In the month of International Women’s Day, enjoy MAX and HBO Originals that celebrate women and their passion, resilience, and achievements.
From the illustrious chef who pioneered cooking shows in “Julia” (premiering Thursday, 31st March) and the socially adept women of “The Gilded Age” which returns in a second season, to the darkly funny and dramatic ladies in “Hacks”, “The Flight Attendant”, and “Somebody Somewhere”, there’s an inspiring story for every woman (and man) on HBO GO.
“Julia” Season 1
Delve into the extraordinary life of world-renowned chef Julia Child and how her long-running television series “The French Chef” pioneered the now popular genre of cooking shows. Through Julia (Sarah Lancashire) and her singular can-do spirit, the series explores a rapidly evolving time in American history – the emergence of public television as a new social institution, feminism and the women’s movement, the nature of celebrity and America’s cultural growth.
“Hacks” Season 1
Legendary Las Vegas comedian Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) unexpectedly finds herself a mentor to an entitled, young comedy writer, Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder). Despite their obvious differences, they learn to respect each other and work together to revive Deborah’s flailing career in this MAX Original. Smart’s compelling portrayal won her the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series at the 73rd Emmy® Awards.
“The Flight Attendant” Season 1
Street smart, quirky and more than a little rash, Cassandra “Cassie” Bowden (Kaley Cuoco) often makes risky choices in life. One of those choices turns her life upside down after she wakes up in a hotel room with a dead man. Cuoco’s charm, wit, and confident portrayal of Cassie earned her a first Golden Globe award nomination for this critically-acclaimed, breakthrough MAX Original series.
“Somebody Somewhere” Season 1
A true Kansan on the surface, Sam (Bridget Everett) secretly struggles to fit the hometown mold. As she grapples with loss and acceptance, singing becomes her saving grace and leads her on a journey to discover herself. With support from a community of outsiders who don’t fit in but don’t give up, this series shows that finding your people, and your voice, is possible. Anywhere. Somewhere.
“The Gilded Age” Season 1
Set in the 1880s, young Marion (Louisa Jacobson) moves from rural Pennsylvania to New York City and finds herself in the middle of a class war waged between her ‘old money’ aunts Agnes (Christine Baranski) and Ada (Cynthia Nixon) and their wealthy neighbours. During this period of immense social and economic change, known as the American Gilded Age, Marion must choose between society’s rules and her desire to forge her own path.
Other must-watch originals include:
“KIMI” (film) – A young woman with agoraphobia is a home-based tech worker who discovers evidence of a violent crime. For justice to be served, she has no alternative but to do what she fears the most — leave her apartment. This MAX original thriller by Academy Award-winning director Steven Soderbergh stars Zoë Kravitz.
“Mare of Easttown” Season 1 – A small-town Pennsylvania detective, Mare Sheehan (Kate Winslet), is haunted by an unsolved case and by her own past. This HBO Original limited series explores the dark side of a close community and provides an authentic examination of how family and past tragedies can define our present. The role earned Winslet an Emmy® Award for Best Lead Actress in a Limited Series.
“In Treatment” Seasons 1 to 4 – Observant, empathetic Dr. Brooke Taylor (Emmy winner Uzo Aduba) returns for a fourth season of this Emmy-winning drama series. Despite complications in her own personal life, she remains a dedicated therapist as she helps patients navigate a variety of modern concerns, including concerns surrounding the global pandemic and major social and cultural shifts.
“The Nevers” Season 1 – Women in Victorian-era London suddenly find themselves in possession of abnormal abilities following a supernatural event. Their newfound abilities, from the wondrous to the disturbing, place them in grave danger until a mysterious widow Amalia True (Laura Donnelly) and brilliant young inventor Penance Adair (Ann Skelly) join forces to protect and shelter them against those determined to annihilate their kind.
“Insecure” Seasons 1 to 5 – Across the tricky professional and personal terrain of Los Angeles, best friends Issa (Issa Rae) and Molly (Yvonne Orji) face the varied challenges of being black women in a big city, from uncomfortable experiences to racy tribulations, as they defy all stereotypes to live the life they want. The comedy series was created by and starring NAACP Image Award winner and six-time Emmy® and Golden Globe® Award nominee Issa Rae.
