HBO Max may not have a slew of new releases this week, but that’s perfectly fine. With a catalog that boasts some of the most acclaimed series in television history, a quieter week just gives subscribers a chance to revisit some classic gems.
For U.S. subscribers seeking suggestions, we’re diving into a selection of comedies featuring a delightfully spirited rivalry amongst high-schoolers, a quirky Spanish-language horror-comedy, and a four-hour tribute to a legendary filmmaker following his Emmy nominations. The recommendations are listed in order from the lowest to the highest Rotten Tomatoes score.
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Vice Principals
Two petty tyrants, one unholy alliance
Before they became stars of HBO’s uproarious show, The Righteous Gemstones, Danny McBride and Walton Goggins collaborated in Vice Principals, a dark comedy co-created by McBride and Jody Hill. This brief series aired for just two seasons, consisting of 18 episodes between 2016 and 2017, capturing an entire school year filled with hilarity at North Jackson High.
The story follows two rival vice principals: McBride as Neal Gamby, a foul-mouthed authority figure, and Goggins as Lee Russell, a scheming opportunist decked out in sweater vests. Both men aim for the principal’s spot after the current one announces their retirement. However, when a new candidate, Dr. Belinda Brown (Kimberly Hébert Gregory), is chosen instead, Gamby and Russell begrudgingly team up to oust her by any means necessary. True to McBride’s signature style, the antics take a hilariously dark turn.
With an 83% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Vice Principals showcases McBride at his finest, complemented by Goggins’s consistently stellar performances, promising plenty of cringeworthy moments and great chemistry.
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Mel Brooks: The 99-Year-Old Man!
The incredible career of the Spaceballs mastermind
Cheers to Mel Brooks: The 99-Year-Old Man!, a superb two-part docuseries recently recognized with six Emmy nominations, including for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special. Congratulations are also in order for Brooks, who is now officially 100!
The accomplished EGOT winner, known for classics like Blazing Saddles and Spaceballs, receives an insightful exploration from Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio, the minds behind the acclaimed George Carlin’s American Dream. This is now the definitive account of Brooks’s rich life and career.
The documentary chronicles Brooks’s journey from WWII to his early days in Your Show of Shows, and his iconic creation of the “2,000 Year Old Man” alongside Carl Reiner, through to his influential spoof films in the ’70s and Broadway success with The Producers. Featuring candid commentary from admirers like Jerry Seinfeld and Dave Chappelle, the series boasts a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.
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Los Espookys
A hilarious Spanish-language horror
If you have a taste for quirky, supernatural comedies, similar to What We Do in the Shadows but with a vibrant Spanish twist, then Los Espookys is the show for you. This series, which aired from 2019 to 2022, is another masterpiece boasting a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score. It was crafted by notable talents Fred Armisen, Julio Torres, and Ana Fabrega, all of whom star in the two-season show.
Set in a whimsical, unnamed Latin American nation, Los Espookys follows a group of friends who transform their passion for horror into a business, orchestrating staged horror scenes—complete with faux exorcisms and imaginary sea monsters—to convince unsuspecting locals of their authenticity. The entertaining crew includes the ambitious Renaldo (Bernardo Velasco), chocolate heir Andrés (Torres), pragmatic Úrsula (Cassandra Ciangherotti), her quirky sister Tati (Fabrega), and supportive uncle Tico (Armisen).
They humorously fabricate a sea monster to boost tourism, fake a solar eclipse to manipulate voters, and accidentally trap someone in a cursed mirror. With just twelve light-hearted 30-minute episodes, this series is perfect for binge-watching over a weekend.
The funny comes this week
Whether it’s petty high-school disputes, faux hauntings, or the stories of a cinematic legend, we hope one of these recommendations resonates with you. For additional viewing options across various platforms, consider exploring more entertainment picks.
