HBO Max continues to dominate streaming with its lineup of acclaimed series, as highlighted in recent rankings from TVLine and CNET. Top picks include timeless classics like The Sopranos and modern hits such as The Pitt, which recently won best drama at the Emmys. These lists emphasize HBO's blend of prestige dramas, sharp comedies, and innovative new releases available now.
Overview of Rankings
In late November 2025, TVLine published its list of the 25 best TV shows streaming on HBO Max, focusing on multi-season HBO originals ranked by quality and impact. Similarly, CNET's November update features 29 highly rated series, spotlighting recent Emmy winners and new additions. Both sources agree on HBO's strength in storytelling, with overlaps in top dramas like Succession and Game of Thrones, while highlighting fresh content amid the platform's evolving library.
Top Shows from TVLine
TVLine crowns The Sopranos as the number one series, praising David Chase's groundbreaking mob drama that aired from 1997 to 2007. James Gandolfini stars as Tony Soprano, a New Jersey boss balancing family and crime, with Edie Falco as his wife Carmela and Lorraine Bracco as his therapist. The list also ranks The Wire at number three for its unflinching look at Baltimore's institutions, created by David Simon, featuring Dominic West as detective Jimmy McNulty and Idris Elba as Stringer Bell.
Succession, at number four, satirizes the Roy family's media empire battles, led by Brian Cox as Logan Roy and his children played by Jeremy Strong, Kieran Culkin, and Sarah Snook. Game of Thrones, number five, adapts George R.R. Martin's novels, chronicling Westeros' power struggles with Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen and Kit Harington as Jon Snow, despite its controversial finale.
Highlights from CNET
CNET emphasizes The Pitt as a standout 2025 medical drama, created by R. Scott Gemmill and starring Noah Wyle as Dr. Michael Robinavitch in a real-time depiction of a Pittsburgh ER shift. It recently won best drama at the Emmys, drawing comparisons to ER without being a direct spin-off. The White Lotus, an anthology satire, ranks high for its resort-based mysteries, with Jennifer Coolidge's Tanya McQuoid across seasons.
Other CNET picks include The Last of Us, adapting the video game with Pedro Pascal as Joel and Bella Ramsey as Ellie in a post-apocalyptic journey, and House of the Dragon, the Game of Thrones prequel focusing on Targaryen rivalries with Emma D'Arcy as Rhaenyra and Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower.
New Releases in November
CNET notes November premieres like I Love LA, a comedy about friends navigating life in Los Angeles; Alex vs. A-Rod, a docuseries on Alex Rodriguez's career; and The Seduction, a French drama exploring women's freedoms. These additions complement HBO Max's robust catalog, ensuring fresh options for viewers.
Both lists underscore HBO Max's appeal for binge-worthy content, from historical epics to contemporary satires, with no major contradictions—recent shows like The Pitt gain prominence for their awards and realism.