What’s New in Max in July 2023

I realize I’m in an unusual position to say this, given that I’ve spent the last three years writing monthly columns about the rises and falls of the streaming service formerly known as HBO Max, but it’s sad to see how far it has fallen. For a streamer who once produced a ton of weird and exciting original content, it’s turned into a random bunch of reality TV and cheap imports, with little to no recommendation (especially between seasons of lucrative HBO shows like The Last of Us ).

In July, for example, only a few notable Max Originals are on offer, although at least one of them is the long-awaited return of the gritty animated superhero show Harley Quinn , which returns for its fourth season on July 27 even after Warner Bros. Discovery has canceled most other comic book content. It’s not for everyone (by which I mean it’s definitely not for kids), but it takes on the madness of its villainous protagonist with furious glee. There’s no trailer yet, but here’s what’s in store for you:

I’m also intrigued by Full Circle (July 14), which I just found out about and suddenly invested in. Created by Ed Solomon ( Bill & Ted’s Men in Black films) and directed by Steven Soderbergh, the film has an intriguing but vague synopsis (“Investigation into a botched kidnapping reveals long-held secrets that tie many of the characters and cultures of contemporary New York City”) and killer acting line-up including Claire Danes, Timothy Olyphant, Dennis Quaid, CC H Pounder and Zazie Beets. At least it has a trailer!

Here’s everything else that comes (and goes) to Max in July. Fine fees if you ask me. (If you don’t like what the 90 Day Bride is all about; there are a lot of them.)