Three underrated treasures on HBO Max that you should check out this weekend (August 28-30)

      If you find yourself watching the same five popular prestige dramas that everyone is buzzing about, consider checking out these three that have been unjustly overlooked. For this weekend, we offer a yakuza thriller, a financial drama, and a televangelist storyline that continues to impress even after four seasons. All three of these underappreciated series are available for streaming on HBO Max and deserve a place on your watchlist. If you're short on time or aren't keen on committing to multiple seasons, I've compiled a list of the best limited series on Netflix that are definitely worth a look.

      Additionally, we have resources for the best new movies available for streaming, the top films on Netflix, the finest features on Hulu, the best free movies, and the greatest selections on Amazon Prime Video.

      Tokyo Vice (2022-2024)

      Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller IMDb: 8.0/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 89%

      Jake Adelstein (Ansel Elgort) manages to secure a position on the crime desk of a Japanese newspaper in the late '90s and continues to delve deeper until he becomes embroiled with real yakuza members. Detective Hiroto Katagiri (Ken Watanabe) serves as both a mentor and a begrudging partner, and their dynamic drives the entire series. Beneath the neon lights and subtitles, it’s fundamentally a tale about the lengths one will go for a story.

      Michael Mann directed the pilot, establishing a stunning, atmospheric, and authentic vibe that resonates throughout each scene. A standout performance comes from Show Kasamatsu, portraying a charismatic up-and-coming mobster. This show on HBO Max consists of two concise seasons, free of filler, culminating in a satisfying conclusion.

      You can stream Tokyo Vice on HBO Max.

      Industry (2020-present)

      Genre: Drama IMDb: 7.5/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 91%

      Harper Stern (Myha’la Herrold) and Yasmin Kara-Hanani (Marisa Abela) compete for a few permanent positions at a London investment bank, with every day on the trading floor feeling like a brutal fight for survival. They cope with their demanding late-night shifts through substance use, complex office politics, and poor relationship decisions. The show explores the impact of ambition on those who have yet to learn to hold back.

      What initially drew me in wasn’t the financial jargon; it was witnessing characters make self-sabotaging decisions while still wanting the best for them. I've suggested this show to friends in soul-draining jobs, who messaged me midway through the first season saying, “this hits too close to home.” Now four seasons in, with a fifth already confirmed, the series keeps getting sharper rather than running out of ideas.

      You can stream Industry on HBO Max.

      The Righteous Gemstones (2019-2025)

      Genre: Comedy, Drama IMDb: 8.0/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 91%

      Eli Gemstone (John Goodman) strives to prevent his three immensely flawed adult children from dismantling the megachurch empire he established. Jesse (Danny McBride), Judy (Edi Patterson), and Kelvin (Adam DeVine) spend four seasons scheming against each other and occasionally against the entire family too. This dark comedy reflects on how faith and greed appear indistinguishable when substantial money is involved.

      I hesitated to watch this for years, expecting it to be merely Danny McBride yelling for four seasons, but the show proved me wrong. He brings forth pure satirical brilliance, delivering comedic moments while maintaining the storyline. There's also a genuine warmth hidden beneath the chaos, which I appreciated. This hidden gem on HBO Max concluded with an excellent critic rating for its finale.

      You can stream The Righteous Gemstones on HBO Max.