What's On: HBO Schedule for November 2024

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November is offering up another highly anticipated limited series this month. In the old days, they were called mini-series, but now they opt to call them Limited Series for a whole raft of reasons like they can run for Best Drama Series instead of a lesser category. Whatever. That can run into another categorization shift when you’ve had work like BIG LITTLE LIES, first labeled as limited, return for a second season, thus no longer being a one-and-done. It gets a bit fuzzier when you tweak the definition of the word “limited” to mean, not just limited to one season like THE REGIME, but limited to a shorter amount of episodes to tell the story. These Limited Series are often only six installments long as opposed to ten. I’m sure I quibbled about this before, just enjoy the limited series DUNE: PROPHESY and more in November, okay?

A few quick points:

THE PENGUIN Makes Its Way for DUNE,
A Mindy Kaling Series Returns (No, VELMA was Canceled)
We’re Off to the Kitchens of Mexico in A Drama
Ted Turner Gets A Bio-Doc (did I just invent that term?)
Plus, A Crime Drama Takes Us to Jamacia
and Max curates an Election Collection!

HBO Original Series: Getting right to it. Co-produced with Legendary Television, the six-episode season of HBO’s DUNE: PROPHECY debuts SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and will be available to stream on Max. New episodes will debut on subsequent Sundays. From the expansive universe of Dune, created by acclaimed author Frank Herbert, and 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides, this series follows two Harkonnen sisters as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind, and establish the fabled sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit. This work is inspired by the novel “Sisterhood of Dune”, written by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson.

The Cast includes Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, Travis Fimmel, Jodhi May, Mark Strong, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina, Josh Heuston, Chloe Lea, Jade Anouka, Faoileann Cunningham, Edward Davis, Aoife Hinds, Chris Mason, Shalom Brune-Franklin, Camilla Beeput, Jihae, Tabu, Charithra Chandran, Jessica Barden, Emma Canning, and Yerin Ha. Alison Schapker serves as the showrunner. The series is co-produced by HBO and Legendary Television with Legendary also producing the film franchise that has released two installments to critical acclaim, the first of which garnered six Oscars.

We could have parked our next title in the International category because it is a U.K. piece filmed in the island country of Jamaica, but we’ll place it here. The five-episode HBO Original limited series GET MILLIE BLACK, created and executive produced by Booker Prize-winning author Marlon James, debuts MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT) on HBO and will be available to stream on Max. In it we find former Scotland Yard detective Millie-Jean Black returning to the capital city of Kingston to work missing persons cases. She soon finds herself on a quest to save a sibling who won’t be saved, to find a child who can’t be found, and to solve a case that will blow her world apart and prove almost as tough to crack as Millie Black herself. Here’s a Teaser –

Two big drastically different drama series are still playing out their respective seasons. Continuing for two more weeks is DC’s THE PENGUIN. Find Episode # 7 debuting SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 03 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT with the final episode landing on the 10th.

–S1Ep07 – “Top Hat”
Debut Date: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 03 (9:00 – 10:00 pm ET/PT)

Oz fights to preserve his family and his enterprise, while Sofia makes a shocking discovery.

–S1Ep08 – “A Great or Little Thing”
Debut Date: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10 (9:00 – 10:12 pm ET/PT)

Truths are laid bare as Oz Cobb nears the end of his journey and his power struggle with Sofia comes to a head.

The other title is MY BRILLIANT FRIEND as it concludes its final season. It’s 9th episode out of 10 debuts on MONDAY, NOVEMBER 04 at 9:00 pm ET/PT. It breaks down as follows:

–S4Ep9 – “The Disappearance ”
Debut Date: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 04 (9:00 – 10:00 pm ET/PT)

During Nino’s long overdue visit to see Imma, a sudden and mysterious disappearance rocks the neighborhood. Though the Solaras help organize a search, Enzo remains suspicious of their involvement, while Lila becomes consumed by her own conspiracies. Later, Lila is driven further to the brink by her son’s drug habit and another sudden loss.

–S4Ep10 – “Restitution”
Debut Date: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11 (9:00 – 10:10 pm ET/PT)

After learning that Pasquale and Nadia have been arrested, Lila informs Elena that Gennaro has run away. Though Lila is unphased, Elena tries to manage the crisis when she learns Elsa has gone with him as well. Many years later, Lila manages to surprise her friend yet again.

As for half-hour programming, THE FRANCHISE ends its run in November also. Its last episodes begin on SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 03 at 10:00 pm ET/PT with the finale the week following.

–S1Ep05 – “Scene 16: Eric’s Hospital Scene”
Debut Date: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 03 (10:00-10:30 pm ET/PT)

When Peter is called onto the set of Maximum’s latest tentpole, Dag is recruited to help with Adam’s insecurities. As Anita struggles to incorporate some unusual product placement, Eric deals with a disgruntled crew.

–S1Ep06 – “Scene 110: Baptism of Fire”
Debut Date: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10 (10:12-10:42 pm ET/PT)

As the crew threatens mutiny over yet another late-night shoot, Dan attempts to raise morale, while Eric anticipates a visit from an A-list director. Meanwhile, Peter and Steph each flirt with potential HR violations.

That leads us to SOMEBODY SOMEWHERE. This show classifies as one of HBO’s ‘little series’ that deserves your full attention. It just began its third & final season on 10.27. The story picks up then on SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 03 (10:30-11:00 p.m. ET/PT). Here is the Trailer that wasn’t yet available last time.

–S3Ep01 – “Margarini”
Debut Date: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27 (10:30 11:02 pm ET/PT)

As Joel and Brad take a giant step forward in their relationship and move in together, Sam considers adopting a roommate of her own. Meanwhile, after finalizing her divorce, Tricia puts herself out there on the dating scene.

–S3Ep02 – “Dinky Dinkies”
Debut Date: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 03 (10:30 11:01 pm ET/PT)

Overwhelmed by the amount of change happening in the lives of her loved ones, Sam is hit especially hard by a friend’s brutally honest comment. Later, Sam helps Brad with a special task ahead of his and Joel’s housewarming.

–S3Ep03 – “Porch Lyfe”
Debut Date: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10 (10:42 11:10 pm ET/PT)

As Tricia makes inroads with a very important country club member, Sam finally agrees to go to the doctor for the first time in years. Meanwhile, Joel and Brad attempt to make space for each other’s individual needs – together.

Plus two more episodes in November on the 17th and 24th.

So, Election Day is upon us and you can be sure both John Oliver & Bill Maher are going to have something to say on the matter. LAST WEEK TONIGHT WITH JOHN OLIVER continues its eleventh season this month on SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 03 at 11:00 pm ET/PT and REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER starts the month on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 01 at 10:00 pm ET/PT. They also will be in their respective timeslots for post-election results as well. These two have been equal opportunity jokesters for both candidates and it will be interesting to get their take on the presidential race leading up to, and just after Election Day on November 05.

Original Series Exclusive to Max: With the rebranding of most series over to the “HBO Original” banner, because it means something more than something branded a “Max Original”, most of the shows going forward here are non-fictional work. But a few remaining fictional titles still carry the Max banner and one of them is THE SEX LIVES OF COLLEGE GIRLS, which will see its third season debut in November. This ten-episode Max Original comedy series returns THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, followed by one new episode weekly at 9:00 p.m. ET through January 23 on Max. Created by Emmy-nominated writer and producer Mindy Kaling and Justin Noble, it follows a group of college students at New England’s prestigious Essex College.

Though we don’t have plot details for the forthcoming season we do have a Trailer. It seems our players are moving on to their sophomore year at the fictitious college, except for one who transfers out. [Gasp], which one?

For a hint, see the listed Cast: Series regulars are Pauline Chalamet, Amrit Kaur, Alyah Chanelle Scott, Christopher Meyer, Ilia Isorelýs Paulino, Renika Williams, Gracie Lawrence, and Mia Rodgers.

The other titles this month are non-fiction fare. First is THE DOG HOUSE: UK SEASON 5 CHRISTMAS SPECIAL, which debuts on THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14. It is a series all about dog adoption and all seasons are curated on Max. The other is a new title, to go along with that ROLLER JAM gig I guess; it is SECOND CHANCE STAGE. It is billed as a new kind of talent competition that offers contestants who have pushed their dreams aside for years, even decades, a second chance at their big break. It is hosted by Emmanuel Acho; judges include Taye Diggs, Heidi Gardner, and Martina McBride. It becomes available on Max on Thanksgiving Day, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28.

HBO International Titles: Some of the titles we mentioned last month continue in November, but some new titles are added this month. HBO Latino will be presenting a series based on the renowned novel and 1992 movie LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE. It explores the idea that sometimes traditions can become a prison, an obstacle for love. Tita de la Garza and Pedro Múzquiz are two souls deeply in love, yet unable to be together due to entrenched family customs. The protagonists navigate a world of magical realism and rich flavors as Tita struggles between the destiny imposed on her by her family and her fight for love. Along the way, the audience will witness her greatest refuge: the kitchen. For Tita, her magical connection to cooking becomes an active resistance against oppression, allowing her to channel her deepest desires and passions into her recipes, transforming those who taste them. The breathtaking locations in Tlaxcala and Mexico City provide an authentic and powerful backdrop for this HBO adaptation. It debuts SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3 on HBO Latino (8:00 – 9:00 pm ET/PT) and will be available to stream on Max. New episodes will debut weekly.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 07 is the arrival date for a work called LUVA DE PEDREIRO – VIRAL MOVES (Luva de Pedreiro O Rei Da Jogada ) I can’t find squat about it except to say Luva De Pedreiro is a Brazilian internet personality, influencer and filmmaker. Clearly, this is something, most likely a movie, he created and stars in. I was more successful with CASI EL PARAISO, which debuts FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15 on Max. It is a 2-hour movie based of of the novel of the same name from Luis Spota. It is a joint venture from Italy & Mexico. Ugo Conti (Andrea Arcangeli), a charismatic Italian aristocrat and influencer, arrives in Mexico where he seduces the Mexican high society. When he meets Frida Becker (Esmeralda Pimentel) again, the love of his past, he will end up in the center of a struggle for political power.

HBO & Max Theatrical Movies: Plenty of older movies make it into rotation, of course, but only two new movies land this month. They are JANET PLANET from A24 and the Max Original SWEETHEARTS.

First is JANET PLANET which kicks off the month with a FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 01 debut on Max and arrives on HBO on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 02 (8:00 – 9:55 pm ET/PT). The movie, written and directed by Annie Baker, stars Julianne Nicholson, Zoe Ziegler, Elias Koteas, Will Patton, and Sophie Okonedo. As to its story, viewers find themselves in rural Western Massachusetts. There, 11-year-old Lacy spends the summer of 1991 at home, enthralled by her own imagination and the attention of her mother, Janet. As the months pass, three visitors enter their orbit, all captivated by Janet and her spellbinding nature. In her solitary moments, Lacy inhabits an inner world so extraordinarily detailed that it begins to seep into the outside world. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Annie Baker captures a child’s experience of time passing, and the ineffability of a daughter falling out of love with her mother, in this singularly sublime film debut. Short and sweet comes the description for SWEETHEARTS. This movie starring Kiernan Shipka and Nico Hiraga, debuts THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28 on Max. In it, two college freshmen make a pact to break up with their high school sweethearts over Thanksgiving break, leading them on a chaotic night out in their hometown that puts their codependent friendship to the test. Cast: Kiernan Shipka, Nico Hiraga, Caleb Hearon, Tramell Tillman, Ava Demary, Charlie Hall, Joel Kim Booster, and Christine Taylor. Credits: SWEETHEARTS is from New Line Cinema, Picturestart, and Dollface creator Jordan Weiss. Jordan Weiss made her directorial debut and co-wrote the script with Dan Brier.

HBO Documentary Films: Time to look at the three documentaries that land in November. Note that dates are known but not actual timeslots. The first drops on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19. It is titled NIGHT IS NOT ETERNAL. It is a deeply personal exploration of political activism through the eyes of Chinese American filmmaker Nanfu Wang. For over seven years, Nanfu has followed Rosa Maria Paya, a young Cuban activist and daughter of five-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee Oswaldo Paya, in her fight for democratic change in Cuba. Driven by her own experiences in China, Nanfu is drawn to Rosa’s story and the parallels between their homelands. With intimate access, Nanfu follows Rosa’s journey from the streets of Havana to rallies and conferences worldwide, capturing her transformation from a grassroots activist to an international public figure and documenting the challenges faced by activists resisting authoritarian regimes. The second work debuts a day later on WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20. It is SURVEILLED. It tracks The New Yorker journalist Ronan Farrow as he investigates the growing business of commercial spyware, following the story from New York City to Tel Aviv, Israel, a thriving center of espionage cyber technology. Once a target of covert surveillance himself, Farrow explores the multibillion-dollar industry, addressing the twofold uses and implications of phone hacking – the ability to monitor criminal activity and the attendant threats to civil liberties.

The third work is MUSIC BOX: YACHT ROCK: A DOCKUMENTARY chronicles the emergence and popularity of the West Coast, soft rock pop culture epitomized by musical artists such as Christopher Cross, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Steely Dan, and Toto. Retroactively dubbed “Yacht Rock” in 2005 by a parody website series, the easy-listening, relaxing sounds of the late 1970s and early 1980s, which were beloved by many, came to be gently mocked and even dismissed by rock lovers and critics, but have since reclaimed their legitimate place in music history and are celebrated in this groove-infused film from the Music Box anthology series. It debuts on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29.

MAX Documentary Films: MAX Documentary Films: Max has a Bio-Doc of the famed network Chief Ted Turner. It is a six-part documentary entitled CALL ME TED and is set to premiere on WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13.

Max Kids & Family: Just because it looks like the family could huddle around this thing, we mention HUMAN VS. HAMSTER here. It lands on THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21 on Max. Produced by A. Smith and Co. (American Ninja Warrior; Floor is Lava), this is a cheeky eight-episode competition series where the world’s most remarkable pet hamsters go toe-to-toe with teams of humans in scaled challenges that will test their speed, strength, agility – and, of course, their eating prowess – all for the sake of answering the burning question: “Which species is superior, humans or hamsters?” The team who wins the most challenges against the hamsters moves on to an epic obstacle course – The Cage – where they must escape before the hamsters win. Saturday Night Live cast member, comedian, and actress Sarah Sherman will host with football commentator Kyle Brandt, plus television personality Brian Balthazar as the resident hamster enthusiast. May I never have to mention it again.

SESAME STREET usually begins in November, but an announcement of the start date for the 55th season of the iconic series has not dropped yet. WBD contract ends with this upcoming season, which is said to have a refreshed format change. Perhaps a post regarding the matter is forthcoming. But, Season 55 should come very soon!

HBO Sports: No new titles for HBO but Max, of course, has plenty of NBA, NHL, Soccer, and Cycling.

Other Shows On HBO or Max: Imported over from CNN this month is CAVILLE: WINNING IS EVERYTHING, STUPID, which arrives on THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14. From masterminding Bill Clinton’s 1992 presidential win to his insurgent role in the 2024 race, Democratic strategist James Carville has been one of the most influential forces in modern political history. The “Ragin’ Cajun” looks back at his unlikely career and 30-year marriage to Republican consultant Mary Matalin. Featuring interviews with Bill Clinton, George Stephanopoulos, and more. From CNN Films. Imported over from Adult Swim comes INVINCIBLE FIGHT GIRL! This animated work has a teenager aspiring to become a professional wrestler. It can be found beginning on SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 01. And lastly, Max has generated another collection – this time politically themed content because of Election Day. Curated are documentaries like 2021’s FOUR HOURS AT THE CAPITOL, 2022’s PELOSI AT THE HOUSE, 2020’s AGENTS OF CHAOS, and 2021’s Q: INTO THE STORM. Also, there are dramas like THE NEWSROOM, THE WEST WING, RECOUNT, JOHN ADAMS and GIRLS ON A BUS. The laughs can be found with VEEP and WHITE HOUSE PLUMBERS. Find the Election Collection on Max.

Next Month’s Tease: Who are Nina Mazursky & Dr. Phosphorus?
Last Month’s Tease: We asked which novel did Laura Esquivel write and the answer is LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE, which gets a cinematic treatment on HBO Latino beginning this month.

Final Clip: We were light on Video Clips this month so, how about this to wrap it up?

1.) The latest New Rules segment from REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER