When it comes to quality television, HBO has long been the gold standard. From groundbreaking dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies, the network has shaped the way we watch TV for decades. Now, with HBO Max offering an ever-expanding library, choosing what to stream can feel a bit like standing in front of an endless buffet – exciting, but slightly overwhelming. Luckily, this August brings a fresh wave of standout shows, from brand-new releases to classics worth revisiting. Whether you’re after sweeping romance, gritty thrillers, or dragons that set the sky on fire, here are ten must-watch series guaranteed to keep your evenings booked.
Outlander: Blood of my Blood
A sweeping prequel to the beloved saga, this new series whisks viewers from the trenches of the First World War to the windswept Scottish Highlands of the 18th century. Blood of my Blood explores the lives of two couples whose destinies are bound together, facing forces determined to keep them apart. With its rich storytelling, sumptuous visuals and compelling performances, it’s an unmissable watch for long-time Outlander devotees and newcomers alike.
Peacemaker
He’s brash, he’s messy, and he’s somehow endearing. Christopher Smith – better known as Peacemaker – is back, played with gleeful abandon by John Cena. Created by James Gunn, the series balances outrageous humour with bursts of chaotic action, all wrapped up in the unlikely tale of a man who’ll do anything in the name of “peace.” Season two turns the volume up on the absurd while still finding heart in its oddball characters.
The Night Of
A single night changes everything for Naz, a young man accused of a brutal murder after waking beside a dead woman. What follows is a gripping descent into the American justice system, where truth often plays second fiddle to procedure. Carried by the magnetic performances of Riz Ahmed and John Turturro, this mini-series is both haunting and razor-sharp – the sort of drama that stays with you long after the credits roll.
The 100
Imagine being a teenager sent back to Earth as a test subject, nearly a century after a nuclear apocalypse. That’s the premise of The 100, a heady mix of survival drama, science fiction, and teen rebellion. With seven seasons packed full of betrayals, alliances and shocking twists, it’s a perfect binge for anyone craving a cross between Hunger Games and Yellowjackets, set against a backdrop where every decision could mean life or death.
The Gilded Age
From the creator of Downton Abbey comes a journey into 19th-century New York’s glittering high society. Following Marian Brook as she moves in with her wealthy aunts, the show throws us into a world of ballrooms, backstabbing and endless ambition. With its sumptuous costumes, biting dialogue and cast of schemers, The Gilded Age proves that the battle for social standing can be as cutthroat as any royal court intrigue.
The Last of Us
Set two decades after civilisation crumbles, this adaptation of the hit video game tells the story of Joel and Ellie, an unlikely pair thrown together in a desperate bid to survive. With Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey leading the cast, the series blends heart-stopping tension with deeply human storytelling. Co-created by Craig Mazin, known for Chernobyl, it elevates post-apocalyptic drama into something both devastating and profoundly moving.
The Pitt
A medical drama rooted in realism, The Pitt offers a tense, unflinching look at the challenges of working in an American hospital. With a focus on staff shortages, stretched resources and the relentless pressure of the emergency room, the show feels almost documentary-like in places. Its “real-time” format keeps you hooked, making it a must for fans of ER and anyone fascinated by the frontlines of modern healthcare.
House of the Dragon
Return to Westeros, two centuries before the events of Game of Thrones, where the Targaryen dynasty rules with fire and fear. With dragons aplenty, political intrigue and family betrayals, the second season sharpens its claws, delivering spectacle and character drama in equal measure. Brutal, lavish and utterly addictive, this series proves that the House of Targaryen is every bit as compelling as the Seven Kingdoms saga that followed.
Superman & Lois
Yes, the Man of Steel can still fly – but can he handle raising two teenage sons? This series grounds Superman in Smallville, showing a different side to the caped hero: the father, the husband, the man trying to balance world-saving with parent-teacher evenings. With its blend of superhero spectacle and heartfelt family drama, Superman & Lois is both nostalgic and refreshingly new.
Chernobyl
Few shows have managed to capture the horror of real history as powerfully as this five-part mini-series. Chronicling the 1986 nuclear disaster, Chernobyl is unflinching yet deeply human, balancing the science and politics with the stories of ordinary people caught in the catastrophe. Written by Craig Mazin, the series has been hailed as one of the best dramas of recent years – a masterpiece of television that chills, enrages, and moves in equal measure.