HBO max - 2026 Starts Strong with Fantasy, Drama and One of the Year’s Biggest TV Moments

By Mulder, 05 january 2026

HBO Max is clearly not easing into the new year. Instead, the platform is hitting the accelerator from the very beginning of 2026 with one of its most ambitious January programming slates to date, signaling confidence, ambition, and a clear desire to cement its position as one of the essential streaming destinations. From highly anticipated new original series to the return of prestigious dramas and a wide range of additional content, subscribers are walking straight into a month that feels event-driven from start to finish.

The biggest moment of the month is undeniably the arrival of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, an all-new series expanding the legendary Game of Thrones universe. Set roughly a century before the events of the original show, this new chapter transports viewers back to a Westeros still under Targaryen dominance, while focusing on a more intimate, character-driven story. Following the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall, a humble yet noble hedge knight, and his young squire Egg — who is far more important than he initially appears — the series promises a blend of epic world-building, emotional storytelling, and the mix of intrigue, danger, and humanity that has always defined the franchise. Landing on January 18, it already stands as one of the most closely watched television events of the year and a major attraction for fantasy fans worldwide.

January also marks the return of major established shows that helped define HBO Max’s dramatic identity. The Pitt comes back on January 9 with its second season, plunging viewers once again into the intense, sometimes brutal, and deeply human world of American hospital life. Led by Noah Wyle and supported by a strong ensemble, the series continues to explore both the professional stakes and emotional weight of life-or-death decisions, promising to deepen its characters while keeping the dramatic tension high. Just a few days later, on January 12, Industry returns for its fourth season, once again immersing audiences in the fiercely competitive and morally complex environment of London’s financial sector. Power games, ambition, seduction, money, loyalty, and betrayal continue to drive a series that has built a strong reputation for sharp writing and uncompromising storytelling.

Beyond these flagship series, HBO Max is shaping January as a month of variety and breadth. The platform is combining big originals, returning hits, major films, and exclusive events to ensure there is always something essential to watch. It’s a carefully structured programming strategy that feels like a declaration of intent for 2026: the priority is clearly on prestige, diversity of genres, high production value, and consistent appointment viewing throughout the month rather than isolated content drops.

HBO Max is entering 2026 with confidence and clarity. With A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms as a massive fantasy event, The Pitt delivering emotional drama, Industry raising the stakes in the financial world, and a strong supporting lineup of additional titles and content, January sets the tone for what looks like a thrilling year ahead for the platform. One thing is certain: boredom will not be an option for HBO Max subscribers this month.

(Source : press release)