Top 5 Must-Watch HBO Max Shows This Week: Dec 29–Jan 4, 2026

This is just one of Ebaster’s latest guides to help you find your next TV show or streaming series, whether it’s brand new or a beloved classic. Don’t forget to check out our other guides this week for Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV, and Paramount+, and let us know what you’re watching in the comments!

Amid Heated Rivalry Finale, Real-Life Hockey Olympians’ Rivals-To-Couple Story Goes Viral

The TV series Heated Rivalry, created by Jacob Tierney, follows Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie), two competing hockey players who develop feelings for each other, adding challenges to their professional lives and the sport. This month, Crave and HBO Max announced that season 2 is planned, and it will likely be based on the novel The Long Game. Fans can expect the new season sometime in 2027 or later.

Percy Jackson Gave Thalia An Epic (Albeit Early) Introduction, And I’m Getting Emotional Over The Story Behind How She Was Cast

We’re at the midpoint of Season 2 of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, and the latest episode introduced a key character: Thalia Grace. Thalia is the daughter of Zeus and a former friend of Annabeth, Grover, and Luke. She sacrificed herself to save them. Now that she’s appeared, let’s discuss how she was cast and why she’s showing up earlier in the series than expected.

Top 5 Must-Watch Apple TV Shows This Week: Dec 29–Jan 4, 2026

If you’re looking for something new to watch, let me tell you about five Apple TV+ series that are definitely worth checking out. Ebaster’s got a great rundown of what’s hot on all the major streamers – Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max, and Paramount+ – and honestly, any of these five shows will keep you hooked as you head into the New Year. I highly recommend giving them a look!