Top 5 Must-Watch HBO Max Shows This Week: May 4–8, 2026

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If you’re looking for something new to watch on HBO Max, here are five top shows that everyone’s talking about. While you can always enjoy HBO favorites like The Sopranos and Succession, the streaming service also has several excellent, recently released series that are quickly becoming hits, as of the week of May 4th–8th, 2026.

This week offers some fantastic streaming choices, including a brand new thriller from the creator of Baby Reindeer and the final season of a hugely popular HBO show. Whether you want a quick show to finish in one night or a longer series to enjoy over the month, HBO Max has something for everyone.

Half Man

Richard Gadd, the creator of the popular show Baby Reindeer, recently released his new series, Half Man, on HBO Max, and it’s definitely worth watching. The six-episode show features Gadd as Ruben, a troubled brother who unexpectedly appears at his brother Niall’s (played by Jamie Bell) wedding hoping to reconnect. If you liked the complicated relationship between the brothers in Netflix’s Black Rabbit, you’ll probably enjoy Half Man, which has received a good rating of 76% on Rotten Tomatoes.

The Pitt

HBO Max’s The Pitt is considered one of their all-time best shows, and the recently finished second season has cemented its status as a modern classic. All 15 episodes of season two are now available to stream after the finale aired in April 2026. The show has already been renewed for a third season, and could continue for many years if its talented cast, including Emmy winner Noah Wyle, remains involved. Even if you don’t usually watch medical dramas, The Pitt is definitely worth checking out.

Rooster

Created by Bill Lawrence, the showrunner behind Ted Lasso, Rooster is a heartwarming and funny drama series starring Steve Carell. He plays Greg Russo, a father trying hard to rebuild his relationship with his grown daughter. Set on a beautiful college campus, Rooster has a comforting and inviting atmosphere. With a second season already confirmed, now is the perfect time to start watching, especially before the first season ends this Sunday, May 10th.

Euphoria

Since its debut in 2019, HBO Max’s Euphoria has become a cultural phenomenon. The recently released third season, however, has taken a noticeably different direction in tone. While the new season features original music by Hans Zimmer, many viewers miss the distinctive sound created by Labrinth in the first two seasons. Despite a significant drop in critical reception – the Rotten Tomatoes score fell to 40% after two highly praised seasons – Euphoria remains incredibly popular, currently being the most-watched show on the platform.

Hacks

HBO Max’s series Hacks is a critically acclaimed show, boasting a 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes throughout its five seasons. Currently in its final season, the show continues to explore the dynamic between veteran comedian Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) and her writer and close friend, Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder), as Deborah’s career changes.

Despite winning 12 Emmy Awards, the comedy series Hacks hasn’t quite reached a worldwide audience, though it’s performing well in the U.S. Comedy lovers shouldn’t miss this critically acclaimed show, considered one of the best of the 21st century, as it concludes its run this month on HBO Max.

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2026-05-05 20:18