I Didn’t See That Coming: 20 Best Documentary TV Shows on Max That Left Me Stunned May 2024

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Written By William Butterworth

Will Butterworth first started reporting on entertainment news when he was a kid in Barney pajamas giving news reports to his parents while sitting in a cardboard box. Now, he still sits in a cardboard box, but his audience has grown in number (at least that's what his mom tells him). Entertainment junkies unite!

The real world has just as many interesting stories and people as fictional worlds. Check out some of the best documentary TV shows on Max to discover them.

1. Planet Earth II (2016)

Planet Earth II
Image Credit: BBC

You’ll never see Earth quite the same after watching Planet Earth II. Narrated by David Attenborough, you’ll see some of the most beautiful places on Earth and all the different animals that call it home.

2. Homegrown (2021-)

Homegrown
Image Credit: Eclipse Creative

You might not think that you have enough room in your yard to have a garden, but Jamila Norman is out to change your mind. The series follows her journey of completely transforming people’s yards into a self-sufficient farm.

3. Conan Without Borders (2023-)

Conan Without Borders
Image Credit: Team Coco

Love Conan O’Brien? Then you’re going to love him in his new show. He, and sometimes guests, travel the world to take in new sights and try out new experiences.

4. Seven Worlds One Planet (2019)

Seven Worlds One Planet
Image Credit: BBC Studios

Want more David Attenborough? Then this documentary can give you your fix. It focuses on covering each major continent in the world and what makes it so distinct from the others.

5. Blue Planet II (2017)

Blue Planet II
Image Credit: BBC Studios

The ocean is home to tons of incredible creatures. You can see how they live, and the dangers that threaten their existence, with this gorgeous documentary.

6. The Hunt (2015)

The Hunt
Image Credit: BBC Worldwide

Everyone knows to watch out for predators, but not everyone knows just how deadly they can be. This documentary series follows a few popular predators and dives deep into the strategies they use to hunt their prey.

7. Eyes on the Prize (1987-1990)

Eyes on the Prize
Image Credit: PBS

The American Civil Rights Movement is one of the most important parts of American history. Eyes on the Prize dives deep into the movement and puts a spotlight on the major players and events that occurred between 1955 and 1965.

8. Life (2009)

Life
Image Credit: Adam Chapman

You know you’re in for a good time when a documentary series has both Oprah Winfrey and David Attenborough. Life focuses on animals, insects, and all other types of life and how they all intermingle.

9. Dynasties (2018-2022)

Dynasties
Image Credit: BBC

You might find that animals aren’t so different from us after watching this documentary. It focuses on endangered species who have tight-knit communities like our own.

10. Frozen Planet (2011-2012)

Frozen Planet
Image Credit: The Discovery Channel

You may not believe that life exists in the most frozen parts of the world. This documentary shows what animals live there and how they manage to survive in such harsh conditions.

11. Telemarketers (2023)

Telemarketers
Image Credit: HBO

In pursuit of wealth, telemarketing companies aren’t afraid to get devious and even abuse their customers. This documentary series shows the darker side of telemarketing.

12. How To with John Wilson (2020-2023)

How To with John Wilson
Image Credit: HBO Max

John Wilson is an anxious New Yorker. However, he’s intent on overcoming his own issues while helping fellow New Yorkers with their own problems.

13. SmartLess: On the Road (2023-)

SmartLess On the Road
Image Credit: HBO Max

If you’re a fan of Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, then you need to check out this documentary series. It follows the trio on their journey to create the SmartLess podcast.

14. Mother, May I Murder? (2023-)

Mother May I Murder
Image Credit: Canva

This true crime documentary series follows the various cases of mothers and their children. Through manipulation and vice, they push their children to kill. Disturbing stories of family dysfunction at its worst.

15. MythBusters (2003-2018)

Mythbusters
Image Credit: Discovery Channel

In this documentary show, a team tests out different myths and discovers if they’re true or not. Ever wondered if all those ninja stunts are possible? You can find out in this show!

16. Savior Complex (2023)

Savior
Image Credit: HBO

It was supposed to be a charity in Uganda helping sick children. Yet when the operator of the charity, Renee Bach, ends up with allegations that she’s treating the children herself without any medical training, things start to get messy. This documentary focuses on a charity gone wrong.

17. 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days (2017-)

90 Day Fiance Before the 90 Days
Image Credit: Discovery Communications

It’s a race to the altar for these long-distance couples. When a foreign partner receives a K-1 visa, they only have 90 days to get married to their partner before it expires, and they have to return home. Will all the couples make it to the wedding? Or will the pressure become too much?

18. People Magazine Investigates (2016-)

People Magazine Investigates
Image Credit: Max

Fans of true crime should tune into People Magazine Investigates. This series follows first-hand reports of tragic crimes that made headlines across the country. With never-before-seen interviews and in-depth reporting, you’ll hear new accounts about the true crime stories you love that you’ve never heard before.

19. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (2013-2018)

Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown
Image Credit: HBO Max

A renowned food critic, chef, and analyst, Anthony Bourdain travels to local areas in countries far from home. He’ll dig deep into local culture, food, and shine a light on some of the political issues causing the area’s difficulties.

20. Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations (2005-2012)

Anthony Bourdain No Reservations
Image Credit: Travel Channel

Those looking for a politically neutral documentary series might enjoy this Anthony Bourdain series instead. It focuses solely on local food from areas all across the world. Bourdain also learns the history of these places and its people.

The 20 Best Action Movies of All Time: Thrilling Adventures That Will Leave You Breathless

Inception For MSN
Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc.

Attention, movie lovers! Prepare for an exhilarating ride as we unveil the ultimate list of the 20 greatest action films ever made. From adrenaline-pumping car chases to mind-blowing fight sequences, we’ve got it all! So grab your snacks, silence your phone, and embark on a cinematic journey that will transport you to thrilling worlds. Superheroes, epic battles, and non-stop excitement await you. Buckle up and let the adventure begin!

The 20 Best Adventure Movies of All Time: Embark on Epic Quests and Thrilling Expeditions!

Interstellar for MSN
Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc. and Paramount Pictures Corporation.

Embark on an epic adventure through the greatest films of all time! Get ready for thrilling plots, heroic acts, and mesmerizing worlds that will leave you in awe. From Middle-earth’s epic battles to interstellar voyages, these 20 movies will take you on an unforgettable cinematic journey. Grab your popcorn, settle in, and let the adventure begin!

The 20 Best Thriller Movies Ever Made: Heart-Stopping Must-See Films

Fight Club MSN 20th Century
Photo Credit: 20th Century Fox.

Attention, movie buffs! Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled, pulse-pounding cinematic ride! Brace yourself for the top 20 thrillers of all time, featuring unforgettable moments like Batman vs. the Joker, the captivating non-linear storytelling of Pulp Fiction, and the iconic shower scene from Psycho. Buckle up, grab your popcorn, and prepare for a suspenseful journey through movie history. Let the thrills begin!