Rather unsurprisingly for one of the world’s foremost streaming services, 2024 proved to be a big year for industry titanMax. The prestigious HBO entertainment platform featured a plethora of superb television-based offerings throughout the year, boasting everything from a selection ofthe service’s best documentariesto the latest installments of some ofthe finest Max original shows. Basking in a wave of critical acclaim, these shows have served to emphasize Max’s long-held reputation as the home for premiere television.
From standout new offerings staking a claim as the new kid on the block to conclusive chapters of beloved Max staples, there was decidedly no set form to the streaming service’s best shows of the year. However, whether the series in question elicited laughs, gasps, or tears from their audience, they all shared one common trait; an inherent level of superb quality across the board that underlined their undeniable status asthe best Max television shows of 2024.
Dune: Prophecy
Cast
Set in the universe of Frank Herbert’s Dune series, Dune: Prophecy, a sci-fi epic, follows the political and spiritual struggles on the desert planet of Arrakis. As factions vie for control of the prized spice melange, a prophesied hero emerges, challenging the balance of power and the fate of the galaxy.
Serving as a prequel to Denis Villeneuve’s duo ofDunefilms and set some 10,000 years prior to Paul Atreides' crusade against House Harkonnen,Dune: Prophecychronicles the origins of the organization that would become known asthe Bene Gesserit, an ancient mysterious group possessing enhanced physical and mental abilities. The show debuted on Max with a six-episode season in late November, with the sci-fi offering receiving mostly positive reviews from fans and critics.
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Dune: Prophecy’s season 1 finale featured several major and tragic character deaths that are broken down by one of the HBO series' stars.
Dune: Prophecydoesn’t come close to replicating the dizzying heights presented by Villeneuve’s masterful pair of feature films, but represents a worthy television series adaptation of Frank Herbert’s iconic universe. Aided by a trio of first-rate performances from Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, and Travis Fimmel, this visually arresting prequel is carried by a compelling premise and an enticing sense of mystery that helps the debuting show gloss over some of its more prevalent teething issues.
Somebody Somewhere
Somebody Somewhere is a comedy/drama series created for HBO by Hannah Bos and Paul Thureen. Set in a Kansas town, Sam finds herself having difficulty establishing herself in a community that doesn’t seem to want her. However, following her sister’s death, Sam refuses to give up and decides to embark on a personal journey to find herself and a place to belong.
The rare example of a television show that boasts a100% Rotten Tomatoes score across every season, the final season of HBO’s feel-good comedy dramaSomebody Somewhereconcluded in December of 2024.Drawing the uplifting story of Bridget Everett’s Sam to a close,the final installment of Hannah Bos and Paul Thureen’s show has its poignant patches but ultimately makes for a thoroughly cheering season of television by the time the credits roll for the final time.
Somebody Somewhereboasts an average IMDb rating of 8.2 across three seasons.
Somebody Somewhere’slatest perfect Rotten Tomatoes approval rating underlines the show’s status as a sleeper hit, both for Max and wider television as a whole. Easily clocking in as one of Max’s best shows of 2024,Somebody Somewhere’sswansong is a perfect case study in how to end proceedings organically and gracefully, without neglecting any of the elements that got the show to the dance in the first place. Waving goodbye to audiences with a glorious rendition of Miley Cyrus’The Climb, Sam and Co. will be missed.
Hacks
Hacks, released in 2021, is a dark comedy series that explores the evolving relationship between Deborah Vance, a legendary comedian in Las Vegas, and an ambitious, outcast young writer. The show delves into the complexities of mentorship and creativity in the entertainment industry.
Led by a show-stealing performance from six-time Emmy Award-winner Jean Smart, comedy dramaHackschronicles the relationship between a legendary comedian and her new up-and-coming writer.The show’s superb second season finale saw the professional relationship between the pair end, presenting the perfect opportunity for the Max offering to go out on a high. However,Hacksproved any naysayers wrong when it returned in May, turning in yet another excellent season of television.
Boasting multiple Emmy and Golden Globe wins,Hacks’heartwarming third season finds compelling new ground to cover just when the show appeared poised to run out of fresh avenues to explore. The show has arguably never been better, featuring the usual sparkling wit and charismatic performances that made it such a success in the first place, invoking laughter and tears in equal measure.
Industry
Industry follows a group of ambitious young graduates as they navigate the high-stakes world of investment banking at a prestigious firm in London. The series delves into their personal and professional lives, exploring the intense pressure, competition, and ethical dilemmas they face in their quest for success. As they strive to prove themselves in a cutthroat environment, relationships are tested, alliances are formed, and the true cost of their ambitions is revealed!
Following a group of young Londoners in the cutthroat world of the financial sector,the thrilling workplace dramaIndustryhas served as somewhat of a sleeper hit since debuting on HBO in 2020. Landing on Max in August, the third season ofIndustrypremiered to glowing reviews. Boasting an approval rating of 98% on Rotten Tomatoes, the latest installment was the show’s most well-received season to date, withIndustryalready renewed for Season 4.
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Season 3 (2024)
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An adrenaline-fused narrative featuring the show’s highest stakes to date makes for absolutely riveting viewing, even if Mickey Down and Konrad Kay’s brainchild does occasionally get bogged down in the usual tropes associated with workplace dramas. The show’s superb ensemble cast and crackling dialogue combine for a relentlessly entertaining viewing experience, one of the wildest shows on Max that arguably doesn’t get the recognition it deserves.
The Jinx: The Life And Deaths Of Robert Durst
The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst is an HBO documentary series directed by Andrew Jarecki. It examines the life of real estate heir Robert Durst, who has been suspected of involvement in several murders. Through interviews, archival footage, and reenactments, the series explores the mysterious circumstances surrounding Durst’s life and the accusations against him.
Centered on the real-life story of the real estate heir and convicted murderer, Robert Durst,true crime showThe Jinx: Part Twoproved to be one of the most highly anticipated documentaries of the year, irrespective of network. Released nine years after the series initially debuted, the show had previously gained a significant boost in notoriety after Durst was arrested on murder charges a day before the finale of the documentary’s first installment was released on HBO in 2015.
The Jinx: Part Twotakes a deep dive into the years of trials, interviews, and investigative work that followed the first season’s explosive revelations in an assured, yet gripping, fashion.
Garnering a standout approval rating of 88% on Rotten Tomatoes,The Jinx: Part Twotakes a deep dive into the years of trials, interviews, and investigative workthat followed the first season’s explosive revelations in an assured, yet gripping, fashion. A harrowing true crime offering that explores Durst’s insidious nature and origins,The Jinx: Part Twois tailor-made for binge-watching; instantly grabbing the audience’s investment by the throat and not letting go until the credits finally roll.
House of the Dragon
House of the Dragon is a 2022 fantasy drama set in the world of Westeros, chronicling the Targaryen dynasty at its height. The story revolves around King Viserys’s controversial decision to name his daughter Rhaenyra as heir to the Iron Throne, sparking tensions and divisions within the realm.
Chronicling the outbreak of civil war between opposing factions of the Targaryen family,the second season ofGame of Thrones’prequel seriesHouse of the Dragonlanded to considerably more mixed reviews than the first. Many critics lambasted what they perceived to be an overtly slow pace and an emphasis on world building; a status quo that could be excused during the debut season but one that notably draggedHouse of the Dragon’ssophomore effort down. It’s a crying shame, given the explosive nature of the Dance of the Dragon’s compelling narrative.
With that being said, it speaks volumes to the show’s inherent quality that the second season still landed as one of Max’s best efforts of the year despite its various shortcomings. Featuring the usual polished dialogue and first-rate performances that fans have come to expect fromGame of Thronesofferings, the second season also featured the show’s first real instances of dragon-on-dragon combat in the heat of battle, a state of affairs that culminated in one of thebest television last stand scenesof all time.
My Brilliant Friend
My Brilliant Friend is a television adaptation of Elena Ferrante’s novel, first aired in 2018. The series, directed by Saverio Costanzo, follows the lives of two childhood friends, Elena and Lila, as they grow up in a poor neighborhood in Naples during the 1950s. Through their friendship and individual struggles, the series explores themes of loyalty, ambition, and the complexity of female relationships.
Based on pseudonymous Italian novelist Elena Ferrente’s series ofNeapolitan Novels,the fourth season of HBO’s moving coming-of-age-dramaMy Brilliant Frienddrew the acclaimed show to a close in fitting fashion.Spanning more than sixty years of a relationship between two friends, this rich character study plays off the complex intimacy between the show’s leading duo for a story that never ceases to absorb; a status quo that has never been more apparent than in the show’s superb final outing.
…My Brilliant Friend’sfourth season doesn’t skip a beat, turning in the usual emotional devastation that fans have come to expect from this endlessly evocative tale.
Despite recastingleading duo Elena and Lila,My Brilliant Friend’sfourth season doesn’t skip a beat, turning in the usual emotional devastation that fans have come to expect from this endlessly evocative tale. A gloriously authentic snapshot of Italy across various time periods that invites endless introspection on the nature of human relationships,My Brilliant Friendis contentiously the best drama show on Max that you’ve never heard of.
Tokyo Vice
Based on the novel and the true experiences of Jake Adelstein, Tokyo Vice is a drama thriller series that sees the first American journalist ever to join a Japanese newspaper, forced to start at the bottom of the totem pole to earn his place. Set loose under a vice detective’s close tutelage and supervision, Jake steps into the Yakuza-led underworld of Tokyo and learns what it means to ask too many questions.
Led byBaby Driverstar Ansel Elgort in the leading role of investigative journalist Jake Adelstein and based on a true story,Tokyo Viceisa journey into the mysterious world of journalism and organized crime in Japan.While the show’s first season may have struggled to find its feet in patches,Tokyo Vice’ssophomore effort stood as one of the finest shows Max had to offer by the time that 2024 rolled to a close, courtesy of a rich cast of compelling characters, gorgeous cinematography, and a riveting criminality-oriented narrative.
Tokyo Vicealso starred Academy Award nominee Ken Watanabe as veteran detective, Hiroto Katagiri.
Clocking in with a first-rate Rotten Tomatoes approval rating of 93%,Tokyo Vice’ssecond season is a slick and smoothly executed crime drama that plays to the strengths of its talented cast in polished fashion. Regrettably, this deep dive into the criminal underworld of the city is a prime example of a show cut off at the knees just as it was hitting its stride, with the disappointing news that HBO wascancelingTokyo Vicebefore Season 3breaking in June.
True Detective
True Detective is an anthology series exploring intricate criminal investigations through multiple timelines. Each season examines dark personal and professional secrets revealed during the course of solving complex cases, highlighting the impact of crime on individuals both within and outside the law enforcement community.
Starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson,True Detective’sfirst season is widely regarded as one of the single best seasons of television ever made. However, the anthology crime drama suffered a notable drop in quality in the two seasons that followed. Fortunately, the Issa Lopez-led fourth season,True Detective: Night Country, saw the show return to peak form witha murder mystery featuring trappings of the supernatural set against the backdrop of the Alaskan winter.
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Season 4 (2024)
92%
Spearheaded by a pair of first-rate performances from Jodie Foster and professional boxer Kali Reis,Night Countryreceived widespread critical acclaim. Both women were nominated for Golden Globe and Emmy Awards, with Foster taking home the wins for Best Actress in a Miniseries or Television Film and Outstanding Lead Actress, respectively. A thrilling tale of murder, mystery, and deception filled with unpredictable twists and turns,Night Countryrepresents a glorious phoenix moment for the storied crime drama.
The Penguin
Created by Lauren LeFranc, The Penguin is a crime-drama spin-off television series of 2022’s film The Batman. Set shortly after the events of The Batman, Oz Cobb, A.K.A. the Penguin, begins his rise in the underworld of Gotham City as he contends with the daughter of his late boss, Carmine Falcone, for control of the crime family’s empire.
Picking up where 2022’sThe Batmanleft off, universally acclaimed crime dramaThe Penguinwasthe best Max television show of 2024.Colin Farrell may be buried under a mountain of prosthetics in his role as Oswald Cobb, but it didn’t stop the Irishman from delivering a knockout performance as the titular character, one that earned him the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Miniseries or Television Film.
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Farrell is undoubtedly the star of the show in Lauren LeFranc’s gritty gangster opera, but he’s far fromThe Penguin’sonly standout performance. Cristin Milioti also delivers a career-best turn as Sofia Gigante, with Rhenzy Feliz and Deirdre O’Connell also producing remarkable bows in their supporting roles as Vic Aguilar and Francis Cobb, respectively. An electrifying character study that deftly walks the line between epic and harrowing,The Penguinconcludes with anear-perfect episodeand stands as one of the century’s finest limited series to date.
