HBO Max is kicking off 2026 with a stacked lineup that blends long-awaited returns, buzzy originals, prestige documentaries, and even live sports. Whether you’re craving sharp comedy, sprawling fantasy, thoughtful docs, or comfort-viewing staples, there’s no shortage of reasons to keep the app open this winter. Here are the 15 HBO Max shows, movies, and events generating the most excitement right now.
15. The Comeback: Season 3
After more than a decade off the air, The Comeback is finally and fittingly coming back. Lisa Kudrow returns as Valerie Cherish for the sitcom’s third and final season, and longtime fans couldn’t be more ready.
This time, Valerie lands the lead role in a sitcom written entirely by artificial intelligence, a perfectly unhinged premise that allows the show to skewer modern Hollywood obsessions. With its razor-sharp meta humor and painfully awkward moments, the series looks poised to deliver one last dose of cringe brilliance when it premieres in 2026.
14. Mel Brooks: The 99-Year-Old Man!
Comedy icon Mel Brooks gets his well-earned spotlight in this two-part HBO Max documentary. Mel Brooks: The 99-Year-Old Man! celebrates the legendary filmmaker’s career with humor, warmth, and plenty of insight.
Packed with interviews, archival clips, and Brooks’ unmistakable wit, the documentary traces his journey from early television work to shaping some of the most beloved comedies of all time. For fans of film history or just laughter, this is essential viewing in January 2026.
13. Boys Go to Jupiter
This offbeat animated feature offers something truly different. Boys Go to Jupiter follows a Florida teen whose simple plan to earn $5,000 spirals into chaos after an alien enters the picture.
With a distinctive animation style and a voice cast loaded with comedy favorites, the film balances surreal humor with genuine emotion. It’s weird, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt, a standout title in HBO Max’s February 2026 slate.
12. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
The world of Westeros expands once again, but with a lighter touch. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms steps away from dragons and dynastic warfare to tell a more intimate, adventurous story.
Set a century before Game of Thrones, the series follows Ser Duncan the Tall and his young squire Egg as they roam the realm. At just 30 minutes per episode, this six-episode adaptation offers humor, heart, and classic fantasy charm.
11. The Pitt: Season 2
HBO’s intense medical drama returns with higher stakes and even more chaos. The Pitt dives back into the emergency room of Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center, where split-second decisions mean everything.
Season 2 kicks off on the Fourth of July, one of the busiest days for ERs, picking up months after the first season’s events. Expect emotional storylines, new characters, and nonstop tension when it returns in January 2026.
10. Industry: Season 4
The cutthroat finance drama Industry is back, and the pressure is cranked all the way up. Season 4 continues following ambitious young bankers as they navigate money, power, and personal fallout.
Known for its sharp dialogue and unflinching look at workplace toxicity, the new season promises shifting alliances and plenty of stylish stress. Industry premiered its fourth season in January 2026.
9. Neighbors
Details are scarce, but Neighbors is already one of HBO’s most intriguing upcoming series. Executive produced by Josh Safdie and Ronald Bronstein, the show explores outrageous real-life neighborhood disputes across America.
Blending dark humor with raw drama, the series aims to turn everyday conflicts into something both absurd and unsettling. Neighbors is slated to debut in February 2026.
8. Millennium Actress
One of anime’s most acclaimed films is now streaming on HBO Max. Directed by Satoshi Kon, Millennium Actress weaves together memory, cinema, and romance as two filmmakers interview a reclusive former movie star.
The film’s dreamlike storytelling and emotional depth have cemented its status as a classic. It’s easily one of the best animated films available on any major streaming platform today.
7. 33 Photos from the Ghetto
This powerful HBO documentary uses rare photographs to illuminate life inside Jewish ghettos during World War II. 33 Photos from the Ghetto offers a deeply human perspective on survival, memory, and history.
Both devastating and enlightening, the film stands out for its intimacy and emotional impact. It’s one of HBO Max’s most important documentary releases of January 2026.
6. Real Time with Bill Maher: Season 24
Bill Maher returns for another season of political commentary, heated debates, and headline-driven humor. Now in its 24th season, Real Time remains one of HBO’s longest-running staples.
Season 24 continues the familiar format of monologues, panels, and interviews, making it a reliable choice for viewers who like their news with a sharp edge. The show returned in January 2026.
5. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver: Season 13
John Oliver is back at the desk for Season 13 of Last Week Tonight. The Emmy-winning series once again blends investigative reporting with biting comedy and deep dives into complex issues.
From politics to pop culture to overlooked scandals, Oliver’s latest season promises laughs paired with genuine insight. The show returns in February 2026.
4. Dune: Prophecy
The Dune universe continues to grow with Dune: Prophecy, a series exploring new stories within Frank Herbert’s epic sci-fi world. While plot details remain under wraps, the show leans heavily into political intrigue and world-building.
Already renewed for a second season, Dune: Prophecy signals HBO’s long-term commitment to expanding the franchise. The first season is available now on HBO Max.
3. The White Lotus: Season 4
Mike White’s hit anthology series returns with a new location, a new ensemble cast, and another round of wealthy vacationers behaving badly.
Season 4 promises the same mix of satire, suspense, and social commentary that made the show a cultural phenomenon. The White Lotus remains one of HBO’s most anticipated ongoing series.
2. House of the Dragon: Season 3
The Targaryen saga continues as House of the Dragon heads into its third season. Political schemes, family betrayals, and dragon-fueled spectacle are all back on the menu.
Building on the momentum of earlier seasons, Season 3 raises the stakes even higher in the battle for power. The new season is confirmed and streaming on HBO Max.
1. Live Sports on HBO Max
Perhaps the biggest shift for HBO Max in 2026 is its growing investment in live sports. The platform now streams NHL games, college basketball, AEW wrestling, and major sporting events.
From the NHL Winter Classic to marquee college matchups, live sports have become a key part of HBO Max’s identity. Select plans include live events throughout January and February, making the service more versatile than ever.
From prestige dramas and cult-favorite comebacks to documentaries, animation, and live sports, HBO Max’s early 2026 lineup offers something for nearly every kind of viewer. Whether you’re here for dragons, satire, or a little of everything, the year is off to a seriously strong start.