HBO has a new crown jewel on its hands. War, a legal thriller starring Sienna Miller and Dominic West, stormed onto the streaming scene on October 1 and immediately climbed the charts, both domestically and globally. The show is being hailed as a spiritual heir to Succession, and early numbers suggest it's living up to that lofty comparison.
The series, created by George Kay (the mind behind Lupin and Hijack), centers on a bitter rivalry between two high-powered law firms. At its heart is a couple—played by Miller and West—whose divorce becomes a battlefield, blurring the lines between personal and professional warfare. With an eight-episode first season airing through November 19, War has already been renewed for a second season, which will welcome Marisa Tomei and Kelly Macdonald to the fray.
Miller, who previously starred in Netflix's Anatomy of a Scandal, is enjoying a Nicole Kidman-style renaissance, while West reunites with HBO after his iconic turn in The Wire. The cast also includes Phoebe Fox, James McArdle, Celia Imrie, and Emma Laird, ensuring a deep bench of talent.
According to FlixPatrol, War debuted at No. 4 on the U.S. HBO Max chart, trailing only Lanterns and Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, and ahead of Sharon Horgan's Youth. Globally, it cracked the top 10 immediately, a testament to its broad appeal. Critics have been kind, too: the show holds a Certified Fresh 87% on Rotten Tomatoes, with Collider's Victoria Luxford praising its "twists and turns."
For fans of high-stakes legal drama, War delivers the intrigue and power plays that made Succession a cultural touchstone. If you're craving more thrillers, check out our list of near-perfect thrillers or dive into Black Doves' expanded spy world. And for a different kind of legal battle, our review of War offers a deeper dive.
With its blend of legal maneuvering and personal vendettas, War is shaping up to be the must-watch drama of the fall. Stream it on HBO Max and stay tuned for more updates.
