What to watch on HBO Max – quick links
HBO Max: new this week
People Magazine Investigates Surviving a Cult – 14 July
Series. People Magazine Investigates shines a light on three controversial groups accused of using faith, spirituality and self-discovery to exert control over their followers. Across The Secrets of the Twelve Tribes Cult, The Cult of the Soulful Journey and The University of Cosmic Intelligence Cult, the specials explore allegations of abuse, manipulation, forced labour and unwavering devotion, revealing how the promise of belonging can sometimes conceal a far darker reality.
Good Fortune – 17 July
Film (2025). In Good Fortune, a well-meaning but rather inept angel named Gabriel (Keanu Reeves) meddles in the lives of a struggling gig worker (Aziz Ansari) and a wealthy venture capitalist (Seth Rogen). Watch the trailer.
HBO Max: recently added
Magnolia – 11 July
Film (1999). Director Paul Thomas Anderson leads an all-star cast, including Tom Cruise, Julianne Moore and John C Reilly, through a story of characters whose lives interview in the San Fernando Valley.
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.
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 media 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
