Everything Coming to HBO MAX in May 2026

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HBO Max has announced everything that will be available on the platform in May 2026. The lineup includes a mix of original series, documentaries, comedy specials, films, and returning shows. The platform continues to bring different types of content together so viewers can find something for every mood.

One of the major highlights for the month is the premiere of the limited series White House Plumbers, which arrives on May 1. This show tells the story of the Watergate scandal, but it focuses on the people behind it. It follows E. Howard Hunt and G. Gordon Liddy, who were working to protect President Nixon. Instead, their actions ended up bringing down the presidency they were trying to defend. The series also looks at how their actions affected their families and personal lives.

In addition to this, HBO Max is also bringing new seasons of existing shows. One of the important returns is the second season of the Max Original On the Roam. This show continues to follow its unique storytelling style and explores different experiences through travel and personal stories. There is also a new HBO Original comedy special featuring Josh Johnson. This special adds to the platform’s collection of stand-up content and gives viewers something lighter to watch during the month.

The May lineup also includes a variety of films. Some of these are older titles, while others are newer additions. The platform continues to add films across different genres so that viewers can choose based on their interests. Along with films and scripted series, HBO Max is also adding documentaries and special programming. These include different types of real-life stories, historical topics, and unique perspectives. The goal is to give viewers both entertainment and informative content at the same time.

HBO Max Originals: Coming in May 2026

Debuts May 1: Wuthering Heights

This film presents a new version of the classic love story. It follows Cathy and Heathcliff, whose relationship begins as love but slowly becomes more intense and complicated. Their connection turns into something powerful and overwhelming, leading to a story filled with emotion, desire, and conflict. The film explores themes of love, obsession, and the consequences of deep passion.

Debuts May 8: Greenland 2 – Migration

This story takes place after a massive comet has destroyed much of the Earth. It follows John Garrity and his family as they leave the safety of their bunker in Greenland. They begin a dangerous journey to find a new place to live in a world that has been heavily damaged. Along the way, they face many risks and difficult decisions. The story focuses on survival, family bonds, and the hope of finding safety in a broken world.

Debuts May 9: The Seven / TBS / U-NEXT (Japan) – Song of the Samurai | 8 Episodes (Weekly release)

This series is set in Kyoto during the final years of the Edo period. It tells the story of the Shinsengumi, a well-known group of samurai who worked to defend the city during a time of major change in Japan. The show focuses on their intense lives and the strong bonds they form with each other. At the center of the story is Toshizo Hijikata, a street fighter who finds a sense of belonging with Isami Kondo and Soji Okita. Together, they become part of the Shinsengumi and build a deep sense of loyalty. However, their journey is not easy. They face betrayal, illness, and war. At the same time, they struggle with their own beliefs and personal choices. The series mixes action with emotional storytelling and presents a dramatic look at real historical events.

Debuts May 12: HBO Original Sports Documentary Series U.S. Against the World: Four Years with the Men’s National Soccer Team | 5 Episodes (Weekly release)

This documentary series follows the United States Men’s National Soccer Team over a period of four years. It shows their journey as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The series focuses on key players like Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, Tim Weah, and Weston McKennie. It captures both their personal lives and their experiences as a team. Viewers get to see the challenges they face, the pressure they deal with, and the effort it takes to compete at the highest level of the sport.

Debuts May 13: HBO Original Documentary – The A List: 15 Stories from Asia and Pacific Diasporas

This documentary brings together a collection of personal stories from Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities in the United States. It includes experiences from well-known figures like Sandra Oh as well as everyday individuals such as a retired nurse named Madelyn Yu. Each story is told in a personal way and reflects different backgrounds and perspectives. The film encourages viewers to think beyond broad labels like “Asian American” or “AAPI” and instead focus on individual identities and lived experiences.

Debuts May 14: Max Original Unscripted Series: On the Roam – Season 2 | 6 Episodes (Weekly release)

This is a six-part documentary-style series that follows Jason Momoa as he travels across the country. The show focuses on creativity, craftsmanship, and human connection. In each episode, he meets different people and explores their work, their passion, and their stories. The series captures moments of friendship, adventure, and learning. It has a relaxed and personal style, giving viewers a closer look at the people and places he visits.

Debuts May 15: Lurker

This film follows a young retail worker who meets a rising pop star. He sees this as a chance to become part of a world he has always wanted to enter. As he gets closer to the celebrity, the line between being a fan and being a friend starts to disappear. His growing access to this new life begins to change him, and things slowly take a darker turn where the situation becomes more serious and dangerous.

Debuts May 22: HBO Original Comedy Special – Josh Johnson: Symphony

This comedy special features Josh Johnson performing original material that focuses on everyday human experiences. He talks about topics like family, religion, and relationships in a way that feels personal and relatable. His style is thoughtful but also creative, and he approaches serious topics with humor. The performance offers a fresh and engaging experience for viewers who enjoy stand-up that feels both honest and unique.

Debuts May 22: HBO Original Documentary Series – The Yogurt Shop Murders (Episode 5)

This episode continues the story of a long-running case involving the murder of four teenage girls in Austin, Texas in 1991. It looks at what happened after the documentary series first brought attention to the case in 2025. The Austin Police Department announces a major breakthrough during a press conference. New DNA technology helps identify the killer, revealing a surprising connection to a serial killer who committed crimes in multiple states during the 1990s. The episode also shows how this development affects the victims’ families. At the same time, it gives the men who were wrongly accused earlier a chance to finally clear their names.

Debuts May 29: HBO Original Film – Miss You, Love You

This film centers on Diane Patterson, a woman who is dealing with the loss of her husband. She is forced to plan his funeral, but she has to do it with someone she does not know well. That person is her estranged son’s assistant. As they spend time together, they begin to deal with their grief in different ways. Their situation is awkward at first, but it slowly turns into a meaningful connection. As they talk and work through their emotions, hidden feelings and past issues come to the surface. Over time, their unexpected bond helps them find comfort, understanding, and a path toward healing.

Debuts May 29: A24 Film – The Moment

This film follows a rising pop star as she prepares for her first arena tour. While her career is growing, she also has to deal with the pressure that comes with fame. The story looks at the challenges of being in the spotlight and the demands of the music industry. It shows how success can bring both opportunity and stress, and how she tries to balance her personal life with her public image.