**HBO Max October 2025 Lineup: What’s New and What to Watch**
HBO Max is setting the tone for October 2025 with a hearty new schedule packed with HBO Originals. From the debut of new series like *IT: Welcome to Derry* and a comedy special from Adam Pally to premieres of emotion-evoking documentaries and hit films such as *The Substance*, this lineup is one you won’t want to miss.
Here’s everything that’s new on HBO Max this October:
—
### 1. Bring Her Back
*Premieres Friday, October 3, 2025*
The second movie from Australian horror filmmakers, the Philippou Brothers, *Bring Her Back* promises to be a divisive and haunting experience. The film follows a visually impaired young girl, played by Sora Wong, who, along with her foster brother, is taken in by a treacherous foster mother portrayed by Sally Hawkins (of *Wonka*). After the sudden death of their father, they witness a terrifying ritual that changes their lives profoundly.
Rather than relying on typical jump-scares, this dark tale explores grief and terror where loss becomes the true monster. The film poses a chilling question: What would you do if there was even the slightest chance to bring a loved one back from the dead?
—
### 2. The Alabama Solution
*Debuts Friday, October 10, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET*
Attention true-crime fans: *The Alabama Solution* is an investigative documentary not to be missed. In 2019, filmmakers recording a revival meeting inside an Alabama prison uncovered hidden truths when incarcerated men revealed grim secrets off-camera.
This HBO Original follows an immersive six-year investigation into corruption, violence, and systemic collapse inside the Alabama prison system. Featuring unprecedented access, undercover footage from contraband cell phones, and a deep dive into a suspiciously violent death, the documentary reveals a harrowing tale of brutality and resistance.
Produced by Andrew Jarecki (*The Jinx*), this compelling documentary will grip you from start to finish.
—
### 3. The Substance
*Premieres Friday, October 10, 2025*
If you haven’t yet watched *The Substance*, now’s your chance to see what all the hype is about. Imagine generating a younger, fitter version of yourself — but it costs you one week as your current self, followed by one week as your enhanced self. Sounds manageable, right?
Demi Moore stars as Elisabeth Sparkle, a fading actress fired from her aerobics show because she’s considered “old.” Desperate, she injects herself with a black-market serum promising youth and vitality. But things take a dark turn.
Joining Moore are Margaret Qualley (Golden Globe nominee for her role as the younger Sparkle) and Dennis Quaid. The film won an Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling and earned multiple nominations and accolades.
—
### 4. The Chair Company
*Premieres Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 10 p.m. ET*
Tim Robinson, known for *I Think You Should Leave* and *Friendship* (both available on HBO Max), stars in *The Chair Company*, a dark comedy series exploring obsession and conspiracy.
William Trosper (Robinson) is drawn into investigating a criminal conspiracy after an embarrassing work incident. The more he digs, the deeper he becomes entangled in a web of suspicious characters.
The eight-episode series also stars Lake Bell, Sophia Lillis, Will Price, Joseph Tudisco, and features Lou Diamond Phillips in a recurring role. Created by Robinson and his writing partner Zach Kanin, this series marks another collaboration from the duo known for their distinct comedic voices.
—
### 5. An Intimate Evening With Adam Pally
*Debuts Friday, October 17, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET*
For an unconventional comedy special, *An Intimate Evening With Adam Pally* offers a unique blend of stand-up, documentary, and rock concert vibes — though Pally definitely bends the format on his own terms.
The deadpan special showcases Pally’s sardonic wit and fearless approach, complete with musical interludes and DJ sets by his cousin. If you appreciate comedy that’s a little offbeat and unexpected, this one’s for you.
—
### 6. Armed Only With A Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud
*Premieres Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET*
Prepare for a powerful, emotional journey with *Armed Only With A Camera*, a documentary tribute to journalist Brent Renaud, who was killed by Russian soldiers in Ukraine in March 2022 — the first American journalist to die covering that conflict on the ground.
Directed by Brent’s brother Craig Renaud, the film honors journalists who risk everything to deliver frontline reports. Through recovered footage and personal stories, the documentary explores the cost of war and the value of truth in reporting.
—
### 7. IT: Welcome to Derry
*Premieres Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET*
One of the most anticipated shows of the year, *IT: Welcome to Derry* arrives just in time for Halloween. This official Stephen King-approved prequel to *IT* takes viewers back to 1964 to uncover the town’s dark past and the lore behind Pennywise the Clown.
The story draws heavily on the creepy flashbacks and historical tragedies investigated by Mike Hanlon in the novels. Alongside a mostly new young cast, Bill Skarsgard returns as Pennywise, and Chris Chalke reprises his role as Dick Hallorann from *The Shining*.
Get ready for chilling horror and unsettling mysteries that will keep you on edge.
—
### 8. Country Doctor
*Debuts Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 7 p.m. ET*
*Country Doctor* is an Original Documentary Short that shines a spotlight on the healthcare crisis in rural America. Since 2010, over 140 rural hospitals have closed, leaving dangerous shortages of medical care.
In Fairfax, Oklahoma—a town with just 1,263 residents—Dr. James Graham fights to provide care amid staff shortages and financial threats, including illegal billing practices that endanger the local hospital’s future.
This moving short sheds light on the challenges rural communities face and their fight for survival.
—
### 9. Sorry, Baby
*Premieres Thursday, October 30, 2025*
*Sorry, Baby* is an offbeat independent black comedy-drama exploring trauma and the difficult path toward healing.
Agnes (Eva Victor, *Billions*), grappling with a terrible experience, finds her life at a standstill. A visit from a friend opens her eyes to the deep roots of her pain and inspires her to begin healing.
The film also stars Kelly McCormack, Naomi Ackie, Lucas Hedges, John Carroll Lynch, and Louis Cancelmi. Written and directed by Victor herself, this bittersweet story is about finding hope and rebuilding after devastation.
—
**Mark your calendars and prepare your watchlists — October on HBO Max is packed with compelling stories, spine-chilling horror, insightful documentaries, and unique comedic performances you won’t want to miss!**
https://www.howtogeek.com/best-new-movies-shows-coming-to-hbo-max-october-2025/