Why Max is April’s Must-Have Streaming Service

As the weather warms up, Hollywood is starting to unthaw its strongest content of the year. Of all the streamers you could subscribe to, Max is the one bringing the best lineup this month. Here’s why I’m adding it back to my streaming lineup this week.

Returning Favorites

This month brings back some of Max’s best shows: comedy favorite “Hacks,” zombie horror “The Last of Us,” and groundbreaking comedy “The Rehearsal.”

I’m psyched about the second season of “The Last of Us.” Season 1 was a crazy, emotional thrill ride. It’s the story of a grieving father (Pedro Pascal) who dedicates himself to protecting a young woman (Bella Ramsey) who may hold the key to stopping a global zombie pandemic. This show does a fantastic job filling you with dread. The zombies are cool, the danger feels real, and Pascal and Ramsey are incredible actors.

My wife loves “Hacks” – the story of a fading comedian who teams up with a TV writer to stage her comeback. Star Jean Smart has won 3 Outstanding Lead Actress Emmys for the show. Season 4 features 10 episodes, running from April 10-May 29.

Nathan Fielder’s “The Rehearsal” is unlike anything on TV. Fielder goes to extreme lengths to help people rehearse scenarios they’re worried about – he recreates real-life locations and hires actors to help the person work through their fears. It’s strange and funny and touching. Season 1 featured one of the most unique shots I’ve ever seen on TV (the kid on the slide – if you know, you know).

Celebrating Sports

As long as you have the ad-free plan, Max subscribers get access to any sports airing on TNT. That includes the NBA playoffs starting with the play-in tournament on April 15. You’ll need Max or TNT all the way through the Eastern Conference Finals (through June 2, if necessary).

NHL’s Stanley Cup playoffs start April 19. ESPN will broadcast the first two rounds and one of the conference finals. Max/TNT will broadcast the other conference final and the Stanley Cup Final.

Top-Notch Library

Alongside the great new content coming our way, Max has a nearly unbeatable library.

Binge the best TV shows ever made with titles like “The Sopranos,” “Succession,” “The Wire,” “The White Lotus,” “The Pitt,” “Friends,” “The West Wing,” “Chernobyl,” “Veep,” “Band of Brothers,” “Barry,” “Game of Thrones,” “South Park,” “Watchmen,” “Game of Thrones,” “True Detective,” “Euphoria,” “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver,” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”

The movie lineup is unbeatable among streaming services. Check out “Goodfellas,” “The Lord of the Rings,” “Taxi Driver,” “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” “Pretty Woman,” “Hoop Dreams,” “Gone With the Wind,” “The Martian,” “The Dark Knight,” “The Usual Suspects,” “Stand by Me,” “Casablanca,” “Ghostbusters,” “Barbie,” “Superman,” “Dune,” “Men in Black,” and the Harry Potter series.

Whether you want a modern-day blockbuster, a cinematic treasure, or a buzzworthy show from the last 25 years, Max is positively loaded with fun.

Why You Should Sign Up Now

I love Max, but it’s quite expensive among streaming services. That’s why I wait for the right time to pounce. I’ve been waiting 3 years for a second season of “The Rehearsal” and 2 years for “The Last of Us.” It’s worth paying up for two of the best shows of the last 10 years. I’ll probably cancel Max after those shows end their seasons, but I’m going to make the most of my subscription until then.