With June arriving, HBO Max is unveiling its upcoming schedule, featuring several highly anticipated new seasons of popular series. At the top of the list are the third season of House of the Dragon and season 9 of Rick and Morty, both set to premiere on specific dates: June 21 for House of the Dragon and June 15 for Rick and Morty. Meanwhile, it's an ideal moment to explore some of HBO Max's lesser-known but still excellent shows that may have flown under your radar previously.
This week's selection features a mix of fresh starts and familiar favorites. A home improvement reality show is in its second season, perfect for those seeking current content. Meanwhile, three highly-regarded series have been added: one showcasing the growth of a prominent basketball franchise, another from Danny McBride's impressive portfolio, and a Canadian comedy that has won numerous awards and remains easy to enjoy.
Related ↗Broadway Awards Honor Schmigadoon! as Top Musical Winner.02Castle Impossible
›Restoration project underway at ancient French estate.
Castle Impossible stands out among home-renovation shows by tackling more than just urban or suburban fixer-uppers. The series on HGTV features married couple Daphne Reckert and Ian Figueira as they tackle the restoration of a 500-year-old château outside Paris, a project that has been made possible through Daphne's inheritance. Season two episodes are now available to stream weekly on HBO Max, offering viewers a glimpse into the challenges faced by this ambitious couple.
Restoring the ancient French estate to its former glory poses numerous challenges, including addressing leaks, mold and crumbling stonework. The expansive project encompasses 130 acres, once a favored destination for royalty such as Louis XIII, who would attend events here. Upgrades are underway, incorporating a tearoom, honeymoon suite, and library, all while preserving the family's heritage, as exemplified by Castle Impossible, an engaging documentary series following the estate's transformation.
Read next ↗Steven Spielberg's insights on fear, catharsis and humanity revealed to me.06Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty
›Lakers' Showtime era is remembered for its dramatic flair.
The Emmy-nominated series Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty made a splash when it premiered on HBO Max in 2022, boasting an impressive ensemble cast featuring Adrien Brody, Jason Segel, Jason Clarke, Quincy Isaiah and Solomon Hughes. However John C. Reilly's standout performance is what truly propels the show to greatness.
The Showtime era of the LA Lakers is vividly portrayed in a two-season, 17-episode basketball documentary series. Jerry Buss's flamboyant ownership style is at the forefront as he takes a gamble on Earvin "Magic" Johnson, a rookie phenom with immense potential. The drama unfolds through high-stakes power struggles in the boardroom, intense rivalries on and off the court, and the eccentric personalities of both players and executives. Adrien Brody's portrayal of Pat Riley is equally impressive as Clarke shines in his depiction of Jerry West, the high-strung executive. Critics and audiences alike praised Winning Time, with RT awarding it an 83% freshness rating.
10Eastbound & Down
›Former baseball star makes a raunchy return.
Danny McBride embodies an aggressively confident, loudmouthed persona like no other actor. His portrayal of Kenny Powers in Eastbound & Down predates The Righteous Gemstones and follows memorable roles in Tropic Thunder and Pineapple Express. This HBO comedy series, which aired from 2009 to 2013, revolves around a washed-up Major League baseball pitcher who returns to his North Carolina roots to plan a comeback while coaching middle-school gym classes.
Kenny's confidence as a superstar is unwavering, accompanied by his signature mullet, as he drags Stevie and April along for the ride of his self-destructive tendencies. Eastbound & Down, created by Danny McBride, Jody Hill, and Ben Best, was produced by Will Ferrell and Adam McKay, resulting in four seasons that garnered a massive cult following and solidified McBride's reputation for crafting flawed, Southern anti-heroes. The show's critical acclaim is evident with a 91% score on RT, underscoring its status as an epic comedy series.
14Schitt's Creek
›HBO Max showcases award-winning TV excellence.
Canadian comedy royalty meets clever satire in Schitt's Creek, a fan-favorite fish-out-of-water comedy that tells a delightfully straightforward story. The show revolves around the Rose family, who were accustomed to luxury but lost everything and are now forced to relocate to their small town purchase, Schitt's Creek, where they must start anew.
The characters in Schitt's Creek are undeniably its crowning glory. Forced to adapt to a humble roadside motel, Johnny Rose and his family - including his ex-soap-star wife Moira and their adult children David and Alexis - undergo a profound transformation as they shed their pretentiousness and form genuine connections with the locals. This heartwarming shift is expertly crafted by co-creators Eugene Levy and Dan Levy. Their work paid off in 2020, when Schitt's Creek made history at the Emmys, taking home all four comedy acting awards and Outstanding Comedy Series.
HBO Max welcomed all six seasons in February following the loss of beloved actor O'Hara, ensuring Moira's enduring legacy as a comedic icon. The platform boasts an impressive 93% approval rating for Schitt's Creek on Rotten Tomatoes.
›These top HBO Max shows are excellent.
HBO Max offers an extensive array of shows to cater to diverse tastes, from comedy and drama to unique settings like an old French chateau. For additional recommendations, explore the wealth of streaming guides available on 's platform.


