HBO Max has unveiled its August 2026 lineup for viewers in the UK and Ireland, headlined by the highly anticipated debut of DC Studios’ Lanterns. The new live-action series inspired by the iconic Green Lantern comics leads a packed month that also includes the return of Conan O’Brien Must Go, a brand-new season of Hard Knocks, gripping documentaries, a heartfelt HBO Original film, and a new comedy special.
Whether you’re a DC fan, documentary enthusiast or comedy lover, there’s plenty arriving on HBO Max throughout August.
Lanterns Brings Green Lantern to HBO Max
The biggest release of the month is undoubtedly Lanterns, which premieres on 17 August with eight episodes rolling out weekly.
The new DC Studios drama follows John Stewart (Aaron Pierre), a rookie Green Lantern, alongside legendary Lantern Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) as they investigate a mysterious murder in America’s heartland. What begins as a grounded crime investigation soon expands into a cosmic mystery with far-reaching consequences.
Developed by Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and acclaimed comic writer Tom King, the series is executive produced by James Gunn and Peter Safran, making it one of DC Studios’ most anticipated television projects.
The cast also includes:
- Kelly Macdonald
- Laura Linney
- Nathan Fillion
- Jason Ritter
- Garret Dillahunt
- Poorna Jagannathan
- Jasmine Cephas Jones
- Ulrich Thomsen
- J. Alphonse Nicholson
With James Hawes directing the opening episodes, Lanterns is expected to play a major role in the expanding DC Universe.
Premiere: 17 August 2026
Conan O’Brien Must Go Returns for Season 3
Comedy fans can look forward to the return of Conan O’Brien Must Go on 22 August.
The Emmy-winning comedian continues travelling the globe, meeting fans from his podcast while immersing himself in local cultures. As with previous seasons, viewers can expect Conan’s trademark mix of awkward encounters, spontaneous humour and heartfelt moments.
The four-episode season will release weekly.
Premiere: 22 August 2026
Hard Knocks Heads to Seattle
Sports documentary favourite Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks arrives on 5 August.
The five-part season gives viewers unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the Seahawks during training camp, marking the franchise’s first appearance on the long-running HBO series.
Audiences will follow:
- Head coach Mike Macdonald
- Quarterback Sam Darnold
- Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba
- Devon Witherspoon
- Byron Murphy II
Episodes will release weekly throughout August.
Premiere: 5 August 2026
HBO Explores the Fukushima Disaster
One of the month’s most powerful documentaries is Fukushima: A Nuclear Nightmare, debuting on 4 August.
The documentary reconstructs the devastating days following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that triggered the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. Featuring first-hand testimony from workers who risked their lives inside the damaged reactors—many speaking publicly for the first time—it offers a detailed look at one of the world’s worst nuclear crises.
Directed by James Jones alongside co-director Megumi Inman, the documentary combines eyewitness accounts with forensic storytelling.
Premiere: 4 August 2026
Monsters of God Investigates Wildlife Crime
Another standout documentary arriving this month is Monsters of God on 7 August.
Directed by filmmaker Eric Goode (Tiger King), the five-part documentary follows the global underground world of exotic animal trafficking, exposing the billion-dollar trade in rare reptiles and endangered species.
The series explores the obsession driving collectors, smugglers and law enforcement officers as they battle over some of the world’s rarest creatures.
Episodes release weekly.
Premiere: 7 August 2026
Allison Janney Stars in Miss You, Love You
Premiering on 14 August, HBO Original film Miss You, Love You stars Academy Award-winning actress Allison Janney alongside Andrew Rannells.
The emotional comedy-drama follows grieving widow Diane Patterson, who unexpectedly finds herself organising her late husband’s funeral with the help of her estranged son’s assistant. As the unlikely pair navigate grief together, long-hidden family tensions emerge while unexpected friendships begin to form.
The supporting cast includes Bonnie Hunt, Suzy Nakamura and Oscar Nuñez.
Premiere: 14 August 2026
Whitmer Thomas Returns with New HBO Comedy Special
Comedian and musician Whitmer Thomas returns with his second HBO stand-up special, Whitmer Thomas: Terminal Crew of Dudes, on 15 August.
Blending stand-up comedy, live music, family photos and personal stories, the special explores Thomas’ Alabama upbringing, skateboarding adventures and the friendships that shaped his life.
Premiere: 15 August 2026
Everything Coming to HBO Max UK & Ireland in August 2026
| Release Date | Title | Format |
|---|---|---|
| 4 August | Fukushima: A Nuclear Nightmare | Documentary Series |
| 5 August | Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Seattle Seahawks | Sports Documentary |
| 7 August | Monsters of God | Documentary Series |
| 14 August | Miss You, Love You | HBO Original Film |
| 15 August | Whitmer Thomas: Terminal Crew of Dudes | Comedy Special |
| 17 August | Lanterns | DC Drama Series |
| 22 August | Conan O’Brien Must Go Season 3 | Comedy Travel Series |
August is shaping up to be one of HBO Max’s strongest months yet, led by the long-awaited premiere of Lanterns, which marks a major milestone for DC Studios’ television slate. Alongside returning favourites like Conan O’Brien Must Go and Hard Knocks, subscribers can also look forward to compelling documentaries, a heartfelt original film, and fresh stand-up comedy.
For superhero fans, documentary enthusiasts and comedy lovers alike, HBO Max offers something worth adding to your watchlist this month.
