The 10 Most Anticipated New HBO Series And Max Originals For 2025 And Beyond

The landscape of premium television is set for a massive overhaul in 2025 and 2026, with HBO and its streaming counterpart, Max, unveiling a slate of new series and major returning shows that promise to dominate the cultural conversation. Moving far beyond the established hits like Succession and Game of Thrones, the network is investing heavily in fresh, high-concept dramas, gritty crime thrillers, and ambitious fantasy prequels. If you're looking for the absolute latest and most current information on what to watch next, this definitive guide, updated as of December 11, 2025, breaks down the must-see originals arriving soon.

HBO continues its tradition of prestige television by bringing back powerhouse showrunners and A-list talent for a lineup that spans medical procedurals, true-crime docuseries, and the next chapter of the Westeros saga. From the reunion of the ER creative team to the highly anticipated return of the post-apocalyptic favorite, the following list details the most significant new HBO series and Max Originals that you need to mark on your calendar.

The Definitive 2025/2026 HBO Series Lineup: New Dramas and Prequels

The core of HBO’s new strategy centers on high-stakes, character-driven dramas and expanding its most valuable intellectual property. These four series represent the biggest bets the network is making on new storytelling.

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1. Task (Crime Drama)

Synopsis and Creative Team: One of the most highly anticipated new series is the crime drama Task, created, written, and executive produced by Brad Ingelsby, the mind behind the critically acclaimed limited series Mare of Easttown. This marks Ingelsby’s return to the premium cable network, promising the same level of gritty realism and deep character study as his previous work. The series is set to premiere on September 7, 2025.

Cast and Plot: The star power is immense, led by Academy Award winner Mark Ruffalo. Ruffalo plays Tom Brandis, a former priest who has transitioned into an FBI agent. The plot centers on Brandis leading a special task force to hunt down a string of violent robberies in a blue-collar Pennsylvania town. The narrative takes a personal turn when the primary suspect is revealed to be Robbie Prendergrast, a garbage collector turned thief, played by Tom Pelphrey (known for his role as Ben Davis in Ozark). The ensemble cast also includes Emilia Jones, further solidifying this as a major event for crime drama enthusiasts.

2. The Pitt (Medical Procedural Drama)

Synopsis and Creative Team: Scheduled for an early 2025 debut (January 9), The Pitt is a procedural drama set in a hectic Pittsburgh hospital. The series is a significant reunion, bringing back the creative forces behind the legendary medical drama ER. R. Scott Gemmill serves as the creator and showrunner, while John Wells and longtime ER star Noah Wyle are executive producers. This collaboration immediately gives The Pitt a pedigree for high-quality, fast-paced medical storytelling.

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Plot Details: The show promises a real-time, intense look at the challenges facing modern healthcare, mirroring the format and emotional depth that made ER a cultural phenomenon. While specific cast details outside of the creative team are still emerging, the involvement of Wyle, Wells, and Gemmill signals a return to the classic, high-stakes hospital environment that fans of the genre have been missing.

3. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (Fantasy Prequel)

Synopsis and Creative Team: The next major expansion of the Game of Thrones universe is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, a prequel series adapted from George R.R. Martin’s novella series, Tales of Dunk and Egg. The show is set approximately 100 years before the events of Game of Thrones and decades before House of the Dragon, focusing on a more grounded, intimate adventure.

Cast and Plot: The series centers on the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall, known as Dunk, a naive but courageous hedge knight, and his diminutive squire, Egg, who is secretly Prince Aegon V Targaryen. Peter Claffey has been cast as Dunk, while Dexter Sol Ansell plays Egg. The first season will follow their journey across Westeros as they navigate a less politically turbulent but still perilous realm. Danny Webb is cast as Ser Arlan of Pennytree, Dunk's mentor. The series is slated for a January 18, 2026, premiere, and is expected to capture the spirit of chivalry and adventure that was central to Martin's original novellas.

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The Return of Prestige: Anthology Series and Major Sequels

In addition to brand-new titles, HBO’s 2025-2026 slate is fortified by the return of some of the most talked-about shows in recent memory, ensuring the network maintains its grip on prestige television.

4. The Last of Us Season 2 (Post-Apocalyptic Drama)

The renewal of The Last of Us for a second season was a foregone conclusion after the first season's massive success. The series, based on the Naughty Dog video game, is one of the most anticipated returns. Season 2 will delve into the events of the second video game, introducing new characters and continuing the harrowing journey of Joel and Ellie in a world ravaged by the Cordyceps fungus. While a specific date is pending, the show is expected to be a major anchor for the late 2025/early 2026 lineup.

5. Mike White’s New Anthology Focus: The White Lotus

While the search for a completely new Mike White anthology series was inconclusive, the continuation of his current, highly successful anthology, The White Lotus, remains a massive event. The series, which has earned multiple Emmy Awards, continues to be HBO’s flagship satirical black comedy. The format of introducing new characters and a new luxury resort setting each season effectively makes it a "new series" every year. The show's ability to blend sharp social commentary with compelling mystery keeps it at the forefront of must-watch television.

6. Peacemaker Season 2 (Superhero Comedy)

The DC Universe continues to evolve, and James Gunn’s critically acclaimed superhero comedy, Peacemaker, is set for its second season. Starring John Cena as the titular anti-hero, the series is known for its blend of outrageous action, dark humor, and surprising emotional depth. Season 2 is scheduled for an August 21, 2025, premiere, continuing the story of Christopher Smith as he navigates his complicated moral compass and his eccentric team.

7. The Mortician (True Crime Documentary Series)

HBO’s commitment to high-quality documentary filmmaking continues with The Mortician, a chilling three-part series directed by Joshua Rofé. This documentary chronicles the true story of a trusted, family-owned funeral home that operated behind a façade of decency while engaging in unethical and illegal practices. The series provides an unsettling look at a Los Angeles mortuary scandal, detailing how the Lamb funeral home took advantage of grieving families at their most vulnerable. The documentary is a powerful addition to the network’s true-crime slate, showcasing the dark side of a seemingly respectable profession.

Additional New and Returning Series to Watch

The depth of the HBO and Max slate extends beyond the major headliners, with several other series and renewals confirming the network’s robust future.

• The Gilded Age Season 3: Julian Fellowes’ period drama exploring the high society of New York in the 1880s has been renewed and is set to return on June 22, 2025, continuing the rivalries between the old money and the new industrialists.
• Hard Knocks: In Season with the NFC East: Following the success of its in-season format, the sports documentary series will focus on the NFC East division for the final stretch of the 2025 NFL season, offering an all-access look at the Eagles, Cowboys, Giants, and Commanders.
• Harley Quinn Season 5: The raucous, adult animated comedy is set for its fifth season in 2025, continuing the adventures of Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy.
• Rooster: Mentioned as an upcoming comedy series, Rooster is another new title to watch for, indicating HBO’s continued investment in the comedy genre.
• Half Man: A new drama series also listed among the upcoming programming, suggesting a diverse range of genres beyond the established hits.

The 2025 and 2026 lineup for HBO and Max is one of the most ambitious in recent memory. With a mix of brand-new, high-stakes dramas like Task and The Pitt, the highly anticipated fantasy prequel A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, and the return of cultural phenomena like The Last of Us and Peacemaker, the network is reinforcing its position as the home of premium, watercooler television. These new HBO series are set to define the next era of streaming and cable dominance.