This animated series, which boasts a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, is one of three overlooked TV shows available on HBO Max to check out this weekend (June 26-28).

      Are you in search of something unique to stream on HBO Max this weekend? These three underrated series highlight that some of the finest television on the platform has not received the mainstream recognition it merits.

      From a gritty historical medical drama to a captivating and unconventional animated sci-fi series, and an Italian coming-of-age saga, each offers a completely distinct binge-watching experience. If you're weary of seeing the same suggested TV shows every weekend, these selections are definitely worth checking out.

      Additionally, we have guides featuring the top new movies to watch, the best films on Netflix, the finest movies on Hulu, the best free films, and the top movies on Amazon Prime Video.

      The Knick (2014)

      Genre: Medical Drama | IMDb rating: 8.4/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 92%

      Clive Owen portrays Dr. John Thackery, a gifted yet drug-addicted surgeon at a fictional representation of Manhattan’s Knickerbocker Hospital in 1900. The surgeries are graphic, the lighting is authentic and dim, and the show does not shy away from the harsh realities of early medicine. Andre Holland is equally impressive as Dr. Algernon Edwards, a Black surgeon striving for basic respect in a hospital that hardly accepts him.

      The show's historical accuracy stemmed from Dr. Stanley Burns, a real-life historian who consulted on set to ensure that every procedure remained true to the time period. Originally a Cinemax series, it quietly transitioned to HBO Max and has somehow managed to remain under the radar despite exceptional reviews. I entered expecting a traditional period piece and left impacted by its rawness.

      You can stream The Knick on HBO Max.

      Scavengers Reign (2023)

      Genre: Sci-fi, Animation | IMDb rating: 8.6/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 100%

      This adult animated sci-fi series trails the surviving crew of a destroyed spaceship stranded on a bizarre, beautiful, and perilous planet. Every alien creature and plant appears to be thoughtfully designed, considering how ecosystems function, rather than merely what appears appealing.

      The animation style draws notable comparisons to Moebius, and it lives up to them. What struck me was how the show refuses to depict its monsters as malevolent; instead, they are simply trying to survive, much like humans do. It won an Emmy for its background design yet was canceled after just one season, which feels unjust given the vast world still left unexplored.

      You can stream Scavengers Reign on HBO Max.

      My Brilliant Friend (2018-2024)

      Genre: Coming of Age, Drama | IMDb rating: 8.6/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 98%

      Inspired by Ferrante’s Neapolitan Novels, this Italian-language series narrates the story of two friends, Elena and Lila, whose connection spans 60 years within the setting of a disadvantaged Naples neighborhood. Each season maintains at least a 90 on Metacritic, a remarkable feat for a show running over four seasons.

      The series embraces prolonged silences and subtle gestures in lieu of grandiose speeches, allowing two exceptional young actresses to convey entire emotional journeys through mere expression. If you seek something deliberately paced yet captivating, this is a show you can easily binge over a weekend.

      You can stream My Brilliant Friend on HBO Max.