Best shows on HBO Max right now showcase a thrilling mix of horror, drama, and crime narratives. IT: Welcome to Derry has dominated viewership since its October 26 premiere with 5.7 million viewers in its opening weekend. December brings fresh episodes and new content that’ll keep your streaming queue packed through the holidays.
🔥 Quick Facts
- IT: Welcome to Derry premiered October 26, 2025, featuring Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise with new episodes through December 14
- The horror prequel drew the third-biggest HBO series debut in history, behind only House of the Dragon and The Last of Us
- Heated Rivalry launched November 28 with 6-episode romance series featuring NHL rivals hiding an 8-year secret relationship
- Mad Men seasons 1-7 arrived December 1, joining Harry Potter films and Atomic Blonde in December’s library additions
IT: Welcome to Derry Dominates HBO Max Horror Landscape
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The Stephen King prequel series set in 1962 Derry, Maine has become must-watch television for horror fans. The show centers on Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, and Chris Chalk as adults grappling with mysterious disappearances while child actors including Matilda Lawler portray young versions of characters from King’s It universe. Bill Skarsgård reprises his terrifying role as Pennywise, though showrunners strategically delayed the full reveal to build suspense across the season.
The series earned a 79% Rotten Tomatoes score and continues weekly on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET. Critics praise the show’s atmosphere and performances despite some mixed reactions to pacing and dialogue. Andy Muschietti, the director behind the recent It films, created this prequel that promises multiple seasons exploring different decades of Derry’s dark history.
| Show Details | Information |
| Premiere Date | October 26, 2025 |
| Episode Schedule | Weekly Sundays through December 14 |
| Season Episodes | 8 total episodes |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 79% Critics Score |
December’s Fresh Releases for Your Binge Sessions
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Heated Rivalry launched November 28 and continues its 6-episode run every Friday on HBO Max. The adapted romance series stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie as NHL rivals Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov hiding an intense 8-year relationship behind carefully manufactured on-ice beef. Episodes drop weekly with new installments through December 26, creating the perfect romantic drama counterpoint to Welcome to Derry’s horror atmosphere.
Comedy fans should mark calendars for returning favorites. Mad Men seasons 1-7 arrived December 1, marking HBO Max’s newest addition of this acclaimed drama about 1960s advertising. The classic series complements the period details of Welcome to Derry perfectly. Earlier December additions included 90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After Pillow Talk season 9 on December 1 and Fixer to Fabulous season 7 on December 3.
Best Streaming Picks Beyond Derry This Early December
Beyond the weekly releases, HBO Max’s catalog offers proven binge-worthy options. The Chair Company and I Love LA sit at the top trending charts with 100% ratings on Rotten Tomatoes. Smiling Friends continues its animated comedy run, while drama lovers can revisit classics like The Last of Us, Succession, and True Detective. December presents the perfect opportunity to catch up on series you’ve missed.
For returning series fans, Hacks season 4 had already concluded in May 2025, but the sharp comedy-drama remains available for full series binging. Peacemaker season 2 episodes continue appearing on Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET for DC Universe enthusiasts. Hard Knocks: In Season With The NFC East offers sports documentary content premiering this month for football fans seeking different viewing options beyond scripted dramas and horrors.
“The first episode was terrifying, and I loved it. Welcome to Derry is amazing.”
— Stephen King, Author and Co-Creator of Source Material
What’s Dominating the HBO Max Trending Charts in Early December?
FlixPatrol’s December 2 trending data shows IT: Welcome to Derry solidly at number one, followed by The Seduction at number 2 and Smiling Friends maintaining position 3. This snapshot reflects how thoroughly the horror series has captured viewer attention just days into December. The Seduction provides thriller content for audiences wanting psychological drama rather than supernatural horror, showing HBO Max’s diverse offerings for different taste profiles.
Strong viewership for Welcome to Derry continues building toward the finale scheduled December 14. Weekly episode drops keep conversation fresh across social media and streaming forums. The combination of established cast members with younger talent, Stephen King’s beloved source material, and top-tier production values from showrunner Andy Muschietti explains the sustained viewership momentum throughout its initial run.
Why Should You Dive Into Best Shows on HBO Max This December?
Holiday viewing season demands quality content that matches your mood, whether craving scares, romance, or classic drama. IT: Welcome to Derry delivers psychological horror with A-list production values and a complete narrative arc finishing this month. Heated Rivalry offers lighter entertainment with the ongoing appeal of forbidden romance. Mad Men provides the prestige television experience you’ve heard about for over a decade. The combination of new weekly releases plus an extensive library gives HBO Max subscribers unmatched flexibility for December binging.
Sources
- Screen Rant – Best HBO Max Shows to Binge Weekly Updates
- Rotten Tomatoes – Official TV Series Ratings and Reviews
- Cosmopolitan – IT: Welcome to Derry Schedule and Cast Information
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.