Throughout the year, big streaming services like HBO constantly enrich their libraries with thrilling new series, and this fall is no exception. Both HBO and its streaming platform, HBO Max, offers a wide selection of binge-worthy content of all types of genres. Below are some of the most popular series streaming this season.
House of the Dragon
Roughly two centuries before Daenerys Targaryen crossed the Narrow Sea to seize the Iron Throne in Game of Thrones (GoT), Targaryens ruled the Seven Kingdoms. As a prequel, House of the Dragon (HoD) gives insight into the Targaryen family tree at the height of their power, inner conflicts over succession, political machinations, and the dynasty’s subsequent downfall. Being adapted from George R. R. Martin’s chronicle Fire and Blood, the showrunners, Ryan Condal and Miguel Sapochnik, have more freedom than their predecessors to embellish characters and develop interpersonal dynamics without breaking canon. HoD has garnered a massive audience since its launch in August and remains one of the most-streamed shows this fall. The throne and its surroundings are familiar, albeit slightly different in appearance, as most of the action takes place in King’s Landing and the island of Dragonstone. There are many new characters and, most importantly, many more dragons. Fans of GoT will not be surprised to see plenty of squabbling, backstabbing, and dangerous wedding parties.
The show introduces us to Viserys I (Paddy Considine), the current king of Westeros, who desperately needs an heir. His daughter, Princess Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock / Emma D’Arcy), would seem the logical choice; however, no woman has ever sat on the throne according to tradition. Although Viserys does decide to appoint Rhaenyra as his heir, she is challenged by her uncle Daemon (Matt Smith) and the children of her former bestfriend, Alicent (Emily Carey / Olivia Cooke).
The White Lotus
Named after the fictional luxurious Hawaiian resort where the show takes place, the anthology series follows the exploits of various employees and guests over a tumultuous week. This twisty social satire reveals many dark secrets and struggles, contrasting with the idyllic vistas. Created by Mike White, who wrote and directed all of the episodes, the tragicomedy was released in 2021 to critical acclaim. Jennifer Coolidge, Murray Bartlett, Steve Zahn, and Alexandra Daddario are some of the members of its eclectic cast. The first season went on to win five Emmy awards across different categories, including writing, directing, and acting. Although originally intended to be a limited series, its success led to HBO renewing the White Lotus for a second season. The second season is scheduled to premiere on October 30 with a self-contained plot. The story will be set in Sicily and involve an entirely new cast, except Jennifer Coolidge, who will reprise her season one role as Tanya. The new names are Aubrey Plaza, Tom Hollander, and Theo James.
Pennyworth: The Origin of Batman’s Butler
At the beginning of September, HBO released the official trailer for the third season of Pennyworth with a slightly extended name for the show. The new 10-episode season debuted on October 6. Jack Bannon portrays 26-year-old Alfred Pennyworth and his adventures long before Bruce Wayne was born. Alfred is a former British SAS soldier who opens his own security company in 1960s London and starts working with young billionaires Thomas (Ben Aldridge) and Martha Wayne (Emma Paetz). Pennyworth is a psychological thriller and prequel to the FOX series Gotham, which focuses on young Bruce Wayne and Jim Gordon. Bannon’s Alfred is, therefore, a younger version of Sean Pertwee’s portrayal of the butler. The creators of Pennyworth, Bruno Heller and Danny Cannon, previously also worked on Gotham.
Los Espookys
The whimsical Spanish-language comedy is perfect for the upcoming spooky period. After a lengthy three-year hiatus since the first season came out, the second season premiered on September 16 this year. The show follows a group of friends and horror enthusiasts who decide to monetize their shared interests. A major horror and gore fan Renaldo (Bernardo Velasco) forms the team with his childhood friend Andres (Julio Torres), the resourceful Ursula (Cassandra Ciangherotti), and her eccentric sister Tati (Ana Fabrega). Their unique business revolves around fabricating fake horror movie scenes for their clients, with skillfully devised frights and scares. For their first gig, a local priest wants to stage an exorcism to regain popularity after a handsome young priest appears. Set in an unnamed Latin American country, the series is infused with elements of magical realism and explores facets of Latin culture, myths, and folklore.
As temperatures outside noticeably drop, we enter the perfect season for relaxing on the couch under a warm blanket. Invite your friends or family, get cozy with a cup of hot cocoa in hand and enjoy evenings watching your favorite series. There is something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a comedy, drama, fantasy, or, better yet, a mix of everything.
