Unlike Disney+ (which had a massive library) and AppleTV+ (which didn’t), WarnerMedia is being awfully coy about what, exactly, will be on their new streaming service HBO MAX. So here’s what they’ve confirmed so far will be available at the May 27 launch (though even that is fuzzy). I’ve intentionally excluded every HBO movie, series and special, as that’s already part of the deal. Unfortunately, the app won’t be available on the two most popular streaming platforms: Roku and Amazon Fire. It’s also not available to Comcast cable subscribers, even if they already have HBO. Love it when corporations quibble over pennies and screw over customers.
FILMS
Top Pick
Studio Ghibli
For the first time ever, the brilliant works of Hayao Miyazaki are legally streaming in the U.S. I sadly know too few of the master’s films, so this will be a chance for me to finally check out the likes of Porco Rosso, Kiki’s Delivery Service and Princess Mononoke.
Recent Selections
The Art of Racing in the Rain
Downton Abbey
Joker
Ready or Not
Originals
On the Record
NEW SHOWS & SPECIALS
Top Picks
Love Life
While hitting it big with the Pitch Perfect franchise, Anna Kendrick hasn’t quite found a role as, ahem, pitch perfect as her Oscar-nominated turn in Up in the Air. I’m not sure if this rom-com will be it, but it sure seems to be the right choice at the moment.
The Honourable Woman
One of my the best shows of the 2010s, this unflinching limited series stars Maggie Gyllenhaal as the titular character, caught in the crosshairs of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Originals
Craftopia
Legendary
Looney Tunes Cartoons
The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo
OLD SHOWS
The Alienist (Season 1)
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (Complete Series)
Batwoman (Season 1)
The Big Bang Theory (Complete Series)
The Boondocks (Complete Series)
Doctor Who (Seasons 1-11)
Doom Patrol (Season 1)
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (Complete Series)
Friends (Complete Series)
Impractical Jokers (Seasons 1-8)
Katy Keene (Season 1)
Luther (Seasons 1-5)
Nancy Drew (Season 1)
The O.C. (Complete Series)
The Office (Complete UK Series)
Pretty Little Liars (Complete Series)
Rick and Morty (Seasons 1-3)
Robot Chicken (Seasons 1-10)
Search Party (Seasons 1-2)
Steven Universe (Complete Series)
Torchwood (Complete Series)
We Bare Bears (Seasons 1-4)