Television in 2025 continues to be a realm that infuses meaning into life’s chaos. HBO Max stands out not just for its storytelling but for its courage in tackling human nature, power dynamics, and fragile humor together. We’ve compiled 10 standout productions that left their mark on screens this year—some dystopian, some emotional, some simply clever.
- The White Lotus (Season 3)
Mike White’s award-winning series this time revolves around themes of death, faith, and purification. Set in Thailand, the new season questions whether “enlightenment” is just another privilege with characters caught between luxury and spirituality. Once again, it succeeds in discomforting viewers: no character is innocent, but all feel eerily familiar. - The Last of Us (Season 2)
Elevated by the extraordinary performances of Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, the series deepens its exploration of revenge, grief, and survival. The relationship between Ellie and Dina forms the emotional core of this season. Visually grand, narratively dark—and perhaps even bolder. - Hacks (Season 4)
Jean Smart cements her place in comedy history once more. Hacks cleverly, sharply, and sincerely depicts women’s invisible battles on stage. Deborah Vance is now a talk-show host—but behind the microphone, she’s still human, ego-driven, and walled-off. This season illuminates the fragility behind the laughter as brightly as the spotlight. - Task
From the Mare of Easttown creative team, this new police procedural unfolds in Pennsylvania’s gray streets. Mark Ruffalo is impeccable as an FBI agent burying his pain. Task breaks typical crime show molds, portraying characters not just as criminals or heroes but as people sharing similar losses. - The Rehearsal (Season 2)
Nathan Fielder’s experimental reality-fiction returns. This season evolves into a self-discovery tale from “flight anxiety” to “avoiding an autism diagnosis.” Fielder’s blend of humor and tragedy unsettles while provoking thought—perhaps some of television’s strangest, most honest moments unfold here. - Peacemaker (Season 2)
James Gunn’s redefinition of the DC universe brings humorous and political air to the superhero genre. John Cena’s anti-hero might venture into multiverses this season, but at heart, he’s still a lonely, misunderstood man. Gunn’s twisted humor and emotional tone make it a standout among comic adaptations. - The Pitt
Prepare for modern TV’s most intense medical drama. The Pitt transports the pulse of an emergency room to viewers with realistic scripting and performances. Noah Wyle’s Emmy-winning turn adds dramatic depth to the concept of “human exhaustion.” - The Mortician
Based on a true story, this documentary probes ethical boundaries in the funeral industry. David Sconce’s dark tale reveals how the afterlife is surrendered to capitalism. Cold-blooded, disturbing, yet irresistibly curious. - Duster
A retro crime story from J.J. Abrams and Josh Holloway. Set on 1970s dusty highways, the series builds a breathless atmosphere around “cars, crime, and state secrets.” Despite an early cancellation, its stylish noir narrative made it one of the year’s surprises. - Conan O’Brien Must Go (Season 2)
Television’s smartest clown returns. Conan proves humor’s universality on a route from Spain to New Zealand. Absurd, heartfelt, and quintessentially Conan—it reminds us that comedy can still heal the world.
Apartment Note:
HBO Max once again shapes TV’s future with stories that redefine it this year. Each a different universe, but sharing a vein: the thin line between fragility and resilience. Sometimes through laughter, sometimes silence.
