HBO Max Shakes Up February Streaming Schedule

As February 2026 unfolds, streaming platforms are rolling out a veritable feast of new content, with HBO Max leading the charge through a series of strategic releases and high-profile premieres. The month is shaping up to be a pivotal one for TV and movie lovers, with major scheduling shifts, genre diversity, and cultural spotlights designed to keep audiences glued to their screens.

HBO Max, in particular, has made headlines with its decision to shift the release date for the fourth episode of its much-anticipated fantasy series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. According to Mashable, the episode will be available for streaming at 3:01 a.m. ET on Friday, February 6—two days earlier than its usual Sunday night slot. The reason? HBO is deftly sidestepping direct competition with Super Bowl LX, which kicks off on Sunday, February 8. This isn’t the first time the network has adjusted its schedule for the big game; similar moves were made for True Detective: Night Country in 2024 and The Last of Us Season 2 in 2025.

For fans eager to keep their Sunday night routine, there’s no need to fret. The episode will still air in its traditional 10 p.m. ET slot on February 8. After this week’s shuffle, the series will return to its regular schedule, with episode five set to air on February 15 at 10 p.m. ET. There is a minor catch, though: those who opt for the early Friday viewing will face a nine-day wait for the next installment instead of the usual seven. For diehards, that’s just more time to rewatch earlier episodes and savor the unfolding drama in Westeros.

But A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is just one piece of the streaming puzzle this month. Screen Rant’s experts have spotlighted several HBO Max series as essential viewing for early February, reflecting the platform’s commitment to a diverse and dynamic lineup. Among the top picks is Madam Beja, a sweeping Brazilian costume drama that dropped its first five episodes on February 2. This telenovela, set in the 19th century and available in Portuguese with English subtitles and dubbed audio, promises 40 episodes released in weekly batches through late March. The story of a woman shamed by society who opens a luxurious brothel has already captured international attention and is poised to become a global hit for HBO Max.

Animation fans aren’t left out either. The Emmy-winning adult animated series Primal continues its third season, with new episodes arriving every Sunday until mid-March. The show, which follows the unlikely partnership between a caveman and a dinosaur, has garnered critical acclaim and a loyal following. Meanwhile, comedy aficionados can binge the two-part docuseries Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!, which chronicles the legendary comedian’s life and influence. With a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score and direction by Judd Apatow, it’s a must-watch for anyone who loves to laugh.

Of course, HBO Max’s library wouldn’t be complete without its all-time classics. Friends, the quintessential 1990s sitcom, remains a comfort watch for millions, boasting all 235 episodes across ten seasons. And for those who appreciate prestige drama, The Sopranos stands tall as the crown jewel of the platform, with 21 Emmys to its name and enduring critical acclaim nearly three decades after its debut.

This abundance of choice isn’t limited to HBO Max. As Boston.com reports, February 2026 sees a surge of new and classic content across all major streaming services, with three themes dominating the landscape. First, in anticipation of Valentine’s Day, there’s a notable increase in romantic films and series. Old favorites like You’ve Got Mail (Netflix), When Harry Met Sally (HBO Max), and Notting Hill (Peacock) are back in the spotlight, joined by fresh romance-based series such as Netflix’s Love Is Blind (debuting February 10) and HBO’s Like Water for Chocolate (premiering February 15).

Second, Black History Month is front and center, with platforms highlighting films from Black directors and creators. Malcolm X by Spike Lee is streaming on HBO Max, while Ava DuVernay’s Selma can be found on Peacock. Gina Prince-Bythewood’s Love & Basketball is also available on HBO Max, ensuring that viewers have access to a rich tapestry of stories that celebrate Black history and artistry.

The third trend is the arrival of 2025’s most buzzed-about films on streaming platforms. Hulu leads the charge with the debut of the Jennifer Lopez musical Kiss of the Spider Woman on February 27 and the romcom fantasy Splitsville on February 6. Apple TV joins in with Eternity, premiering February 13. These new releases offer viewers a chance to catch up on recent cinematic highlights from the comfort of home.

Beyond the headline-grabbing premieres, February’s streaming slate is packed with variety. Netflix, for instance, is rolling out everything from the new documentary Glitter & Gold: Ice Dancing to the comedy special Mo Gilligan: In The Moment. There’s also a steady stream of series renewals and franchise additions, such as The Night Agent Season 3 and Bridgerton Season 4 Part 2. Peacock, Disney+, Prime Video, and Paramount+ are all following suit, offering everything from classic films to new reality TV, documentaries, and more.

For viewers, the sheer volume of options can feel overwhelming. Yet, as Screen Rant and Boston.com both suggest, there’s never been a better time to explore new genres, revisit old favorites, or discover international hits that might otherwise fly under the radar. Whether you’re in the mood for romance, drama, laughter, or a thoughtful exploration of history, February 2026’s streaming lineup has something for everyone.

With platforms like HBO Max taking bold steps to accommodate major events like the Super Bowl while still delivering must-see content, the streaming wars are clearly in full swing. For audiences, that means more choice, more convenience, and—perhaps most importantly—more great stories to enjoy, no matter what the calendar says.