Inside HBO Max’s December lineup

From returning fan favourites to long-awaited sequels and new international dramas, HBO Max is set to deliver one of its most packed months of the year with a diverse December 2025 content slate.

While no brand-new HBO original series are launching this month, several major titles continue, conclude or arrive for streaming, alongside a strong selection of films, documentaries and seasonal favourites.

Returning originals

Season two of It’s Florida, Man is already underway and continues throughout December. The late-night comedy series brings outrageous, ripped-from-the-headlines stories to life with a rotating cast of actors and comedians. New episodes drop weekly and feature guest appearances from a long list of stars, including Tiffany Haddish, Adam DeVine, Rita Ora, Johnny Knoxville and Bert Kreischer.

It: Welcome to Derry also resumes in December as the series moves towards its final episodes. The story intensifies with a deadly vigilante attack and a growing supernatural presence engulfing the town of Derry.

Meanwhile, I Love LA continues its run on Sundays, following Maia and her friends as their relationships, creative ambitions and personal lives collide once again.

International spotlight

One of the most talked-about releases is Heated Rivalry, adapted from Rachel Reid’s Game Changers novels. The six-episode drama follows major-league hockey rivals Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, whose intense on-ice competition evolves into a complicated and secret relationship over several years. The series debuted with two episodes in late November and continues weekly on HBO Max throughout December.

Major film premieres

Several high-profile film releases are also arriving on HBO Max this month.

The Family McMullen, written and directed by Edward Burns, premieres on December 5. The sequel revisits the McMullen family three decades after the original, exploring new romantic and family tensions as the next generation comes into focus.

Spinal Tap II: The End Continues lands mid-December, reuniting the iconic bandmates for one final chaotic concert journey more than four decades after the original film.

Later in the month, animation fans can stream Ne Zha II, the English-dubbed sequel to the record-breaking Chinese hit. Featuring voice work from Michelle Yeoh among others, the story follows the rebellious demigod Ne Zha as he faces a powerful ancient force threatening humanity. The original Ne Zha will also be available to stream from the beginning of the month.

Documentaries and music specials

Music takes centre stage on HBO Max in December with the release of several high-profile documentaries.

Paul Anka: His Way, arriving on December 1, offers an in-depth look at the legendary songwriter’s life and career, featuring archival footage and classic performances.

The platform’s Music Box series also continues with new instalments focusing on Jeff Buckley, Wizkid and Counting Crows, as well as a final episode exploring the world of children’s music and its unexpected cultural impact.

Comedy fans can look forward to Sarah Squirm: Live + In The Flesh, Sarah Sherman’s first HBO comedy special, set to premiere in the middle of the month.

Sports and classic television

Sports documentary series Hard Knocks returns in December with a special focus on the NFC East, following the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants and Washington Commanders through the final stretch of the NFL season.

Classic television fans also have something to celebrate, with Mad Men becoming available to stream in full on HBO Max in 4K for the first time from December 1.

Holiday favourites

To close out the year, HBO Max is also expanding its seasonal library with festive favourites such as Elf, The Polar Express, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Bad Santa and Four Christmases, alongside dedicated Yule Log streams for the holiday season.

With drama, nostalgia, music, sport and festive comfort all on offer, December is shaping up to be one of HBO Max’s most varied and content-heavy months yet.

Aasiya Nazir