Looking for something to stream on HBO Max this week? The platform continues to deliver a mix of buzzy new series and binge-worthy classics. From the creator of Baby Reindeer comes a dark new drama, while Zendaya returns in Euphoria after a four-year hiatus. Here are five picks for the week of May 3–10.
5. Half Man — Baby Reindeer‘s Creator Returns with a Dark New Drama
Richard Gadd, the Emmy-winning Scottish actor-writer behind Netflix’s chilling stalker thriller Baby Reindeer, has brought his latest project to HBO Max. Half Man is a six-episode limited series that premiered weekly starting April 30, co-produced with BBC One and BBC Scotland.
Gadd stars as the volatile Ruben opposite Jamie Bell (Billy Elliot) as the more submissive Niall. The story unfolds largely in flashbacks, tracing their deeply co-dependent relationship from childhood — Niall, a sensitive bookworm who was bullied; Ruben, an aggressive delinquent who became Niall’s protector and, eventually, his controller. The series explores toxic masculinity, obsession, and the fine line between loyalty and possession. New episodes drop Thursdays through May 28.
4. Euphoria — Zendaya and Company Return After Four Years
Season 3 of Sam Levinson’s controversial HBO drama premiered April 12, picking up five years after high school as the characters navigate the darker realities of adulthood. Whether you’re new to Euphoria (starting from season one) or have been waiting since 2022, the show’s dreamy visual style and unflinching depictions of addiction, sexuality, and identity remain as intense as ever. The nine-time Emmy winner stars Zendaya, Hunter Schafer, Sydney Sweeney, Jacob Elordi, Alexa Demie, and the late Angus Cloud.
3. 100 Foot Wave — Big-Wave Surfing’s Most Spectacular Docuseries
Over three seasons, this Emmy-winning sports series follows big-wave legend Garrett McNamara and his quest to ride a 100-foot monster off the coast of Nazaré, Portugal — a spot he helped transform into a global big-wave mecca. We watch McNamara grapple with aging and a dwindling dream while balancing family life, alongside surfing greats like Andrew “Cotty” Cotton, Justine Dupont, Kai Lenny, and Lucas “Chumbo” Chianca. Visually stunning and emotionally gripping.
2. Common Side Effects — A Magic Cure-All Mushroom and a Big Pharma Conspiracy
From the creative mind behind Scavengers Reign comes this Adult Swim animated series (streaming next-day on HBO Max) that holds a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score. Marshall Cuso (voiced by Dave King) discovers a “Blue Angel” mushroom in the Peruvian Highlands that can cure almost anything. He tells his old friend Frances (Emily Pendergast) about his plan to share it with the world — but she works for the pharmaceutical giant determined to suppress it. Trippy, gorgeous, and packed with conspiracy, shady players, and dark humor.
1. The Green Planet — Breathtaking Time-Lapse Photography of Earth’s Most Incredible Plants
David Attenborough narrates this five-episode 2022 BBC series (also 100% on Rotten Tomatoes) filmed over three years across 27 countries. Episodes titled Tropical Worlds, Water Worlds, Seasonal Worlds, Desert Worlds, and Human Worlds showcase mind-blowing time-lapse videography: vines wrapping around structures, Venus flytraps snapping shut, mushrooms erupting overnight, helicoptering seeds spinning to the ground. A perfect weeknight watch that reminds you how alive the plant world really is.
Source: How-To Geek
