According to Deadline, the entertainment world is having a shake-up, now that Netflix is officially buying Warner Bros. Discovery in a massive deal worth $82.7 billion. This means Netflix isn’t just adding a few titles to its library; it’s about to absorb some of Hollywood’s biggest film and television studios, including Warner Bros., HBO, and HBO Max.
Once Discovery Global spins off into a new company in 2026 and the deal is fully completed, viewers will witness one of the largest content shifts in streaming history. Yep, from the new year onwards, Netflix subscribers might open the streamer and find shows that were once HBO exclusives, are now sitting right next to Stranger Things and Wednesday.
And while this means more binge-worthy nights for fans, for the industry, it’s a major power shift. But overall, as everyone prepares for this streaming earthquake, here are the 10 absolute best HBO Max shows that will eventually land on Netflix.
1. Six Feet Under
Remember the 2001 emotionally powerful drama series Six Feet Under, created by Alan Ball? Well, the show is now set to make its way to Netflix. With 5 seasons, the show follows the Fisher family, who run a funeral home, and explores life, death, and the messy, beautiful moments in between.
It stars Peter Krause, Michael C. Hall, Frances Conroy, and Lauren Ambrose in lead roles, each delivering unforgettable performances. Overall, what makes Six Feet Under so special is the way it mixes dark humor with deep emotional storytelling, making every episode feel honest and human.
TV ShowSix Feet UnderCreatorAlan Ball, Rick ClevelandCastPeter Krause, Michael C. Hall, Frances Conroy, Lauren Ambrose, Freddy Rodriguez, Mathew St. Patrick, and Rachel GriffithsRotten Tomatoes Score81%Number of Season5
And of course, its finale is still considered one of the best in TV history. So now, it seems that Netflix viewers are definitely in for a ride.
2. Game of Thrones
A still from Game of Thrones | image: HBO
Literally one of the most epic series ever brought to screen, Game of Thrones is considered a global phenomenon for a reason. Based on George R.R. Martin’s fantasy novels, A Song of Ice and Fire, the series takes viewers to Westeros, where noble houses fight for control of the Iron Throne.
It stars Kit Harington, Emilia Clarke, Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey, and Maisie Williams in lead roles, delivering some of the strongest performances in modern TV. With its dragons, politics, shocking twists, and massive battles, the show changed television forever. And even though the show delivered a controversial ending, there’s no denying the impact it made worldwide.
TV ShowGame of ThronesCreatorDavid Benioff, DB WeissCastEmilia Clarke, Kit Harington, Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams, Peter Dinklage, Lena HeadeyRotten Tomatoes Score89%Number of Season8
And now, once it moves to Netflix, fans can expect it to become one of the platform’s most-watched titles overnight.
3. The Wire
A still from The Wire | Image: HBO
Often considered as one of the greatest TV shows ever made, The Wire honestly deserves that title. Created by David Simon, this crime drama digs deep into Baltimore’s drug trade, politics, education system, and media, while featuring groundbreaking performances from Dominic West, Idris Elba, Michael B. Jordan, and the legendary Michael K. Williams.
Overall, The Wire feels honest and authentic because of its focus on people, and not clichés. In the show, every character, even the criminals, feels human. But in doing so, the series doesn’t glamorize crime; instead, it exposes the system behind it. And now, Netflix viewers who love realistic, slow-burning dramas are going to appreciate this iconic series.
TV ShowThe WireCreatorDavid SimonCastDominic West, Idris Elba, Michael B. Jordan, Michael K. Williams, Lance Reddick, Sonja Sohn, John DomanRotten Tomatoes Score95%Number of Season5
In fact, people who loved Dominic West’s role as Prince Charles in Netflix’s The Crown will now have another iconic show to binge from the legendary star.
4. True Detective
A still from True Detective season 1 | image: HBO
Moving on to the genre of anthology crime series, we’ve True Detective, which is set to move on to Netflix, from its previous home at HBO Max. This show is renowned for its world-building, as each season tells a new story with a new cast. But overall, it’s Season 1, starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, that’s considered a masterpiece for its eerie storytelling and brilliant acting.
Later seasons also earned rave reviews and fandom, featuring Mahershala Ali, Colin Farrell, and Rachel McAdams, each bringing something fresh, but the show stood out because of its initial installment. Overall, it remains a highly appreciated source of binge-watching because of how it mixes crime investigation with psychological depth and haunting visuals. It feels cinematic from start to finish.
TV ShowTrue DetectiveCreatorNic PizzolattoCastMatthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Michelle Monaghan, Michael Potts, Tory Kittles, Mahershala Ali, Colin Farrell, and Rachel McAdamsRotten Tomatoes Score79%Number of Season4
So, whether you enjoy mysteries, dark themes, or strong character-driven stories, True Detective will easily become one of Netflix’s most talked-about additions.
5. Barry
Bill Hader in a still from Barry | image: HBO
Coming to the 2018 dark comedy created by and starring Bill Hader, we’ve Barry, which tells the story of a hitman trying to leave crime behind to become an actor. Across its 4 seasons, the show features incredible performances from Henry Winkler, Anthony Carrigan, and Sarah Goldberg, delivering a storyline that not only gets darker each season but also smarter and more unpredictable.
TV ShowBarryCreatorBill Hader, Alec BergCastBill Hader, Stephen Root, Sarah Goldberg, Anthony Carrigan, and Henry Winkler.Rotten Tomatoes Score98%Number of Season4
Overall, what makes Barry brilliant to watch is how it balances hilarious moments with heavy emotional themes. One moment you’re laughing, the next you’re stressed because Barry’s double life keeps falling apart. So, with its unique mix of comedy and crime, Barry will definitely become a fan favorite once it lands on Netflix.
6. Band of Brothers
From the same producer of Masters of the Air, Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, there appeared another stunning World War II miniseries, Band of Brothers. Based on real events, this show follows Easy Company, a group of American soldiers who experience some of the war’s toughest battles.
The cast includes Damian Lewis, Ron Livingston, David Schwimmer, Tom Hardy, and James McAvoy, delivering phenomenal performances. Overall, the show is known for its emotional storytelling, realism, and respect for the soldiers it portrays. Each episode feels like a tribute to courage and brotherhood.
TV ShowBand of BrothersCreatorSteven Spielberg, Tom HanksCastDamian Lewis, Ron Livingston, David Schwimmer, Tom Hardy, and James McAvoyRotten Tomatoes Score94%Number of Season1
And so now, Netflix users who love history, war dramas, or powerful true stories will definitely appreciate this classic masterpiece, once it shifts from HBO Max to the streamer.
7. The Leftovers
Nora Durst and Kevin Garvey in The Leftovers | image: HBO
Created by Damon Lindelof, this 2014 drama series, The Leftovers, is one of the most unique shows ever made. The 3-season show begins with a mysterious global event where the residents of Mapleton, New York, mysteriously disappear, and the rest of the people are left to struggle and rebuild their lives.
The Leftovers focuses mainly on the people left behind and how they cope with loss, confusion, and hope. It stars Justin Theroux, Carrie Coon, Christopher Eccleston, and Regina King, all delivering incredible performances. Meanwhile, what makes the show so great is how emotional, philosophical, and unpredictable it is.
TV ShowThe LeftoversCreatorDamon Lindelof, Tom PerrottaCastJustin Theroux, Amy Brenneman, Christopher Eccleston, Liv Tyler, Chris Zylka, Margaret Qualley, Carrie CoonRotten Tomatoes Score91%Number of Season3
It doesn’t give easy answers but offers some of the best character arcs on TV. Netflix viewers will discover a hidden gem here.
8. Succession
Brian Cox in Succession | image: HBO
Next, we’ve HBO’s award-winning drama, Succession, which narrates the tale of the Roy family, owners of a massive media empire. Led by Brian Cox as Logan Roy, the cast includes Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook, Kieran Culkin, and Matthew Macfadyen, delivering dark humor and intense family drama as the children fight for control of the company.
TV ShowSuccessionCreatorJesse ArmstrongCastBrian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Kieran Culkin, Sarah Snook, Matthew Macfadyen, and Alan Ruck Rotten Tomatoes Score95%Number of Season4
Overall, the show is packed with sharp writing, where every character is flawed, chaotic, and unbelievably fun to watch. Naturally, Succession became a cultural phenomenon because of its brilliant performances and addictive storytelling. And now, once it moves to Netflix, it will easily attract a whole new audience ready for the drama.
9. Chernobyl
A still from Chernobyl | image: HBO
This riveting five-episode miniseries, Chernobyl, telling the true story of the 1986 nuclear disaster, is hands down one of the best shows to grace the television screen. It stars Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgård, and Emily Watson, all delivering powerful and heartbreaking performances, as they show the cost of a nuclear explosion.
The show has earned its fair share of praise for its accuracy, emotional depth, and chilling atmosphere, where each character shows the human cost, the bravery of workers, and the political failures that made everything worse in the USSR, after the reactor explosion. That’s why Chernobyl remains gripping from start to finish and is hailed as one of HBO’s highest-rated series.
TV ShowChernobylCreatorCraig MazinCastJessie Buckley, Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgård, Adam Nagaitis, Emily WatsonRotten Tomatoes Score95%Number of Season1
And now that it’s set to arrive on Netflix, viewers who love true stories and historical dramas are expected to be glued to their screens.
10. The Sopranos
James Gandolfini in The Sopranos | image: HBO
Ending the list with yet another greatest TV drama ever made, The Sopranos is hailed for good reason. The show follows mob boss Tony Soprano, played brilliantly by James Gandolfini, as he tries to balance crime, family life, and his own mental health. The cast further includes Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco, and Michael Imperioli, all delivering unforgettable performances.
TV ShowThe SopranosCreatorDavid ChaseCastJames Gandolfini, Robert Iler, Steven R. Schirripa, Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Michael Imperioli, and Edie FalcoRotten Tomatoes Score92%Number of Season6
Overall, what makes The Sopranos iconic is how deeply it explores its characters while still giving viewers classic gangster drama. Basically, arriving in 1999, with its 6 seasons, the series changed TV storytelling forever and paved the way for modern prestige shows. And now, once it streams on Netflix, a whole new generation will discover its genius.
Let us know which HBO show you are most excited to watch on Netflix.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
