Here we are in May already. The brand is trying to move forward with exciting titles, but it is a struggle to have new big, bold new works debuting every month. If you are not up with the recent works then, by all means, explore something older or or watch a favorite all over again. It is your home box office, remember? If you’ve got the cable channel then you hopefully have multiple channels to find something good or if streaming is the thing then Max has far more content across its brands. For us, as always, we just look at HBO and a few Max shows – just loyal to our brand of choice. Find out below some of what is playing in May.
A few quick points:
- THE SYMPATHIZER Still Playing Strong
- WE’RE HERE Still Playing Proud
- Deborah Vance is back
- And so are some PRETTY LITTLE LIARS
- Plus, laughs with Nikki Glaser
- And the sounds of STAX
HBO Original Series: HBO is continuing its run of THE SYMPATHIZER. Based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, this seven-part series is an espionage thriller and 
cross-culture satire about the struggles of a half-French, half-Vietnamese communist spy during the final days of the Vietnam War and his new life as a refugee in Los Angeles, where he learns that his spying days aren’t over. It is nothing like the other political tale recently, THE REGIME. Have you watched either one or both perchance? Park Chan-wook’s THE SYMPATHIZER airs Sunday nights beginning at 9, thus picking up the story on SUNDAY, MAY 05 (9:00 – 10:00 pm ET) with its fourth episode. It concludes on Sunday, May 26. The series is based on the story of the Captain, a North Vietnam plant in the South Vietnam army. He is forced to flee to the United States with his general near the end of the Vietnam War. While living within a community of South Vietnamese refugees, he continues to secretly spy on the community and report back to the Viet Cong, struggling between his original loyalties and his new life.
If you want to go more in-depth with this limited series check out its podcast. Here are the details –
WE’RE HERE just got underway on April 26 so every Friday night in May means a new installment of this dynamic series. Season four follows renowned drag queens, Sasha Velour, Priyanka, Jaida Essence Hall, and Latrice Royale, as they continue the show’s mission of spreading love and connection through the art of drag across small-town America. HBOWatch will have a review of the fourth season premiere real soon. This show is more than just ‘Hey, let’s put on a show with glamour & glitz and plenty of fake tits.’ It continues beginning FRIDAY, MAY 03 (9:00-10:00 pm ET/PT). Its episodes break down as follows:
–Season 4, Episode 2: “Tennessee, Part 2” 
Debuts: Friday, May 3 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT)
After a successful open drag show, Sasha, Priyanka, and Jaida begin planning an even larger event for the center of town. Meanwhile, Priyanka welcomes her first drag daughter Princey, whose out and proud wrestling persona “Pha’Nesse” is his polar opposite. Then, the queens risk getting arrested for attending a town hall meeting in full drag attire. Directed by Peter LoGreco.
–Season 4, Episode 3: “Tennessee, Part 3”
Debuts: Friday, May 10 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT)
After the town hall meeting goes worse than expected, Sasha, Priyanka, and Jaida refocus their attention on their drag children. As everyone prepares to take the stage, the Queens hope their “kids” are met with love and acceptance by the local community. Directed by Peter LoGreco.
–Season 4, Episode 4: “Oklahoma, Part 1”
Debuts: Friday, May 17 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT)
The Queens call for reinforcement by way of Latrice Royale for their next stop in conservative Oklahoma, a state that has introduced an alarming number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills. There, they work with attack survivor Christian, proud father and viral sensation Kris, two-spirited educator John, and Randy, who is openly gay and accepted in the staunchly anti-drag town of Bartlesville. Directed by Peter LoGreco.
–Season 4, Episode 5: “Oklahoma, Part 2”
Debuts: Friday, May 24 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT)
After cautions from the Bartlesville local equality group, Sasha, Priyanka, and Latrice grow more determined than ever to show up for the queer community – but securing a venue for their show proves increasingly difficult. Then, as Latrice finds unexpected healing in Tulsa, the Queens meet Jess, who needs a little help living her truth. Directed by Peter LoGreco.
–Season 4, Episode 6: “Oklahoma, Part 3”
Debuts: Friday, May 31 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT)
As the crowd for their park gathering grows, the Queens vow to meet the hate with even louder outpourings of love. Then, after finally securing an unconventional venue, Sasha, Priyanka, and Latrice – along with their drag daughters – prepare for an epic drag show of biblical proportions. Directed by Peter LoGreco.
Now, let’s lighten it up with some Do’s and Don’ts…
Our talkers got plenty more to say in May. LAST WEEK TONIGHT WITH JOHN OLIVER airs beginning SUNDAY, May 05 at 11:00 pm ET/PT. As of late, he has schooled us on the latest trending rules regarding the Death Penalty, Medicaid woes, an 1864 Abortion Law in play, and UFOs. REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER starts the month on FRIDAY, 03 at 10:00 pm ET/PT. Guests as of late have included William Shatner, Don Lemon, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Topics have included Kennedy’s run for President as an independent, Gaza protests at universities across the States, and the former president’s Hush Money trial. And there is this running gag that he always manages to slip into his broadcast –
Original Series Exclusive to Max: We start off the new content making its way to the streamer. So, we must start with a title called THIRST WITH SHAY MITCHELL. It is a new unscripted series from 
the PRETTY LITTLE LIARS star. Shay Mitchell explores the world one drink at a time as she visits exotic locations, samples unique ingredients, and meets expert hosts. On her journey, she encounters the latest drink trends, the best bars, and 8,000 years of sipping history. It is only four episodes, debuting weekly, beginning THURSDAY, MAY 23. You may remember Shay from the original Pretty Little Liars, which makes a perfect segue into the continued story of the PPL girls when PRETTY LITTLE LIARS: SUMMER SCHOOL starts up exclusively on Max. The drama series begins its eight-episode run on THURSDAY, MAY 09 debuting with two episodes, followed by one episode weekly through June 20. Following the harrowing events of PRETTY LITTLE LIARS: ORIGINAL SIN our Pretty Little Liars face a fate worse than death – summer school. However, Millwood High isn’t the only thing getting in the way of their fun summer jobs and new, dreamy love interests. A new villain, who may or may not have a connection to A, has come to town and is going to put them all to the test.
Not to be dismissed is the return of Deborah Vance, the wisecracking comic personified by Jean Smart (WATCHMEN, MARE OF EASTTOWN). Come enjoy the raucous fun when HACKS returns. Season Three debuts with two episodes on THURSDAY, MAY 02 followed by two new episodes each week, concluding with the season finale on May 30. A year after parting ways, Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) is riding high off the success of her standup special while Ava (Hannah Einbinder) pursues new opportunities back in Los Angeles. Emmy, SAG Award, and Critics Choice Award winner Jean Smart and Emmy, SAG Award, and Critics Choice Award nominee Hannah Einbinder return alongside Paul W. Downs, Megan Stalter, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Kaitlin Olson, Christopher McDonald, Mark Indelicato, Rose Abdoo, and Lorenza Izzo. Guest stars include Helen Hunt, Christina Hendricks, Christopher Lloyd, Dan Bucatinsky, George Wallace, and Tony Goldwyn.
Winding off of their fictional campaign trail THE GIRLS ON THE BUS finishes with two episodes in May. They are “Slouching Through Brooklyn” on THURSDAY, MAY 02, and “The Everydays” the following Thursday.
HBO International Titles: We now draw your attention to four international titles coming to Max. SIX IS NOT A CROWD (Felices Los 6) – This is a romantic comedy out of Argentina. Damian (Nicolás Furtado) and Carolina (Delfina Chaves) meet at his best friend’s wedding party and both feel an attraction at first sight, but then Damián discovers that Carolina is polyamorous, so he will try to adapt to that type of relationship. During this process, Damián will meet the others involved in that relationship and will have to face his own prejudices and taboos. It uploads THURSDAY, MAY 02. HELL ON 
EARTH: THE VERONICA CASE (La Mano En El Fuego) – a documentary about the Spanish case of a girl who met with doom after encounters with an Ouija board. This case was made into the horror movie Veronica. Uploads TUESDAY, MAY 21. ROMARIO: THE GUY (Romario: O Cara) is a Brazilian documentary series. In six episodes, this original production narrates the trajectory of one of the biggest icons of Brazilian football, Romário de Souza Faria, affectionately known as ‘Baixinho’. The series celebrates the 30th anniversary of the historic 1994 World Cup title, a milestone not only in the player’s career but also for sports in Brazil. It uploads to Max on THURSDAY, MAY 23. TRACES OF LOVE (Evidencias Do Amor) is a fantasy romance movie written/directed by Pedro Antonio and starring Fabio Porchat. It is out of Brazil, thus in Portuguese. After being abandoned at the altar by Laura, Marco Antonio, who always thought he was a perfect fiancé, begins to time travel whenever he hears the couple’s favorite song, “Evidências.” It uploads on WEDNESDAY, MAY 29.
HBO & Max Theatrical Movies: Two movie titles here on the first two weekends of May. For the first one, we have a title from New Line Cinema called TURTLES ALL THE WAY DOWN. It arrives on Max THURSDAY, MAY 02. The flick tackles anxiety through its 17-year-old protagonist, Aza Holmes (Isabela 
Merced). It’s not easy being Aza, but she’s trying… trying to be a good daughter, a good friend, and a good student, all while navigating an endless barrage of invasive, obsessive thoughts that she cannot control. When she reconnects with Davis, her childhood crush, Aza is confronted with fundamental Alongside Merced in this one are Cree, Felix Mallard, Maliq Johnson, Poorna Jagannathan, Judy Reyes, and J. Smith-Cameron. It is based on the novel of the same name by John Green.
The other title is out of the A24 deal and you can grapple it on THURSDAY, MAY, 10 when it debuts. It is THE IRON CLAW. It is the true story of the inseparable Von Erich brothers, who made history in the intensely competitive world of professional wrestling in the early 1980s. Through tragedy and triumph, under the shadow of their domineering father and coach, the brothers seek larger-than-life immortality on the biggest stage in sports. It stars Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, Maura Tierney, and Stanley Simons, with Holt McCallany, and was written and directed by Sean Durkin.
HBO Documentary Films: Premiering on MONDAY, MAY 20 with two installments and to be followed with two more entries on TUESDAY, MAY 21 is the supersized documentary promised a while back. Finally, we get STAX: SOULVILLE U.S.A. This documentary series tells the story of an underdog record label comprised of Black and white collaborators who ushered in the groundbreaking, industry-altering soul 
music of Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Booker T. & the M.G.’s, The Staple Singers, Sam & Dave and many others that defined a generation. Driven by instinct and defying the notion that Black artists needed to be “made marketable,” the Memphis-based label went from ultimate outsider to one of the most influential producers of Black music – finding its place inside the broader mainstream record industry. Stax became more than a record label; it transformed into a beacon of Black freedom. It is a quintessentially American story of an audacious group of individuals who dared to make their own music on their own terms creating an institution that has continued to help define our culture long after the label itself has gone. This is the story of Stax. As raw and honest as the sounds the label laid to vinyl. 
Title # 2 is MOVIEPASS, MOVIECRASH. In a span of eight years, MoviePass went from being the fastest growing subscription service since Spotify to total bankruptcy, losing over $150 million in 2017 alone. This original HBO documentary chronicles the company’s beginnings as an innovative movie ticketing model, exploring the visionary mission of its co-founders, its jaw-dropping early successes and its precipitous downfall caused by mismanagement and corporate greed. It debuts WEDNESDAY, MAY 29 at 9:00 pm ET. This one is from the makers of the MCMILLIONS docu-series.
MAX Documentary Films: Debuting FRIDAY, MAY 03 is the A24 documentary STOP MAKING SENSE, which is technically a remastered concert film. Newly restored in 4K to coincide with its 40th 
anniversary, the 1984 film was directed by renowned filmmaker Jonathan Demme and is considered by critics as the greatest concert film of all time. Stop Making Sense stars core band members David Byrne, Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz, and Jerry Harrison along with Bernie Worrell, Alex Weir, Steve Scales, Lynn Mabry and Edna Holt. The live performance was shot over the course of three nights at Hollywood’s Pantages Theater in December of 1983 and features Talking Heads’ most memorable songs.
HBO Original Specials: Yet another comedian does their gig before an HBO camera. This is not the first one for Nikki Glaser. She comes with new material for NIKKI GLASER: SOMEDAY YOU’LL DIE. Yeah, let’s laugh about that. Taped late last year in front of a sold-out, lively audience at the Moore Theater in Seattle, Washington, Glaser dives into a wide range of topics that have further evolved her comedic prowess including why she doesn’t want kids, the harsh realities of aging, her sexual fantasies, and plans for her own death – all in her hilarious, unapologetic, and brutally honest style. This special showcases why Glaser is one of the funniest, and most fearless, comedians today. It debuts on SATURDAY, MAY 11 at 10:00 pm ET/PT on HBO.
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Max Kids & Family: We could have placed this next title up in Max Originals or even in International content but since it is a family-oriented show, we’ll cover it here. Get ready to embark on a young girl’s 
heartwarming journey in the heart of Italy as HOME SWEET ROME! makes its U.S. premiere on Max Thursday, May 16. From Emmy-nominated Hannah Montana and That’s So Raven creator Michael Poryes, this charming new series follows the story of Lucy, played by Kensington Tallman (Inside Out 2, That Girl Lay Lay), a spirited teenager who leaves California behind to start a new life in Rome with her dad (Darrin Rose) and Italian pop sensation stepmom, Francesca (Eleonora Facchini).
This series has captivated young audiences around the world and now Max will bring this coming-of-age comedy, complete with original music, relatable mishaps, heartwarming connections and stunning Italian vistas to audiences in the US. It centers on 13-year-old Lucy starting a new life in Rome. With new friends, amazing food, haute fashion, and a best friend she can now only talk to on a screen, Lucy discovers what the meaning of “When in Rome” is all about.
Not to be left out, there is SESAME STREET going strong on THURSDAYS and DC material. This time around it is BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE coming to Max on SUNDAY, MAY 26.
HBO Sports: There is plenty of sport activity with plenty of live matches and contests just no series or documentary to speak of. We call out the BELLATOR CHAMPIONS SERIES PARIS, which begins on Max on FRIDAY, MAY 17. It is a total of 10 bouts across the different weight classes. We call it out because we remember HBO BOXING back in the day.
Other Shows On HBO or Max: SMILING FRIENDS launches Season Two on MONDAY, MAY 13. While 
we’re at it, here are some other titles on Max and HBO that you might not have heard of or just forgot were there. How about the adult animation of NINJA KAMUI or ROYAL CRACKERS or HBO series like BETTY or HOW TO MAKE IT IN AMERICA? We’re sure there are plenty of HBO Films presentations you haven’t seen like Paul Giamatti in JOHN ADAMS, Al Pacino in YOU DON’T KNOW JACK or Kit Harington in GUNPOWER. How about if we mentioned BANSHEE, DMZ or GRISSE, would you know those titles? You get the idea. Go find something.
Next Month’s Tease: We tease you with a given this time around.The eight-episode second season of the HBO Original drama series HOUSE OF THE DRAGON debuts SUNDAY, JUNE 16 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT) on HBO
Last Month’s Tease: We missed that one. We thought perhaps Season 3 of THE SEX LIVES OF COLLGE GIRLS would be coming in May, we get PRETTY LITTLE LIARS: SUMMER SCHOOL instead.
Final Clip: Here is STOP MAKING SENSE
Enjoy HBO & HBOWatch!
