7 New HBO Series to Watch in April 2021 — and 5 More You May Have Missed

“Mare of Easttown” (Sunday, April 18 at 10 p.m. ET)

It’s been 10 years since Kate Winslet made her HBO debut, and if “Mare of Easttown” proves half the weekly TV experience of “Mildred Pierce,” it’ll go down as one of the year’s best programs. Playing the titular lead once more, Winslet stars as a small-town Pennsylvania detective whose personal struggles coincide with professional turmoil. A young girl is dead. Another is missing. Can the once-celebrated high school athlete bring the town back from the edge of defeat yet again? Tune in each week to the seven-part limited series and find out. (And if you’re looking for more “Mare”-inspired options on HBO, scroll down to the next image of Kate Winslet!)

“The Nevers” (Sunday, April 11 at 9 p.m. ET)

“The Nevers” is both a very strange show and a very familiar one. Created by Joss Whedon (who also wrote and directed the pilot), the HBO fantasy series follows a cadre of ostracized individuals (mostly women) in Victorian-era England who have been bestowed one (1) magic power each. Their leader, Amalia True (played by Laura Donnelly), can see the future. Her close friend Penance Adair (Ann Skelly) can manipulate electricity into advanced inventions. Another one of the “touched” (as they’re called) can heal injuries, another is very tall, and another, well, you get the idea. As is typically the case with anyone different, the “touched” are regarded with suspicion, fear, and outright hostility, so they must band together and fight hate with love (and a little fire) in the hopes of protecting their group from being persecuted by the white male patriarchy. “The Nevers” is both a ludicrous show and a somewhat pleasing one. Fitting its dual nature, HBO is airing the first six episodes this spring, with the second half of Season 1 saved for a later date.

“Exterminate All the Brutes” (available Wednesday, April 7)

From “I Am Not Your Negro” director Raoul Peck comes a powerful documentary series on the making and masking of history. Peck’s personal story provides the backdrop for an exploration into the exploitative and genocidal aspects of European colonialism — from America to Africa and its impact on society today — challenging the audience to rethink the very notion of how history is being written. The four-part series is adapted from the books “Exterminate All the Brutes” by Sven Lindqvist, “An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States” by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, and “Silencing the Past” by Michel-Rolph Trouillot. It also features Josh Hartnett as a surrogate for white oppression, playing various roles throughout 1,000 years of history, all of which embody racial persecution. There is, to put it simply, a lot going on in this show, and every second of it is worth your consideration.

“A Black Lady Sketch Show” (Friday, April 23 at 11 p.m. ET)

Robin Thede’s HBO sketch comedy series aired just six episodes in its first season, and that was more than enough to earn a Best Variety Sketch nomination at the Emmys (of only three shows). If that doesn’t speak to the wit and creativity within this half-hour gem, then just take a look for yourself. After a few individual sketches went viral in Season 1, Season 2 is set to amplify its impact with guest stars like Issa Rae, Gabrielle Union, Jesse Williams, Miguel, Omarion, Kim Wayans, Ayesha Curry, Wunmi Mosaku, and many more. Get ready. 

“Our Towns” (Tuesday, April 13 at 9 p.m. ET)

Based on the book by James and Deborah Fallows, the new HBO documentary film puts the husband and wife team front-and-center as our travel guides through six American towns: San Bernardino, CA; Sioux Falls, SD; Columbus, MS; Eastport, ME; Charleston, WV; and Bend, OR.

By taking the time to talk with local citizens, officials, and community leaders about the history of their towns, the Fallows uncover modern truths about what makes for a great place to live. Whether it’s creative intiatives that help revitalize business districts, careful city development that cultivates shared spaces, or an investment in people from institutional and personal levels, these visits help portray America’s towns, not just its cities, in the dynamic, distinctive ways they deserve.

“Made for Love” (All Episodes Streaming April 15)

HBO Max Bonus Pick

For a stand-up comedian who came to prominence via a CBS sitcom, Ray Romano is making compelling choices as an actor. This isn’t a new revelation. Romano immediately challenged himself as well as audiences’ perceptions of his work by pivoting to “Men of a Certain Age” a few years after “Everybody Loves Raymond” wrapped. The TNT cable drama, which he co-created, immediately won critics’ favor and made Romano a more curious creative force than similar sitcom stars of the era. Since then, he hasn’t disappointed. Whether it’s playing a photographer on the spectrum in “Parenthood,” a fragile father figure in “The Big Sick,” or any of his fulfilling partnerships with Martin Scorsese, Romano has developed into a performer who’s always worth watching. 

That’s true for his latest effort, “Made for Love,” where he plays a widower in a romantic relationship with his sex doll. Though only a supporting role, Romano’s veritable dad vibes ground the sci-fi black comedy, making it all the more affecting and thoughtful — yes, even with his stoic partner in tow, Romano makes it work.

“The Other Two” and “South Side” (available April 1)

HBO Max Bonus Pick

HBO Max made a great decision in bringing “Search Party” on as an original series, premiering Seasons 3 and 4 of the Alia Shawkat-starring satire after its initial two seasons first aired on TBS. Now the nascent streaming service is bulking up its library slate with “The Other Two” and “South Side” — two well-received Comedy Central series — before the second seasons of each land on the service later this year. 

“The Other Two” follows two millennial siblings trying to make the best of their little brother’s overnight transformation into a pop superstar. Cary (Drew Tarver) and Brooke (Heléne Yorke) hope to elevate their own artistic aspirations while keeping the teenage Chase (Case Walker) out of too much trouble.

Created by Bashir Salahuddin and Diallo Riddle, “South Side” follows two community college graduates living in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago as they try to break big with some inventive hustles. Starring Sultan Salahuddin and Kareme Young, “South Side” finds humor and heart in the everyday struggles of its working-class characters.

“Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” (Sundays at 11 p.m. ET)

Back since Valentine’s Day, “Last Week Tonight” remains a must-see weekly news show. While Oliver’s remote recording space — oft-referred to as a “blank void” and once described as “TV’s greatest celebration of white emptiness since ‘Emily in Paris’” — has kept the flashy set pieces, surprise guest appearances, and more regularly utilized forms of razzle dazzle to a minimum, the topics, evaluation, and joke-writing provide more than enough entertainment to balance out the education. In the last few weeks, John Oliver and his team have dug into how to prepare for the next pandemic, hazardous working conditions in meatpacking plants, and why unemployment benefits are more difficult to access from state to state. In its eighth season, “Last Week Tonight” hasn’t lost a step.

“Mildred Pierce” (2011)

HBO Classics

Long before Winslet picked up a badge in “Mare of Easttown,” the Oscar-winning actress broke free from the patriarchal bonds of 1930s America by leaving her no-good husband, starting her own restaurant, and trying desperately to teach her spoiled daughter the value of contributing to society. “Mildred Pierce” sees Winslet in peak form, mastering an era-appropriate elocution, posture, and wardrobe while her day-to-day actions completely upend expectations. Guided by the eloquent hand of director Todd Haynes, “Mildred Pierce” uses the Great Depression to help delineate the difference between the perils of a class system and actually having class. It’s one of HBO’s landmark miniseries. Don’t skip it.

“Mildred Pierce” (1945)

Briefly on HBO

Until the end of April, HBO is offering Winlset die-hards a chance to see the original screen version of “Mildred Pierce,” this time starring Joan Crawford, directed by Michael Curtiz, and told in a tight 111 minutes (as opposed to the miniseries’ five-hour runtime). Nominated for Best Picture and Best Screenplay, Crawford won the Oscar for her work — thought don’t expect this feature to end the same way as the book that inspired it (or the limited series that followed). Censorship is bad, folks, and there’s a reason “Mildred Pierce” deserved a second telling even after this one earned all that acclaim.

“Veep” (2012 – 2019)

HBO Classics

Did you know Jean Smart is in “Mare of Easttown”? Did you know Jean Smart is in “Veep”? She’s Gary’s mom, aka she plays the mother of the character played by Tony Hale! And she is, as always, divine. 

Did you know Jean Smart has a new HBO Max series of her very own coming out? It’s called “Hacks,” and it will certainly be on this list sometime soon, so stay tuned for updates! 

“The Outsider” (2020)

HBO Classics

Did you know Julianne Nicholson is in “Mare of Easttown”? Did you know Julianne Nicholson is in “The Outsdier”? She’s  Glory Maitland, aka she plays the wife of the character played by Jason Bateman! And she is, as always, superb.

As far as we know, Julianne Nicholson does not have a new HBO Max series of her very own coming out. But she should, and if she did, it would certainly be on this list sometime soon, so stay tuned for updates! 

“The Leftovers” (2014 – 2017)

HBO Classics

Three of the greatest television episodes ever made were all part of one little show called “The Leftovers.” First came “Lens,” the Season 2 entry which saw Carrie Coon and Regina King deliver the most emotionally fraught staredown since “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.” Then came “International Assassin,” also in Season 2, which broadened the walls of scripted TV in ways not seen since David Lynch. Finally, there was “The Most Powerful Man in the World (and His Identical Twin Brother),” a Season 3 episode that also served as the series’ penultimate hour, which just so happened to be the worthy and bananas sequel to “International Assassin” no one thought possible.

All three of these episodes were directed by Craig Zobel. Thus, TV fans everywhere owe him a debt. Year later, Mr. Zobel would direct all seven episodes of “Mare of Easttown.” Those episodes are premiering on HBO shortly, if they haven’t already by the time you read this. So pay your debts, people — and for once, you can actually enjoy doing it.

Keep reading for more HBO originals!

The next batch of picks were made in March 2021. Most, if not all, should still be available to stream via HBO Max and those that aren’t will be removed promptly. We know choosing what to stream can be an arduous time-suck, and we at IndieWire strive for quality and reliability in our list-making, in order to help keep your downtime as relaxing as possible. 

“Q: Into the Storm” (Sunday, March 21 at 9 p.m. ET)

Perhaps you have a Facebook-loving uncle or Fox News-faithful aunt who’s been spouting inane conspiracy theories of late. Or maybe you’ve seen a few frightening headlines related to an unpronounceable word that begins with “Q.” Heck, you could already be down the QAnon wormhole and desperately need a guiding hand to get you back out. With little information other than a brief, footage-free trailer, it appears that HBO’s latest documentary series looks to offer a better understanding of the conspiracy-generating umbrella organization known as QAnon. The press release states the doc was formed over a three-year global investigation and promises “unprecedented access to key players” that will “unmask the mastermind behind QAnon.” Whether it can do so without sparking further interest in the organization’s dangerous misinformation campaign remains to be seen.

“Allen v. Farrow” (Series Finale on Sunday, March 14 at 9 p.m. ET)

By now, “Allen v. Farrow” has sparked positive reviews (including from yours truly), heated backlash (from Allen supporters as well as critics of the documentary’s framing), and yet another revisitation of “separating the art from the artist.” But if you’ve invested in the first three episodes, you owe it to yourself to see the ending. Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering’s four-part documentary series concludes by looking at how facets of the case impacted families beyond the titular parents. Child custody battles, abuse claims, and implicit bias are all unearthed to call for systemic changes in how officials respond to child abuse. The docuseries moves beyond Dylan’s case to why Dylan is still speaking out: It’s not about one man, one child, or one family. It’s about all the fractured families still waiting to be heard. So listen up.

“Beartown” (Series Finale on Monday, March 22 at 9 p.m. ET)

HBO’s Swedish-language original series is set to wrap its four-episode run this month. Examining the influence of sports and power in a small hockey community, “Beartown” is an oft-uncomfortable wake-up call for anyone who prioritizes winning over everything, as writers Anders Weidemann, Antonia Pyk, and Linn Gottfridsson carefully illustrate, point by point, person by person, every single thing that can be destroyed in the never-ending quest for championships. People, especially kids, shouldn’t be raised in such cultures, and “Beartown” shows the immediate and lasting consequences, in the hope less people have to live with either.

“Tina” (Saturday, March 27 at 8 p.m. ET)

Inspired by “I, Tina,” the biography written by Kurt Loder and helmed by Oscar-winning directors Dan Lindsay and T.J. Martin, “Tina” tells the full story behind singing legend Tina Turner. The musician herself sits down for fresh interviews, alongside the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Angela Bassett, friends, and family members, to help capture her expansive career like never before. Look for deep-cut archival footage, running through her 60+ years on this earth, as well as insightful commentary from authors, journalists, and more experts, all of whom hope to do justice to an icon, a survivor, and a bona fide star.

“Generation” (Thursday, March 11 on HBO Max)

HBO Max Bonus Pick

“Generation” — one of HBO Max’s marquee original series, following a group of teens whose exploration of modern sexuality pushes the boundaries of their conservative community — isn’t really called “Generation.” It’s called “Genera+ion,” with the “t” being replaced by a plus sign. While the inclusive associations of that “+” are to be applauded, as is the series’ dynamic cast of youngsters portraying sexuality’s ever-widening spectrum, I simply cannot bring myself to mirror its accepting spirit and include the “+” in the title. I’m sorry. Perhaps I am the old man in need of edifying, and the series will correct my outdated attitude. Perhaps I’ve been brainwashed by SEO tutorials, and thus know few people will actually type the “+” when searching for this show. Perhaps the “+” is just one notch too confusing, since looking at the “correct” title makes you wonder how to pronounce it. “Genera-plus-ion? General-plus-ing? Gener-plus?” Whatever the root reason, I look forward to learning why I’m wrong when “Generation” debuts this month.

“Zack Snyder’s Justice League” (Thursday, March 18 on HBO Max)

HBO Max Bonus Pick

Well, it’s finally here. The mythical Snyder cut of “Justice League” has become a reality, and DCEU fanatics will get to bask in four full hours of Zack Snyder’s unadulterated vision for Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Cyborg, and more DC favorites. In this extended cut of the 2017 box office bomb, the titular league of heroes will face off against not just one bad guy (Steppenwolf) but three, as DeSaad and Darkseid are added to the mix of villains aiming to destroy the world — and the forces of justices sworn to protect it.

And if four hours in Snyder’s dreamland aren’t enough (or, more likely, if that’s far, far too much), the rest of our March recommendations pull from classic HBO titles featuring one (or more) “Justice League” cast member. So if you reach the point in “ZSJL” where Amy Adams pops up and think, “Wow, I love Amy Adams. I wish I could watch way more Amy Adams, but without all of… this” — bam! Without even switching apps, we’ve got you covered. So read on, and enjoy one of these efficiently edited HBO projects featuring the very same talented thespians.

“Oz” (1997 – 2003)

HBO Classics

As Vernon Schillinger, a racist, scheming inmate in the titular maximum security prison, J.K. Simmons is about as far from Gotham police commissioner James Gordon as one can get. Still, if you’re a fan of Simmons’ no matter which side of the hero/villain line he’s playing, “Oz” offers six seasons of high drama, claustrophobic atmospherics, and unparalleled intensity. Debuting in 1997, it also pre-dates “The Sopranos” as an HBO original drama, and with a cast that also features Ernie Hudson, Rita Moreno, Edie Falco, Christopher Meloni, Luiz Guzman, and more, there’s bound to be a few more young faces who — good or bad — you’ll be happy to see.

“Empire Falls” (2005)

HBO Classics

OK, so technically, this is not a photo from “Empire Falls.” A combination of IndieWire’s finite legal photo resources and a recent update to HBO’s press site made it impossible to track down a shot from the 2005 limited series, but there are interesting connections between the two projects. In “Empire Falls,” Robin Wright plays Ed Harris’ late mother, Grace Roby. Before you go Googling the age difference (16 years, with Harris as the elder), know that Wright’s role only exists in flashback, so it’s OK. Ed Harris’ father is played by Paul Newman, who’s still alive and quite feisty, though still single after the loss of his wife. In “Message in a Bottle,” meanwhile, Robin Wright falls in love with Kevin Costner, whose father is played by — you guessed it — Paul Newman. So yes, this photo is a lie. “Empire Falls” may have its flaws, but pretending Paul Newman and Robin Wright are the same age, sitting them down at the same table, laughing about the unkind hands of time, is not one of them. Also: Even though “Message in a Bottle” was a Warner Bros. picture, it’s not currently streaming. So “Empire Falls” is all you’ve got — you know, after “Justice League” and “Wonder Woman.” Enjoy the cast!

“Rome” (2005 – 2007)

HBO Classics

Before becoming the CGI baddie Steppenwolf in “Justice League” (and before scaring our pants off in AMC’s “The Terror”) Ciaran Hinds played one of the more prestigious historical roles out there: Julius Caesar in HBO’s two-season drama, “Rome.” One of the network’s earlier swings at a swords-and-sandals epic, the series tackled Ancient Rome’s transition from Republic to Empire through interwoven glimpses into famous events based around real figures (typically involving Caesar) and more grounded perspectives from two fictionalized commoners. Also, not to spoil either Hinds’ performance, but both characters meet a similar fate.

Side note: That photo is obviously not of Ciaran Hinds. That is a pre-Prince Phillip Tobias Menzies. He is also in “Rome.” Did I already talk about our photo resources? OK, good.

“True Blood” (2008 – 2014)

HBO Classics

Mourning the loss of “Justice League 2” isn’t really a thing, unless you’re a) a DCEU nutter butter, or b) rightfully obsessed with Joe Manganiello. His casting as Deathstroke was one of the few things everyone agreed was good and right and worth looking forward to, so losing out on more of this is a darn shame. But rather than lick your wounds, why not suck some blood? Vicariously, of course. Manganiello broke out in HBO’s steamy vampire drama “True Blood,” and with a reboot on the horizon, now is as good a time as any for a rewatch.

“Sharp Objects” (2018)

HBO Classics

Years after Amy Adams first flashed her pearly whites as Lois Lane, the six-time Oscar nominee earned her first two Emmy nods for “Sharp Objects,” an HBO limited series about a fucked-up family who hides their dysfunction behind Southern smiles. As Camille Preaker, Adams does her best McGruff impression and tries to take a bite out of crime, brushing into her hometown to report on a local murder. But if you think Adams’ performance glistens, just wait ’til you see Patricia Clarkson chew scenery– OK,  I could keep this bit going, or I could give you what you really want:

Teeth.

TEETH.

TEETH! TEETH! TEETH!

“True Detective” Season 3 (2019)

HBO Classics

It’s not every day you’re tasked with playing a half-man, half-robot superhero, but then again, it’s also fairly rare to play the son of a man only 13 years older than you. Ray Fisher has done both, and it’s a testament to the makeup teams on both “Justice League” and “True Detective” that he pulled off each part with memorable conviction. Henry Hays may not be a huge, or even instrumental, part of “True Detective,” but you also shouldn’t need much of a reason to stir shit up with this return-to-form season.

“Watchmen” (2019)

HBO Classics

When I first watched the American masterpiece “Minari,” a film where Steven Yeun starts his own family farm after years of unfun work as a prodigious chicken sexer, I remember thinking, “How do I know what a chicken sexer is?” Sorting male and female chicks is not exactly a job that’s often talked about, and the casual title itself isn’t easily forgotten. Still, I was stuck on where I’d first heard it… until now. 

I heard it from Jeremy Irons. There’s a scene in the fourth episode of “Watchmen” when Irons’ character, Adrian Veidt, takes a row boat out onto a serene lake under a starry night sky — and starts pulling baskets filled with babies out of the water. Rather than gently placing them in his vessel, he briefly examines each tiny toddler before chucking them back into the black waters to drown. 

“They’re very happy in the soup,” Irons told me at the time. “It seemed entirely natural. Strange enough, the vision I had in my head in that scene was– you’ve seen those documentaries about chicken farming? Where all the little chicks come down the conveyer belt and the guy goes, ‘No, I don’t want that one. That one can go. That’s male.’ That was what I had in my head for that scene — it’s entirely logical to live with.”

Adrian Veidt… baby sexer? I shan’t forget again.