James Gunn’s DCU series Peacemaker continues to dominate the HBO Max charts this week, with its second season earning praise from critics and fans alike. The John Cena-led show is currently a hot topic as it embarks on its new multiversal misadventure in exciting weekly installments. However, Peacemaker isn’t the only noteworthy show available on the streaming service. Whether you’re in the mood for a laugh-out-loud comedy or a serious, gritty drama, HBO Max offers a variety of great options. Here’s our selection of three excellent shows we recommend checking out on HBO Max this week.
For more recommendations, be sure to explore our lists of the best shows and movies on HBO Max.
Disclaimer: These titles are available on US HBO Max.
1
‘Rick and Morty’ (2013 – Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 91% | IMDb: 9.0/10
Created by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon, Rick and Morty is an adult animated sci-fi sitcom that follows the various misadventures of its titular duo, mad scientist Rick Sanchez and his well-meaning grandson Morty Smith. The show takes Rick and Morty on wild trips across the universe (and multiverse) while also exploring their dysfunctional family life. The show’s ensemble voice cast includes Chris Parnell, Spencer Grammer, and Sarah Chalke, with Roiland voicing Rick and Morty until Season 7, when he was replaced by Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden due to domestic abuse allegations against the actor-creator.
Easily one of the biggest animated hits of recent years, Rick and Morty is a critically acclaimed series with a massive international fanbase, praised by viewers and reviewers alike for its writing and humor. A unique blend of parody and satirical humor with surprisingly deep emotional beats, the series is an enthralling adventure that seems to improve with time. The show has had eight seasons so far, with the latest released between May and July 2025. It has earned multiple accolades, including five Emmy nominations.
2
‘Abbott Elementary’ (2021 – Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 99% | IMDb: 8.2/10
Created by and starring Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary is a mockumentary sitcom set in the titular West Philadelphia school. The series primarily follows Brunson’s Janine Teagues, an upbeat and optimistic second-grade teacher, as she navigates life in the school despite ongoing financial difficulties and hilarious interpersonal dynamics. The show’s ensemble cast also includes Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Lisa Ann Walter, Chris Perfetti, William Stanford Davis, and Sheryl Lee Ralph.
Abbott Elementary was a significant success upon its premiere in December 2021, earning critical acclaim and high viewership numbers. Combining a realistic perspective on the lives of schoolteachers with excellent character-driven comedy, the show stands out as one of the most successful sitcoms of the 2020s and is a must-watch for fans of mockumentary shows like The Office. The series has received several accolades, including four Emmy wins out of 30 nominations. Its fifth season is set to premiere on October 1, 2025, making now the perfect time to catch up if you haven’t seen it already.
3
‘The Wire’ (2002 – 2008)
Rotten Tomatoes: 95% | IMDb: 9.3/10
A crime drama series set in Baltimore, Maryland, The Wire is widely regarded as one of the greatest shows HBO has ever produced. Created by author and former police reporter David Simon, the show explores various institutions in the city (both legal and criminal) through the stories of its residents. The series features a large, predominantly Black ensemble cast that includes Dominic West, John Doman, Idris Elba, Frankie Faison, Wendell Pierce, Lance Reddick, among others, with several real-life Baltimore figures appearing in guest roles.
If you’re a longtime fan of HBO shows, you have likely heard of The Wire. The series aired five critically acclaimed seasons on the network; although it didn’t achieve high ratings initially, it developed a significant cult following that remains strong today. It’s a thrilling crime series that also serves as a layered portrait of Baltimore while exploring corruption and inequality within institutions meant to serve the public. The show received numerous nominations for major awards during its broadcast and is considered one of the greatest American TV shows of all time.
The Wire
- Release Date
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2002 – 2008
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HBO
- Directors
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Ernest R. Dickerson, Ed Bianchi, Steve Shill, Clark Johnson, Daniel Attias, Agnieszka Holland, Tim Van Patten, Alex Zakrzewski, Anthony Hemingway, Brad Anderson, Clement Virgo, Elodie Keene, Peter Medak, Rob Bailey, Seith Mann, Christine Moore, David Platt, Dominic West, Gloria Muzio, Jim McKay, Leslie Libman, Milcho Manchevski, Robert F. Colesberry, Thomas J. Wright
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Richard Price, Joy Lusco, Rafael Alvarez, Dennis Lehane, David Mills, William F. Zorzi, Kia Corthron
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