It's too late. Westworld isn't on HBO Max anymore. (It's heading to Roku and Tubi.) That's either bad or indifferent news, depending on how you feel about that season 4 finale.
So what can you watch following the HBO Max cost-cutting TV show and movie cull of 2022? Thankfully, there are still a few decent options. The only one you absolutely need to watch is Station Eleven. If you gave up after the first couple of episodes, no excuses. Try it again.
Here are the best sci-fi TV shows on HBO Max as of Feb. 16.

HBO
The Plot Against America (2020)
This miniseries, based on Philip Roth's novel by the same name, presents an alternative history in which Franklin D. Roosevelt is defeated in the presidential election of 1940 by Charles Lindbergh. Morgan Specter, Zoe Kazan, Winona Ryder and John Turturro star in the critically acclaimed six-episode limited series, mainly following a working class Jewish family as the new president introduces facism.

Warner Bros./YouTube/CNET Screenshot
Fringe (2008-2013)
If a proper binge is what you're after, five seasons of this sci-fi procedural starring The Last of Us' Anna Torv are ready and waiting. The Fringe Division is a team of agents tasked with investigating unexplained phenomena, including parallel universes and alternate timelines. After a middling first season, Fringe found its way, so stick with it for the inventive ideas and a moving emotional core.

Avenue 5 (2020—)
If you're into sci-fi comedy, Avenue 5 has impressive chops. Veep creator Armando Iannucci brings this space trip starring Hugh Laurie and Josh Gad. In the near future, an interplanetary cruise ship is sent slightly off course. With years added to their return trip, the crew and passengers must figure out how to survive on dwindling resources.

HBO Max/YouTube screenshot
GARCIA! (2022)
This action-adventure out of Spain is big, silly fun. The titular Garcia (Francisco Ortiz) is a classic endearing action hero with the twist that he was reanimated from a cryogenic frozen sleep. Originally from the '60s, Garcia must navigate modern-day Madrid -- where oat milk coffees are also a thing -- amid engaging in all the espionage antics.

Liane Hentscher/HBO
The Last of Us (2023—)
Does The Last of Us count as a sci-fi show? Why not. It's that good; you should be watching it regardless. Pedro Pascal stars as Joel, a man navigating horrendous loss amid a zombie apocalypse. A scene-stealing Bella Ramsey stars as hilariously foul-mouthed teen Ellie, who might have the key to survival. Trust HBO to make this faithful-where-necessary video game adaptation the best ever.

ABC Television
Pushing Daisies (2007-2009)
This gem of a comedy-drama wisely taps the charms of Lee Pace, who stars as Ned, an oddball pie-maker with the ability to bring the dead back to life. This Tim Burton-esque show sees Ned use his abilities to help solve sometimes grotesque murders without sacrificing fairy tale eccentricity. A unique, critically acclaimed series that deserves a rewatch.

TNT/YouTube/CNET Screenshot
Falling Skies (2011-2015)
Boasting executive producer Steven Spielberg, this post-apocalyptic sci-fi brings family drama to alien invasions. Falling Skies centers on a band of survivors who plan to fight back after a global invasion by extraterrestrials. Five seasons introduce multiple alien races, space travel and a satisfying final standoff.

HBO
Years and Years (2019)
If you were blown away by Russell T. Davies' It's a Sin, Years and Years is a must-watch. The ambitious sci-fi series spans 15 years, jumping ahead each episode to capture the ups and downs of the eclectic Lyons family. From technological developments to jaw-dropping life upheavals, the Lyons go through the ringer without ever relinquishing a heartwarming sense of humor.

Photograph by Ian Watson/HBO Max
Station Eleven (2021)
Believe any hype you hear about Station Eleven. One of the best shows of 2021, the meditative dystopian thriller (the latter descriptor can only be applied to certain episodes) is prestige TV that whisks you off on a journey to surprising, moving and unique destinations. Following two timelines, the focus is mainly on brilliant heroine Kirsten (Mackenzie Davis), a woman who survived a world-destroying pandemic and now travels around the remains with a theater troupe known as the Traveling Symphony. Created by Patrick Somerville, whose writing work on The Leftovers can be felt here, Station Eleven casts an optimistic lens over the end of the world.

Torchwood/YouTube screenshot
Torchwood (2006-2011)
This Doctor Who spinoff series from Russell T Davies centered on Captain Jack Harkness and his team of alien hunters. While it may not have fully achieved its goal of becoming the "adult" Doctor Who, it did find its footing with its later shorter story arcs. Season 3, known as Children of Earth, in particular produced genuine compelling sci-fi drama. If anything, give those five episodes a watch.

HBO Max
Peacemaker (2021—)
While it's 90% a superhero show, Peacemaker features visitors from another planet, so it lands itself a spot on this list. The Suicide Squad spinoff series centers on the titular Peacemaker, an outrageous John Cena who explores where his catchphrase -- "I cherish peace with all of my heart. I don't care how many men, women and children I kill to get it" -- came from. Sweary, bloody and bouncing to a rocking soundtrack, the James Gunn-written series is a rollicking time with surprising heart.

HBO
The Leftovers (2014-2017)
Maybe it's considered more supernatural than sci-fi, and it's definitely nowhere near hard sci-fi, but come on. It's The Leftovers. It's Damon Lindelof, the genius who turned Watchmen into a lauded TV show. The Leftovers follows what happens after 2% of the world's population inexplicably disappears. Amid the emergence of a number of cults, the three seasons focus on two families, the Garveys and the Murphys, and how the "Sudden Departure" event upends their lives.

Video screenshot by Bonnie Burton/CNET
Doctor Who (2005—)
At this stage, new fans might be hard to come by when it comes to this long-running British show. But if you're interested in dipping into the wildly inventive, genre-bending, barnstorming adventure, try the later Jodie Whittaker episodes. Whittaker steps into the Doctor's shoes, a time-traveling, space-faring alien adventurer with a kind heart and a far-out-of-this-world sense of humor. Serious fun.

Photograph by Courtesy of HBO
His Dark Materials (2019-2022)
This TV adaptation of His Dark Materials is the second attempt at bringing Philip Pullman's classic fantasy novels to the screen. (The 2007 flop The Golden Compass, starring Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig, was anchored to a slow, shallow script.) Set in a world where people's souls manifest as animal familiars, the source material isn't exactly simple. Chuck in parallel universes, talking polar bears and a wildly imaginative story about growing up, and you have a thrilling, philosophical adventure. Ruth Wilson, James McAvoy and Dafne Keen bolster this slicker, more mature attempt. Season 3 premieres on HBO Max Dec. 5.
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FAQs
What is the best series on HBO Max currently? ›
- The Undoing (2020) tv-ma 1 Season. ...
- The Last of Us (2023) new. tv-ma 1 Season. ...
- Doom Patrol (2019) new. tv-ma 4 Seasons. ...
- South Side (2019) tv-ma 3 Seasons. ...
- The Sex Lives of College Girls (2021) Trailer. ...
- His Dark Materials (2019) 69 % ...
- Gossip Girl (2021) 5.2/10. ...
- The White Lotus (2021) Trailer.
- 8 Band of Brothers (2001)
- 7 Big Little Lies (2017-2019)
- 6 Chernobyl (2019)
- 5 Succession (2018-present)
- 4 The Wire (2002-2008)
- 3 The Sopranos (1999-2007)
- 2 Euphoria (2019-present)
- 1 Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
- Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. ...
- Elysium. ...
- Jurassic World. Universal Pictures. ...
- Teen Wolf: The Movie. Paramount Plus. ...
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Star Wars. ...
- Dune. HBO Max. ...
- Nope. Universal Pictures. ...
- Annihilation. Paramount Pictures.
The best shows on HBO offer something for everybody. Watch dramas like Succession, fantasy epics like House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones, comedies like Veep and Hacks, gripping documentaries and stand-up specials.
What's new and good on HBO Max? ›- The Last of Us (HBO)
- House of the Dragon (HBO)
- C.B. Strike (HBO)
- Velma.
- The Climb.
- Doom Patrol (HBO)
- Random Acts of Flyness (HBO)
- South Side.
Netflix wins for new originals, but HBO's got game and quality. The first thing to know about HBO Max is that it has everything on HBO. That includes not only Game of Thrones but every newer show, including Euphoria, Winning Time and The Gilded Age.
What is the number 1 most watched show in the world? ›One Piece is the most-watched show in the world (according to TV Time) As for One Piece, the pirate-themed anime adventure is one of the biggest anime series in history, adapted from one of the biggest manga series in history.
What is the most watched episode in HBO? ›Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. News and opinion about video games, television, movies and the internet.
What is the most watched show of all time? ›Most watched broadcasts of all time
Of the 30 most-watched broadcasts, 29 are Super Bowls. Super Bowl XLIX, with 114.4 million viewers, is number one.
- Frankenstein. by Mary Shelley – 1818. ...
- Stranger in a Strange Land. by Robert A. ...
- Snow Crash. by Neal Stephenson – 1992. ...
- Fahrenheit 451. by Ray Bradbury – 1953. ...
- Ender's Game. by Orson Scott Card – 1985. ...
- 2001: A Space Odyssey. ...
- Ready Player One. ...
- The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
Is there any good sci-fi series on Netflix? ›
- Wednesday.
- My Dad the Bounty Hunter.
- Avatar: The Last Airbender.
- Manifest.
- Lucifer.
- The 100.
- Stranger Things.
- The Flash.
- Sex and the City (1998-2004) Creator: Darren Star. ...
- Ghosts (2019-present) Image via BBC. ...
- Pennyworth (2019-present) Image via HBO Max. ...
- The Last of Us (2023-present) Image via HBO. ...
- Velma (2022-present) Creators: Charlie Grandy, Mindy Kaling. ...
- Trixie Motel (2022-present) ...
- I Hate Suzie Too (2022) ...
- Sort Of (2021-present)
The biggest difference between HBO Max and HBO is what you can stream. HBO Max. Stream HBO, plus SO much more. Stream all of HBO together with a collection of classic TV favorites, even more blockbuster movies, and new Max Originals.
Is HBO Max better than Showtime? ›Both platforms have original content, but HBO Max has more shows from other networks, including the entire catalog of Friends. While Showtime has a generous 30-day trial period, HBO Max no longer offers a free trial.
What new shows does HBO Max have? ›- The Last of Us. Release Date: January 15, 2023. ...
- Velma. Release Date: January 12, 2023. ...
- House of the Dragon. Release Date: August 21, 2022. ...
- Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin. Release Date: July 28, 2022. ...
- Rap Sh! t. ...
- The Rehearsal. Release Date: June 15, 2022. ...
- Irma Vep. ...
- The Time Traveler's Wife.
- 7.0/10. 80/100. Nightmare Alley (2021)
- 7.0/10. 80/100. Last Night in Soho (2021)
- 7.2/10. 84/100. The Suicide Squad (2021)
- 7.0/10. 81/100. The Fallout (2022)
- 7.1/10. 84/100. Free Guy (2021)
- 6.3/10. 77/100. Death on the Nile (2022)
- 5.7/10. 75/100. The Matrix Resurrections (2021)
- 8.0/10. 86/100.
- Westworld: seasons 1 through 4.
- The Nevers: season 1.
- Finding Magic Mike: season 1.
- Head of the Class: season 1.
- The Time Traveler's Wife: season 1.
- Raised by Wolves: seasons 1-2.
- FBOY Island: seasons 1-2.
- Legendary: seasons 1-3.
We believe the answer is yes. At $14.99 a month for its top plan, HBO Max is not the cheapest streaming video service out there. When stacked next to Disney Plus, though, we think it will likely provide you with a better and more consistent entertainment experience.
Who has more subscribers HBO Max or Netflix? ›HBO Max US subscribers
HBO and HBO Max reached 50 million US subscribers in Q2 2022, putting it about 20 million behind Netflix.
# | TV (English) | Hours viewed in first 28 days |
---|---|---|
1 | Stranger Things 4 | 1,352,090,000 |
2 | Wednesday: Season 1 | 1,237,150,000 |
3 | DAHMER: Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story | 856,220,000 |
4 | Bridgerton: Season 2 | 656,260,000 |
What is the highest watched series 2022? ›
'Stranger Things' Was Most-Streamed TV Show in 2022.
What is the most viewed series in 2022? ›Netflix's smash hit Stranger Things was the most-streamed program of 2022, with viewers tuning in for 52 billion minutes last year as audiences increasingly opted for streaming platforms' original content, according to ratings firm Nielsen.
What is the number one show on HBO? ›1. | The Last of Us | 389 |
---|---|---|
2. | Strike | 244 |
3. | The White Lotus | 217 |
4. | House of the Dragon | 168 |
5. | SAS: Rogue Heroes | 152 |
The Oscars regained its longtime title as the year's most-watched entertainment telecast, at 17.6 million viewers, a year after it didn't even make the top 100 in 2021.
What is the highest grossing sci-fi series? ›Highest-grossing sci-fi film franchises and film series
Star Wars sits top with a total gross of $10.3B, while Avatar has the best average of any science fiction series at $2.5B.
Harry Potter Tops the List. If you guessed Harry Potter to be the top-selling series of all time, then you would have been right. The seven-book series has gone on to sell over 500 million copies.
What is the biggest sci-fi franchise? ›Based on revenue estimates, the Star Trek franchise, created by Eugene Wesley "Gene" Roddenberry (USA, 1921–1991), is the most successful science-fiction brand originating on TV, worth in excess of $6 billion.
What is the best crime thriller on Netflix? ›- The Stepfather.
- Wild Things.
- Run.
- The Woman in the Window.
- The Weekend Away.
- Intrusion.
- Hypnotic.
- Zodiac.
- The Next 365 Days.
- No Limit.
- MILF.
- Closer.
- Lady Chatterley's Lover.
- More the Merrier.
- 365 Days.
- Friendzone.
Who are the big 3 of science fiction? ›
For many years Clarke, Robert Heinlein, and Isaac Asimov were known as the "Big Three" of science fiction. Clarke was a lifelong proponent of space travel. In 1934, while still a teenager, he joined the BIS, British Interplanetary Society.
Who is the king of sci-fi? ›Arthur C Clarke at 100: still the king of science fiction.
What is one of the top 10 sci-fi franchise? ›- Star Trek. The 'Star Trek' franchise has to be at the top when we talk about science fiction. ...
- Star Wars. 'Star Wars' is definitely one of the biggest hits of Hollywood when it comes to science fiction or movies in general. ...
- Doctor Who. ...
- Alien. ...
- The Terminator. ...
- The Twilight Zone. ...
- Predator. ...
- Battlestar Galactica.
According to TheWrap, HBO has quietly removed its erotic "after dark" movies and series. The cable network used to feature adult content like "Taxicab Confessions," "Real Sex," "Cathouse," and some "soft-core" feature films.
How can you tell if someone is watching HBO Max? ›Choose your profile (upper right), choose Settings, and scroll down to Devices. Choose Manage Devices (Manage Devices is only available with Adult profiles). Here you can see a list of devices that have used your account, along with when they were Last Used.
Which is better HBO Max or Paramount plus? ›Paramount Plus allows you as the viewer to enjoy live TV but also gives you an extensive library of movies and on-demand shows to fall back on. As far as content goes, HBO Max is known for the quality of its catalog, including many elite shows and must-watch movies.
Is HBO Max cheaper with Prime? ›Prime members can sign up for HBO Max for $14.99 per month, the same price as through other platforms, through the Prime Video app or by visiting amazon.com/channels/hbomax.
What's better Starz or HBO Max? ›In terms of price alone, STARZ is the better deal. There is only one plan to choose from and it is ad-free. HBO Max only costs a dollar more a month than STARZ, but that's for the ad-supported version. If you want an ad-free experience, you'll need to pay an additional $5/month.
Is it better to get HBO Max through Hulu or on its own? ›HBO Max is cheaper than Hulu as viewers can unlock and access hit TV shows and movies like Game of Thrones. The Hulu HBO Max add-on plan allows viewers full HBO streaming access to HBO live channels, on-demand shows, and exclusive HBO movies. Subscription of HBO Max add-on Hulu provides single-platform streaming.
Is HBO Max better through Hulu? ›While you can choose to purchase the HBO Max subscription through the app, it's faster, easier, and provides an overall stronger viewing experience to do it through Hulu. For the quality of your viewing experience alone, it's worth paying the extra $5 through Hulu's plan instead of the base HBO Max subscription price.
What to watch on HBO Max September 2022? ›
- “Elvis” Warner Bros. ...
- “Rocknrolla” Warner Bros. ...
- “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2” Cannon Films. ...
- “What Lies Beneath” DreamWorks/Paramount. ...
- “Young Guns” 20th Century/Vestron. ...
- “Moonfall” Reiner Bajo/Lionsgate. ...
- “Cat People” RKO.
This July on HBO and HBO Max will play host to a new season of “Tuca & Bertie,” “FBOY Island,” and much more can't-miss TV and film. After “Top Gun: Maverick,” audiences can watch Miles Teller in the comedy film “That Awkward Moment” on July 1.
What to watch June 2022? ›- 'The Boys' Prime Video. Photo: Prime Video. ...
- 'The Bear' Hulu. Photo: FX. ...
- 'Hacks' HBO Max. Photo: HBO Max. ...
- "For All Mankind' Apple TV+ Photo: Apple TV+ ...
- 'Ms. Marvel' Disney+ ...
- 'I Love That For You' Showtime. Photo: Showtime. ...
- 'Peaky Blinders' Netflix. Photo: Robert Viglasky/Netflix. ...
- 'Barry' HBO. Photo: HBO.
HBO Max
Is HBO Max shutting down in 2022? ›But while nothing is official, the name “HBO Max” is very likely going to change in 2023. That's partially because, after spending 2022 taking content off its signature streamer, WBD plans to actually start expanding the platform's offering in 2023.
What's on HBO Max August 2022? ›- What's Coming:
- Aug. Belfast, 2021. ...
- Aug. Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Detroit Lions, Season 17 Premiere.
- Aug. The Princess, Original Documentary Premiere.
- Aug. American Sniper. ...
- Aug. Katrina Babies, Original Documentary Premiere.
- Aug.
- November 8. Batwheels Season 1C. ...
- November 9. All Rise, Season 3A. ...
- November 10. HBO First Look: The Menu (HBO) ...
- November 11. The Craftsman, Season 2. ...
- November 12. Lil Rel Howery: I Said It: Y'all Thinking It (HBO)
- November 13. Hazlo Como Hombre, 2017. ...
- November 16. Entourage, 2015 (HBO) ...
- November 17. A Christmas Story Christmas, 2022.
- What's coming to HBO Max in June 2022:
- June 3. On My Way with Irina Rimes. ...
- June 6. Doctor Who, Season 13. ...
- June 8. The Janes, Documentary Premiere.
- June 9. Amsterdam, Max original Season 1 premiere. ...
- June 10. The Card Counter. ...
- June 15. La Unidad, Season 2.
- June 16.
As for original series, a few returning shows come back this August, including the “Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Detroit Lions” and “Industry.” Notable library titles coming to HBO and HBO Max this month include Academy Award Winner “Belfast,” “Ex Machina,” “Love & Basketball,” and “The Notebook.”
What's new on Netflix September 2022? ›- Blonde.
- Eat the Rich: The GameStop Saga.
- Inheritance.
- Inside the World's Toughest Prisons: Season 6.
- Too Hot to Handle: Brazil: Season 2.
What should I binge watch 2022 right now? ›
- The Bear (FX on Hulu) ...
- The English (Amazon) ...
- Fleishman is in Trouble (FX on Hulu) ...
- We Own This City (HBO Max) ...
- Slow Horses (Apple TV+) ...
- Pachinko (Apple TV+) ...
- Severance (Apple TV+) ...
- Somebody Somewhere (HBO Max)
- Stranger Things (Netflix), 52 billion minutes viewed.
- NCIS (Netflix), 38.1 billion.
- Cocomelon (Netflix), 37.8 billion.
- Ozark (Netflix), 31.3 billion.
- Encanto (Disney+), 27.4 billion.
- Grey's Anatomy (Netflix), 26.8 billion.
- Criminal Minds (Netflix/Hulu/Paramount+), 24.9 billion.
- Bluey (Disney+), 21.1 billion.
- “Stranger Things” Stream on Netflix on July 1.
- “The Terminal List” Stream on Amazon Prime Video on July 1.
- “Maggie” Stream on Hulu on July 6.
- “Moonhaven” ...
- “Black Bird” ...
- “Skymed” ...
- “Resident Evil” ...
- “The Rehearsal”
The biggest difference between HBO Max and HBO is what you can stream. HBO Max. Stream HBO, plus SO much more. Stream all of HBO together with a collection of classic TV favorites, even more blockbuster movies, and new Max Originals.
Is HBO Max better than HBO Max? ›HBO Max has all of HBO's content in addition to original content only on HBO Max and content from a variety of Warner properties. That means it has everything the HBO app offers in addition to a whole lot more. In fact, HBO Max has more than twice as much content as the HBO app.