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.
Julia S1-2
Without Julia Child’s 1960s television series The French Chef, the modern cooking show would not exist. This series is inspired by her extraordinary life.
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.
Endangered (2022)
An in-depth look at a year in the life of four journalists reporting inside Mexico, Brazil and the United States, three democratic nations where the view of the press is rapidly deteriorating.
The Regime S1
Kate Winslet exudes power in this captivating HBO limited series as the Chancellor of an unnamed Central European nation, unravelling behind the palace walls.
The Anarchists
A community of anarchists emigrate to Mexico to evade the powers of nations and banks. As the movement grows, the community is derailed by wealth, conflict, drugs and murder.
Albert Brooks: Defending My Life (2023)
Albert Brooks has been a major force in American comedy since the 1960s. Here, HBO explores the origins and evolution of his’ career.
House of the Dragon S1-2
Catch new episodes of House of the Dragon Season 2 every Monday on Showmax, and binge all episodes of Season 1, plus all 8 seasons of Game of Thrones.
David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived (2023)
Daniel Radcliffe’s stunt double in the Harry Potter films, David Holmes, was paralysed in the 7th movie. This documentary tells the story of friendship, endurance and adapting to one’s new normal.
The Gilded Age S1-2
From the creator of Downton Abbey, this HBO drama series is set during the social wars of New York in the late 19th Century.
Time Bomb Y2K
This HBO original documentary looks at the Y2K phenomenon as it follows the uncertainty about entering the 21st Century.
Gordita Chronicles S1
This coming-of-age comedy series chronicles the life of a Latina reporter as she looks back on her childhood as a chubby Dominican immigrant growing up with her eccentric family in 1980s Miami.
True Detective S1-4
Anthology series in which police investigations unearth the personal and professional secrets of those involved, both within and outside the law.
Looking for movies?
Dev Patel on Monkey Man and 7 martial arts must-sees
Dev Patel reveals how he gave kung fu movies an Indian twist in revenge thriller Monkey Man. And we pick a fight with 7 epic martial arts shows.
The Exorcist star Ellen Burstyn on possession
The Exorcist: Believer, the chilling sequel to the 1973 film, starring Oscar winner Ellen Burstyn and Oscar nominee Leslie Odom Jr, is now streaming on Showmax.
8 movies to match your every mood
Whether you’re feeling anxious, joyful, or a bit lonely, there’s the perfect movie waiting for you on Showmax.
Horror countdown: 31 days of Halloween
Get ready for Showmax’s epic countdown to Halloween this October. From supernatural thrills to chilling horrors, there’s something for everyone. Stream now on Showmax.
Arthur the King and 10 more dog stars to love
Find out how Arthur the King became an adventure dog and meet 10 more stars who’re making us sit up and beg for more.
From page to screen: 7 South African adaptations
In celebration of some of our most acclaimed authors, here are 7 film adaptations, either based on or inspired by their novels, currently available to stream on Showmax.
Made in South Africa
Slam dunk: 5 hoop dream movies on Showmax
Stream these fine basketball films that bring the hopes, dreams and team dynamic of the competitive and thrilling sport to life. Now streaming on Showmax.
The Blackening and more new horror movies with creepy props
The Blackening, Talk to Me, and Evil Dead Rise have captured the imagination of horror movie fans around the world with the help of three iconic props.
Shows and movies for adults only
Wyfie S1-2
An edgy, youthful and urban Afrikaans drama that follows four friends as they navigate the complicated world of university life.
Made in South Africa
7 edgy R-rated movies and series for adults only
Looking for a winter warmer? Here are seven sets of adults-only, NSFW series and movies on Showmax that’ll hit the hot button.
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.
Babylon (2022)
An ensemble cast drives this black comedy-drama set during an era of unbridled decadence and depravity in early Hollywood.
Koek S1
A despondent housewife, convinced her husband is having an affair, is inadvertently thrust into the underbelly of a crime syndicate.
Made in South Africa
Magic Mike’s Last Dance (2023)
In the final movie in the hit franchise, Mike is bartending after a setback – until he meets a wealthy socialite with a lifetime deal.
Adulting S2
Adulting follows four varsity friends on their journey to find love and success in modern-day South Africa. New episodes land on Mondays on Showmax.
Made in South Africa
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.
The most binge-worthy series
Hacks S1-3
Emmy winner Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder make an odd partnership in the acclaimed HBO dramedy Hacks, about a legendary Vegas comedian and her new writer.
Mnakwethu S1-4
Hosted by Musa Mseleku, Mnakwethu is an emotional reality show that sees married men introducing polygamy, and potential new wives, to their existing spouses.
Made in South Africa
Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard S1-2
A group of friends vacation in the historical and picturesque Martha’s Vineyard. From yacht parties to electrifying romances, fun and drama are always on the docket during this island gateway.
The Real Housewives of Miami S3
The ladies of the Sunshine State are turning up the heat and dialling up the drama this season.