Top 5 Must-Watch HBO Max Shows This Week: December 15–19, 2025

This week, Ebaster recommends five top-rated shows on HBO Max – all of which have been certified fresh by Rotten Tomatoes. They’re all great choices to add to what you’re watching!

Okay, let me tell you what’s really worth watching on HBO Max this week, from December 15th to 19th. They’ve got a great mix of everything – shows everyone’s talking about, some all-time classics you might have missed, and even some hidden gems from HBO’s back catalog. And topping my list, number one, is a truly exceptional show – I’m talking a perfect 10/10, a real masterpiece that stands alone.

Looking for something new to watch? Ebaster publishes weekly guides to help you find the best shows on Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV, and Paramount+. Plus, don’t miss our picks for the most addictive shows currently available on HBO Max!

The Righteous Gemstones

This story centers on a well-known televangelist family with a complicated history – they’re known for both good deeds and scandalous behavior.

HBO Max’s The Righteous Gemstones is consistently considered one of the funniest shows available to stream (though it will eventually move to Netflix). The critically praised comedy recently concluded its fourth and final season in May 2025, providing a satisfying ending to the series created by and starring Danny McBride.

With a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, The Righteous Gemstones is an incredibly funny HBO comedy series – many consider it to have some of the funniest episodes of any HBO original comedy. The show boasts a fantastic cast, including John Goodman, Adam Devine, and Walton Goggins, making it a must-watch for anyone who loves to laugh.

The Gilded Age

This story follows the clashes between the newly wealthy Russell family and the established van Rhijn family as they navigate the competitive world of New York City’s high society in the 1880s.

HBO had another popular show earlier this year with The Gilded Age, a period drama featuring Carrie Coon. Currently, there are 25 episodes available – three full seasons, with a fourth one in production – making it a great show to watch all at once.

Premiering in 2022, The Gilded Age has quickly become a critically acclaimed series, winning awards like an Emmy for its stunning production design. With an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s one of the best-reviewed historical dramas currently available on HBO Max, and a great choice for viewers who enjoyed The Seduction.

Industry

This story follows young people starting their careers in finance as they navigate the challenges of the post-2008 financial world.

With the fourth season of Industry – a highly anticipated show on HBO Max – set to premiere in January 2026, now is a great time to start watching this critically acclaimed series. Many viewers have compared it to HBO’s Succession, praising it as one of the most captivating shows available.

As a total TV addict, I’ve been hearing amazing things about Industry. It’s got a whopping 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and everyone says the 24 episodes fly by – seriously, it’s totally addictive! If you’re looking for something new to get into, now’s the perfect time because season 4 is coming out on January 11, 2026, and you’ll be all caught up!

Curb Your Enthusiasm

This comedy series stars Larry David playing a heightened version of himself, exploring how small, everyday annoyances can quickly spiral into major problems.

If you’re looking for a funny and relaxing show to watch on HBO Max, you can’t go wrong with Curb Your Enthusiasm. With 12 seasons and 120 episodes, it’s widely considered one of the greatest comedies of all time – not just on HBO.

Created by Larry David – the comedic mind behind Seinfeld and often considered a comedy icon – Curb Your Enthusiasm debuted in 2000 and became one of HBO’s longest-running shows, concluding in 2024. Though David has new projects in development, his award-winning comedy continues to be a popular favorite.

The Pitt

I’m completely drawn into the world of doctors and nurses at a Pittsburgh hospital. The show really gets into their lives – not just the dramatic cases they handle, but also their personal struggles and all the complicated stuff that happens at work. It’s amazing to see how they cope with everything, and it really highlights the strength and dedication it takes to be a healthcare professional. It’s a really human story about the challenges and rewards of caring for people when they’re at their most vulnerable.

Few new TV shows, especially those released in 2025, have resonated with both fans and critics as quickly as The Pitt. While the show, which won an Emmy, isn’t always easy to watch—it’s set in a busy Pittsburgh emergency room—it’s among the best heartfelt and emotionally powerful dramas on television today. The first season has 15 episodes.

Featuring Noah Lyle, known for his role in ER and supported by Emmy winners Katherine LaNasa and Shawn Hatosy, The Pitt is already a popular show, currently ranked #41 on IMDb. Season 2 arrives January 8, 2026, making now the perfect time to catch up with The Pitt on HBO Max.

Looking For More Streaming Options This Week?

Check out Ebaster’s binge-watching guides for last weekend’s top shows.

  • Netflix (Dec 12–14, 2025)
  • Prime Video (Dec 12–14, 2025)
  • HBO Max (Dec 12–14, 2025)
  • Paramount+ (Dec 12–14, 2025)
  • Apple TV (Dec 12–14, 2025)

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2025-12-15 23:45