Cinemax Series: The Titles Viewers Still Talk About
- 01. Cinemax Series: Which Ones Actually Lasted
- 02. Top Cinemax Series by Number of Seasons
- 03. Strike Back: Cinemax's Longest-Running Action Drama
- 04. Banshee: The Cult Favorite That Ran Four Seasons
- 05. Critically Acclaimed Series That Ended Early
- 06. Why Most Cinemax Series Lasted Only 1-2 Seasons
- 07. Complete List of Cinemax Drama Series
Cinemax Series: Which Ones Actually Lasted
Cinemax original series that lasted the longest were Strike Back with 8 seasons (76 episodes) and Banshee with 4 seasons (38 episodes), both action dramas that defined the network's primetime identity before Cinemax abandoned original programming in January 2020.
Top Cinemax Series by Number of Seasons
The following table ranks Cinemax's most enduring original dramas by seasons and episodes, showing which shows achieved sustained audience engagement:
| Title | Seasons | Episodes | Premiere Date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strike Back | 8 | 76 | August 12, 2011 | Ended |
| Banshee | 4 | 38 | January 11, 2013 | Ended |
| The Knick | 2 | 20 | August 8, 2014 | Ended |
| Outcast | 2 | 20 | June 3, 2016 | Ended |
| Warrior | 2 | 20 | April 5, 2019 | Moved to Max |
Strike Back: Cinemax's Longest-Running Action Drama
Strike Back stands as Cinemax's most successful original series, running for 8 seasons from 2011 to 2020 with 76 total episodes. This British-American co-production with Sky One established the network's commitment to high-octane action dramas and became the flagship show that justified Cinemax's pivot away from adult programming toward mainstream content. The series concluded with its eighth and final season premiering February 14, 2020, just weeks before Cinemax announced it would cease all original programming.
Banshee: The Cult Favorite That Ran Four Seasons
Banshee became Cinemax's second-longest-running original series with 4 seasons and 38 episodes airing from January 11, 2013 through 2016. This action drama crime thriller developed a devoted fanbase despite cancellation, with production beginning on season four confirmed in 2014. The show exemplified Cinemax's strategy of targeting males ages 18-49 with gritty, violence-driven storytelling.
Critically Acclaimed Series That Ended Early
Several Cinemax series received critical praise but were cancelled before reaching their potential, including Steven Soderbergh's The Knick, a period medical drama that ran for 2 seasons and 20 episodes from August 2014 to 2015. Despite critical acclaim and Soderbergh directing every episode, Cinemax cancelled The Knick to refocus on action programming, stating they would return to primetime series fare of high-octane action dramas. Similarly, Outcast (2 seasons, 2016-2018) and Warrior (2 seasons, 2019-2023) were both cancelled after two seasons, though Warrior later moved to Max for continuation.
Why Most Cinemax Series Lasted Only 1-2 Seasons
- Cinemax announced in February 2011 it would compete with HBO by developing action-oriented original series aimed at male audiences
- The network cancelled critically acclaimed shows like The Knick to prioritize internationally co-produced action dramas
- On January 15, 2020, WarnerMedia executives confirmed Cinemax would no longer produce original content, leaving shows like Jett and Warrior without future seasons
- The HBO Max streaming launch in 2020 shifted Cinemax's non-adult library elsewhere, depreciating original programming investment
- Cinemax Go service ended July 31, 2022, marking the complete exit from original programming
Complete List of Cinemax Drama Series
- Strike Back (2011-2020) - 8 seasons, 76 episodes - Ended
- Banshee (2013-2016) - 4 seasons, 38 episodes - Ended
- The Knick (2014-2015) - 2 seasons, 20 episodes - Ended
- Outcast (2016-2018) - 2 seasons, 20 episodes - Ended
- Warrior (2019-2023) - 2 seasons, 20 episodes - Moved to Max
- Quarry - 1 season, 8 episodes - Ended
- Jett - 1 season, 9 episodes - Ended
Everything you need to know about Cinemax Series The Titles Viewers Still Talk About
Which Cinemax series lasted the longest?
Strike Back lasted the longest with 8 seasons and 76 episodes, airing from August 12, 2011 through February 14, 2020.
How many Cinemax original series were there?
Cinemax produced 7 main drama series including Strike Back, Banshee, The Knick, Outcast, Warrior, Quarry, and Jett, plus 1 animated series (Mike Judge Presents: Tales from the Tour Bus).
Did Cinemax stop making original shows?
Yes, Cinemax announced on January 15, 2020 that it would no longer produce original content, ending its 9-year experiment with mainstream programming.
What happened to Warrior on Cinemax?
Warrior was cancelled by Cinemax after 2 seasons but moved to Max (formerly HBO Max) for continuation, becoming one of the few Cinemax originals to survive the network's shutdown.
Is The Knick worth watching despite being cancelled?
Yes, The Knick is considered true prestige television with Steven Soderbergh directing every episode, featuring Clive Owen and André Owen in a critically acclaimed depiction of early 1900s medicine.
