For years, HBO has built a reputation as a top-notch entertainment producer. Critically acclaimed and memorable series like Westworld, Six Feet Under, and Game of Thrones had the unmistakable HBO quality hallmark. The network’s affiliated video-on-demand service, HBO Max, only launched a couple of years ago, yet it’s already home to a seemingly endless library of highly rated content.

For this list, however, we’re watching for series premiering and returning during 2023. By noting Rotten Tomatoes scores and IMDB audience rankings, we’ll keep updating this page with the best content available to stream on HBO Max throughout the year. For a broader list, check our Best Shows on HBO Max of All Time.

Best and Highest Rated TV Shows on HBO Max in 2023

2. Velma (2023 – )

While some critics found a few positive things to say about Mindy Kaling’s Velma, including here on Ready Steady Cut, it’s safe to say viewers weren’t keen on the adult animation to take on the Scooby-Doo franchise. The series did, however, manage to bring Internet netizens together in their shared dislike of it – an accomplishment on its own considering how much people love arguing with one another on social media. 

Official Premise: The origin of the sleuth and member of the Mystery Inc. gang, Velma.

Cast: Mindy Kaling, Constance Wu, Sam Richardson, Glenn Howerton

Rotten Tomatoes: 40%

IMDB Rating: 1.5/10

1. The Last of Us (2023 – )

Arguably the most talked about series of 2023 so far, The Last of Us is an adaptation of a beloved namesake video game franchise. The show’s premiere night saw a whopping 4.7 million viewers worldwide, and the near-perfect rankings from RT and IMDB speak for themselves. Many call this HBO’s newest big hit, and they’re probably right. 

Official Premise: 20 years after modern civilization has been destroyed, Joel, a hardened survivor, is hired to smuggle Ellie, a 14-year-old girl, out of an oppressive quarantine zone. What starts as a small job soon becomes a brutal, heartbreaking journey as they both must traverse the U.S. and depend on each other for survival.

Cast: Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Nick Offerman, Gabriel Luna, Merle Dandridge

Rotten Tomatoes: 97%

IMDB Rating: 9.1/10

And that completes our list of the Best and Highest Rated TV Shows on HBO Max in 2023. What’s your favorite in this list? Comment below.

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