Looking for a good show in maximum HBO this week, to wear after a long day of work? The prestigious legacy service is definitely known for its iconic series from the past, but it still has appeal for new shows, like tricks, The pitand Roosterand More to come this month too.
For this week (May 3-10), I thought I’d mix it up a bit with a list that includes a couple of current ongoing series and some older (though not too old) shows that you can enjoy or spread out for a slower burn. We have drama, suspense, surfing, animation and nature. Come on!
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half man
The creator of Baby Reindeer does it again with this new drama
If you were a fan of the chilling Netflix series about Rochard Gadd’s stalker baby reindeerThe Emmy-winning Scottish actor, writer and comedian has jumped to HBO Max with his latest dark drama, half man. The limited series began airing weekly starting April 30, and even with just two episodes in, its story of twisted love, loyalty, toxic masculinity, and obsession is already getting better.
Gadd is absolutely terrifying as the volatile Ruben, while Jamie Bell (Billy Elliott) is the most submissive Niall. Much of the story is told in flashback, detailing the origins of their deeply complex and codependent relationship since childhood: Niall is a sensitive bookworm who is bullied, while Ruben is an aggressive criminal who becomes Niall’s protector but also his controller, even into adulthood, whether Niall likes it or not. half manThe six-episode series airs every Thursday until May 28.
half man
- Release date
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April 23, 2026
- Grid
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HBO, BBC One, BBC Scotland
- Directors
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Alexandra Brodsky
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Euphoria
Zendaya and company return after four years
If you are new to Euphoria and just starting from the first season (like me), or are we happy that the third season is finally Here, after the show’s four-year hiatus, either way, you’re in for the chaos and intensity the show is known for. For those in the former camp, Euphoria is Sam Levinson’s controversial HBO drama that follows Rue Bennett (Zendaya), a teenage drug addict trying to navigate her recovery while dealing with the love and craziness of her chaotic high school friends, which include Maddy (Alexa Demie), Cassie (Sydney Sweeney), Lexi (Maude Apatow), Cassie’s calmer younger sister, and Kat (Barbie Ferreira).
One of HBO’s most watched series (and winner of nine Emmy Awards), Euphoria He is known for his often dreamlike and surreal visual style and for his intense, frank depictions of sex, drug use, and identity. Buckle up for season three, which began April 12 and picks up five years after high school as the characters face the darker realities of adulthood.
The most spectacular documentaries about big wave surfing
I could watch surf videos and shows all day. There is something so comforting and beautiful about movement, blue waves and rapids crashing and crashing, that I can’t get enough of. However, it gets a little tense when those waves approach the size of an apartment building and the crazy surfers riding them could be taken out in an instant.
This is the emotion and terror of the excellent HBO series 100 foot wavewhich follows the life and obsession of big wave surfing legend Garrett McNamara and his quest to ride a 100-foot monster off the coast of Nazaré, Portugal, which he helped turn into a global hotspot for big waves. Over the course of three seasons, we watch McNamara struggle with the reality of aging and the decline of his dream, while balancing his family life. The Emmy winner sports series He also rides alongside some of the sport’s greats, including Andrew “Cotty” Cotton, Justine Dupont, Kai Lenny and Lucas “Chumbo” Chianca. Don’t miss it, it’s excellent.
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Common side effects
A magic mushroom that cures everything and a great pharmaceutical conspiracy
It’s incredible adult animation The 2025 series has been hiding in plain sight as part of Adult Swim’s late-night block, airing the next day on HBO Max. Common side effects comes from the creative mind behind one of my other favorite animated shows, Reign of the scavengersand also shares its 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The beautiful and exceptional animated series follows Marshall Cuso (voiced by Dave King), who stumbles upon a magical “Blue Angel” mushroom in the highlands of Peru that can cure almost anything. Marshall tells his old high school friend, Frances (Emily Pendergast), about the fungus and his plans to share it with the world, but Frances is torn because she also works for the big pharmaceutical company responsible for the fungus’ existence. Common side effects is a mind-blowing and engaging animated series with a wild story full of conspiracy, shady players and fun.
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The green planet
Beautiful time-lapse images of the most incredible plants in the world
I always love adding a nature documentary series to these lists of recommendations, and when it comes to them, it’s hard to find anything better than David Attenborough. And if you like nature shows, you’re in for a mind-blowing feast for the eyes as Attenborough narrates The green planet‘It’s five stunning episodes of some of the most incredible time-lapse videography you’ll ever see.
Filmed over three years and in 27 countries, The green planet offers an eye-opening look at some of the world’s most incredible plants and how they grow, survive and thrive. With episodes titled Tropical Worlds, Aquatic Worlds, Seasonal Worlds, Desert Worlds, and Human Worlds, they get very close to these incredible creatures: vines that wrap around things, Venus fly traps that catch flies, mushrooms that sprout in an instant, and seeds that fly in a helicopter spinning toward the ground. The 2022 series currently has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and makes for great weeknight viewing.
Whether you have a free hour or an entire rainy weekend to disappear into, this HBO Max programming has scope. For more weekly picks, How-To Geek runs streaming recaps throughout netflix, main videoand Supreme+.
- Subscription with ads
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Yes, $10.99/month
- Simultaneous currents
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2 or 4
HBO Max is a subscription streaming service that offers content from HBO, Warner Bros., DC, and more. In 2025, the service rebranded as HBO Max after previously dropping “HBO” from its name.
