Duster, the new Max original series, brings back Lost star Josh Holloway and co-creator J.J. Abrams in an adrenaline-charged, ‘70s-set crime thriller that promises eight weeks of old-school car chases, gritty drama, and retro-cool storytelling. And yes—it’s as wild and stylish as it sounds.
A Long-Awaited Reunion with a New Twist
Holloway and Abrams last worked together on Lost, one of television’s most iconic sci-fi thrillers. Now, nearly two decades later, they return with Duster—a show that trades supernatural mystery for pulpy action and practical stunt work. Holloway stars as the best getaway driver in the American Southwest, teaming up with Rachel Hilson’s character, the first Black female FBI agent, to take down a violent crime syndicate. Their alliance sparks an explosive collision of moral gray zones, backroad mayhem, and undercover danger.
The show also marks Abrams’s return to the co-creator role—his first since Fringe—and Holloway’s first lead role in nearly a decade. But rather than aiming for prestige-drama territory like most HBO titles, Duster feels purposefully scrappy and cinematic—more like something you’d flip to on a cable channel and end up bingeing before realizing it’s 2 a.m.
Where and When to Watch
New episodes of Duster drop weekly on Max—soon to be rebranded again as HBO Max—every Thursday night at 9:00 PM EST. Season 1 will run for eight episodes total, meaning you’ve still got seven episodes of high-speed drama ahead.
Duster Release Schedule (Season 1)
- Episode 1: “Baltimore Changes Everything” – Streaming now (May 15)
- Episode 2: May 22
- Episode 3: May 29
- Episode 4: June 5
- Episode 5: June 12
- Episode 6: June 19
- Episode 7: June 26
- Episode 8 (Finale): July 3
A Throwback Vibe That Just Works
Duster doesn’t try to be prestige TV—and that’s what makes it work. Much like The Pitt, another recent Max Original success, the series embraces the polished feel of an elevated network drama: charismatic leads, propulsive storylines, and stylized visuals that harken back to classic action flicks. Think The French Connection meets Smokey and the Bandit, but with tighter dialogue and a modern sense of pacing.
It’s a smart move for Max, which is still navigating its identity amid frequent rebrands and a cluttered streaming landscape. If The Pitt was the service’s medical drama breakthrough, Duster might just be the action-crime hit that locks in a new kind of audience: viewers looking for cinematic excitement without the weight of prestige drama tropes.
Why You Should Watch
- It’s Josh Holloway’s long-overdue return to leading man status.
- The ‘70s setting brings vintage vibes and real stunt work—no CGI burnout.
- J.J. Abrams co-created it. Expect tight scripts, sharp reveals, and expert tension.
- Rachel Hilson’s performance balances grit and grace, anchoring the show’s emotional stakes.
- Each episode plays like a short film, with quick pacing and no filler.
Whether Max keeps its current name or flips back to HBO Max, Duster is shaping up to be one of the most entertaining series of the year. The vibe is vintage, the energy is modern, and the chemistry between its leads is undeniable.
Strap in, hit play, and don’t miss the ride.
