Here Are the Best TV Shows to Stream this Weekend on HBO Max, Including ‘Smiling Friends’

This weekend, streaming services are adding both new shows and bringing back popular ones. On Max, you’ll find everything from scary horror to fun cooking shows. These are some of the most talked-about titles available right now, perfect for starting a new series or getting caught up on your favorites.

‘IT: Welcome to Derry’ (2025–)

“Welcome to Derry” is a horror series that delves into the backstory of Stephen King’s famous fictional town. It’s become the most popular show this week, letting fans discover the origins of the terrifying events surrounding Pennywise. The series follows the residents of Derry as they first encounter this evil force, years before the stories we already know. With its creepy mood and thrilling plot, it delivers a movie-like experience on television.

‘Holiday Baking Championship’ (2014–)

The popular show ‘Holiday Baking Championship’ is back! Each week, talented bakers face exciting new challenges, crafting impressive holiday treats. They’ll be judged on taste and how their creations look, with themes ranging from winter scenes to classic family favorites. The show’s warm and festive spirit makes it a go-to for holiday entertainment.

Smiling Friends’ (2020–)

Smiling Friends is a funny animated series about the people at a company whose job is to make others happy. Charlie and Pim meet all sorts of strange characters as they try to fix surprisingly disturbing problems. The show is known for its unusual mix of animation styles and its weird, grown-up humor, making it a truly unique and unpredictable watch. It’s gained a lot of fans thanks to its creative visuals and storylines that aren’t afraid to be different.

‘Baylen Out Loud’ (2025–)

‘Baylen Out Loud’ is a popular new reality series that follows influencer Baylen Dupree. Each episode gives viewers a personal look at her life, showing how she grows and deals with the ups and downs of being in the public eye. The show offers a behind-the-scenes view of how she creates content and connects with the people she cares about, all while navigating the challenges of becoming famous online.

‘I Love LA’ (2025–)

“I Love LA” is a funny and dramatic new show about a group of friends trying to figure out life in Los Angeles. The series focuses on their dreams and friendships as they work in the fast-paced entertainment world. Each character deals with their own struggles, both at work and in their personal lives, as they chase success in the city. The show realistically portrays what it’s like to live and thrive in Southern California, with stories that feel authentic and relatable.

‘The Chair Company’ (2025–)

‘The Chair Company’ is a funny and suspenseful series about what happens when everyday office life takes a weird turn. After a normal workday goes wrong, one employee uncovers a series of strange events that could bring down the whole company. The show mixes tense mystery with silly humor to keep viewers hooked, focusing on the boring parts of work while adding unexpected twists and high-stakes drama.

‘Hard Knocks In Season’ (2021–)

‘Hard Knocks In Season’ is a documentary series that takes viewers behind the scenes with NFL teams as they compete throughout the regular season. The show follows players and coaches, capturing their practices and games, and revealing what it’s really like inside a professional football organization. It shows the challenges, both physical and emotional, that players face as they try to win. Ultimately, the program offers a raw and complete look at the hard work and dedication it takes to compete in professional sports.

‘Real Time with Bill Maher’ (2003–)

‘Real Time with Bill Maher’ is a popular talk show where Bill Maher discusses current events and culture each week. He invites guests with different viewpoints to debate important issues and news stories. Each show features a funny opening monologue and an in-depth interview with a well-known person. The show is famous for its honest conversations and willingness to tackle challenging topics in front of a live audience.

‘Adventure Time: Fionna & Cake’ (2023–)

‘Adventure Time Fionna & Cake’ is a fantasy cartoon that takes viewers on exciting adventures through different universes. The show features alternate versions of familiar characters – Fionna and her cat, Cake – as they travel between dimensions and try to figure out who they are. Like the original ‘Adventure Time,’ it’s full of imagination and heartfelt moments, but also tackles more complex topics. With its clever stories and bright animation, it’s a show that everyone can enjoy.

‘Tony Shalhoub Breaking Bread’ (2025–)

This week, a new show called ‘Tony Shalhoub Breaking Bread’ begins exploring different communities through the power of food and stories. The series follows Tony Shalhoub as he travels to various places, sharing meals and learning about the traditions of the people he meets. Each episode highlights how food brings people together and helps them connect across cultures. The show offers a fresh look at the actor, showcasing his passion for food and storytelling.

Share your thoughts on which of these series you plan to stream first in the comments.

Read More

2025-12-20 07:15