HBO Max – quick links
HBO Max: new this week
Monsters of God – 7 August
Series. Most people fear reptiles. A few are fascinated. And a handful will stop at nothing to have them. Collectors call it ‘the fever’ – the relentless drive to chase what is bigger, rarer and deadlier. That fever created a billion-dollar criminal enterprise that spanned six continents over 50 years.
Director Eric Goode (Tiger King, Chimp Crazy) follows his first love, reptiles, into the dark and gonzo underworld of exotic animal smuggling. As he digs deeper, he uncovers an empire built on obsession, filled with smugglers, collectors and the animal cops trying to stop them.
HBO Max: recent highlights
President Curtis – 27 July
Series. President Curtis follows the Commander-in-Chief and his eccentric staff as they tackle the kind of crises that Rick Sanchez could never be bothered with – from interdimensional diplomacy to paranormal investigations and unexplained phenomena.
The Housemaid – 1 August
Film (2025). The Housemaid follows a struggling woman who is happy to start over as a housemaid for an affluent, elite couple. She enters a mansion of secrets, manipulation and escalating psychological games that pull her into a dangerous relationship dynamic. The film stars Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried and Brandon Sklenar.
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe – 24 July
Series. Comic book store owner Stuart Bloom is tasked with restoring reality after he breaks a device built by Sheldon and Leonard, accidentally bringing about a multiverse Armageddon. Stuart is aided in this quest by his girlfriend Denise, geologist friend Bert and quantum physicist/all-around pain in the ass Barry Kripke.
Along the way, they meet alternate-universe versions of characters we’ve come to know and love from The Big Bang Theory. As the title implies, things don’t go well.
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.
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.
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.
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.
