TV series
Television networks battle one another in an unrelenting ratings war. Whoever controls the airwaves controls the dystopic world in which they broadcast. So when Network 23's star reporter, Edison Carter, uncovers a deadly secret that could shake up the station's dominion over its viewers, the only option is to eliminate Carter before he can make his story public. After Carter's "accident," his mind is uploaded to create the world's first self-aware, computer-generated TV host — Max Headroom! But will Max bow to his creators? Or will he be the key to his human alter ago bringing down a network superpower?
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Checked Sep 5, 2026
Max Headroom is available to stream on The Roku Channel, Hoopla, Plex, and Tubi in United States. You can also buy it from Amazon, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
Television networks battle one another in an unrelenting ratings war. Whoever controls the airwaves controls the dystopic world in which they broadcast. So when Network 23's star reporter, Edison Carter, uncovers a deadly secret that could shake up the station's dominion over its viewers, the only option is to eliminate Carter before he can make his story public. After Carter's "accident," his mind is uploaded to create the world's first self-aware, computer-generated TV host — Max Headroom! But will Max bow to his creators? Or will he be the key to his human alter ago bringing down a network superpower?
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
In the near future, when TVs can't be shut off and ratings are all that matter, investigative reporter Edison Carter and his computer-generated alter ego Max Headroom battle to keep the "blank" generation informed. In the opener, Carter stumbles across his own network's cover-up of a sometimes deadly new form of TV advertising called "blipverts".
Directed by Farhad MannWritten by Joe GannonGuest stars Billie Bird
Episode 2
Theora goes AWOL when she learns her estranged brother is involved in the brutal and dangerous ""sport"" of raking, which the promoters are trying to have legalized and televised.
Directed by Thomas J. WrightWritten by Steve Roberts, James CrockerGuest stars Sherman Howard, Lee de Broux, Joseph Ruskin, Wynn Irwin
Episode 3
Breughel and Mahler are stealing live bodies from the Fringes and selling them to Nightingales Body Bank. The wealthy Plantaganet wants pituitarys from the bodies for an operation which could save his aging mother. While Carter races to save a Fringer girl's life, Cheviot is more concerned that Max is offending Network 23's biggest sponsor, ZikZak, who have decided to buy him.
Written by Steve RobertsGuest stars John Winston, Juliette Cummins
Episode 4
Carter is accused of credit fraud and becomes a fugitive after delving into the hostile takeover of Security Systems, the world's most powerful corporation.
Written by Michael CassuttGuest stars Carol Mayo Jenkins
Episode 5
In the middle of a global ratings sweep programmer packager Frank Braddock tries to sell Network 23 a package covering the activities of a terrorist group, the White Brigade. Edison and Murray become suspicious when Breakthru TV, who have bought the package, start broadcasting terrorist bombings as soon as they occur.
Directed by Thomas J. WrightWritten by Michael Cassutt, Steve Roberts, Martin Pasko
Episode 6
As the ""blanks"" -- undesirables with no computer records -- are rounded up and arrested, the networks face permanent cancellation by hackers who threaten to crash the city's entire computer system if their companions aren't released.
Written by Steve RobertsGuest stars Sherman Howard, Sandra Sexton
Episode information updated Sep 11, 2026
Matt FrewerEdison Carter / Max Headroom
Chris YoungBryce Lynch
Jeffrey TamborMurray
William Morgan SheppardBlank Reg
Concetta TomeiBlank Dominique
Amanda PaysTheora Jones
George CoeBen Cheviot
Lee WilkofEdwards
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