HBO and HBO Max shows and documentaries to stream
When we’re looking for a new show to binge-watch, one that pushes the envelope, offers unconventional and controversial storylines or boasts exceptional production quality, not to mention the A-list celebrities we love, we just know HBO will deliver the goods.
These are the highly rated, keenly anticipated and eagerly binge-watched HBO and HBO Max series and documentaries available on Showmax.
Plus, we’ve curated five HBO and HBO Max Collection just for you.
The Last of Us S1-2
Joel and Ellie, a pair connected through the harshness of the world they live in, are forced to endure brutal circumstances and ruthless killers on a trek across post-pandemic America.
The Golden Boy: Oscar De La Hoya (2023)
This explosive two-part sports documentary peels back the layers of this celebrated yet complicated figure.
Being Mary Tyler Moore (2023)
This intriguing documentary, with unprecedented access to the Mary Tyler Moore’s estate, friends and family, creates a mosaic of Mary’s 60-year career in show business.
Stevie Van Zandt: Disciple (2024)
Stevie Van Zandt, New Jersey’s most famous right-hand-man to Bruce Springsteen, takes centre stage. This documentary traces Van Zandt’s career with never-before-seen footage.
It’s Florida, Man S1
This outrageous HBO comedy is a love letter to the beaches, backwaters and people of a misunderstood yet magical American state.
The White Lotus S1-3
Follow the outrageous exploits of the employees and guests of an exclusive resort in this buzz-worthy HBO comedy drama.
The Franchise S1
A satirical comedy series about a crew of a rejected and unloved franchise movie who are fighting for their place in a savage and unruly cinematic universe.
Somebody Somewhere S1-3
Binge-watch the final season of this semi-autobiographical HBO dramedy about Sam, who finds an unlikely community in her small home town after the death of her sister.
My Brilliant Friend S4
This gorgeous HBO series recounts a 60-year friendship between two women, which began in 1950s Naples, based on the bestselling novels.
Dune: Prophecy S1
Power lies in the shadows in this HBO sci-fi epic set 10 000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides, following the creators of the female order, the Bene Gesserit.
Brandy Hellville & The Cult of Fast Fashion
This documentary uncovers the toxic origins and culture of Brandy Melville and the global ramifications of mass-produced clothing.
The Penguin S1
Based on the DC Comics character, Penguin, this limited series explores the transformation of Oswald Cobblepot (Colin Farrell) from a disfigured nobody to a noted Gotham gangster.
Chernobyl: The Lost Tapes (2022)
From Emmy-winning director James Jones, this gripping documentary tells the story of the Chernobyl disaster through newly discovered archive footage and witness accounts.
It’s a Sin S1
The lives of five friends in London in 1981 are tested as they grow up in the shadow of the Aids pandemic.
Random Acts of Flyness S2
Artist, musician and filmmaker Terence Nance explores the metaphysics of Black life through avant-garde storytelling.
Fantasmas S1
Julio Torres spins a fantastical tale of losing a gold oyster earring. In his search to find the earring, he encounters offbeat characters in comedic vignettes set in a surrealist, alternate version of New York.
The Girls on the Bus S1
Four female journalists follow every move of a parade of flawed presidential candidates, discovering friendship, love and a dangerous scandal.
Industry S1-3
Young bankers and traders in the UK banking world make their way in the financial world in the aftermath of the 2008 collapse.
Edge of the Earth S1
Four groups of extreme athletes embark on four never-before-accomplished missions, including big wave surfing on Africa’s west coast.
The Sympathizer S1
The Sympathizer follows a communist spy who finds that his spying days aren’t over when he ends up in Los Angeles as a refugee at the end of the Vietnam War.
Looking for movies?
Boy Kills World and 5 more deliciously deadly action flicks
Looking for some blood-soaked action, gun-fu, laughs and hit-the-replay fight scenes? We’ve got you. Come try Boy Kills World and 5 more films that are just killing it!
An easy guide to 10 alien invasions
From Teacup’s Assassins and Harbingers, to A Quiet Place’s Death Angels, we break down what to expect when aliens take an interplanetary holiday to raise hell on Earth.
10 inspiring villain origin stories on Showmax
If you want to become a superhero just get bitten by a spider or find some tacky magic jewellery, loser! If you want to become a villain, though, that takes hard work – just ask Knull in Venom: The Last Dance.
The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, plus 10 real-life revolutionaries
Discover the origins of The Hunger Games in The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, and then stream 10 more shows and movies about real-life revolutionaries.
7 iconic Gen Z characters in series and movies on Showmax
Documentary series The Habits of Gen Z asks defining questions about South Africa’s youth. So we’ve turned to 7 series and movies to place Gen Z in a global context.
Showmax and Joburg Film Festival support emerging filmmakers
7 films from the first-time director slate will have their world premieres at this year’s Joburg Film Festival, from 11-16 March 2025, before streaming on Showmax from April.
11 Galentine’s Day movies
Love? Whatever. Friends forever! Gather your girl gang and get ready to celebrate the people who’ll be in your corner for the rest of your life with these 11 movies.
Night Swim and 10 more hot, wet horror movies
Done with summer? Sick of all-day splashing, screeching and sunshine? Put down the sunblock and step indoors for our Bummer Summer movie special, starting with Night Swim.
Shows and movies for adults only
The White Lotus S1-3
Follow the outrageous exploits of the employees and guests of an exclusive resort in this buzz-worthy HBO comedy drama.
Fellow Travelers S1
Follow the decades-long chronicle of the risky, volatile and steamy relationship between the charismatic and ambitious Hawk and the pious and idealistic Tim, who fall in love at the height of the 1950s Lavender Scare.
And Just Like That S2
Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis and Nicole Ari Parker reprise their iconic roles in this mini-series about their new chapter.
After Ever Happy (2022)
A shocking truth about Tessa and Hardin’s families emerges, leading them to realise they are more similar than they ever thought.
Swap the chill for a long, hot summer with Love Island UK on Showmax
Get ready for a sizzling summer adventure with Love Island Season 10, coming first to Showmax from the UK, hosted by Maya Jama.
Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye on his role in The Idol
The co-creator, exec producer, writer and actor playing the role of Tedros in HBO’s The Idol tells us about how his real life inspired the controversial show.
Lily-Rose Depp on her breakout role on The Idol, IMDb’s most popular show globally
Lily-Rose Depp discusses her breakthrough role on The Idol, the controversial drama series, now streaming on Showmax.
The creator of Euphoria on his even more controversial new show: The Idol
Emmy-nominated Euphoria creator-director Sam Levinson talks about his new HBO Original series The Idol, now coming express to Showmax.
The most binge-worthy series
Crime Scene Kitchen S2
Joel McHale hosts this outrageous culinary guessing game where bakers must decode what type of dessert was made when all that’s left are the crumbs, flour trails, and a few elusive clues.
Power Book III: Raising Kanan S1-4
Teenaged Kanan Stark works to join the family drug business in Queens in the prequel series to the hit show Power.
Where to watch The Real Housewives franchise online
Showmax is the home of The Real Housewives, giving an inside look at the lives of these glam women from Durban, Abuja, Lagos, Joburg, Nairobi and more. Plus, go on vacation with The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip!
The Cleaning Lady S1-4
Cambodian doctor Thony becomes a cleaning lady for an organised crime syndicate in the US to keep her ill son alive in this fan-favourite series.