We’ve got a bit of summer left, even though the young’uns are back to school. And we have a bit of a slate to offer for September. It is short and sweet, but we hope you find something you’ll like on HBO and/or HBO Max in the coming month.
A few quick points:
- Mark Ruffalo Returns
- We’re off to New Zealand with Jacinda Ardern
- We’re Back to School with QUIET IN CLASS
- Plus, we discover a Finnish TEEN HACKER
- And some New GKIDS Fare
- Plus, we embed with a platoon of American Navy SEALs
HBO Original Series: The big new drama series of the month is TASK. Set in the working-class suburbs of Philadelphia, an FBI agent (Mark Ruffalo) heads a Task Force to put an end to a string of violent robberies led by an unsuspecting family man (Tom Pelphrey). It seems in this crime procedural, the audience knows who the criminal is. Surely, we will learn what drives him to the crimes alongside how the Task Force takes him down. Another guarantee is that this show, which runs for seven (7) episodes, will not be cut & dry, black & white. This Brad Ingelsby work will lock into character complexities and ambiguities that will make it another intense and pleasing story. It debuts SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 07 at 9:00 pm ET/PT on HBO and will be available to stream on HBO Max. “Mare” Sheehan is not the only law enforcement on the beat!
It stars Mark Ruffalo, Tom Pelphrey, Emilia Jones, Jamie McShane, Sam Keeley, Thuso Mbedu, Fabien Frankel, Alison Oliver, Raúl Castillo, Silvia Dionicio, Phoebe Fox, and Martha Plimpton. Its creator/writer/showrunner/executive producer is Brad Ingelsby. Director/executive producers Jeremiah Zagar and Salli Richardson-Whitfield.
– Episode 01 – “Crossings”
Debut Date: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 07 (9:00 – 10:00 pm ET/PT)
– Episode 02 – “Family Statements”
Debut Date: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 (9:00 – 10:00 pm ET/PT)
– Episode 03 – “Nobody’s Stronger Than Forgiveness”
Debut Date: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 (9:00 – 10:00 pm ET/PT)
– Episode 04 – “All Roads”
Debut Date: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 (9:00 – 10:00 pm ET/PT)
– Episode 05 – “Vagrants”
Debut Date: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 05 (9:00 – 10:00 pm ET/PT)
– Episode 06 – “Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a river.”
Debut Date: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12 (9:00 – 10:00 pm ET/PT)
– Episode 07 – “A Still Small Voice”
Debut Date: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19 (9:00 – 10:00 pm ET/PT)
LAST WEEK TONIGHT WITH JOHN OLIVER begins its month on SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 07 (11:00-11:40 pm ET/PT). REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER begins FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 05 (10:00-11:00 pm ET/PT).
Original Series Exclusive to HBO Max: What can we say? Season Two of DC’s PEACEMAKER continues. In this sophomore season, Chris Smith / Peacemaker messes with an alternative universe and its alternative version of himself. Some don’t like his meddling, and some just don’t like him.
Four episodes upload EACH THURSDAY in September to the streamer:
– Season 2, Episode 03 – ” Another Rick Up My Sleeve” arrives THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 04
–Season 2, Episode 04 – “Need I Say Door” arrives THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
–Season 2, Episode 05 – “Back to the Suture” arrives THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
–Season 2, Episode 06 – TBA arrives THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
John Cena, Danielle Brooks, Jennifer Holland, Freddie Stroma, Steve Agee, and Robert Patrick return for season two. New cast members include Frank Grillo, David Denman, Sol Rodriguez, and Tim Meadows. It concludes in October.
HBO International Titles: Landing first in this category is a documentary out of Mexico entitled WHO 
KILLED OUR DAUGHTER? It recounts the crime against Debanhi Escobar that occurred in 2022. Her father, Mario, saw that a documentary about the matter would help bring the crime to light and perhaps help solve the case and bring closure. This is that film. It arrives on THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18. A week later, on THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, comes another Mexican piece called JESSE & JOY: LO QUE NUNCA DIJIMOS. Jesse & Joy is a Mexican pop duo formed in 2005 by brother and sister Jesse and Joy in Mexico City. The duo has released five studio albums, one live album, and one EP on Warner Music Latina. If you are a fan, then enjoy this concert special. A day later, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, we get a title from Sweden. This Max Original is entitled QUIET IN CLASS, and that is all I can give you. I’ve looked everywhere for it. Out of Turkey, on the same day, we get the series known here as THE GRAFT (Kaosun Anatomisi). The story follows Ozan, a young, idealistic doctor, whose life takes a dramatic turn when his path unexpectedly crosses with Kenan, one of Turkey’s most powerful crime lords. So, he thinks he is going to be asked to give a skin graft on the down low and then gets duped into committing graft instead?
HBO & HBO Max Theatrical Movies: Two A24 movies make it onto the schedule for September. Here, to get you interested, is a bit about each of them – Friendship and Warfare.
Very simply put, suburban dad Craig (Tim Robinson) falls hard for his charismatic new neighbor (Paul Rudd), as Craig’s attempts to make an adult male friend threaten to ruin both of their lives. All he wants is a little FRIENDSHIP. Co-starring Kate Mara and Jack Dylan Grazer. Written and directed by Andrew DeYoung. The 1-hour 41-minute movie debuts on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 06 (8:00-9:45 pm ET/PT) on HBO and on HBO Max the night prior.
Then on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 (8:00-9:40 pm ET/PT) on HBO and on HBO Max the night prior is WARFARE. Written and directed by Iraq War veteran Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland (Civil War, which plays right after the 8:00 movie, 28 Days Later), this war movie embeds audiences with a platoon of American Navy SEALs on a surveillance mission gone wrong in insurgent territory. A visceral, boots-on-the-ground story of modern warfare and brotherhood, told like never before: in real time and based on the memory of the people who lived it. It stars D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Will Poulter, Cosmo Jarvis, Kit Connor, Finn Bennett, Taylor John Smith, Michael Gandolfini, Adain Bradley, Noah Centineo, Evan Holtzman, Henrique Zaga, with Joseph Quinn and Charles Melton.
In other movies, how about a few classics like Dog Day Afternoon, Keeper of the Flame, and On Dangerous Ground? More recent titles cycling back around include Se7en, The Cabin In the Woods, and Gaslight Alley. Recent HBO Collections, found on HBO Max, include the What’s New Collection. It lists Recently Added, Last Chance, and Live and Upcoming highlights. That Last Chance listing is important because not only does it list movies cycling out of rotation, but shows that are being purged as well.
HBO Documentary Films: Three new documentaries arrive for our viewing. First is a history lesson, followed by a social story, and we end with a biography. To lead us off is the two-parter taking us through the history of Blacks on television and the impact it made on our culture. It is called SEEN & HEARD: THE HISTORY OF BLACK TELEVISION. Part 1 debuts SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 09 (9:00-10:14 pm ET), followed by Part 2 airing the following day at the same time on HBO. Both parts will be available to stream on September 09 on HBO Max. takes audiences on a two-part journey through the history of Black representation on television, showcasing how Black artists and creators both shaped and revolutionized the medium while confronting the systemic challenges that have often undermined their contributions. Through archival footage and interviews with major figures in the television industry and culture shapers, the documentary spotlights the trailblazers who paved the way, exploring complex narratives around race, identity, and cultural legacy
–Part One: SEEN
Debut date: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 (9:00-10:14 p.m. ET/PT)
Part One, SEEN, details decades of cultural shifts in television, with prominent Black voices sharing stories of their journeys, inspirations, and insights into their work and the industry. Historically, Black television was shaped by white writers and creators, from “Amos ‘n’ Andy” to wildly popular shows including “The Jeffersons” and “Good Times.” While Black characters were becoming increasingly visible on screen, their stories were not always written with authenticity or complexity. A rise in shows by Black creators brought social issues including the AIDS crisis, homosexuality, and racial protests to the forefront, and Black
television went beyond merely reflecting culture – it began to create it. “In Living Color” and “The Arsenio Hall Show” gave an unprecedented national platform to hip-hop and Black comedians, driving discourse and reframing the cultural landscape. Despite a host of shows with Black creators and crews that built audiences and boosted ratings, by the end of the 1990s and into the early 2000s, many popular Black shows were cancelled and a new slate of programming featuring all white casts emerged.
–Part Two: HEARD
Debut date: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 (9:00-10:30 p.m. ET/PT)
Part Two, HEARD, addresses ownership of the narrative, highlighting the need for opportunity at every level – including showrunners, editors, cinematographers, and writers. The responsibility and power of storytelling is demonstrated in Shonda Rhimes’ color-blind casting for her powerhouse shows, Oprah’s betting on herself and owning her own content and vision, and other stories depicting the breadth of the Black experience, such as scenes of the Tulsa massacre from HBO’s “Watchmen,” that underscored the importance of showing Black history authentically. HEARD also explores the rise of social media, enabling artists to own their own image, propelling creators like Issa Rae to success, and showcases how creators pay it forward. Lena Waithe’s mentorship lab reflects that mission – to open doors for the next generation and ensure that those telling Black stories reflect the full spectrum of the Black experience. With ownership of media companies, newspapers, and intellectual property, Black creators shape perception and policy while honoring the full scope of their history in all its paradoxes and complexities.
On TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, is the documentary short THE DEVIL IS BUSY. It takes viewers behind 
the scenes of a women’s healthcare clinic in Atlanta, Georgia, as the employees, including Tracii, the head of security, carry out their daily work of securing the safety of their patients while providing medical services, where clinics face daily threats of danger. It is directed by Christalyn Hampton and Geeta Gandbhir; executive produced by Soledad O’Brien and Rose Arce; produced by Christalyn Hampton, Rose Arce, Amber Fares, and Soledad O’Brien. Closing out the month is PRIME MINISTER. Going behind the scenes of her administration and her private life, the documentary follows Jacinda Arden, New Zealand’s 40th Prime Minister, over seven years as she is catapulted to the top of New Zealand politics, becomes a global political icon, resigns from office, and continues to champion the fight against isolationism, fear, and the distortion of truth. Intimate home footage shot by her husband and audio interviews from her time in office give viewers unparalleled access and an unfiltered window into her years in power. Directed by Michelle Walshe and Lindsay Utz; debuting SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30.
HBO MAX Documentary Films: Uploading to the streamer seems to be an interesting title. Directed by award-winning documentary filmmaker Sami Kieksi and co-written with Joni Soila, MOST WANTED: TEEN HACKER follows the illegal exploits of Finnish hacker Julius Kivimäki (now known as Aleksanteri Kivimäki), who rose to infamy after forcing a U.S. passenger plane to make an emergency landing, shutting down PlayStation globally, and orchestrating several dangerous SWAT attacks – including one targeting the family of an FBI agent. Produced by Aller Studios for HBO Max, the documentary uncovers, for example, how the FBI tracked down the then-15-year-old hacker at a casino in Las Vegas. The series includes compelling interviews with FBI agents, SWAT team members, cybersecurity experts, Kivimäki’s victims, internationally recognized hackers, and Kivimäki himself – currently serving a prison sentence. It appears on the streamer on FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 05.
HBO Original Specials: Another comedy routine makes it onto the slate this month. As of the posting 
date, however, an exact date to air has not been set. But I call your attention to CALEB HEARON HBO COMEDY SPECIAL, nevertheless. Sounds like it needs some marketing work yet, because that is clearly a placeholder title, right? He was out on tour earlier this year with a So True gig. Just call it that and get it marketed and pick an HBO debut date. Anyway, in his debut stand-up special, filmed in front of a sold-out crowd at Constellation in Chicago, Caleb Hearon showcases his ability to unpack life’s most absurd contradictions with his signature charm and razor-sharp wit. This HBO original comedy special is performed, written, and executive produced by Caleb Hearon. Look for it.
HBO Max Kids & Family: Some shows have new installments to present, and one show has its final run 
on HBO Max. This category should wind down and likely be eliminated soon as WBD phases out kids’ programming. But before that happens, more BUGS BUNNY BUILDERS are debuting on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 01; WE BABY BEARS on SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 07; DYLAN’S PLAYTIME ADVENTURES on THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, and BEA’S BLOCK on THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18.
This section is presented by the letter N as Netflix takes over SESAME STREET because HBO Max closed its contract with the beloved, long-standing educational series. As long as the stations exist, PBS will still carry the show as well. On THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 04, the penultimate episode on the streamer, Cookie Monster feels nervous about going to cooking school. His friends help prepare him for his first day of school.
HBO Sports: No new sports programming on HBO, but over on HBO Max, there is MLB, NASCAR, BIG 12 COLLEGE FOOTBALL, U. S. SOCCER, ALL ELITE WRESTLING, and the SAVANNAH BANANAS in the lineup.
Other Shows On HBO or HBO Max: Plenty of shows, as usual, are imported over to the streamer from the other channels in the WBD. From Adult Swim, we single out the WOMEN WEARING SHOULDER PADS: ENGLISH DUB MOVIE, which takes the quarter-hour segments and strings them into a full-length feature. It pops up on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29. Leading off the month on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 01, however, is RICK AND MORTY SEASON 8.
Also arriving is new GKIDS content, as was mentioned in this previous post. HBO Max continues to lead in Japanese animation as the exclusive home to the world-renowned Studio Ghibli catalog in the United States. Starting MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 01, HBO Max will expand its acclaimed library of award-winning adult animated and live action films, deepening its commitment to the genre through an expanded partnership with GKIDS. Some titles are making their North American debuts with this contract. Those titles include FORTUNE FAVORS LADY NIKUKO, GHOST CAT ANZU, LONELY CASTLE IN THE MIRROR, LOVE & POP, and YOUR NAME.
If you happen to be watching HBO on Labor Day this year, there is a variety of programming across the linear channels in primetime. On HBO and HBO Latino, from 7:15 am – 3:07 am the following day, is a marathon from the LORD OF THE RINGS franchise. That is a total of eight epic movies. HBO 2 has two recent theatrical movies – SINNERS & FINAL DESTINATION: BLOODLINES. HBO Signature will run a marathon of THE OUTSIDER, the Stephen King adaptation, and HBO Comedy runs Season Two of THE REHEARSAL. Over on HBO Zone, four Batman movies are featured, beginning with Tim Burton’s BATMAN at the 8:00 pm ET hour. Oh, and let’s comment that, as fans must surely know by now, HBO Family is no longer.
Next Month’s Tease: A visual clue this time. What is this kid screaming about?
Last Month’s Tease: We asked – He wrote Ben Affleck’s THE WAY BACK before coming to HBO. He returns to HBO in September with a work that takes place in the same region as his first HBO foray. Who is he, and what is his next HBO offering?
The answer is he is Brad Inglesby, and he gives us TASK in September. He gave us MARE OF EASTTOWN before that.
Final Clip: Here is the trailer for SEEN & HEARD: THE HISTORY OF BLACK TELEVISION.
Enjoy HBO & HBOWatch
