May 2025 is shaping up to be a pretty packed month for new series, movies, and special events on HBO Max. There’s a lot to look forward to—standout picks include fresh seasons of “Conan O’Brien Must Go” and “100 Foot Wave,” plus buzzy newcomers like Jesse Armstrong’s “Mountainhead” and the Oscar-winning “The Brutalist” finally landing on Max.
HBO Max is mixing it up with original series, exclusive films, and a solid batch of all-time favorites in May 2025, so subscribers have more than enough excuses to dive in. The lineup’s got a little bit of everything: comedies, dramas, and even a few spooky classics sneaking back into the catalog. It’s honestly a great month to poke around and see what’s new—maybe even plan a mini binge.
If you want the nitty-gritty on what’s dropping this month, just keep scrolling. We’ve rounded up the fresh premieres, exclusive movies, and special events you might want to add to your queue. There’s a lot you probably don’t want to miss.
Top Picks for May 2025
May 2025 is shaping up to be a month of quality over quantity for HBO and Max subscribers. While there aren’t a ton of major tentpole releases, the lineup is packed with standout shows, award-winning films, returning favorites, and some fascinating originals. Whether you’re a fan of gripping crime thrillers, heartfelt documentaries, or classic movie marathons, there’s plenty to look forward to as the calendar flips over. Here’s a full breakdown of what’s coming to HBO and Max this month.
Conan O’Brien Must Go Season 2 (May 8)
Conan O’Brien is back — and this time, he’s got even more passport stamps to collect. Conan O’Brien Must Go returns for its second season, bringing O’Brien’s hilarious, unpredictable brand of travel comedy to New Zealand, Austria, and Spain.
Inspired by his podcast “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend” and his classic “Conan Without Borders” specials, this new season sees Conan meeting fans he connected with online, often resulting in awkward, laugh-out-loud moments. With Max’s bigger budget giving him even more room for mischief, expect wild adventures, spontaneous bits, and Conan’s trademark offbeat charm.
Duster Season 1 (May 15)
J.J. Abrams shifts gears from his sci-fi roots to deliver Duster, a gritty 1970s-set crime thriller. Co-created with LaToya Morgan, the series stars Rachel Hilson as the first Black female FBI agent, who teams up with a rebellious getaway driver (Josh Holloway, reuniting with Abrams after Lost) to bring down a crime syndicate operating in the American Southwest.
With muscle cars, slick heists, and classic ’70s style, Duster promises a pulpy, character-driven ride. Early buzz suggests a layered, twisty story with the kind of stylish grit fans of shows like Justified or Breaking Bad will appreciate.
The Brutalist (May 16)
Fresh off a massive Oscar sweep earlier this year, The Brutalist makes its streaming debut on Max. Directed by Brady Corbet and starring Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, and Alessandro Nivola, this epic drama follows László Tóth, a Holocaust survivor trying to rebuild his life — and redefine American architecture — after WWII.
With a nearly three-and-a-half-hour runtime, the film is a slow-burn meditation on ambition, loss, and the immigrant experience in postwar America. The Brutalist won Best Original Score, Best Cinematography, and earned Brody his second Academy Award for Best Actor. If you missed it in theaters, now’s your chance to experience one of 2025’s most talked-about films.
Pee-wee as Himself (May 23)
In this heartfelt two-part HBO documentary, Paul Reubens — the beloved creator of Pee-wee Herman — gets the tribute he deserves. Featuring over 40 hours of interviews recorded before his death in 2023, Pee-wee as Himself explores Reubens’ legacy, struggles with fame, and the complicated humanity behind his larger-than-life character.
It’s an intimate portrait that offers longtime fans a deeper understanding of the man who made Saturday mornings magical.
Mountainhead (May 31)
Jesse Armstrong, the brilliant mind behind Succession, makes his directorial debut with Mountainhead, a satirical feature film about tech billionaires retreating to a snowy alpine resort during a global catastrophe. Starring Steve Carell, Ramy Youssef, and Jason Schwartzman, the film promises biting commentary on power, wealth, and digital disinformation in a post-social media world.
Given Armstrong’s reputation for sharp, darkly comic storytelling, Mountainhead could easily become one of Max’s most buzzworthy releases of the year.
Everything New on HBO and Max in May 2025
Here’s the full list of movies, shows, and specials arriving throughout the month:
May 1
- 100 Foot Wave Season 3 (HBO Original)
- Enter the Dragon (1973)
- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
- The Goonies (1985)
- The Shining (1980)
- The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
- Madagascar Trilogy (2005–2012)
- Funny People (2009)
- Chronicle and Chronicle: Director’s Cut (2012)
- We Bought a Zoo (2011)
- Over 40 classic westerns and musicals from the 1940s–1950s, including Tall in the Saddle (1944) and Wichita (1955)
May 2
- Adult Best Friends (2024)
- Malditos Season 1 (Max Original)
- Teen Titans Go! Season 9A
May 3
- Ready Player One (2018)
May 6–7
- Fareed Zakaria: The War on Government (CNN Special)
- The Playboy Murders Season 3 (ID)
May 8
- Conan O’Brien Must Go Season 2 (Max Original)
May 9
- Bloody Trophy (Max Original)
- The Whale (2022)
May 11–14
- Where the Crawdads Sing (2022)
- Betting on Paradise (HGTV)
- Cutthroat Kitchen: Knives Out (Food Network)
May 15
- Duster Season 1 (Max Original)
- United States of Scandal with Jake Tapper Season 2 (CNN Original)
May 16
- The Brutalist (A24)
May 17–20
- Bugs Bunny Builders Season 2E (Cartoon Network)
- Kong: Skull Island (2017)
May 21–23
- Homicide Hunter: American Detective Season 5 (ID)
- Pee-wee as Himself (HBO Original Documentary)
May 25–29
- Say Yes To The Dress With Tan France Season 1 (TLC)
- And Just Like That… Season 3 (Max Original)
May 31
- Mountainhead (HBO Original)
B/R Sports Schedule and More
Sports fans can also catch continued coverage from B/R Sports on Max, which will feature NBA Playoffs action, UEFA Champions League semifinals, and live events throughout May.
All Elite Wrestling (AEW)
MAY 3
AEW Collision, 8 p.m.
MAY 4
Double or Nothing (2021)
MAY 7
AEW Dynamite, 8 p.m.
MAY 8
AEW Collision, 8 p.m.
MAY 11
Double or Nothing (2022)
MAY 14
AEW Dynamite, 8 p.m.
MAY 16
AEW Dynamite archives (summer/fall 2020)
All Out (2020)
Full Gear (2020)
MAY 17
AEW Collision, 8 p.m.
MAY 18
Double or Nothing (2023)
MAY 21
AEW Dynamite, 8 p.m.
MAY 22
AEW Collision, 8 p.m.
AEW Collision, Countdown to Double or Nothing 2025, 10 p.m.
MAY 28
AEW Dynamite, 8 p.m.
MAY 31
AEW Collision, 11:30 p.m.
NBA Playoffs
MAY 1
Playoff Doubleheader, TBA
MAY 3
Playoffs – 1st Round, TBA
MAY 4
Playoffs – 1st Round, TBA
MAY 5
Playoff Doubleheader, TBA
MAY 6
Playoff Doubleheader, TBA
MAY 7
Playoff Doubleheader, TBA
MAY 11
Playoff Single Game, TBA
MAY 12
Playoff Doubleheader, TBA
MAY 13
Playoff Doubleheader, TBA
MAY 14
Playoff Doubleheader, TBA
MAY 18
Playoffs – 2nd Round, TBA
MAY 19
Playoffs – 2nd Round, TBA
MAY 21
Eastern Conf. Finals Game #1, TBA
MAY 23
Eastern Conf. Finals Game #2, TBA
MAY 25
Eastern Conf. Finals Game #3, TBA
MAY 27
Eastern Conf. Finals Game #4, TBA
MAY 29
Eastern Conf. Finals Game #5, TBA
MAY 31
Eastern Conf. Finals Game #6, TBA
NHL Playoffs
MAY 1
Playoff Doubleheader, TBA
MAY 2
Playoffs, TBA
MAY 4
Playoffs – 1st Round, TBA
MAY 8
Playoff Doubleheader, TBA
MAY 9
Playoff Doubleheader, TBA
MAY 10
Playoff Doubleheader, TBA
MAY 11
Playoff Doubleheader, TBA
MAY 15
Playoff Doubleheader, TBA
MAY 16
Playoff Doubleheader, TBA
MAY 18
Playoffs – 1st Round, TBA
MAY 22
Conference Finals, TBA
MAY 24
Conference Finals, TBA
MAY 26
Conference Finals, TBA
MAY 28
Conference Finals, TBA
MAY 30
Conference Finals, TBA
MLB
MAY 6
San Diego Padres vs New York Yankees, 7 p.m.
MAY 13
Boston Red Sox vs Detroit Tigers, 6:30 p.m.
MAY 20
New York Mets vs Boston Red Sox, 6:30 p.m.
MAY 27
Atlanta Braves vs Philadelphia Phillies, 6:30 p.m.
NASCAR
MAY 4
Wurth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY, 3:30 p.m.
MAY 11
AdventHealth 400, 3 p.m.
MAY 18
NASCAR All-Star Open, 5:30 p.m.
NASCAR All-Star Race, 8 p.m.
MAY 25
Coca-Cola 600, 6 p.m.
U.S. Soccer
MAY 31
USWNT vs China, 5:30 p.m.
Roland Garros
MAY 19
Practice, 1 – 7 p.m.
Qualifying, from 10 a.m.
MAY 20
Practice, 1 – 7 p.m.
Qualifying, from 10 a.m.
MAY 21
Practice, 1 – 7 p.m.
Qualifying, from 10 a.m.
MAY 22
Practice, 1 – 7 p.m.
Qualifying, from 10 a.m.
MAY 23
Practice, 1 – 7 p.m.
Qualifying, from 10 a.m.
MAY 25
1st Round, from 11 a.m.
MAY 26
1st Round, from 11 a.m.
MAY 27
1st Round, from 11 a.m.
MAY 28
2nd Round, from 11 a.m.
MAY 29
2nd Round, from 11 a.m.
MAY 30
3rd Round, from 11 a.m.
MAY 31
3rd Round, from 11 a.m.
*Live Sports are available on select plans
Key Takeaways
- May 2025 brings some big TV premieres and exclusive films.
- Original series and special events keep things interesting.
- Tons of new and returning titles for subscribers to check out.
Major TV Premieres on HBO Max in May 2025
Even without a jam-packed blockbuster calendar, Max’s May 2025 lineup offers a diverse mix of prestige dramas, hilarious unscripted content, thoughtful documentaries, and classic films. Whether you’re tuning in for Conan’s wild adventures, Abrams’ stylish crime saga, or Brody’s towering performance in The Brutalist, there’s something for every kind of viewer to enjoy this month on HBO and Max.
HBO Max’s slate for May 2025 is stacked with much-anticipated TV shows—think drama, adventure, and some award-winning comedy. Fan favorites are back, but there’s also a handful of brand-new series and seasons from familiar faces.
The Last of Us Season 2
The Last of Us Season 2 is finally here, and yeah, expectations are sky-high after that first season. Still set in a world gone sideways, Joel (Pedro Pascal) is back, and this time we’re meeting some major new faces: Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) and Dina (Isabela Merced) join the chaos.
This season pulls from the video game sequel, so you can count on the drama and emotional gut-punches to get even heavier. Relationships get messier, the risks are bigger, and, honestly, things aren’t getting any easier for the survivors.
They filmed across a bunch of locations to keep things feeling real, and the writing team has stuck around from last season—so the tone and depth fans loved should still be there.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
Brand new to HBO Max, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms opens up more of Westeros. This one’s all about Dunk and Egg—a century before Game of Thrones. You’ve got Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire Egg, who, fun fact, eventually becomes King Aegon V Targaryen.
It’s got a mix of adventure and political scheming, straight from George R.R. Martin’s novellas. If you’re into epic fantasy or just want more of that world, it’s definitely worth a shot.
The sets and costumes look incredible, and early word is the casting’s spot-on. This show aims to carve out its own space while giving longtime fans some fresh history leading up to the main Game of Thrones saga.
Hacks Season 4
The Emmy-winning Hacks is back for season 4. Jean Smart returns as the razor-sharp Deborah Vance. After season 3’s curveballs, these new episodes dig into Deborah’s fight to stay relevant in a comedy world that just won’t sit still.
Expect more of the show’s signature clever writing, snappy banter, and those surprisingly heartfelt moments. The dynamic between Deborah and Ava keeps evolving, making it both funny and a little raw at times.
If you’re into smart comedy, Hacks is still one of the best things on HBO Max. And with new guest stars and some rumored cameos, it’s bound to stay fresh (and maybe a little unpredictable).
Returning Hit Series
May’s also bringing back a bunch of HBO Originals that people can’t stop talking about. The White Lotus returns with more sharp satire and that signature awkward tension.
The Gilded Age is also back, so if you’re into high society drama in old New York, there’s more to dig into. Fans of dark comedy, don’t worry—The Righteous Gemstones is dropping a new season, still following that gloriously dysfunctional televangelist family.
Plus, And Just Like That…, the Sex and the City follow-up, is back with more friendship and romance in NYC. All these returning shows just add to HBO Max’s streaming buffet for May.
New and Exclusive Films Debuting in May 2025
HBO Max has some big movies lined up for May 2025—think major premieres, an exclusive with Robert De Niro, and a handful of comedies. There are also documentaries and original specials in the mix, so it’s not just the usual blockbusters.
Blockbuster Movie Premieres
This month, Max is rolling out a solid mix of classics and new releases. You’ll get to stream heavy-hitters like The Silence of the Lambs, Enter the Dragon, and The Princess Bride. Not a bad lineup if you’re looking to revisit some favorites or finally catch up on what you missed.
There’s also the Oscar-winning The Brutalist, which has been getting a lot of buzz for its story and performances. Animation fans, all three Madagascar movies are landing on Max too. And if you’re after something newer, Adult Best Friends and Malditos are joining the lineup. For the full rundown, check out Newsweek’s list.
Spotlight on The Pitt
One of the big draws this month is The Pitt, a Max Original starring Robert De Niro. This one’s supposed to be a drama with plenty of intrigue, and De Niro’s, well, De Niro—so expectations are high.
Word is, The Pitt dives into tangled relationships set against a gritty city backdrop. The details are still pretty hush-hush, which, honestly, just makes people more curious. It’s being hyped as one of Max’s must-watch titles for May, so keep an eye out.
Comedy Features and Specials
Comedy fans have a lot to look forward to, too. Conan O’Brien Must Go is back—this travel comedy docu-series follows Conan as he bounces around the globe, doing his usual thing (awkward charm and all).
Other new movies and specials are mixing it up, with a blend of up-and-coming and well-known comedians. Babygirl and Y2K both tap into coming-of-age stories and a bit of nostalgia, so they could be fun for just about anyone. Plus, there are new documentaries with a lighter touch, rounding out a strong month for laughs on HBO Max. You can get more details at TechRadar.
Upcoming Original Series and Special Events
May 2025’s also got a bunch of new original series, returning favorites, and docuseries landing on Max. There’s a real mix—dramas, action-adventures, and documentaries that dig into pop culture and real-world issues.
Highly Anticipated Debuts
Several big premieres are on the way. Duster stands out—a gritty crime drama set in the 1970s Southwest. If you want action and a cool period vibe, this one’s got potential.
Creature Commandos is expanding the DC Universe on Max, bringing some animated superhero weirdness with a team of monster-like heroes. Peacemaker is also back, mixing comic book action with that offbeat humor fans love.
Horror fans, It: Welcome to Derry is finally here, exploring the creepy past of Derry and giving us more of Pennywise’s backstory. Not sure I’m ready for more clowns, but here we go.
On the drama side, The Studio takes you behind the scenes of Hollywood, while The Four Seasons is a new ensemble series all about relationships as times change. Your Friends and Neighbors promises a sharp look at modern friendships—maybe a little too real?
Documentaries and Docuseries
Max is also dropping some timely documentaries meant to get people talking. The docuseries Doc follows several real-life doctors, diving into medical challenges and the messy, ethical stuff that comes with the territory.
Another one worth mentioning: Twitter: Breaking the Bird, which unpacks the chaos around Twitter’s recent changes—free speech, privacy, all that. It’s probably going to spark some debate.
There are also new episodes of ongoing docuseries covering everything from celebrity culture to tech and world affairs. If you’re into deep dives, these should scratch that itch. For the latest, check out the up-to-date Max lineup for May’s documentary drops.
Other Notable Titles and Streaming Highlights
There are a handful of buzzy titles coming to Max in May 2025, including returning favorites and some interesting crossovers. Whether you’re after something new or just want to rewatch an old favorite, there’s a lot in the mix.
Cross-Platform Releases and Returning Favorites
This month, Max is picking up a few shows and movies that have already made waves on other services. If you’re into dark crime or suspense, you’ll spot titles like Dark Winds and even a Suits spinoff joining the party. That means even more new episodes and full seasons, right alongside HBO’s originals.
Movie-wise, classics like The Princess Bride, The Goonies, and the whole Madagascar series are coming in—perfect for families or anyone needing a nostalgia fix. Limited series like Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light and new projects starring Young Mazino are also on the list, showing Max isn’t afraid to mix things up.
If you’re someone who bounces between Netflix, Hulu, or Prime Video, a lot of these will look familiar, but Max is bringing them all together in one spot. Not a bad time to be a streamer, honestly.
Special Collaborations and Guest Appearances
May’s shaping up to be a big month for unique partnerships and some pretty surprising celebrity guest spots. For instance, Young Mazino’s joining the mix this season, and honestly, he’s bringing a whole new vibe to those dramatic roles. Projects like Task, The Residence, and Country are stacking their casts with familiar faces popping in for guest appearances—naturally, that’s got fans (and critics) buzzing.
There’s also this interesting thing happening between Max and other big players like Showtime and Amazon Prime. We’re seeing crossovers—sometimes it’s an episode, sometimes a character hopping over to a different platform. Limited series such as American Primeval and new docuseries like Celtics City are really leaning into these collaborations, which just makes the stories feel bigger, somehow.
Then you’ve got the up-and-coming stuff, like Zero Day and whatever The Chair Company is cooking up next. There are special cameos sprinkled in and those “event television” moments that get everyone talking. Basically, there’s no shortage of reasons to check out Max, even if you’re loyal to other platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Max is rolling out a bunch of new shows, movies, and documentaries in May 2025. Some originals are dropping, a few old favorites are coming back, and—heads up—a handful of titles will be leaving by the end of the month.
What are the new series premiering on HBO Max in May 2025?
Probably the biggest splash is “Mountainhead,” a brand new film from Jesse Armstrong (yeah, the “Succession” guy). Other shows getting fresh seasons include “100 Foot Wave” (Season 3), “Conan O’Brien Must Go,” and “And Just Like That…” If you want the full breakdown, you can find it all in this comprehensive list of what’s new on Max in May 2025.
Which movies will be added to HBO Max’s library in May 2025?
It’s a mix—some recent flicks and a few older ones are joining the lineup. A few standouts: “A Haunted House,” “A Haunted House 2,” “A Private War,” and “Ready Player One.” There’s a more complete rundown if you want to dig deeper: list of new movies on Max for May 2025.
Are any HBO Max originals debuting in May 2025?
Yep! May’s bringing in new HBO Max originals, like the latest season of “100 Foot Wave” (that one’s an HBO Original), plus “Mountainhead” as a brand new film. There’s more Max-exclusive content coming too, so if you’re into originals, you’ll have some fresh stuff to binge.
What content is leaving HBO Max in May 2025?
A handful of titles are on their way out in May. If there’s something you’ve been meaning to watch, better move it up your queue. For the full list of what’s leaving, check out the community discussion on departures in May 2025.
How can subscribers access HBO Max exclusive content in May 2025?
Just log into the Max app or website on whatever device you like. All the exclusives and new releases should pop up right on the homepage or under their own categories. Of course, you’ll need an active subscription—no way around that.
What are the featured documentaries coming to HBO Max in May 2025?
May’s shaping up to be a pretty interesting month for documentary specials. One highlight? “100 Foot Wave” (Season 3) is back, diving into the wild world of big wave surfers—seriously, it’s intense stuff. There’s a good chance more nonfiction picks will pop up as the month goes on, since schedules tend to shift around a bit. Usually, these documentaries show up right on their announced release days, but hey, sometimes there’s a surprise or two.
