HBO Max has released a variety of shows since its launch, but several standout titles have failed to capture the audience’s attention they deserve. Despite critical acclaim, shows like Hacks and The Sex Lives of College Girls often fade into obscurity soon after their debut. This phenomenon is not unique to HBO Max; other streaming platforms like Netflix and Apple TV have experienced similar issues, where high-quality content gets lost among the deluge of new releases.
Hacks: A Comedy Worth Discovering
One notable example is Hacks, a comedy series that features veteran standup comedian Jean Smart as Deborah Vance, alongside Hannah Einbinder as her eager protégé, Ava Daniels. The show satirizes the entertainment industry with a clever balance of humor and heart. It has received four consecutive nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series, winning in its third season. Despite this recognition, Hacks remains underappreciated beyond its dedicated fan base.
Gremlins: A Unique Prequel
Released in May 2023, Gremlins serves as a prequel to the iconic horror-comedy films from the 1980s. The animated series retains the original’s subversive humor while appealing to a younger audience. Featuring a talented voice cast, including Ming-Na Wen and Matthew Rhys, the show expands the franchise’s lore. Despite positive reviews, Gremlins has struggled to find a larger audience, with discussions primarily focused on the potential for a third film rather than the series itself.
Full Circle: A Complex Mystery
Released in 2023, Full Circle is a mystery drama directed by Steven Soderbergh and written by Ed Solomon. The show intricately unravels the story of a botched kidnapping from multiple perspectives, featuring a strong ensemble cast that includes Claire Danes and Timothy Olyphant. While critics have praised its intricate storytelling and strong performances, Full Circle has not achieved the mainstream recognition it merits.
Pretty Little Liars: An Unexpected Reboot
When HBO Max announced a reboot of the beloved series Pretty Little Liars in 2020, many viewers were skeptical. The original series had concluded just three years earlier, and the new version promised a darker, R-rated take. Premiering in July 2022, the reboot surprised audiences with its inventive storytelling and gruesome twists. While it diverged from the campy tone of its predecessor, the series was abruptly canceled in September 2024, failing to gain the traction it deserved.
The Sex Lives of College Girls: A Fresh Perspective
Created by Mindy Kaling, The Sex Lives of College Girls premiered in 2021 and offered a refreshing take on college life. The show, which features breakout stars Renee Rapp and Amrit Kaur, humorously explores themes of sexuality and friendship. While it received praise for its boldness and humor, it has not garnered the attention that Kaling’s previous works did, despite being a standout among recent comedies.
Raised By Wolves: Ambitious Sci-Fi
Lastly, Raised By Wolves, a science fiction drama produced by Ridley Scott, stands out for its ambitious storytelling. Following two androids tasked with raising human children on a distant planet, the series delves into complex themes of faith and humanity. Despite its stunning visuals and thought-provoking narrative, Raised By Wolves has struggled to attract a broad audience, ultimately falling short of expectations given its significant production budget.
These six HBO Max shows showcase the platform’s potential for quality storytelling, each with unique narratives and strong performances. Unfortunately, they remain largely overlooked, highlighting the challenges faced by streaming services in a crowded content landscape. As viewers seek the next big hit, these hidden gems deserve a closer look and recognition for their contribution to the television landscape.
