HBO Max – quick links
HBO Max: new this week
Bang My Box: The Robin Byrd Story – 1 July
Documentary. Produced by Sarah Jessica Parker, the documentary follows Robin Byrd who pioneered NYC public access with her cult sex-positive call-in show. Now the larger-than-life 70-year-old champion of free speech, queer visibility and safe sex reflects on her unique legacy and her hidden, decades-long marriage behind the scenes.
Contact – 2 July
Film (1997) Jodie Foster stars in this sci-fi mystery as a radio astronomer who discovers the existence of alien life through radio signals.
HBO Max: recent highlights
House of the Dragon Season 3 – 22 June
Series. Episodes drop weekly, same day as US. Season 3 is an eight-episode instalment based on George RR Martin’s Fire & Blood. Set 200 years before Game of Thrones, it continues the story of House Targaryen and its dynastic conflicts. The Season 3 cast includes Matt Smith, Emma D’Arcy, Olivia Cooke, Steve Toussaint, Rhys Ifans and Fabien Frankel. Watch the trailer.
The Welcome Table – 24 June
Documentary. Directed by Josh Fox (Gasland), the documentary tells the story of climate refugees across six continents, celebrating the voices and experiences of people living at the forefront of the climate crisis and displaced from their homes by climate disasters.
Featuring John Boutté, John Cameron Mitchell and celebrated New Orleans musicians, the film weaves together stories of migration and resilience through music, performance and the installation of a 1000-foot table along the New Orleans levee where communities gather in conversation, solidarity and celebration.
Life, Larry, and the Pursuit of Unhappiness – 27 June
Series. Episodes drop weekly, same day as US (7 episodes). A new sketch comedy limited series from creator Larry David and Jeff Schaffer, produced by Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground. It follows David as he becomes unexpectedly entangled in plans to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. President and Mrs Obama set out to mark the milestone by honouring America’s unique history… but then Larry David calls. The series also features select Curb Your Enthusiasm cast members and a range of guest stars. Watch the trailer.
Big Girls Wanted: Escaping Pearadise – 11 June
Series. Stream every episode, same day as US (3 episodes). In 2020, a social media-driven community known as ‘Pearadise’ began gaining attention online, positioning itself as a space for sisterhood and body positivity for plus-size women.
Based in a Las Vegas mansion and amplified through a growing digital presence, the collective quickly attracted a devoted following. As Pearadise’s profile grew, scrutiny followed. Former participants and observers began raising allegations of misconduct, including claims of harassment, control and coercive dynamics within the community.
Naked and Afraid: Global Showdown – 7 June
Series. Episodes drop weekly (10 episodes). Survivalists from all over the world – including Brazil, Australia, Mexico and the US – represent their homelands in a gruelling 40-day primitive bushcraft competition. Paired with a partner, their skills, toughness and teamwork will be tested as they compete for national pride and the largest cash prize in franchise history.
Australia is well represented, with the Aussie team of Ky Furneaux and Alexa Towersey stepping into the ultimate survival challenge. Naked And Afraid alum Matt Wright also returns to test his skills.
Dead of Winter – 5 June
Film (2025). In a remote Minnesota blizzard, a grief-stricken loner (Emma Thompson) stumbles upon a young woman held captive by a desperate, armed couple. Forced into action, she becomes an unlikely protector in a brutal fight for survival. Starring Thompson, Judy Greer and Marc Menchaca, and directed by Brian Kirk.
