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HBO/CINEMAX PROGRAMMING OVERVIEW
DRAMA SERIES
THE DEUCE: Created by George Pelecanos and David Simon and starring James Franco and Maggie Gyllenhaal, this drama series follows the story of the legalization and subsequent rise of the porn industry in New York's Times Square from the early 1970s through the mid-1980s, exploring the rough-and-tumble world at the pioneering moments of what would become the billion-dollar American sex industry. George Pelecanos, David Simon, Nina K. Noble and James Franco executive produce. The show has been renewed for a third and final season. The second season concludes Nov. 4.
MY BRILLIANT FRIEND: Filmed in Italian, this eight-episode series is based on the bestselling book of the same name, the first of the quadrilogy by Elena Ferrante published in the US by Europa Editions. When the most important friend in her life seems to have disappeared without a trace, Elena Greco, a now-elderly woman immersed in a house full of books, turns on her computer and starts writing the story of their friendship. She met Raffaella Cerullo, whom she has always called Lila, in the first year of primary school in 1950. Set in a dangerous and fascinating Naples, their story covers more than 60 years of their lives as she tries to describe the mystery of Lila, Elena's brilliant friend and - in a way - her best friend, and her worst enemy. An HBO-RAI Fiction and TIMVISION series; a Wildside-Fandango Production; produced by Lorenzo Mieli and Mario Gianani for Wildside and by Domenico Procacci for Fandango, in collaboration with Rai Fiction, TIMVISION and HBO Entertainment and in co-productiuon with Umedia. All episodes directed by Saverio Costanzo; story and screenplays by Elena Ferrante, Francesco Piccolo, Laura Paolucci and Saverio Costanzo. Paolo Sorrentino and Jennifer Schuur are the executive producers. Debuts Nov. 18.
TRUE DETECTIVE: The third season of the show tells the story of a macabre crime in the heart of the Ozarks, and a mystery that deepens over decades and plays out in three separate time periods. Mahershala Ali stars as Wayne Hayes, a state police detective from Northwest Arkansas. Carmen Ejogo and Stephen Dorff also star. Created by Nic Pizzolatto. Debuts in 2019.
GAME OF THRONES: Based on the popular book series "A Song of Ice and Fire," by George R.R. Martin, this hit Emmy(R)-winning fantasy series chronicles an epic struggle for power in a vast and violent kingdom. Regulars for the seventh season included Emmy(R) and Golden Globe winner Peter Dinklage, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Lena Headey, Emilia Clarke, Aidan Gillen, Kit Harington, Diana Rigg, Sophie Turner and Maisie Williams. Season seven credits: Executive producers, David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, Carolyn Strauss, Frank Doelger and Bernadette Caulfield; co-executive producers, Bryan Cogman, Guymon Casady, Vince Gerardis and George R.R. Martin. The show will return for an eighth and final season in 2019.
WESTWORLD: This Emmy(R)-winning one-hour drama series is a dark odyssey about the dawn of artificial consciousness and the birth of a new form of life on Earth. The returning season two cast included: Evan Rachel Wood, Emmy(R) winner Thandie Newton, Ed Harris, Jeffrey Wright, James Marsden, Tessa Thompson, Ingrid Bolsø Berdal, Clifton Collins Jr., Luke Hemsworth, Louis Herthum, Simon Quarterman, Talulah Riley, Rodrigo Santoro, Angela Sarafyan, Shannon Woodward, Ben Barnes, Jimmi Simpson, Leonardo Nam and Ptolemy Slocum. Sir Anthony Hopkins returned as Dr. Robert Ford. Joining the season two cast: Fares Fares, Katja Herbers, Gustaf Skarsgård, Hiroyuki Sanada, Peter Mullan, Sela Ward, Rinko Kikuchi, Zahn McClarnon, Tao Okamoto, Betty Gabriel, Jonathan Tucker, Julia Jones and Kiki Sukezane. Season two credits: Created for television by Jonathan Nolan & Lisa Joy, who are executive producers with J.J. Abrams, Richard J. Lewis, Roberto Patino, Athena Wickham and Ben Stephenson. Production companies, Kilter Films and Bad Robot Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television; based on the film written by Michael Crichton. The show has been renewed for a third season.
BIG LITTLE LIES: Returning for a second season, this subversive, darkly comedic drama will explore the malignancy of lies, the durability of friendships, the fragility of marriage and the vicious ferocity of sound parenting. Relationships will fray, loyalties will erode... the potential for emotional and bodily injury shall loom. The Monterey Five - Madeline (Reese Witherspoon), Celeste (Nicole Kidman), Jane (Shailene Woodley), Renata (Laura Dern) and Bonnie (Zoë Kravitz) - are joined by Celeste's visiting mother-in-law, Mary Louise (Meryl Streep), and their husbands Ed (Adam Scott), Nathan (James Tupper) and Gordon (Jeffrey Nordling) in this seven-episode series. Written by David E. Kelley and partially based on a story by Liane Moriarty; directed by Andrea Arnold; executive producers, David E. Kelley, Andrea Arnold, Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Bruna Papandrea, Per Saari, Jean-Marc Vallée, Nathan Ross and Gregg Fienberg.
WATCHMEN: Set in an alternate history where "superheroes" are treated as outlaws, this drama series from executive producer Damon Lindelof embraces the nostalgia of the original groundbreaking graphic novel of the same name while attempting to break new ground of its own. The cast includes: Regina King, Jeremy Irons, Don Johnson, Tim Blake Nelson, Louis Gossett Jr., Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Andrew Howard, Tom Mison, Frances Fisher, Jacob Ming-Trent, Sara Vickers and Dylan Schombing. Produced for HBO by White Rabbit in association with Warner Bros. Television, based on characters from DC; executive producer/writer Damon Lindelof; executive producer/pilot director, Nicole Kassell; executive producer, Tom Spezialy; executive producer/director, Stephen Williams; executive producer, Joseph Iberti. Debuts in 2019.
SUCCESSION: This drama series follows the Roy family - Logan Roy and his four adult children - who control one of the biggest media and entertainment conglomerates in the world. The show tracks the lives of the key members as they grapple with what the future will hold for them as their aging father begins to step back from the company. The first season starred Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Hiam Abbass, Sarah Snook, Kieran Culkin, Alan Ruck, Nicholas Braun, Matthew Macfadyen, Natalie Gold, Peter Friedman and Rob Yang. Season one credits: Created by Jesse Armstrong; executive produced by Jesse Armstrong, Adam McKay, Frank Rich, Kevin Messick, Will Ferrell, Jane Tranter and Mark Mylod. The show has been renewed for a second season.
GENTLEMAN JACK: From Sally Wainwright, this eight-episode series tells a remarkable and unlikely love story, set in the complex, changing world of 1832 Halifax, the cradle of the industrial revolution, just as it begins. Starring Suranne Jones, it focuses on landowner Anne Lister and her determination to change the fate of Shibden Hall, her faded ancestral home, by re-opening the coal mines and marrying well. The charismatic, single-minded, swashbuckling Lister - who dresses head-to-toe in black and charms her way into high society - has no intention of marrying a man. True to her nature, she plans to marry a seriously wealthy woman, heiress Ann Walker. Every part of the story is based in historical fact, recorded in the four million words of the real-life Anne Lister's diaries, which contain the most intimate details of her life, once hidden in a secret code that is now broken. Creator/writer/director Sally Wainwright executive produces along with Faith Penhale and Piers Wenger. Produced by Lookout Point for BBC One, and co-produced with HBO.
THE NEW POPE: Created and directed by Paolo Sorrentino, this drama will mark his second limited series set in the world of the modern papacy, following "The Young Pope." The show will go into production late this year in Italy. A joint production of HBO and Sky; to be produced by Lorenzo Mieli and Mario Gianani for Wildside in co-production with Mediapro; screenplay by Paolo Sorrentino and Umberto Contarello.
THE NEVERS: This epic science-fiction drama series spotlights a gang of Victorian women who find themselves with unusual abilities, relentless enemies and a mission that might change the world. Executive producer, showrunner, writer, director, Joss Whedon.
LOVECRAFT COUNTRY: From showrunner and executive producer/writer Misha Green, and based on the 2016 novel of the same name by Matt Ruff, the drama series follows Atticus Freeman (Jonathan Majors) as he joins up with his friend Leti (Jurnee Smollett-Bell) and his Uncle George (Courtney B. Vance) to embark on a road trip across 1950s Jim Crow America in search of his missing father. This begins a struggle to survive and overcome both the racist terrors of white America and the terrifying monsters that could be ripped from an H.P. Lovecraft paperback. The cast also includes Wunmi Mosaku, Aunjanue Ellis and Elizabeth Debicki. Executive produced by Jordan Peele, Yann Demange (who also directs the first episode), J.J. Abrams, Ben Stephenson, and David Knoller; a Bad Robot and Monkeypaw production in association with Warner Bros. Television.
EUPHORIA: This drama series follows a group of high school students as they navigate drugs, sex, identity, trauma, social media, love and friendship. Zendaya leads an ensemble cast that also includes Maude Apatow, Brian "Astro" Bradley, Angus Cloud, Eric Dane, Alexis Demie, Jacob Elordi, Barbie Ferreira, Nika King, Storm Reid, Hunter Schafer and Sydney Sweeney. Augustine Frizzell directed and co-executive produced the pilot. All episodes written by Sam Levinson, who also serves as executive producer. Executive producers also include Drake, Future the Prince, Ravi Nandan, Kevin Turen, Hadas Mozes Lichtenstein, Ron Leshem, Daphna Levin, Tmira Yardeni, Mirit Toovi, Yoram Mokadi and Gary Lennon. Produced in partnership with A24 and based on the Israeli series of the same name from HOT, which was created by Ron Leshem and Daphna Levin. Debuts in 2019.
COMEDY SERIES
ANIMALS.: Created by Phil Matarese & Mike Luciano and produced by Duplass Brothers Television, this animated adult series focuses on the downtrodden creatures native to Earth's least-habitable environment: New York City. In its wide-ranging, wholly unique current season, the genre-bending series visits a humanless, post-apocalyptic Big Apple, blending live-action and animated segments, featuring the show's usual eclectic casting. The third season concludes Oct. 5.
BALLERS: This series looks at the lives of former and current football players, following former superstar Spencer Strasmore (Dwayne Johnson), who has reinvented himself as a financial manager for current players. Season four credits: John David Washington, Rob Corddry, Omar Benson Miller, Donovan Carter, Troy Garity, London Brown and Brittany S. Hall also star. Created by Stephen Levinson; executive produced by Stephen Levinson, Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Peter Berg, Rob Weiss, Denis Biggs, Karyn McCarthy and Julian Farino; producers, Janace Tashjian, Dave Levinson, Julie Camino, Rashard Mendenhall and Joey Krutel. The show has been renewed for a fifth season. The fourth season concludes Oct 7.
CAMPING: Starring Jennifer Garner and David Tennant, this eight-episode series tells the story of a back-to-nature camping trip that quickly becomes a weekend of tested marriages and woman-on-woman crime that won't soon be forgotten. Written and executive produced by Lena Dunham, Jenni Konner and John Riggi; executive produced by Julia Davis for Hush Ho, Christine Langan for Baby Cow Productions, Ilene S. Landress and Tom Lassally; co-executive produced by Adam Countee; pilot directed by Jenni Konner; based on the British series of the same name created by Julia Davis and produced by Baby Cow Productions. Debuts Oct. 14.
TRACEY ULLMAN'S SHOW: Tracey Ullman stars in a new season of her Emmy(R)-nominated sketch comedy show, using her signature brand of sharp satire to shape-shift into a range of public figures and offbeat original characters. The third season concludes Nov. 2.
SALLY4EVER: The story of a love affair that quickly spirals out of control, this seven-episode series explores love and sex in today's confused, obsessive and gender-fluid world. The show follows Sally (Catherine Shepherd), who is about to marry David (Alex Macqueen), her nebbish boyfriend of ten years, when she encounters the charismatic Emma (Julia Davis). The two fall into a romantic relationship, but what starts out as an exciting and sexy fling takes an unexpected turn when Emma reveals herself to be a nightmare. Produced for HBO and Sky Atlantic by Hush Ho and Various Artists Ltd.; created by Julia Davis; executive produced by Julia Davis, Sam Bain, Jesse Armstrong and Phil Clarke. Debuts Nov. 11.
CRASHING: Created by and starring Pete Holmes, the series draws on his own experiences as a comedian, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the world of stand-up comedy. Season two credits: Executive produced by Pete Holmes, Judd Apatow and Judah Miller; co-executive producer, Igor Srubshchik; supervising producer, Oren Brimer; producers, Josh Church and Dave Rath. The show has been renewed for a third season.
HIGH MAINTENANCE: Providing a peek into the cramped apartments, grinding routines and urban neuroses of New Yorkers, the show weaves together a labyrinth of humor, poignant observations and heartfelt moments in stories that explore the lives of intriguing and colorful individuals from all walks of life. Ben Sinclair stars as The Guy, a bearded, pot-dealing deliveryman whose growing clientele keeps him busier than ever. Season two credits: Created by Katja Blichfeld and Ben Sinclair; executive producers, Katja Blichfeld, Ben Sinclair and Russell Gregory; producers, Willy Friedman, Gwen Bialic and Emi Irikawa; consulting producer, Eric Slovin. The show has been renewed for a third season.
SILICON VALLEY: This Emmy(R)-winning series takes a comic look at the modern-day epicenter of the high-tech gold rush, where the people most qualified to succeed are the least capable of handling success. Season five credits: A collaboration between Mike Judge and Alec Berg, the show's cast includes Thomas Middleditch, Zach Woods, Kumail Nanjiani, Martin Starr, Josh Brener, Amanda Crew, Matt Ross, Suzanne Cryer and Jimmy O. Yang. Mike Judge, Alec Berg, Clay Tarver, Michael Rotenberg, Tom Lassally, Jamie Babbit and Jim Kleverweis executive produce; created by Mike Judge & John Altschuler & Dave Krinsky. The show has been renewed for a sixth season.
BARRY: This dark comedy stars Emmy(R) winner Bill Hader as a depressed, low-rent hitman from the Midwest. Lonely and dissatisfied in his life, he reluctantly travels to Los Angeles to execute a hit on an aspiring actor. Barry follows his "mark" into an acting class and ends up finding an accepting community in a group of eager hopefuls within the LA theater scene. Barry wants to start a new life as an actor but his criminal past won't let him walk away - can he find a way to balance both worlds? Season one credits: Stephen Root, Sarah Goldberg, Glenn Fleshler, Anthony Carrigan and Emmy(R) winner Henry Winkler also star. The series was created, executive produced and written by Bill Hader and Alec Berg. The show has been renewed for a second season.
VEEP: This Emmy(R)-winning show stars Emmy(R) winner Julia Louis-Dreyfus as former Vice President Selina Meyer, who became president after her predecessor stepped down. The season six cast also included Emmy(R) winner Tony Hale, Anna Chlumsky, Reid Scott, Matt Walsh, Timothy Simons, Sufe Bradshaw, Kevin Dunn, Gary Cole, Sam Richardson and Hugh Laurie. Season six credits: Dave Mandel, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Frank Rich, Lew Morton, Morgan Sackett executive produce. The seventh and final season begins in 2019.
CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM: The Emmy(R)- and Golden Globe-winning comedy series stars "Seinfeld" co-creator Larry David as an over-the-top version of himself in an unsparing but tongue-in-cheek depiction of his fictionalized life. Season nine credits: created by Larry David; executive produced by Larry David, Jeff Garlin and Jeff Schaffer. The show will return for a tenth season.
DIVORCE: Starring Sarah Jessica Parker, who also serves as an executive producer, this series follows Frances (Parker) and her ex-husband, Robert (Thomas Haden Church), who discover that pursuing their next chapter will be more complicated than they imagined. Molly Shannon, Talia Balsam, Tracy Letts, Sterling Jerins and Charlie Kilgore also star. Season two credits: Series created by Sharon Horgan; executive produced by Jenny Bicks, Sarah Jessica Parker, Alison Benson, Sharon Horgan and Aaron Kaplan. Thomas Haden Church serves as producer.
INSECURE: Starring Issa Rae, Yvonne Orji, Lisa Joyce, Natasha Rothwell, Amanda Seales and Y'lan Noel, this comedy series follows the friendship of two black women as they deal with their own real-life flaws while attempting to navigate different worlds and cope with an endless series of uncomfortable everyday experiences. Season three credits: created by Issa Rae and Larry Wilmore; executive produced by Issa Rae, Prentice Penny, Melina Matsoukas, Michael Rotenberg, Dave Becky, Jonathan Berry, Jim Kleverweis and Dayna Lynne North. The show has been renewed for a fourth season.
MRS. FLETCHER: Starring Kathryn Hahn in the title role, and based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Tom Perrotta, this series is a dual coming-of-age story, exploring the impact of internet porn and social media on the lives of Eve Fletcher, an empty-nest mother, and her college freshman son, Brendan. Additional series regulars include Jackson White, as Brendan Fletcher; Casey Wilson as Jane Rosen, Eve's close friend; Owen Teague as Julian Spitzer, a high school classmate of Brendan's; and Jen Richards as Margo Fairchild, a transgender woman who teaches Eve's community college writing course. Nicole Holofcener directed the pilot from a script by Perrotta. Perrotta and Jessi Klein executive produced the pilot along with Holofcener and Sarah Condon.
OTHER SERIES
ROOM 104: Set in a single room of a typical American chain motel, this anthology series tells different stories of the assorted characters who pass through it. From creators and executive producers Mark and Jay Duplass, episodes range from comedy to drama to horror. The 12-episode second season begins Nov. 9.
REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER: This weekly live show is devoted to news and comedy, allowing Maher to offer his unique perspective on contemporary issues. Editions debut Fridays at 10:00 p.m. (ET/PT). The 16th season concludes Nov. 16.
LAST WEEK TONIGHT WITH JOHN OLIVER: The only weekly news-oriented comedy series to be presented on Sunday night takes a satirical look at news, politics and current events. Taped in New York a few hours before it debuts, the Emmy(R)-winning show features Oliver's topical commentary on the previous week's events, as well as addressing broader issues. Editions debut Sundays at 11:00 p.m. (ET/PT). The fifth season concludes Nov. 18.
VICE: HBO partners with VICE on this innovative weekly news magazine show, covering the kinds of stories often overlooked by mainstream media outlets. Now in its sixth season, the Emmy(R)-winning weekly series is executive produced by Bill Maher, Shane Smith, Josh Tyrangiel; executive producer, Subrata De; consulting producer, Fareed Zakaria.
VICE NEWS TONIGHT: This half-hour newscast is presented weeknights at 7:30 p.m. (ET/PT) and is geared to viewers who want an alternative to daily broadcast news.
WYATT CENAC'S PROBLEM AREAS: The comedian and writer stars in a half-hour late-night docu-series that takes a satirical look at social and cultural issues from his unique perspective. Rather than sit behind a desk, Cenac undertakes a journey to understand some of the big issues of the moment and investigate real-world solutions. Season one credits: Produced for HBO by Avalon Television; executive producers, Wyatt Cenac, Ezra Edelman, John Oliver and Hallie Haglund. The show has been renewed for a second season.
RANDOM ACTS OF FLYNESS: Created by Terence Nance, this innovative series explores evergreen cultural idioms such as patriarchy, white supremacy and sensuality from a new, thought-provoking perspective. A fluid, stream-of-consciousness response to the contemporary American mediascape, each episode features a handful of interconnected vignettes, showcasing an ensemble cast of emerging and established talent. Season one credits: Created by Terence Nance; written and directed by Terence Nance; executive producers, Terence Nance, Tamir Muhammad, Jamund Washington, Kishori Rajan, Kelley Robins Hicks, Chanelle Aponte Pearson, Ravi Nandan and John Hodges. MVMT is producing the series in association with A24. The show has been renewed for a second season.
HBO FILMS
MY DINNER WITH HERVÉ: Inspired by a real story, this film explores the unlikely friendship between struggling journalist Danny Tate (Jamie Dornan) and Hervé Villechaize (Peter Dinklage), the world's most famous knife-wielding French dwarf actor, as it unfolds over one wild night in LA - an encounter that will have life-changing consequences for both. The HBO Films drama also stars: Mireille Enos as Hervé's longtime girlfriend, Kathy Self; Harriet Walter as Danny's newspaper editor, Fiona Baskin; Oona Chaplin as Danny's girlfriend, Katie Nielson; with David Strathairn as Villechaize's longtime agent, Marty Rothstein; and Andy García as Ricardo Montalbán, Villechaize's "Fantasy Island" co-star. Directed by Sacha Gervasi, with a screenplay by Gervasi and story by Gervasi & Sean Macaulay, the film is executive produced by Steven Zaillian, Richard Middleton, Ross Katz, Jessica de Rothschild, Sacha Gervasi and Peter Dinklage. Garrett Basch and David Ginsberg serve as co-executive producers. Debuts Oct. 20.
HBO MINISERIES
CHERNOBYL: This five-part miniseries dramatizes the true story of one of the worst man-made catastrophes in history, and tells of the brave men and women who sacrificed to save Europe from unimaginable disaster. Written by Craig Mazin; directed by Johan Renck; executive produced by Carolyn Strauss, Jane Featherstone and Craig Mazin; co-executive produced by Chris Fry and Johan Renck. Debuts in 2019.
CATHERINE THE GREAT: Starring Helen Mirren and Jason Clarke, this four-part drama is set against the politically tumultuous and sexually charged court of Russian empress Catherine the Great, who wielded supreme power throughout Russia for nearly half of the 18th century. The HBO/Sky production follows Catherine towards the end of her reign during her passionate affair with Grigory Potemkin. Amid scandal, intrigue and immense conflict, they develop a unique and devoted relationship, overcoming their adversaries and together serving as the architects of modern-day Russia. Directed by Philip Martin; written by Nigel Williams; executive producers, Helen Mirren, Philip Martin, David M. Thompson for Origin Pictures and Charlie Pattinson and Christine Healy for New Pictures.
SPECIALS
FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS: LIVE IN LONDON: Musical comedians Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement return to HBO with an all-new special. Taped before a live sold-out audience during their UK tour, the exclusive presentation will feature the duo performing their classics and new original songs from their "Flight of the Conchords Sing Flight of the Conchords Tour." Debuts Oct. 6.
POD SAVE AMERICA: The hit political podcast comes to HBO for a series of four live hour-long specials. The show is hosted by Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer and Tommy Vietor, former aides to President Obama, who are joined by journalists, politicians, comedians and activists for a freewheeling conversation about politics, the press and the challenges posed by the Trump presidency. Executive produced by Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett and Tommy Vietor. Debuts Oct. 12.
REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER: ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL: The hour-long special looks back at highlights of Bill Maher's irreverent run on TV, featuring archival footage from both "Real Time with Bill Maher" and "Politically Incorrect," as well as appearances by such notables as Salman Rushdie, Maureen Dowd, Billy Crystal, Larry David, Martin Short, Woody Harrelson and Barbra Streisand, among others, who offer observations on what has contributed to his success over the years and what continues to set him apart. Executive produced by Bill Maher, Scott Carter, Sheila Griffiths, Marc Gurvitz, Dean E. Johnsen, Billy Martin, Mark Herzog and Christopher G. Cowen. Debuts Oct. 19.
MY DAD WROTE A PORNO: The hit British comedy podcast comes to HBO for a special. The podcast features Jamie Morton reading a chapter from the "Belinda Blinked" series of "erotic" novels, written by his real-life father under the nom de plume Rocky Flintstone, with his friends James Cooper and Alice Levine providing uproarious commentary. The HBO special will be produced by Done and Dusted; executive produced by Jamie Morton, James Cooper, Alice Levine and Rocky Flintstone; directed by Hamish Hamilton. Debuts in 2019.
2 DOPE QUEENS: Jessica Williams and Phoebe Robinson return for a second series of four hour-long specials. The show is based on the hit comedy podcast of the same name, which explores sex, romance, race, hair journeys and living in New York. Debuts in 2019.
JON STEWART: The former "Daily Show" star headlines his first stand-up special since 1996.
HBO DOCUMENTARIES
RX: EARLY DETECTION, A CANCER JOURNEY WITH SANDRA LEE: This deeply personal short documentary follows Sandra Lee, along with those closest to her -her sister, Kimber Lee, and her longtime partner, NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo - as she faces a cancer diagnosis following a routine annual exam. Directed by Cathy Chermol Schrijver. Debuts Oct. 8.
THE SENTENCE: Drawing on hundreds of hours of footage, Rudy Valdez shows the aftermath of his sister Cindy's 15-year sentence for conspiracy charges related to crimes committed by her now-deceased ex-boyfriend, known in legal terms as "the girlfriend problem." Valdez's method of coping with this tragedy was to film his sister's family for her, both the everyday details and the milestones, which Cindy can no longer share in. But in the midst of this nightmare, Valdez and his family begin to fight for Cindy's release during the last months of the Obama administration's clemency initiative. A 2018 Sundance Film Festival Audience Award winner. Directed by Rudy Valdez. Debuts Oct. 15.
STOLEN DAUGHTERS: KIDNAPPED BY BOKO HARAM: In 2014, 276 Nigerian school girls were kidnapped from a school in Chibok, Northern Nigeria and hidden in the vast Sambisa forest for three years by Boko Haram, a violent Islamic insurgent movement. Granted exclusive access to the 82 girls who were freed last year and taken to a secret government safe house in the capitol of Abuja, the film reveals how the young women are adapting to life after their traumatic imprisonment and how the Nigerian government is handling their reentry into society. Written and produced by Karen Edwards; directed by Gemma Atwal. Debuts Oct. 22.
OUTSIDE THE BUBBLE: ON THE ROAD WITH ALEXANDRA PELOSI: As the media frequently reports, Americans are more divided than ever, with public discussions of issues such as gun rights, jobs, immigration, climate change, abortion and race becoming increasingly polarized. Intent on escaping her coastal bubble, Alexandra Pelosi sets out on a cross-country trip to engage in conversations about issues that divide the country in an effort to gain an unfiltered understanding of other perspectives. Directed, produced and filmed by Pelosi, the documentary visits hot spots in America's political and culture wars for frank discussions. Debuts Oct. 29.
WE ARE NOT DONE YET: This documentary follows ten U.S. veterans and active-duty service members from varied backgrounds who come together at the USO Warrior and Family Center in Bethesda, Md. for a workshop led by poet Seema Reza and Community Building Art Works. Striving to combat their traumatic military pasts via the written word, they share fears, vulnerabilities and victories, using their writing as a tool for bonding, empowerment and healing, and engaging in a live performance of a collaborative poem at Washington, D.C.'s Lansburgh Theater under the direction of actor Jeffrey Wright. Debuts Nov. 8.
THE PRICE OF EVERYTHING: Exploring the labyrinth of the contemporary art world, this film spotlights the role of art and artistic passion in today's money-driven, consumer-based society. Featuring collectors, dealers, auctioneers and a rich range of artists, from current market darlings George Condo, Jeff Koons, Gerhard Richter and Njideka Akunyili Crosby, to one-time art star Larry Poons, it exposes deep contradictions as it holds a mirror up to contemporary values and times, coaxing out the dynamics at play in pricing the priceless and ultimately asks, "Who does art belong to?" Directed by Nathaniel Kahn. Debuts Nov. 12.
THE TRUTH ABOUT KILLER ROBOTS: An eerie, eye-opening work of science nonfiction, this film charts incidents in which robots have caused the deaths of humans: in an automated Volkswagen factory, in a self-driving Tesla vehicle and from a bomb-carrying droid used by Dallas police. Though they are typically treated as freak anomalies, each case raises questions of accountability, legality and morality. Exploring the provocative views of engineers, journalists and philosophers, and drawing on archival footage, the film goes beyond sensational deaths to examine more subtle ways that robots pose a threat to society. Directed by Maxim Pozdorovkin. Debuts Nov. 26.
AXIOS: HBO teams with the new media company Axios for a limited documentary series of news-oriented specials. Emmy(R) winner Matthew O'Neill and Perri Peltz will direct and produce, working with leading Axios journalists to highlight the week ahead in politics, business and technology - and the big topics shaping the future. Debuts this fall.
SAY HER NAME: THE LIFE AND DEATH OF SANDRA BLAND: In 2015, Sandra Bland, a 28-year-old black woman from Chicago, was arrested for a traffic violation in a small Texas town. Three days later, she was found hanging from a noose in her jail cell. Though ruled a suicide, her death sparked allegations of racially-motivated police murder and made Bland's case a rallying point for activists across the country. Featuring Bland's passionate video blogs, the timely documentary follows her family and their legal team as they try to make sense of what happened, presenting a compelling look at her life as well as her death. Directed and produced by Kate Davis; produced by David Heilbroner. Debuts in Dec.
BLEED OUT: After a routine partial hip replacement operation leaves his mother in a coma with permanent brain damage, what starts as a son's video diary becomes a citizen's investigation into the future of American health care. Using undercover footage, court testimony, verité scenes shot over several years and interviews with people on all sides of the story, the film goes deep inside a flawed healthcare system. Part medical mystery and legal thriller, part investigative journey and meditation on family, this personal story is a cautionary tale. Directed by Steve Burrows. Debuts in Dec.
AT THE HEART OF GOLD: INSIDE THE USA GYMNASTICS SCANDAL: Exploring the sexual abuse scandal that shook the sports world in 2017, this film features exclusive interviews with survivors and offers insights that go beyond the headlines. Based on years of research, the documentary reveals a landscape in which women spend their youth seeking victory on a world stage, juxtaposed against a culture where abuse prevails and lives are damaged forever. Directed by Erin Lee Carr; executive produced by Sarah Gibson, Michael Cascio, Gerald R. Molen; produced by David Ulich, Dr. Steven Ungerleider. Debuts in 2019.
UNITED SKATES: As America's last standing roller rinks are threatened with closure, this documentary spotlights a community of thousands who fight in a racially charged environment to save the underground African-American subculture of roller skating, which has been overlooked by the mainstream for generations, while giving rise to great musical talents. Directed and produced by Dyana Winkler and Tina Brown; executive producers Jeffrey Soros, Simon Horsman, Julie Parker Benello, Daniel Chalfen, Jim Butterworth, Brenda Robinson, Tina Brown, John Legend, Mike Jackson, Ty Stiklorius. Debuts in 2019.
THE COLD BLUE: This film takes an inside look at the daily life of men of the Eighth Air Force, who flew mission after deadly mission in World War II. It features newly restored 4K footage and outtakes, shot by Oscar(R)-winning director William Wyler for his 1944 documentary "The Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress," as well as recent interviews with surviving Eighth Air Force veterans. A production of Paul G. Allen's Vulcan Productions and Creative Differences; produced by Peter Hankoff; executive produced by Paul G. Allen, Carole Tomko, Rocky Collins, Catherine Wyler, Clark Bunting and Dave Harding; directed and produced by Erik Nelson. Debuts in 2019.
FOSTER: This documentary upends some of the most enduring myths about foster care, going beyond the sensational headlines and stereotypes. There are currently more than 400,000 children in foster care in the U.S., a number that continues to grow each year. Drawing on unprecedented access, the film traces a complex path through the Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services, interweaving first-hand stories of those navigating the system with insights from social workers, advocates and others working in the justice system. Participant Media and Emerson Collective present a Sabine Films Production; writer/director, Mark Jonathan Harris; produced by Deborah Oppenheimer, p.g.a.; a film by Deborah Oppenheimer and Mark Jonathan Harris; producers, Lisa Remington, Samantha Polan; executive producers, Jeff Skoll, Diane Weyermann. Debuts in 2019.
I'LL BE GONE IN THE DARK: Based on the bestselling true crime book "I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer," by Michelle McNamara, this series is a comprehensive exploration of a violent psychopath who terrorized California in the late '70s and early '80s by McNamara, who died suddenly while investigating the unsolved crimes. It is also a haunting personal memoir and self-examination of her obsessive quest for justice on behalf of the victims and survivors of the crimes. Liz Garbus directs.
SPORTS
STUDENT ATHLETE: From LeBron James and Maverick Carter's SpringHill Entertainment and Steve Stoute's United Masters, this feature-length documentary illuminates the complex rules of amateur athletics in America, showing how they affect uncompensated athletes and their families. Directors, Oscar(R) winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and Trish Dalton; executive producers for HBO, Peter Nelson, Rick Bernstein; supervising producer, Joe Perskie. Debuts Oct. 2.
REAL SPORTS WITH BRYANT GUMBEL: Winner of 31 Sports Emmys(R), and the only sports show to receive four Columbia University-duPont broadcast journalism awards, this monthly magazine program explores issues, controversies and personalities in the sports world with provocative reports. Host Bryant Gumbel is joined by correspondents Mary Carillo, Jon Frankel, Bernard Goldberg, Andrea Kremer, Soledad O'Brien and David Scott. Now in its 24th season. The next edition debuts Oct. 23.
THE SHOP: From HBO Sports and Uninterrupted, the digital media company of LeBron James and Maverick Carter, this unscripted series is set in a barbershop, which for many provides a sanctuary for spirited, free-flowing conversation. The high-energy, fast-paced program offers unfiltered conversation and debate with some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment. Set to air periodically throughout the year, the next edition is set to debut in late Oct.
WHAT'S MY NAME | MUHAMMAD ALI: This multi-part documentary explores Muhammad Ali's greatest triumphs and comebacks, painting an intimate portrait of a man who, against all odds, dreamed and achieved the impossible, over and over again. The production will feature archival footage that transports viewers into the ring and at home with "The Greatest of All Time," as well as never-before-seen photos and footage from private collections of the Ali family and others. An HBO Sports presentation in association with SpringHill Entertainment and Fuqua Films; executive producers, LeBron James, Antoine Fuqua, Maverick Carter, Paul Wachter, Bill Gerber, Jamie Salter and Glen Zipper; directed by Antoine Fuqua.
FAMILY
ESME & ROY: The first new animated series from the makers of "Sesame Street" in more than a decade, the show follows a young girl, Esme, and her best monster friend, Roy, on their adventures as the best monster babysitters in Monsterdale. Aimed at children ages four to six, it offers a creative new approach to teaching "learning through play" and mindfulness strategies.
THE EMPEROR'S NEWEST CLOTHES: Hans Christian Andersen's classic tale gets a colorful, music-filled makeover in this whimsical animated family special, featuring the voices of Alan Alda, Jeff Daniels, Alison Pill, John Early and Tim Heidecker. Written and produced by Sheila Nevins. Debuts Nov. 15.
SESAME STREET: The award-winning show continues on HBO. For more than four decades, the series has helped children grow smarter, stronger and kinder by providing preschoolers with the gold-standard in quality educational programming. Season 49 begins Nov. 10.
CINEMAX SERIES
MIKE JUDGE PRESENTS: TALES FROM THE TOUR BUS: Chronicling the exploits of legendary music artists, the animated series return for a second season, this time spotlighting funk music greats, including George Clinton, Rick James, James Brown and Bootsy Collins. The show features animated interviews with former bandmates, friends and other erstwhile associates, who share uncensored anecdotes about these artists, brought to life by animated reenactments, and woven together with live-action archival performance footage and photos. Created by Mike Judge, Richard Mullins and Dub Cornett; executive produced by Mike Judge, Glen Zipper and Sean Stuart; co-executive producer, Mark Monroe; composer, John Frizzell. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Parliament-Funkadelic founder George Clinton will serve as consulting producer and provide original music for the series; producer-screenwriter and music journalist Nelson George is also a consulting producer. The season begins Nov. 2.
WARRIOR: Inspired by an idea from martial-arts legend Bruce Lee, this gritty, action-packed crime drama is set during the brutal Tong Wars of San Francisco's Chinatown in the second half of the 19th century. Filming in Cape Town, South Africa, it follows a martial arts prodigy who immigrates from China to San Francisco under mysterious circumstances, and becomes a hatchet man for one of Chinatown's most powerful organized crime families. Produced for CINEMAX by Perfect Storm Entertainment, Tropper Ink Productions and Bruce Lee Entertainment; created and executive produced by Jonathan Tropper under Tropper Ink Productions; Justin Lin and Danielle Woodrow executive produce on behalf of Perfect Storm Entertainment; Shannon Lee executive produces for Bruce Lee Entertainment.
STRIKE BACK: The action-packed drama series follows the explosive escapades of Section 20, an elite, multinational, covert special ops team, as it spans the globe fighting a vast web of interconnected criminal and terrorist activity. Season five credits: A CINEMAX Presentation in association with Sky; a Left Bank Pictures Production; Andy Harries, Sharon Hughff, Jack Lothian and MJ Bassett are executive producers. Bill Shepherd is series producer and Nuala O'Leary is producer. Production on season six is currently underway in Malaysia.
JETT: Fresh out of prison, world-class thief Daisy "Jett" Kowalski is forced back into doing what she does best, and a cast of morally ambivalent, dangerous and eccentric criminals, from budding femme fatales to compromised law enforcers, are determined to exploit her skills for their own ends. The drama series stars Carla Gugino and features Giancarlo Esposito, Elena Anaya, Michael Aronov, Gaite Jansen, Chris Backus, Gil Bellows and Violet McGraw. Written by Sebastian Guitierrez. Debuts in 2019.
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