TV series
A noir-rotic comedy
Jonathan Ames, a young Brooklyn writer, is feeling lost. He's just gone through a painful break-up, thanks in part to his drinking, can't write his second novel, and carouses too much with his magazine editor. Rather than face reality, Jonathan turns instead to his fantasies — moonlighting as a private detective — because he wants to be a hero and a man of action.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Checked Sep 5, 2026
Bored to Death is available to stream on HBO (Via Hulu), HBO Max, HBO Max (Via Amazon Prime), and YouTube TV in United States. You can also rent or buy it from Google Play, Amazon, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
Jonathan Ames, a young Brooklyn writer, is feeling lost. He's just gone through a painful break-up, thanks in part to his drinking, can't write his second novel, and carouses too much with his magazine editor. Rather than face reality, Jonathan turns instead to his fantasies — moonlighting as a private detective — because he wants to be a hero and a man of action.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
Jonathan is hired by a police officer to erase the hard drive of an S&M club computer to prevent potentially embarrassing information from coming out as the officer has received word that the club is about to be raided. Leah breaks it off with Ray. George is asked to cut back on expensive meals to prevent the Magazine from going under.
Directed by Alan TaylorGuest stars Zoe Kazan, Jenny Slate, Mary Kay Place
Episode 2
Jonathan is hired by Richard Antrem, George's nemesis and boxing foe, to investigate Richard's suspicions that his wife Priscilla, George's ex, is having an affair. Jonathan's insecurities resurface when Stella announces she's not over her first love. George has a new female urologist; Ray plots to win back Leah by penning a comic book.
Directed by Alan TaylorWritten by Jonathan AmesGuest stars Oliver Platt, Laila Robins, John Hodgman, Jenny Slate, Jessica Hecht, Josh Gad, Jonathan Ames, Tim Miller
Episode 3
George worries about remaining “intact” after getting some sobering news from his new urologist, Dr. Kenwood. A bad day for Jonathan gets worse when a pair of S&M henchmen kidnap him. They demand a ransom which calls “GI” George & Ray to action.
Directed by Michael LehmannWritten by Martin GeroGuest stars Jenny Slate, Patton Oswalt
Episode 4
A professor hires Jonathan to track down a valuable item. George finds an alibi to explain the results of his drug test. Flushed with cash from his “Super Ray” comic book, Ray heads to the bar – and meets a familiar barfly.
Directed by Michael LehmannWritten by Donick CaryGuest stars Philip Greene, John Hodgman, Mary Kay Place, F. Murray Abraham, Alex Wyse
Episode 5
Jonathan attempts to repair the relationship between a poet/limousine driver and his wife. Ray has a meeting with Kevin Bacon.
Directed by Troy MillerGuest stars Kevin Bacon, Zoe Kazan, Mary Kay Place
Episode 6
Leah hires Jonathan to help find her new dog, “Little Ray.” Ray joins Jonathan in the search for the dog, getting some inside help. A reflective George heads to the hospital for surgery.
Directed by Tristram ShapeeroWritten by Jonathan Ames, Sam SklaverGuest stars Laila Robins, Jessica Hecht, Olympia Dukakis, Kate Micucci, Nikki E. Walker, Anthony J. Gallo, Ginger A. Taylor, Flynn Kirk
Episode 7
A dermatologist enlists Jonathan to deliver a letter to his intended at an Asian health spa. Jonathan takes Ray to the spa for his birthday, with George and his new chauffeur Vikram in tow.
Directed by Adam BernsteinWritten by Donick CaryGuest stars Zoe Kazan
Episode 8
A mad stalker imperils Ray on the eve of the Brooklyn Comic Con. With the help of Officer Drake, he and Jonathan piece together leads to track down the perp. George decides to make a stand at work. Jonathan has another battle with his nemesis, Louis Greene.
Directed by Adam BernsteinWritten by Martin GeroGuest stars Zoe Kazan, John Hodgman, Jonathan Ames, Mary Kay Place, Alex Wyse
Episode information updated Sep 17, 2026
Jason SchwartzmanJonathan Ames
Zach GalifianakisRay Hueston
Ted DansonGeorge Christopher
Heather BurnsLeah
Jim JarmuschSelf
Parker PoseyMichelle Whiting
Kevin BaconHimself
Amy SpangerKitty
HBOUnited States
Dakota PicturesUnited States
3 Arts EntertainmentUnited States
