Best Max Originals to Start With: New Subscriber Guide

If you just signed up for Max, you’re probably staring at a library of hundreds of shows and movies wondering where to begin. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed-especially when you’ve got limited time and don’t want to waste it on something that doesn’t click. The good news? You don’t need to binge everything. Max has a handful of Originals that are must-starts for new subscribers, whether you love sharp writing, wild twists, or just a show that makes you feel something.

Start with Succession

This isn’t just a show-it’s a cultural event. Succession follows the Roy family, owners of a media empire that’s falling apart from the inside. The dialogue is razor-sharp. The power plays are brutal. And the acting? Emmy-winning level across the board. Brian Cox as Logan Roy isn’t just a character-he’s a force of nature. Jeremy Strong as Kendall Roy makes you root for him even when he’s making terrible choices. If you’ve never seen a family drama where everyone’s rich, ruthless, and deeply broken, this is your entry point. It’s not flashy. There’s no explosions. But every scene feels like a knife twist. Season 1 is the perfect length to test the waters: only 10 episodes, each under an hour. If you make it to the end and still haven’t checked your phone, you’re hooked.

Then try Hacks

Imagine a 70-year-old stand-up comedian, once a TV star, forced to work with a 25-year-old Gen Z writer. That’s Hacks. It’s funny, yes-but it’s also deeply human. Jean Smart plays Deborah Vance, a comedy legend clinging to relevance. Hannah Einbinder plays Ava, a writer who’s lost her career and her way. Their chemistry is electric. The show doesn’t just make you laugh-it makes you think about aging, creativity, and how the industry treats women. It’s also one of the most bingeable shows on Max. Each episode is tight, clever, and ends on a punchline that lingers. If you’re tired of overproduced dramas and want something real, smart, and laugh-out-loud funny, Hacks is your next stop.

Don’t skip The Last of Us

If you’re coming from video games, you might think this is just an adaptation. It’s not. It’s better. The HBO series turns a post-apocalyptic survival story into a quiet, devastating love letter about connection in a broken world. Pedro Pascal as Joel and Bella Ramsey as Ellie carry the entire show on their shoulders. The writing respects the source material but expands it in ways that feel earned. The world feels real-not because of the zombies, but because of how people behave when everything’s gone. One episode, set in a quiet town with no action at all, is one of the most powerful pieces of television in the last decade. If you’ve ever cried watching a show because you cared too much, this is the one.

Try Sex and the City if you want comfort

Yes, it’s old. Yes, it’s got some dated moments. But if you’re looking for something warm, witty, and full of heart, this is still the gold standard. Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte aren’t just characters-they’re archetypes that still echo in how women talk about love, friendship, and work. The dialogue snaps. The fashion is iconic. And the city itself feels like a character. It’s not deep drama. It’s not high-stakes thriller. It’s the kind of show you put on when you need to feel like you’re sitting with your best friends, sipping a martini and talking about the guy who ghosted you. It’s comfort television done right.

For something wilder: Barry

A hitman tries to become an actor. That’s the logline. But Barry is so much more. It’s a dark comedy about identity, trauma, and the absurdity of trying to change. Bill Hader, who also directs most episodes, plays Barry Berkman with a quiet intensity that’s haunting. The show swings between laugh-out-loud moments and scenes so tense you forget to breathe. It’s like if Fargo met Cheers, then got a PhD in psychology. The supporting cast-especially Henry Winkler as the acting coach-is perfection. Three seasons, all under 10 episodes each. It’s short, sharp, and unforgettable.

For sci-fi fans: House of the Dragon

If you loved Game of Thrones but missed the dragons, this is your fix. House of the Dragon dives into the Targaryen civil war decades before Daenerys was born. It’s got all the political scheming, betrayals, and dragon battles you’d expect-but with tighter storytelling and more emotional weight. Paddy Considine as King Viserys I is a standout. The production design is lavish without being showy. And the dragons? They’re not CGI props-they’re characters with presence. The first season ends on a moment so shocking, you’ll immediately start rewatching to catch every clue. If you’re into epic family sagas with fire and blood, this is where you begin.

Don’t overlook Real Time with Bill Maher

It’s not a scripted show. But if you want to understand modern America-its politics, its contradictions, its humor-this is essential viewing. Bill Maher’s weekly talk show has been running for over 20 years. It’s sharp, unfiltered, and often controversial. The panel format lets you hear different viewpoints clash in real time. It’s not always comfortable. But it’s always honest. If you’re tired of algorithm-driven content and want to hear real people argue real issues, this is your weekly dose of truth.

What to avoid as a new subscriber

There are a lot of Max Originals. Not all of them are worth your time. Skip Peacemaker if you haven’t seen The Suicide Squad-it’s fun, but it’s a spinoff that loses its punch without context. Avoid My Brilliant Friend unless you’re ready for slow-burn Italian drama with subtitles and zero action. And don’t start And Just Like That... unless you’re a die-hard SATC fan-the reboot doesn’t capture the magic, and it’s easy to feel disappointed.

How to pick your next show

Here’s a simple rule: if you liked one of these, try the next one on this list. Succession → Barry. Hacks → Real Time. The Last of Us → House of the Dragon. Sex and the City → anything with strong female leads and witty dialogue. Max doesn’t have a formula. But it does have a pattern: great writing, strong performances, and stories that stick with you. Don’t overthink it. Pick one. Watch the first episode. If it pulls you in after 10 minutes, keep going. If not, move on. There’s no shame in quitting.

Final tip: Use the "Watch Next" list wisely

Max’s algorithm isn’t perfect. It pushes what’s trending, not what’s best. Instead, scroll to the "Trending Now" section, then look for shows with 4.5+ ratings from over 10,000 users. That’s a better signal than the homepage carousel. And don’t ignore the "Similar to" section under each show-it’s often more accurate than the algorithm.

What to watch next

Once you’ve finished these, try The White Lotus for a fresh take on wealthy people unraveling, or Andor if you want a gritty, character-driven sci-fi story. For something lighter, Sex and the City reruns are always a safe bet. Max keeps adding new stuff, but the originals listed here are the ones that define the platform. Start here. Then explore. You’ll find your favorites faster than you think.