HBO Max Adds Exciting New Content in January 2026
The end of January brings a fresh wave of content to HBO Max, with a lineup that includes critically acclaimed dramas, intriguing documentaries, and engaging series. Whether you're in the mood for action, history, or the supernatural, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a look at the standout picks from the latest updates.
PCMag’s Top Picks for the Week
The Smashing Machine (Jan. 23)
If you said 10 years ago that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson would be a Golden Globe nominee for actor in a drama, you’d get laughed out of the building. But Benny Safdie’s biopic of troubled MMA fighter Mark Kerr was built from the ground up to let the former wrestling icon flex his acting muscles, and he did a solid job with a complex figure. While it’s not a masterpiece, there’s a lot to love about The Smashing Machine, so catch it if you missed it in theaters.
Director: Benny Safdie
Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Ryan Bader
Genre: Drama
Rating: R
IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
My Haunted Hometown (Jan. 23)
I’m a sucker for a good ghost story, and Travel Channel show My Haunted Hometown spins them from a fun angle. The crew travels to small towns across the US and Canada to investigate local tall tales of spirits and haunts, from ghost-ridden bars and businesses to legendary paranormal houses. While some of the stories and re-enactments can get a little silly, the show is still fun.
Genre: Documentary
Rating: TV-14
IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
33 Photos From the Ghetto (Jan. 27)
Even with everything we know about the horrors of World War II and the Holocaust, millions of stories remain to be told. The new documentary, 33 Photos From the Ghetto, revolves around an astonishing historical document: the only photographs ever taken from the Jewish resistance to Nazi occupation in Warsaw, Poland. The film was discovered by accident in 2022, and the images depict astonishing bravery, terrifying conditions, and the unquenchable flame of survival.
Director: Jan Czarlewski
Genre: Documentary
Rating: 13+
Full List of New Releases This Week
Here’s the complete list of new releases on HBO Max for the week of January 23, 2026:
- January 23
- My Haunted Hometown - Season 1
- Real Time with Bill Maher - Season 24
- The Smashing Machine - January 25
- Have I Got News for You - Season 4 - January 27
- 33 Photos from the Ghetto - January 29
- Beat Bobby Flay - Season 40
Why These Picks Stand Out
While the end of the month typically brings a smaller selection of new content, HBO Max has managed to deliver some gems. The Smashing Machine is a compelling look at a troubled MMA fighter, showcasing Johnson’s growth as an actor. My Haunted Hometown offers a lighthearted yet fascinating exploration of paranormal legends, perfect for those who enjoy supernatural mysteries. And 33 Photos From the Ghetto is a powerful documentary that brings a lesser-known chapter of WWII history to light.
Whether you’re looking for drama, comedy, or something to send a shiver down your spine, HBO Max has you covered this week. Don’t miss out on these new releases – they’re worth your time.
About Our Expert
K. Thor Jensen is a writer and cartoonist living in the Pacific Northwest. He has contributed to dozens of prestigious outlets, including PCMag, Tested, Clickhole, and Newsweek. His second graphic novel, Cloud Stories, was released in 2017. For more insights, check out his latest work.
