Here Are the Best TV Shows to Stream this Weekend on HBO Max, Including ‘Until I Destroy My Husband’s Family’

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This weekend, Max is adding a variety of new shows, including international series, true crime documentaries, and family dramas. Several titles premiered earlier this week, and more are arriving today, Friday, October 17th – making it a great time to settle in for some binge-watching. Here’s a quick guide to each new show, with details on the plot, cast, creators, and release date to help you plan what to watch. All information is based on this week’s new releases.

‘True Beauty’ (2024)

True Beauty is a popular series based on the webtoon of the same name. It tells the story of Lim Ju-kyung, a high school student who uses makeup to transform her appearance while navigating the challenges of friendships, secrets, and a complicated love life. Starring Moon Ga-young, Cha Eun-woo, and Hwang In-youp, and directed by Kim Sang-hyeop with scripts by Lee Si-eun, the show combines the sweetness of high school romance with important themes like self-acceptance and dealing with bullying. You can start watching it on Max beginning October 17th.

‘The Thaw’ (2022)

‘Odwilż’ (The Thaw) is a Polish crime drama following Detective Katarzyna Zawieja as she investigates a tragic case: the death of a young mother and the disappearance of her baby. Her investigation leads her through the city of Szczecin and into the workings of its local institutions. The series stars Katarzyna Wajda, Bartłomiej Kotschedoff, and Cezary Łukaszewicz. Created by Marta Szymanek and directed by Xawery Żuławski, it’s an HBO Europe production, with new episodes arriving on October 17th.

‘Vivant’ (2023)

The Japanese thriller ‘Vivant’ starts with a simple accounting error that unexpectedly throws office worker Yūsuke Nogi into a dangerous global plot. The show features a star-studded cast including Masato Sakai, Hiroshi Abe, Fumi Nikaidō, Tori Matsuzaka, Kōji Yakusho, and Kazunari Ninomiya, and is narrated by Megumi Hayashibara. Katsuo Fukuzawa and other directors helmed the episodes, with Hiroyuki Yatsu among the writers. It will be available to stream on Max starting October 17th.

‘Ignite’ (2025–)

I’m so excited about this new legal drama, ‘Ignite’! It follows Ryō Uzaki, a brand new lawyer who decided to pursue law after a personal tragedy. He’s taking on some really tough cases against powerful people, and I can’t wait to see how he handles them. The show stars Shotaro Mamiya and Moka Kamishiraishi, along with Ryoki Miyama and Tōru Nakamura. It’s eleven episodes long, and it’s not just about the courtroom – we’ll also learn about Ryō’s life and what led him here. It’s coming to Max on October 17th, and I’ve already marked my calendar!

‘Mr Mikami’s Classroom’ (2025)

Starring Tori Matsuzaka as Takashi Mikami, this TBS drama follows an elite official from the Ministry of Education who takes a job at a private high school and uncovers issues within Japan’s education system. The series was directed by Yōhei Miyazaki, Koya Shimada, and Sakura Komaki, with scripts written by Roba Shimori. Originally airing in Japan for one season during the winter, the show, which features a large cast of student actors, will be available starting Friday, October 17th.

‘Beach Cottage Chronicles’ (2022)

Magnolia Network’s ‘Beach Cottage Chronicles’ is a docuseries that showcases beautiful waterfront cottages all over the United States. Each episode takes a close look at a single property, exploring its history, how it was renovated, and its unique coastal location. Different directors and producers work on each installment, but Roxy Hunt and Tony Castle have overseen the series as executive producers. New episodes will be available starting Friday, October 17th.

‘Light of My Lion’ (2024)

The Japanese drama series centers on two brothers: Hiroto, who works at city hall, and Michito, an artist with autism. Their lives are disrupted when a young boy known only as “Lion” enters the picture. Yuya Yagira and Ryota Bando star as the brothers, with Asuka Saitō in a supporting role. Kōji Tokuo and Yoshino Ichinohe wrote the scripts, and the series was directed by Toshio Tsuboi, Takahiro Aoyama, and Izumi Masahide. It will begin streaming on Max on Friday, October 17th.

‘Who Saw the Peacock Dance in the Jungle?’ (2025)

I just finished watching ‘The Murders of Santa Maria,’ and it’s a compelling new series hitting Max on October 17th. It’s based on a Japanese manga and centers around Komugi, who starts digging into a larger conspiracy after her father – a former police officer – is murdered on Christmas Eve. The ten-episode arc is really well-acted, with strong performances from Suzu Hirose, Kenichi Matsuyama, and Win Morisaki. What I found particularly interesting is how the mystery unfolds within the worlds of media and law enforcement – it feels very authentic and keeps you guessing. The original Japanese title is ‘Kujaku no Dansu, Dare ga Mita?’, but thankfully, you won’t need to remember that!

‘Grand Maison Tokyo’ (2019)

This cooking-focused drama stars Takuya Kimura as Natsuki Obana, a chef trying to rebuild his career after a scandal. He teams up with chef Rinko Hayami in a quest to earn three Michelin stars. The series also features Kyōka Suzuki, Yūta Tamamori, and Aki Asakura. Written by Tsutomu Kuroiwa and directed by Ayuko Tsukahara, Daisuke Yamamuro, and Takahiro Aoyama, the 11-episode show first aired in Japan and will begin streaming on Friday, October 17th.

‘Until I Destroy My Husband’s Family’ (2024)

This intense drama follows Minori as she seeks revenge on her husband’s mistress. She devises a complex plan to dismantle the woman’s family, using both social tactics and the legal system. Starring Marika Matsumoto and Terunosuke Takezai, the series unfolds episode by episode, focusing on how parenting and community connections become key to Minori’s scheme. It premieres on Max on Friday, October 17th.

Tell us what you’re pressing play on first this weekend—and why—in the comments!

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2025-10-18 02:37