like the award-winning drama The Pitt and the fresh take on The Seduction, alongside the chance to stream many popular series from the last few years.

Lots of popular shows and movies are back or are generating buzz right now. You’ll find highly anticipated returns like The Comeback, alongside well-loved classics such as Friends and Succession. From witty comedies to glamorous entertainment and intense dramas, these are the titles everyone is talking about.

The Pitt (2025)

This critically acclaimed medical drama originally aired in the US over a year ago and is now coming to the UK with the launch of HBO Max. It’s already won awards for best drama at both the Emmys and Golden Globes. Featuring Noah Wyle returning to his role as a doctor, it might seem similar to the show ER. However, while ER focused on the personal relationships between doctors, this new series, The Pitt, is more interested in how the staff interact with the healthcare system itself.

The show’s unique format is key. Each episode takes place during a single hour in the busy emergency room of a Pittsburgh hospital. This creates a relentless and intense atmosphere, with constant pressure and crises building up, especially for Dr. Michael ‘Robby’ Robinavitch (played by Wyle).

Robby initially seems tough and resilient, but it quickly becomes apparent that he’s still struggling with the emotional effects of the pandemic. His past trauma surfaces when he’s tired or frustrated. The fact that all of the first season is available at once on HBO Max draws viewers into his story and the lives of his colleagues, while the second season will be released one episode at a time. David Brown

Friends (1994)

Though tastes have changed and comedies now face tougher competition, Friends remains a beloved show. Its success wasn’t due to luck, but to its excellent writing, structure, and performances – the six main characters are among the funniest in television history. With 236 episodes, it’s a comforting show you can revisit anytime you need a lift. – Jack Seale

The Seduction (2025)

Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ novel, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, first published in 1782, has seen numerous adaptations. These include the 1988 film Dangerous Liaisons, directed by Stephen Frears and starring Glenn Close and John Malkovich, and the 1999 film Cruel Intentions, featuring Sarah Michelle Gellar and Ryan Phillippe.

This new take on the story, called The Seduction, is designed to promote HBO Max. It’s a reimagining of the original, focusing on Madame de Rosemonde – a supporting character in the past – and starring Diane Kruger. As reported by Amy Raphael, this version isn’t a strict retelling, but rather a fresh adaptation.

The Comeback – season 3 (2026)

It’s fitting that The Comeback is returning for another season. Originally created by Friends star Lisa Kudrow in 2005, the show is a hilarious and often painfully honest look at a fading sitcom actress, Valerie Cherish (a character many suspect is inspired by Kudrow’s own experiences), as she tries to reignite her career. It cleverly mixes awkward, funny moments with a sharp critique of the Hollywood scene.

The show was initially cancelled after just one season, but it made a comeback in 2014. Now, a third and final series is unexpectedly being released. Actress Valerie returns to television in a new comedy called ‘How’s That?’, only to discover the scripts are being written by artificial intelligence – a very modern twist! By Michael Hogan.

Euphoria (2019)

Sam Levinson’s show is a bold and often shocking look at teenage life that quickly gained attention. It launched the careers of Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney, who lead a talented cast in a series that’s powerfully emotional when it’s at its best. The show doesn’t shy away from exploring the complex and sometimes disturbing thoughts and actions of young people – and it does so with a distinctive style. Be warned, though: you might find it unsettling. – Jack Seale

Rooster (2026)

American college life, with all its complexities, is having a moment on television, following the success of shows like “Vladimir.” This new comedy, from the creator of “Ted Lasso,” “Scrubs,” and “Shrinking,” shares a similar starting point: a professor gets caught up in a scandal involving a student. However, it’s less focused on explicit content than “Vladimir.”

I’m totally hooked on this show! It turns out Archie, played by Phil Dunster, is the one who did it, but I’m much more invested in what happens with his wife, Katie – she’s a teacher at the school too, and Charly Clive plays her brilliantly. Her dad, a writer, unexpectedly shows up at Ludlow College to try and help, though Katie isn’t exactly thrilled about it!

Steve Carell plays Greg, a character perfectly suited for an actor known for portraying kind, unassuming men with a hidden adventurous side. Greg writes books featuring Rooster, a brave and charismatic hero who’s everything Greg isn’t. However, when Greg faces a challenge, channeling Rooster’s spirit might be exactly what he needs. – Jack Seale

One Battle After Another (2025)

Paul Thomas Anderson’s acclaimed, Oscar-winning film draws inspiration from Thomas Pynchon’s novel, Vineland. It’s not a direct adaptation, but rather a creative reimagining that captures the book’s rebellious energy, quirky humor, and serious themes, blending them into something entirely new.

Leonardo DiCaprio plays Bob Ferguson, a one-time rebel who’s lost his passion for fighting. But when a bitter enemy from his past (played with chilling intensity by Sean Penn) reappears, Bob is forced to find his courage again to protect his daughter (a standout performance by Chase Infiniti).

The film’s pursuit sequences are exciting, hilarious, and expertly timed, with Leonardo DiCaprio giving a standout performance as a reluctant man pulled back into action. Director Paul Thomas Anderson crafts each scene – especially a stunning car chase – with surprising and creative flair, perfectly matched by Jonny Greenwood’s energetic, piano-driven music.

I was really struck by how relevant this film felt – it tackles tough issues happening right now, like the awful way immigrants are treated and the scary rise of extremist views, especially from people in positions of power. But it’s not all bleak; there’s a real sense of hope and a beautiful sadness woven throughout. What really got to me was the heartwarming relationship between a father and daughter – placing that at the core of all the action gave the film a powerful emotional impact. It’s a truly masterful piece of work.

Sinners (2025)

Ryan Coogler’s latest film is a bold and energetic mix of historical storytelling and thrilling horror, recently earning four Academy Awards. The movie centers on brothers Smoke and Stack, powerfully portrayed by Michael B. Jordan, who come back to Mississippi after a long stint working for Al Capone as bootleggers.

I’m really excited about this new film! It’s about a group trying to build the ultimate blues club down in the Mississippi Delta. They bring in their young cousin, Sammie, who’s a seriously talented guitarist, even though his preacher father is worried about him playing what he calls “the devil’s music.” Of course, Sammie can’t help himself, and his music ends up kicking off a whole lot of trouble. It turns out a charismatic vampire named Remmick gets wind of the club and decides he wants in, too – and that’s when things really get interesting.

Following his work directing the Black Panther movies for Marvel, Ryan Coogler’s new film, Sinners, explores challenging ideas about art and the sacrifices people make to fit in. It asks tough questions: how much of your heritage are you willing to let go of for acceptance and connection? And is peace worth having if it means silencing your own voice? The film features a particularly striking scene – a bold, anachronistic musical number that dramatically represents centuries of cultural history. It’s the most daring moment in a movie full of ambitious choices. – Sean McGeady

The Last of Us (2023)

When a TV show begins with a title card saying “Based on a video game,” it often doesn’t feel promising. But The Last of Us is a remarkable exception. This beautifully grim drama is adapted from a highly praised 2013 game, and both the show and the game depict a world where a fungal pandemic has overwhelmed humanity, turning people into terrifying creatures and driving the few remaining survivors into isolation.

A young teenager named Ellie, who is strangely immune to a deadly outbreak, might be humanity’s last chance. The new series features fantastic performances from Bella Ramsey (as Ellie) and Pedro Pascal (as Joel, her protector), combining scary moments with a sense of optimism. Even with terrifying zombie-like creatures, the show’s focus on the connection between these two characters is what truly captivates you. – Huw Fullerton

The White Lotus (2021)

The first season of Mike White’s show had a classic setup: beautiful scenery, compelling characters, and a murder mystery. While the basic formula wasn’t new, the show was brilliantly executed, earning it many awards. The second season moved to Sicily, trading the sweetness of ‘la dolce vita’ for a darker, more ominous atmosphere – ‘la dolce morte’.

The show’s third season moved to a Thai island. Few creators are as skilled as White at crafting television that’s both sharply satirical and thoroughly enjoyable. It’s visually stunning, offering plenty of beautiful scenery, but also explores darker, more unsettling themes, making for compelling viewing. – David Butcher

Succession (2018)

The Sopranos (1999)

This show revolutionized television drama. It proved audiences would watch even if the main character was flawed and unlikeable – like a violent and unfaithful mob boss from New Jersey. It also raised the bar for visual quality, proving that TV could be just as cinematic as film. Finally, it launched the career of James Gandolfini, who became a celebrated actor largely thanks to his complex and compelling performance in this landmark series. – Jack Seale

The Wire (2002)

The Wire, starring Dominic West as Detective Jimmy McNulty, is remarkably detailed and feels almost like a historical record of Baltimore in the early 2000s. It’s a show that demands multiple viewings because of its complexity. The series meticulously dissects every layer of the city – from the outdated police department and the children caught up in the drug trade, to the workings of local government, schools, and the media – all within the confines of a standard television screen. – Jack Seale

Game of Thrones (2011)

During its last season, Game of Thrones became a national obsession, capturing the public’s attention even more than Brexit. Based on George R.R. Martin’s fantasy novels, A Song of Ice and Fire, the series is set in the imaginary world of the Seven Kingdoms, filled with dragons, terrifying creatures often called ice-zombies, and characters with famously difficult-to-pronounce names like those from the Dothraki and Targaryen houses.

You don’t need to be a fan of fantasy to love Game of Thrones. Its widespread appeal comes from its focus on universal themes like death, sex, and the struggle for power. It’s a grand, bold series full of shocking and emotional moments, as noted by David Brown.

Big Little Lies (2017)

The new series features Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, and Shailene Woodley as mothers living in a very affluent California beach town. The show explores how these women navigate parenting and deal with the constant judgment of their neighbors, all while living incredibly lavish lifestyles.

The story opens with a mysterious death at a school fundraiser. We discover what happened through police interviews with parents, who share plenty of gossip – and judgment – about the women involved. While initially appearing to be about the competitive lives of wealthy women, Big Little Lies, based on Liane Moriarty’s novel, ultimately focuses on the power of female friendship during a difficult time. Kasia Delgado

Sex and the City (1998)

While the movies often portrayed Sex and the City as a frivolous, over-the-top girls’ night out filled with glamorous excess, that image misses how sharp and insightful the show actually was. It paved the way for critically acclaimed series like Girls. Though fun and seemingly glamorous (Carrie Bradshaw’s parties weren’t exactly accessible!), the show tackled sex with a raw honesty comparable to The Sopranos, but with a much more stylish presentation. – Jack Seale

DTF St Louis (2026)

If you’re wondering what “DTF” means, this magazine can’t help you – it’s not appropriate for our audience. Instead, let’s talk about the new drama created by Steven Conrad, the mind behind the clever but underappreciated series Patriot. This time, Conrad tells a seemingly more straightforward story about Floyd (David Harbour), a man who’s expected to die from a heart attack. However, when authorities question this, the story goes back in time to reveal that Floyd’s wife, Carol (Linda Cardellini), and his best friend, Clark (Jason Bateman), are caught in a complicated and unsettling love triangle. The darkly humorous story kicks off when Clark suggests they try a couples app designed to add some excitement… – Jack Seale

Interstellar (2014)

Following his explorations of Batman’s complex mind in the Dark Knight films and the power of dreams in Inception, director Christopher Nolan now delivers a grand, sweeping space adventure that takes the concept of a ticking clock to a whole new level of stakes.

As a huge Nolan fan, I was completely captivated by this film. It’s set in a not-too-distant future where the world is facing a massive food crisis. The story centers around a former pilot, played brilliantly by Matthew McConaughey, who’s now a farmer just trying to raise his two kids after losing his wife. Life is really tough for him, honestly. Then, he gets this incredible offer – a chance to literally save humanity, presented by a team of scientists led by the always-reliable Michael Caine. He takes it without hesitation, but it’s heartbreaking for his young daughter, played by Mackenzie Foy, to see him go.

This isn’t a typical space mission. McConaughey and his crew must travel through a strange wormhole to locate a new planet where humans can live – a voyage that will take years for them, but decades will pass back on Earth.

Nolan’s latest film isn’t just a typical action movie; it’s a carefully considered science fiction story, reminiscent of films like Silent Running and 2001: A Space Odyssey – particularly in its stunning visuals and Hans Zimmer’s atmospheric score. However, where 2001 sometimes prioritized ideas over people, Nolan focuses on the emotional connection between Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway, even amidst spectacular spaceships, dangerous alien worlds, and a looming black hole. – Jeremy Aspinall

The Big Bang Theory (2007)

This incredibly popular American sitcom, centered around a group of nerdy friends and their relationships, likely went on for a few seasons too long. However, after a period of decline following its initial success, the show regained popularity with a tightly-focused twelfth and final season. The series finale perfectly captured a mix of heartwarming and melancholic feelings. – Jack Seale

Veep (2012)

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, famous for her role on Seinfeld, gives a fantastic performance as Selina Meyer in ‘Veep.’ The show follows Selina, a Vice President struggling to navigate the often-unscrupulous world of Washington politics. She’s supported – and sometimes hindered – by a memorable team, including the immature Jonah (Timothy Simons) and the anxious, yet loyal, Gary (Tony Hale).

While it’s easy to see Armando Iannucci’s Veep as a US version of his earlier show The Thick of It, it’s become much more than that since its debut in 2012. Like its predecessor, Veep is known for its sharp cynicism, witty dialogue, and chaotic depiction of politics, but it’s also developed a unique and compelling style all its own. – David Brown

Authors

TopMob Staff

2026-03-28 10:11