Believe me, we know what it looks like. HBO Max is taking all the content. For us, HBO & HBO Max are not one-in-the-same, at least not yet. The WarnerMedia streamer is building up a library, as we well know, to compete with Netflix. HBO is not really getting its fair share of the content as a result. For example, couldn’t Jean Smart’s HACKS have been an HBO series? It is not like it wouldn’t appear on HBO Max anyway, right? All of the programming issues will get more complicated if the big WarnerMedia/Discovery merger goes through. Nevertheless, we will focus on what is coming our way just for the month ahead of us – here is what is on for June.
A few quick points:
- BETTY is Back!
- Not One but Two Same Day Movie Premieres
- The entire Harry Potter Film Franchise
- New Documentaries like THE LEGEND OF THE UNDERGROUND
- New Installments from Maher, Oliver, Gumbel & Jay
Original Series: Sigh, there is not any new original series debuts in June. What we do have is the surprise return of BETTY for a second season. The series follows five young women on journeys of self-discovery against the backdrop of New York City’s male-dominated skateboarding scene. The six-episode season debuts FRIDAY, JUNE 11 (11:00-1:30pm ET). This season stars Nina Moran as “Kirt,” Dede Lovelace as “Janay,” Moonbear as “Honeybear,” Rachelle Vinberg as “Camille” and Ajani Russell as “Indigo.”
Our five protagonists are stepping firmly into womanhood and tackling all the challenges it brings. As they navigate the pressures of adulthood, their male counterparts start to step up, step in, and become true allies, forming a united front for the greater good. Set in the last chapter of 2020, the season captures the pandemic in New York City, where masks and outside activities are the norm. June’s episodes are as follows:
–Season 2, Episode 1 “Octopussy”
Debut Date: FRIDAY, JUNE 11 (11:00-11:30pm ET/PT)
Kirt’s (Nina Moran) (probably) on a quest. Indigo’s (Ajani Russell) grocery gig isn’t cutting it. Honeybear (Moonbear) and Ash (Katerina Tannenbaum) are all in. Camille’s (Rachelle Vinberg) got flow. Winterbowl’s a bust, and Janay’s (Dede Lovelace) not here for the new guy. Written by Moshe Kasher; Directed by Crystal Moselle
–Season 2, Episode 2 “Blue Is The Warmest Threesome”
Debut Date: FRIDAY, JUNE 18 (11:00-11:30pm ET/PT)
While Janay (Dede Lovelace) leads the search for a new winter skate spot, Kirt (Nina Moran) holds court, Indigo (Ajani Russell) plays the game, and Camille (Rachelle Vinberg) has sponsorship struggles. We see you, Honeybear (Moonbear)! Written by Ben Snyder; Directed by Crystal Moselle
–Season 2, Episode 3 “Sugar We’re Going Down, Swinging”
Debut Date: FRIDAY, JUNE 25 (11:00-11:30pm ET/PT)
Kirt (Nina Moran) gains some notoriety. In exchange for a favor, Indigo (Ajani Russell) helps Camille (Rachelle Vinberg) take photos. Honeybear (Moonbear) expands her horizons. A neighbor pops into the new skate spot, while Janay (Dede Lovelace) struggles to keep the boys in check. You got her back, Sylvester (Andrew Darnell)? Written by Wally Baram & Aida Osman; Directed by Crystal Moselle.
Have you been keeping up? Concluding its run in June is the show that returns us to therapy – IN TREATMENT. Find it beginning SUNDAY, JUNE 6 and MONDAY, JUNE 7 from (9:00-10:00pm ET). In June, will be sitting in on Week 3 – Week 6 of Eladio’s, Colin’s and Laila’s sessions with Dr. Taylor. By now, we are getting into the nitty-gritty of the issues & conflicts these clients face and how they affect Brooke. Mental health – take it seriously.
–Episode 9: “Eladio – Week 3”
Debut Date: SUNDAY, JUNE 06 (9:00-09:30pm ET/PT)
With the house to himself, an energized Eladio (Anthony Ramos) shares the true depth of his unlikely connection to Jeremy. But when her patient shuts down on the heels of a compliment, Brooke (Uzo Aduba) helps Eladio sort through deep-rooted issues from his childhood. Written by Chris Gabo; Directed by Uta Briesewitz
–Episode 10 “Colin – Week 3”
Debut Date: SUNDAY, JUNE 06 (9:30-10:00pm ET/PT)
Brooke helps Colin realize how his hyper-focus on the opinions of others has long curtailed the development of his authentic self. After testing Brooke’s boundaries, Colin makes an unusual request for their final session. Written by Zack Whedon; Directed by Uta Briesewitz
–Episode 11 “Laila – Week 3”
Debut Date: MONDAY, JUNE 07 (9:00-9:30pm ET/PT)
As Laila (Quintessa Swindell) details an elaborate getaway plan, a skeptical Brooke (Uzo Aduba) learns that her patient’s desire to escape dates back to her earliest memories – and has only been accelerated by societal injustice and the impossible expectations thrust upon her. Written by Jackie Sibblies Drury; Directed by Uta Briesewitz
–Episode 12 “Brooke – Week 3”
Debut Date: MONDAY, JUNE 07 (9:30-10:00pm ET/PT)
After receiving a distressing phone call from Brooke (Uzo Aduba), Rita (Liza Colón-Zayas) helps her friend process a recent complication while struggling to accept a potential shift in their relationship. Written by Joshua Allen; Directed by Uta Briesewitz
–Episode 13 “Eladio – Week 4”
Debut Date: SUNDAY, JUNE 13 (9:00-9:30pm ET/PT)
Brooke (Uzo Aduba) tempers mixed reactions from Eladio (Anthony Ramos) after sharing an unexpected analysis. While her patient processes the news, Brooke and Adam (Joel Kinnaman) discuss their future. Written by Chris Gabo; Directed by Janicza Bravo
–Episode 14 “Colin – Week 4”
Debut Date: SUNDAY, JUNE 13 (9:30-10:00pm ET/PT)
In their fourth and final court-ordered session together, Brooke (Uzo Aduba) mines the extent of Colin’s (John Benjamin Hickey) evasiveness – and struggles to form a comprehensive picture of her patient. Written by Zack Whedon; Directed by Janicza Bravo
–Episode 15 “Laila – Week 4”
Debut Date: MONDAY, JUNE 14 (9:00-9:30pm ET/PT)
Concerned over her patient’s disclosure at the end of their last session, Brooke (Uzo Aduba) presses Laila (Quintessa Swindell) to open up about her complicated understanding of love, sex, and the future. Written by Jackie Sibblies Drury; Directed by Janicza Bravo
–Episode 16 “Brooke – Week 4”
Debut Date: MONDAY, JUNE 14 (9:30-10:00pm ET/PT)
Despite throwing a serious wrench in their plans, Brooke (Uzo Aduba) gains unexpected clarity on her relationship with Rita (Liza Colón-Zayas). Written by Jennifer Schuur; Directed by Janicza Bravo
–Episode 17 “Eladio – Week 5”
Debut Date: SUNDAY, JUNE 20 (9:30-10:00pm ET/PT)
–Episode 18 “Colin – Week 5”
Debut Date: SUNDAY, JUNE 20 (9:30-10:00pm ET/PT)
–Episode 19 “Laila – Week 5”
Debut Date: MONDAY, JUNE 21 (9:30-10:00pm ET/PT)
–Episode 20 “Brooke – Week 5”
Debut Date: MONDAY, JUNE 21 (9:30-10:00pm ET/PT)
–Episode 21 “Eladio – Week 6”
Debut Date: SUNDAY, JUNE 27 (9:30-10:00pm ET/PT)
–Episode 22 “Colin – Week 6”
Debut Date: SUNDAY, JUNE 27 (9:30-10:00pm ET/PT)
–Episode 23 “Laila – Week 6”
Debut Date: MONDAY, JUNE 28 (9:30-10:00pm ET/PT)
–Episode 24 Season Finale “Brooke – Week 6”
Debut Date: MONDAY, JUNE 28 (9:30-10:00pm ET/PT)
He’s irrepressible, opinionated, and of course, politically incorrect. Comedian and satirist Bill Maher hosts the long-running, Emmy-nominated REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER, which continues FRIDAY, JUNE 04 (10:00-11:00pm live ET/tape-delayed PT), with a replay at 12:30am. He sat out a couple of weeks in May due to testing positive for COVID-19, but is back and all fired up. Continuing SUNDAY, JUNE 06 (11:00-11:30pm ET) at is LAST WEEK TONIGHT WITH JOHN OLIVER. He is breaking news, on a weekly basis. Comedian John Oliver satirically covers the week in news, politics and current events in his Emmy-winning variety series. Joining the ranks with commentary and humor is Sam Jay with PAUSE WITH JAM JAY. Find it Friday nights (9:00-9:30pm ET) with a replay at 9:30pm. It continues FRIDAY, JUNE 04 and wraps up its run FRIDAY, JUNE 25. Here is a preview of what is on her mind.
Originals Exclusive to HBO Max: Want to seek out a new scripted series to wind down a June evening? Head to HBO Max for something called STARSTRUCK. In this one a gal is evidently starstruck and sleeps with a movie star and deals with the consequences. It follows Jessie, a millennial living in East London juggling two dead-end jobs and navigating the awkward morning-after-the-night-before when she discovers the complications of accidentally sleeping with famous film star Tom. It stars Rose Matafeo, Nikesh Patel, Sindhu Vee, Emma Sidi and Minnie Driver. This is not an HBO Max Original but a BBC import getting it’s U. S. run on the streamer. No confirmed upload date is listed at this time; here is the original trailer:
Returning to the site is GENERA+IONS with the back half of its premiere season. On THURSDAY, JUNE 17, the Max Original dramedy returns to HBO Max with three new episodes. The series continues with two episodes on June 24 with the last episodes of the season coming in July, finally totaling 16 installments. is a dark yet playful half-hour series following a diverse group of high school students whose exploration of modern sexuality (devices and all) tests deeply entrenched beliefs about life, love and the nature of family in their conservative community.
The ensemble cast includes Nathanya Alexander, Chloe East, Nava Mau, Lukita Maxwell, Haley Sanchez, Uly Schlesinger, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett and Chase Sui Wonders with Justice Smith and Martha Plimpton. Recurring guest stars include J. August Richards, Mary Birdsong, Alicia Coppola, Patricia De Leon, Diego Josef, Anthony Kevyan, Sydney Mae Diaz, John Ross Bowie, Marwan Salama, Marisela Zumbado and Sam Trammell.
The floral competition series FULL BLOOM presents its sophomore season beginning in June as well. Both HACKS and LEGENDARY have their respective finales upload on THURSDAY, JUNE 10.
HBO Saturday Night Movies: This timeslot is still not debuting first-run movies every week but when it doesn’t it offers a cinematic gem you may not have seen in a while or don’t mind viewing again. For June, the new releases are FATALE and THE LITTLE THINGS.
SATURDAY, JUNE 19 (8:00-9:45pm) is FATALE. A married L.A. sports agent finds his perfect life slowly unraveling after a wild one-night stand with a mysterious woman who turns out to be a cop, ensnaring him in her latest investigation. Hilary Swank and Michael Ealy star in this twist-filled psychological
thriller. This movie directed by Deon Taylor; written by David Loughery is from 2020. Debuting on HBO for the first time (it had a run as a Same-Day Premiere on HBO Max already) is THE LITTLE THINGS. Deputy Sheriff Joe “Deke” Deacon joins forces with Sgt. Jim Baxter to search for a serial killer who’s terrorizing Los Angeles. As they track the culprit, Baxter is unaware that the investigation is dredging up echoes of Deke’s past, uncovering disturbing secrets that could threaten more than his case. This thriller stars Oscar-winners Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, and Jared Leto. Find it beginning SATURDAY, JUNE 26.
For the other two, Saturdays enjoy two comedies. They are Alicia Silverstone in CLUELESS on SATURDAY, JUNE 05 and Steve Carell in THE 40-YEAR-OLD VIRGIN on SATURDAY, JUNE 12.
HBO is, however debuting a movie that doesn’t fall on a Saturday night. On TUESDAY, JUNE 08, from 2019, is KILLERMAN. In this one, An amnesiac money launderer in New York’s diamond district finds himself on the run from crooked cops who are after millions of dollars in stolen cash and drugs. This pulpy throwback to the gritty crime thrillers of the 1970s stars Liam Hemsworth, Emory Cohen, Diane Guerrero, Zlatko Buric, Suraj Sharma and Nickola Shreli. Written and directed by Malik Bader.
Movies Exclusive to HBO Max: In June the site offers a duo of Same-Day Premieres. First up with a theater and upload date of FRIDAY, JUNE 04 is THE CONJURING: THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT. Based on a chilling true story, paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren risk their lives to prove the innocence of the accused and the existence of evil forces in the first U.S. murder trial where demonic possession is being used as a legal defense. It stars Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, Ruairi O’Connor, Sarah Catherine Hook, and Julian Hilliard. Does its trailer grip you?
The second title is something completely different as Warner Bros. presents IN THE HEIGHTS. The scent of a cafecito caliente hangs in the air just outside of the 181st Street subway stop, where a kaleidoscope of dreams rallies this vibrant and tight-knit community. At the intersection of it all is a likable, magnetic bodega owner who saves every penny from his daily grind as he hopes, imagines, and sings about a better life. It fuses Lin-Manuel Miranda’s music and lyrics with director Jon M. Chu’s storytelling style It stars Anthony Ramos, Corey Hawkins, Leslie Grace, Melissa Bareera, Olga Merediz, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Gregory Diaz IV, Stephanie Beatriz, Dascha Polanco, and Jimmy Smits. Get caught up in the vibe when this musical appears in theaters and on HBO Max FRIDAY, JUNE 11.
HBO Documentary Films: HBO’s REVOLUTION RENT, directed by Andy Señor Jr. and Victor Patrick Alvarez, follows Señor Jr. to Cuba, where he is tasked with directing a stage production of the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, “Rent,” the country’s first Broadway musical produced by an American 
company in more than 50 years. Returning to his exiled parents’ homeland, Señor Jr. embarks on a personal journey, exploring his Cuban heritage and his family’s complex relationship to the country they love. The film debuts TUESDAY, JUNE 15 (9:00–10:30pm ET/PT) in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the iconic musical’s Broadway premiere. The six-part documentary series I’LL BE GONE IN THE DARK now adds the seventh installment. It returns with a special episode directed by the original team of Elizabeth Wolff and Liz Garbus. The critically acclaimed series based on the best-selling book of the same name debuted in June 2020 and explores writer Michelle McNamara’s investigation into the dark world of the violent predator she dubbed “The Golden State Killer.” This special episode debuts MONDAY, JUNE 21 (10:00-11:00pm ET/PT) on HBO. Also being presented is THE LEGEND OF THE UNDERGROUND and it is not about what you might think it is about. This film is a searing and timely look at the struggle against rampant discrimination that exists in Nigeria today, as seen through the lens of several charismatic, non-conformist youth who fight to live life out loud. Through social media, celebrity and bold creativity, they spark a cultural debate that challenges the ideals of gender, conformity and civil rights in Nigeria. It debuts TUESDAY, JUNE 29 (9:00-10:30pm ET/PT). AXIOS offers installments #43-#45 in June. It begins SUNDAY, JUNE 06 at 6:00pm ET and at the same time for the following two weeks.
HBO Max Documentaries: Uploading to the site on THURSDAY, JUNE 24 is LFG. This Max Original Documentary Premiere is a no-holds-barred, inside account of the U.S. women’s national team’s ongoing fight for equal pay as told by Megan Rapinoe, Jessica McDonald, Becky Sauerbrunn, Kelley O’Hara, Sam Mewis and others.
HBO Kids & Family: In case you were missing them, THE FUNGIES are back with all-new episodes beginning THURSDAY, JUNE 03. Seth, Pascal, Dr. Nancy, Nevin, Lil Lemon and the rest of the gang are gearing up for all new prehistoric adventures. Your favorite mushroom folk and dinosaurs are waiting for you in Fungietown! Also returning is LAZOR WULF for a second season on THURSDAY, JUNE 10 and SUMMER CAMP ISLAND for a fourth season on THURSDAY, JUNE 17.
Over on SESAME STREET, a special day is celebrated in June.
–Episode 5132 – June 17, 2021
“Family Day” – It’s Family Day on Sesame Street, and relatives are coming from all over to celebrate! Alan’s cousin is flying in from California, Nina’s brother is driving over with his family, and Elmo’s and Abby’s parents will be there too. Meanwhile, Big Bird’s friends have a surprise for him. He thinks his Granny Bird can’t make it, but she just arrived. As everyone gets ready for a group portrait, she surprises Big Bird, and they celebrate Family Day together. Kelsea Ballerini’s music makes Family Day even more festive.
HBO Sports: Always holding down the fort is REAL SPORTS WITH BRYANT GUMBEL. Find episode #290 on TUESDAY, JUNE 22 (10:00-11:00pm). Recently the show gave screen time to female sports reporters and the harassments they still face; a one-armed sports prodigy at age 10 and kids competing in miniature bull riding.
HBO Latino: You can seek out another concert special here. The renowned Dominican composer, musician, producer, and singer Juan Luis Guerra offers a historic concert from the beautiful and lush beaches of Miches, located in the eastern region of the Dominican Republic. JUAN LUIS GUERRA: ENTRE MAR Y PALMERAS debuts THURSDAY, JUNE 3 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT) on HBO Latino and will be available to stream on HBO Max. Accompanied by his legendary band, 440, Guerra performs in front of the smooth waves and beautiful palm trees of this incredible Caribbean location, interpreting a mix of his classic and recent hits. On the scripted front, on FRIDAY, JUNE 04 the channel offers EL ULTIMO BALSERO (The Last Rafter) from 8:00-9:20pm. After risking his life crossing the Florida Straits on a raft, a young Cuban searches Miami for his long-absent father. When a political shift makes him America’s first Cuban undocumented immigrant, he must battle the new and bigger fear of deportation, while trying to find where he really belongs. And on FRIDAY, JUNE 25 (8:00-10:00pm) is EXPLOTA, EXPLOTA (My Heart Goes Boom!). Set in the ’70s and told through the greatest hits of Raffaella Carra, a young dancer pursues her dream of becoming a TV star.
Other Movies & Shows: We could list a pile of flicks coming to HBO and/or HBO Max in June but the most important get for the library has got to be the Pink Panther franchise, right? Uploading on JUNE 01 is The Pink Panther (1964), Return Of The Pink Panther, (1975), The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976), Revenge Of The Pink Panther (1978), Trail Of The Pink Panther (1982) and Son Of The Pink Panther (1993), plus the remakes The Pink Panther (2006) and The Pink Panther 2 (2009). You didn’t know there were that many, did ya? Oh! You mean that isn’t the big franchise coming available? No, HBO is boasting the Harry Potter franchise instead – Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001), Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002), Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005), Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007), Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, (2009), Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010) and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011) are now parked on HBO Max. Heck, after watching those two franchises there goes the month!
Next Month’s Tease: Who is Garrett McNamara?
Last month’s answer – the words dropped last time, Aciddrop, Barley Grind Christ Air and Dog Piss are all moves you can make with a skateboard – which can only mean BETTY on HBO.
Final Clip: I know, it’s far afield, but I couldn’t resist!
Enjoy the month! Discover HBO.
