When people think of HBO, they often picture the prestige dramas that defined a generation of television. After all, shows like The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, and Succession built the network’s reputation on gritty, complex, and decidedly adult-oriented storytelling. This legacy has continued on its streaming platform, HBO Max, where mature content remains a major draw for subscribers looking for high-end productions and sophisticated narratives, from The Last of Us to Peacemaker. Unsurprisingly, the service is filled with bloody action, intricate political thrillers, and dark character studies that are perfect for a mature audience but leave families with younger viewers looking elsewhere.
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However, that reputation only tells part of the story. As the primary streaming home for the vast Cartoon Network catalog and the extensive DC animation vault, HBO Max is also a treasure trove of family-friendly content. Beyond the marquee adult dramas, the platform offers a diverse and impressive collection of animated shows, educational series, and lighthearted adventures that are perfect for a shared viewing experience. For families looking to gather on the couch for a weekend binge, HBO Max has several fantastic series with short episodes and contained seasons that can be fully enjoyed from start to finish in just a couple of days.
4) Planet Earth
Seasons: 1 (Original Series) | Average Episode Runtime: 50 minutes | Approximate Total Binge Time: 9 hours
The BBC’s groundbreaking nature documentary series Planet Earth is one of the most acclaimed television productions of all time, making it a fantastic choice for a family watch. Each of its eleven episodes explores a different habitat on the planet, from the icy polar regions and deep oceans to vast deserts and dense jungles. The series was revolutionary for its use of high-definition photography, capturing breathtaking landscapes and intimate animal behaviors with a clarity never before seen on television. Furthermore, Planet Earth (narrated by David Attenborough) is an educational and awe-inspiring experience that can spark curiosity in viewers of all ages. Its focus on the planet’s natural wonders offers a peaceful yet utterly compelling viewing session that can lead to fascinating family discussions about wildlife and conservation. Plus, the series had two follow-ups, Planet Earth II and Planet Earth III, which are equally suited for a weekend binge.
3) Jellystone!
Seasons: 3 | Average Episode Runtime: 11-22 minutes | Approximate Total Binge Time: 14 hours
Jellystone! reimagines the massive roster of classic Hanna-Barbera characters as residents of a quirky town where they live and work together. The series features Yogi Bear, Boo Boo, and Cindy Bear as the town’s medical staff, with other icons like Huckleberry Hound serving as mayor and Jabberjaw working at a clothing store. This shared-universe approach allows for wonderfully absurd interactions and storylines as these beloved characters navigate the zany challenges of their daily lives. Developed by C.H. Greenblatt, the show is packed with rapid-fire jokes, clever sight gags, and a deep love for its source material that will entertain kids and nostalgic parents in equal measure. As such, Jellystone! offers short, energetic episodes perfectly suited for a quick and consistently funny binge session.
2) Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai
Seasons: 2 | Average Episode Runtime: 22 minutes | Approximate Total Binge Time: 7.5 hours
Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai is an animated prequel that beautifully expands the lore of the iconic 1984 film. The series is set in 1920s Shanghai and follows a 10-year-old Sam Wing (voiced by Izaac Wang) as he first meets the adorable Mogwai, Gizmo. Along with a street thief named Elle (voiced by Gabrielle Nevaeh), Sam embarks on a thrilling journey steeped in Chinese mythology to return Gizmo to his mystical home. In addition, the group is pursued by the villainous industrialist Riley Greene (voiced by Matthew Rhys), who wants to exploit the creature’s magic for his own purposes. The show perfectly balances heart, humor, and moments of genuine peril, making Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai an engaging watch for both new fans and those who grew up with the original movies.
1) My Adventures with Superman
Seasons: 2 | Average Episode Runtime: 22 minutes | Approximate Total Binge Time: 7.5 hours
My Adventures with Superman is a fresh and vibrant take on the Man of Steel that has quickly become one of the most beloved animated series in recent years. The show centers on a young Clark Kent (voiced by Jack Quaid) as he begins his career at the Daily Planet, navigating his new responsibilities alongside aspiring reporter Lois Lane (voiced by Alice Lee) and photographer Jimmy Olsen (voiced by Ishmel Sahid). In addition, My Adventures with Superman chronicles Kal-el’s early days as Superman, blending slice-of-life romantic comedy with thrilling superhero action against a rogues’ gallery of technologically enhanced villains. With an anime-influenced art style and storytelling filled with genuine warmth and optimism, the series stands as a joyful celebration of the character’s core ideals. Finally, My Adventures with Superman offers a perfect modern entry point to the Superman mythos that the entire family can rally behind, even without prior knowledge of the character.
What is your family’s favorite HBO Max show to binge-watch together on a weekend? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!
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