Good shows on HBO are plentiful — even great ones aren't hard to come by. The platform has earned its prestige TV distinction, and its streaming service has the luxury of housing classic favorites like Friends alongside more recent Emmy-winning masterpieces like Succession and The White Lotus. There's a lot of excellent content to choose from: Here's our list of the best shows on HBO Max to help you get started.

For more recommendations, check out our list of the best movies on HBO, the best drama movies on HBO, and the best horror movies on HBO.

'The Way Down' (2021)

Rotten Tomatoes: 80% | IMDb: 7/10

the-way-down-poster
The Way Down
Release Date
September 30, 2021
Main Genre
Documentary
Directors
Marina Zenovich

When a cult documentary is able to amp up the tension by such small increments that the audience can find sympathy with those who found themselves in the cult, it is a masterful achievement. The Way Down does just this, beginning as a slow burn that, by the end, becomes a wild bonfire. The documentary details the acts of church leader Gwen Shamblin in Franklin, Tennesse, as she started with what seemed like an honest mission to help her community find health and faith but that ended in a murder and Shamblin's own death.

Premiering on HBO in 2021, the five-episode series achieves what many films and television shows have failed to do in the past: show an accurate portrayal of disordered eating and the manipulation and denial that accompany it. When Shamblin's church moved from Bible study to focus on her "Weigh Down Workshop," a book that detailed a diet that claimed it would bring its followers closer to God if they lost weight, the control she found over her followers was astounding. Her iron fist led to disordered eating, health issues, and an incredible amount of pressure on those who couldn't become as thin as Shamblin wanted. Executive producer and director Marina Zenovich (Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind) does a terrific job marrying that subject matter with Shamblin's harsh views on disciplining children, as well as that of her personal life and her bizarre marriage to a struggling actor. Adding a darkly ironic twist, as the tension of Shamblin's life gets higher, so does her incredibly teased hair. - Emily Cappello

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'South Side' (2019 - 2021)

Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 8.2/10

south side poster
South Side
Sitcom
Release Date
July 24, 2019
Creator
Diallo Riddle, Bashir Salahuddin, Sultan Salahuddin

Created by Bashir Salahuddin and Diallo Riddle, South Side tells the story of two best friends who have a goal to succeed as businessmen. The main characters, Simon and Kareme, played by Sulta Salahuddin (Black-ish) and Kareme Young (The Chi), respectively, recently graduated from community college and are working at a rent-to-own store. Premiering in 2019 on Comedy Central, the show ran for three seasons and also starred Chandra Russel (Sherman's Showcase), Bashir Salahuddin (Top Gun: Maverick), Quincy Young (Vitamin C), and Zuri Salahaddin (The Sound of Shadows).

With a homemade mockumentary feel, the show delivers just as many heartwarming moments as it does funny ones. The antics that our heroes get into are all in an honest attempt to make their lives better and that of their families and loved ones. The inclusion of Simon and Kareme's families creates moments of reality in their otherwise chaotic lives and leaves viewers understanding the method behind their business madness. - Emily Cappello

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'Smartless on the Road' (2023)

IMDb: 8.2/10

smartless on the road
Smartless: On the Road
Documentary
Comedy
Release Date
May 23, 2023

No one, and I mean no one, could've predicted the absolute cultural phenomenon that now is podcasts. Not too long ago, the audio format was largely made fun of for being overdone and dorky. That was, until celebrities entered the picture, including Sean Hayes (Will and Grace), Will Arnett, and Jason Bateman (both from Arrested Development). This seemingly random trio entered the podcasting world not too long ago with their show Smartless, which has now become one of the most popular comedy podcasts of all time. The premise of the show begins when one of the hosts describes the guest to the other two, who are unaware of who they'll be speaking with that day. Chaos and comedy ensues.

Now, with HBO's Smartless on the Road, fans are treated to a behind-the-scenes look into the powerhouse podcast as it tours the country on a sold-out live recording tour. With special guests like Conan O'Brien (Conan), Matt Damon (Air), Mark Cuban (Shark Tank), and Kevin Hart (Ride Along), the docuseries is consistently entertaining. - Emily Cappello

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'Mildred Pierce' (2011)

Rotten Tomatoes: 81% | IMDb: 7.6/10

mildred pierce poster
Mildred Pierce
Drama
Family
Release Date
March 27, 2011
Cast
Kate Winslet , Guy Pearce , Brian F. O'Byrne , Melissa Leo , James LeGros , Mare Winningham , Marin Ireland , Murphy Guyer

Based on the James M. Cain novel of the same name, Mildred Pierce is an HBO miniseries starring Kate Winslet (Titanic) in the titular role of Mildred, a newly divorced woman attempting to start a restaurant during the Great Depression. Mildred also has to deal with her narcissistic daughter, Veda, played by Evan Rachel Wood (Westworld), and her new love interest, Monty, played by Guy Pearce (Momento).

The show was created and directed by Todd Haynes, whose most recent film, May December, just snagged an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay. The series won two Golden Globe Awards (for the performances by Winslet and Pearce) and three Emmys, including direction by Haynes. The show also starred Brian F. O'Bryne (Million Dollar Baby), Melissa Leo (The Fighter), James Le Gros (Certain Women), Mare Winningham (Turner & Hooch), and Marin Ireland (Homeland). It was well-received by critics, including horror novelist Stephen King, who particularly praised Winslet's performance. - Emily Cappello

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'How To...With John Wilson' (2020 - 2023)

Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 8.7/10

How To…With John Wilson poster
How To…With John Wilson
Documentary
Release Date
October 23, 2020
Creator
John Wilson
Cast
John Wilson

Read Our Review

Comedian John Wilson (Diner) plays himself in this documentary series as he gives New Yorkers advice on all aspects of life. Each 25-minute episode follows Wilson as he gives new tips while also dealing with issues in his own world. Topics range from "How To Make Small Talk" to "How To Cover Your Furniture," "How To Appreciate Wine" to "How To Find a Public Restroom." Writers on the show include Wilson, Michael Korman (Nathan For You), Alice Gregory (Girls), Conner O'Malley (Palm Springs), Susan Orlean (Adaptation.), and Allie Viti (The Rehearsal). While Wilson has writers on the show, much of each episode becomes improvised by himself and his guests.

Executive produced by Nathan Fielder (The Curse), the show has the same dark, quirky humor as Fielder's other projects, including Nathan For You and The Rehearsal. While How To draws audiences in with its comedy premise, each episode brings out a deeper conversation that leaves viewers with something bigger to think about. - Emily Cappello

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'South Park' (1997 - Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 80% | IMDb: 8.7/10

South Park TV Show Poster
South Park
Comedy
Animation

Release Date
August 13, 1997
Cast
Trey Parker , Matt Stone , April Stewart , Mona Marshall

On television since 1997, South Park is a cultural phenomenon. Named by TV Guide as one of the 10 Greatest TV Cartoons of All Time, the show was created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone and is known for its profanity and often dark humor. The show has four main characters, who are all young boys: Stan, Kyle, Eric, and Kenny. Parker and Stone voice many of the characters, including the leads.

Due to its unique writing style, no episodes of the show are written before the season starts. Instead, writing for each episode begins after the last one has aired and continues for several days until it's completed and ready to air. This way, South Park is always on top of all current events, and each week's episode is something that has just happened in the world, either in pop culture or the larger news cycle. The show has now had over 300 episodes. Originally developed by Comedy Central, Max attained the streaming rights to South Park in 2020. - Emily Cappello

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'Righteous Gemstones' (2019 - Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 88% | IMDb: 8.1/10

The Righteous Gemstones TV Show Poster
The Righteous Gemstones
Comedy

Release Date
August 18, 2019
Cast
John Goodman , Danny McBride , Adam Devine , Edi Patterson , Cassidy Freeman , Tony Cavalero , Skyler Gisondo , Gregory Alan Williams

It is rare that a show is as perfectly cast as the ensemble of The Righteous Gemstones. The acting is so insanely good, in fact, that you may find yourself in disbelief that the show isn't a documentary. The show, created by Danny McBride (Pineapple Express) and executive produced and often directed by David Gordon Green (Pineapple Express), the show follows the Gemstone family, made up of father Eli Gemstone (John Goodman) and children Jesse (McBride), Kelvin (Adam DeVine), and Judy (the incomparable Edi Patterson). Also along for the wild ride is Jesse's wife Amber (Cassidy Freeman), Judy's insanely dorky and lovable husband BJ (Tim Baltz), and Kelvin's incredibly loyal friend (and love interest) Keefe (Tony Cavalero).

The Gemstones run a mega-church that was started by Eli and his late wife Aimee-Lee (singer Jennifer Nettles), with his three children constantly butting heads over who will run it once their father retires. Eli deals with an adoring community, rival mega-churches, and his own family. Each season surpasses the last, and with a fourth season in production, fans hopefully won't have to wait much longer to hear a sermon by their favorite imperfect TV family. - Emily Cappello

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'The Knick' (2014 - 2015)

Rotten Tomatoes: 92% | IMDb: 8.5/10

the-knick-poster-calling-911
The Knick
Drama
Release Date
August 8, 2014
Cast
Clive Owen , Andre Holland , Jeremy Bobb , Juliet Rylance , Michael Angarano , Cara Seymour , Eric Johnson

A Cinemax period piece, The Knick tells the story of the staff at New York's Knickerbocker Hospital in the early 1900s. The conflicts these characters face include a lack of hospital funding, racial tensions, and almost medieval medical techniques. Created by Jack Amiel (The Prince and Me) and Michael Begler (Raising Helen), the show starred André Holland (Moonlight), Clive Owen (Children of Men), Jeremy Bobb (Russian Doll), Juliet Rylance (Sinister), Eve Hewson (Robin Hood), Michael Angarano (Wild Card), Cara Seymour (American Psycho), and Eric Johnson (Vikings).

Owen's character, Dr. John Thackery, was partially inspired by William Stewart Halsted, a historical figure known for being an early believer in anesthetics. In The Knick, Dr. Thackery deals with a cocaine and opium addiction while attempting to choose his ambition towards his career over his disease. The show was a favorite among audiences and critics, running for three seasons and ending in 2015. - Emily Cappello

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'Curb Your Enthusiasm' (2000 - Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 92% | IMDb: 8.8/10

curb-your-enthusiasm
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Comedy

The life and times of Larry David and the predicaments he gets himself into with his friends and complete strangers.

Release Date
October 15, 2000

Since its premiere in October of 2000, Curb Your Enthusiasm has taken the comedy world by storm. Created by and starring Larry David, the show follows a fictionalized version of David as he goes through the world with his friends and those he has yet to meet. The series also stars Jeff Garlin (Safety Not Guaranteed), Cheryl Hines (The Ugly Truth), Susie Essman (Cop Out), and J.B. Smoove (Spider-Man: Far From Home). Other star-studded appearances include Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Seinfeld), Vince Vaughn (The Internship), Jerry Seinfeld (Seinfeld), Lou DiMaggio (NCIS), Ben Stiller (Tropic Thunder), and Mel Brooks (Spaceballs), just to name a few.

Focusing on the little things that happen in everyday life, Curb Your Enthusiasm is outlined by David and largely improvised during filming. The show has been nominated for 47 Emmy Awards, most notably its Outstanding Comedy Series nominations for 10 out of its 12 seasons. While the show didn't air from 2012 to 2016, it returned in 2017 for its ninth season and was renewed for a 12th and final season that's airing in February of 2024. - Emily Cappello

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'Boardwalk Empire' (2010 - 2014)

Rotten Tomatoes: 92% | IMDb: 8.6/10

boardwalk_empire_tv_poster_01
Boardwalk Empire
Drama
Family

An Atlantic City politician plays both sides of the law by conspiring with gangsters during the Prohibition era.

Starring Steve Buscemi (Fargo) in one of his best roles ever, Boardwalk Empire tells the story of Nucky Thompson (Buscemi), a treasurer in Atlantic City, New Jersey, who works both sides of the law during the 1920s Prohibition era. Working for the city, Nucky has relationships with the mob as well as politicians, so he is able to manipulate others in order to keep up his lavish lifestyle.

Created by Terence Winter (The Sopranos), Boardwalk Empire is an hour-long drama that ran for five seasons on HBO and was a critical success. The show also stars Kelly Macdonald (No Country For Old Men), Michael Shannon (Take Shelter), Shea Whighman (Splinter), Stephen Graham (Boiling Point), Vincent Piazza (Jersey Boys), Michael Kenneth Williams (The Wire), and Paul Sparks (House of Cards). With plenty of blurred moral lines and compelling characters, the show drew audiences in for its complexity and depiction of a complicated time in history. - Emily Cappello

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'Lovecraft County' (2020)

Rotten Tomatoes: 88% | IMDb: 7.1/10

Read Our Review

Created by Misha Green and based on the 2016 novel of the same name by Matt Ruff, Lovecraft Country is set in the 1950s and follows Atticus "Tic" Freeman (Jonathan Majors), a young African-American man and avid sci-fi fan. After receiving a letter from his missing father, Montrose (Michael K. Williams), Tic, along with his uncle George (Courtney B. Vance) and friend Letitia "Leti" Lewis (Jurnee Smollett), embarks on a road trip to find him. As they travel across the racially segregated United States, encountering both overt and supernatural racism, the group discovers that Lovecraftian horrors from the world of H.P. Lovecraft's fiction are not the only threats they face.

Even though HBO canceled the show after just one season, Lovecraft Country stands as a perfect example of what can be accomplished when one embraces the limitless potential that comes with diversity. It's not only a grand, fantastical, and pulpy horror series, but at every moment, it remains rooted in recognizable experiences and genuine emotions. Additionally, Majors delivers an outstanding performance, seamlessly blending statuesque physicality with an emotive and expressive face. His portrayal adds depth to a role that could easily veer into cartoonish fantasy. - Jessie Nguyen

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'Scenes from a Marriage' (2021)

Rotten Tomatoes: 83% | IMDb: 8.1/10

scenes from a marriage poster
Scenes From a Marriage
Drama
Release Date
September 12, 2021
Seasons
1

Scenes from a Marriage is a miniseries that originally aired in 1973 on Swedish television and gained international acclaim for its insightful exploration of the complexities of marital relationships. In 2021, an English-language adaptation of the same name was released on HBO starring Jessica Chastain and Oscar Isaac. The series follows the evolving relationship between Jonathan and Mira over several years, with the narrative divided into five episodes, each depicting crucial moments in their marriage.

While the 2021 version of Scenes From a Marriage might be seen as an unnecessary remake, the stellar performances of Chastain and Isaac elevate it to a point where it feels indispensable. The success of the show hinges on the exceptional chemistry and masterful performances of the leading couple, who flawlessly deliver poignant and charged dialogue as the marriage begins to unravel. While this isn't a novel theme to delve into, the series remains an intelligent and insightful examination of modern relationships. With potent dialogue and meticulously crafted characters, it stands as a compelling rival to Marriage Story in terms of raw emotive power and evokes shades of Closer for its painful, unspoken truths. - Jessie Nguyen

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'Six Feet Under' (2001 - 2005)

Rotten Tomatoes: 81% | IMDb: 8.7/10

six-feet-under-tv-show-poster
Six Feet Under
Drama

Release Date
June 3, 2001
Cast
Peter Krause , Michael C. Hall , Frances Conroy , Lauren Ambrose , Freddy Rodriguez , Mathew St. Patrick , Rachel Griffiths , Justina Machado
Seasons
5

Created by Alan Ball, Six Feet Under revolves around the Fisher family, who owns and operates Fisher & Sons Funeral Home in Los Angeles. The patriarch of the family, Nathaniel Fisher Sr. (Richard Jenkins), dies in a tragic accident, and his death sets the stage for the unfolding narrative. Each episode typically begins with a death, often unrelated to the Fisher family, and explores the impact of mortality on the characters' lives.

Six Feet Under boasts numerous commendable aspects, such as outstanding performances, skillful direction, and inventive storytelling that incorporates various techniques, including dream sequences and parody commercials. The characters in the show experience substantial growth and confront authentic challenges, rendering them relatable and captivating. Furthermore, despite the seemingly somber subject matter, the show effectively engenders a sense of inclusivity, enveloping viewers in a universal narrative and emotions as they navigate grief and life after the loss of loved ones. Six Feet Under also promptly establishes its comprehension of loss by depicting the distinct initial reactions of each family member. Additionally, what's remarkable about Six Feet Under is how the audience’s perception of it can shift depending on their life stage. - Jessie Nguyen

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'Chernobyl' (2019)

Rotten Tomatoes: 95% | IMDb: 9.3/10

Chernobyl HBO Poster
Chernobyl
TV-MA
Drama
History
Release Date
2019-05-00
Cast
Jared Harris , Stellan Skarsgård , Emily Watson , Paul Ritter , Sam Troughton , Con O'Neill , Adrian Rawlins , Alan Williams
Seasons
1

Read Our Review Widely regarded as one of the greatest miniseries of all time, Chernobyl unfolds at the time of the titular tragedy in April 1986 as a devastating explosion at a nuclear power station leaves thousands of lives at risk. This story takes place in the subsequent days following the disaster and looks in detail at the lives of all involved, from those caught in the tragedy and those who sought to save others.

The epitome of tension, Chernobyl is a mind-blowing, gutwrenching tale made all the more visceral because of its truth. Starring the likes of Jessie Buckley and Jared Harris, the story weaves in and out from one tearjerking scene to another, with a set of episodes that will barely give you time to catch your breath. Thanks to its awe-inspiring production design and dedication to realism, the series bagged itself a total of 10 Primetime Emmys among a plethora of other awards — a staggering feat, seeing as it is only five episodes long. - Jake Hodges

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'Telemarketers' (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes: 96% | IMDb: 7.4/10

telemarketers poster
Telemarketers
Release Date
2023-00-00
Main Genre
Documentary

Read Our Review Directed and produced by Adam Bhala Lough and Sam Lipman-Stern, this three-part documentary series follows two telemarketers as they begin to discover the ugly truth of the very industry they work in. With the company having just shut down, the duo uses their lack of consequence to dive deeper into the inner workings of the business and discover that what they once thought were charitable reasons for raising money actually hid an uncomfortable truth.

Like all good documentaries, Telemarketers weaves together its central story like a gripping crime novel, with every piece of evidence eventually coming together to reveal something sinister. However, unlike some documentaries, Telemarketers feels painfully close to home, with this story just one of many that have likely affected the lives of millions. A raw and unapologetic dive into the greed of corporate capitalism, Telemarketers is an eye-opening series that never fails to drop your jaw to the floor. - Jake Hodges

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'Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake' (2023 - Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 8.9/10

Adventure Time Fionna and Cake TV Show Poster
Adventure Time: Fionna & Cake
Animation
Action
Adventure

Fionna, her best friend Cake and the former Ice King, Simon Petrikov, embark on an adventure through the multiverse, dodging new threats and making self-discoveries along the way.

Release Date
August 31, 2023
Cast
Madeleine Martin , Roz Ryan , Rolando Davila-Beltran
Main Genre
Animation
Seasons
1

This spin-off of the hit animation series Adventure Time follows the titular Fionna (Madeleine Martin) and Cake (Roz Ryan) as they embark on a wild adventure that will take them through the multiverse to discover more about their friendship and themselves. However, what seems like a touching journey has a sinister secret hiding in the dark as an evil villain lurks, waiting to strike and remove their very beings from existence.

Adventure Time has a die-hard fanbase, so the extent to which this new series has been celebrated by them should be a testament to its success. Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake benefits from the same eye-catching animation style and dream-like storytelling as the original — only this time, it doesn’t shy away from edging towards a more complex narrative. Both Madeleine Martin and Roz Ryan bring joy and humility to their performances, helping to create a world that just has to be seen to be believed. - Jake Hodges

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'Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty' (2022 - 2023)

Rotten Tomatoes: 83% | IMDb: 8.3/10

winning time poster
Winning Time
Sports
Drama
Release Date
2022-00-00
Cast
John C. Reilly , Quincy Jones , Jason Clarke , Adrien Brody , Gaby Hoffmann
Creator
Max Borenstein, Jim Hecht

Read Our ReviewThis Primetime Emmy-nominated biographical sports drama follows the astronomical rise of the Lakers after the number 1 overall pick of Magic Johnson in the 1979 draft. Detailing their decade of dominance in the 1980s, the series documents both the highs and lows of one of the sport’s most star-studded teams, including both the on- and off-court drama that led to their triumph and eventual downfall.

Starring John C. Reilly as Jerry Buss, Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty is a life-affirming series that thrives thanks to a central story of defeating the odds. Like any good sports story, the show weaves between the perilous depths of defeat and the euphoric highs of victory, providing a rollercoaster ride through the spectrum of human emotion. Often tense and always thrilling, this series truly makes you feel like one of the team. - Jake Hodges

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'A Black Lady Sketch Show' (2019 - 2023)

Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 7.5/10

A Black Lady Sketch Show TV Show Poster
A Black Lady Sketch Show
Comedy
Release Date
August 2, 2019
Cast
Robin Thede , Gabrielle Dennis , Ashley Nicole Black , Skye Townsend
Main Genre
Comedy
Seasons
4

Read Our Review Doing exactly what it says on the tin, A Black Lady Sketch Show stars Robin Thede in her very own sketch comedy series that also features the likes of Quinta Brunson, Laci Mosley, and Ashley Nicole Black, as well as many guest stars. From women running away from an ominous fog to a surprise trip in a hot air balloon, no scenario-based stone is left unturned.

For many, sketch comedy is light-hearted entertainment, but for Robin Thede and the team behind A Black Lady Sketch Show, it is a pioneering voice for change in a comedic sub-genre long dominated by white men. Refreshingly, the entire cast shines in each of the 24 episodes, with everyone getting their moment to deliver a killer punchline or two. Intelligent, fast-paced, and always surprising, this is one of modern television’s best sketch shows. - Jake Hodges

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'Pushing Daisies' (2007)

Rotten Tomatoes: 96% | IMDb: 8.4/10

pushing daisies poster
pushing daisies
Comedy
Crime
Drama
Fantasy
Mystery
Romance
Release Date
October 3, 2007
Cast
Lee Pace , Anna Friel , Chi McBride , Kristin Chenoweth , Swoosie Kurtz , Ellen Greene , Jim Dale
Main Genre
Comedy
Seasons
2

Created by Bryan Fuller, this multi-award-winning series follows Lee Pace’s Ned, an ordinary pastry chef who holds the extraordinary ability to, with just one touch, bring people back from the dead. However, these people can only be reborn for one minute, or their existence will start to cause the deaths of others. Alongside his resurrected former lover, a PI, and an endearing waitress, the gang uses this most unique of abilities to help solve a host of quirky and mysterious murders.

A winner of seven Primetime Emmys, Pushing Daisies has a fascinating, unique premise that delivers on its promise of intriguing fun and eyebrow-raising drama. Powered by a consistent set of highly intelligent scripts, Lee Pace and the rest of the ensemble look to be having the time of their lives in each episode — a joyous feeling that certainly translates from the screen to the audience’s hearts. Fanciful, funny, and unlike anything else, it is just a shame the series ended so abruptly after just two seasons. - Jake HodgesWatch on Max