HBO Max to Remove Jake Gyllenhaal's Gritty Crime Thriller 'End of Watch'

The police procedural will leave the streaming platform in 10 days.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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HBO Max will soon remove the gritty police drama 'End of Watch', starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña, from its platform. The 2012 film, directed by David Ayer, follows two LAPD officers as they patrol the streets of South Central Los Angeles. Subscribers have until February 23 to stream the acclaimed thriller before it departs the service.

Why it matters

Police procedurals have long captivated audiences on both the small and big screens, with movies like 'Training Day', 'The Departed', and 'Heat' becoming instant classics. 'End of Watch' is another gritty entry in the genre, showcasing the high-stakes lives of law enforcement officers, and its impending removal from HBO Max means subscribers need to act fast if they want to catch this acclaimed thriller.

The details

Directed by David Ayer, who is known for his work on high-octane police dramas like 'Training Day' and 'S.W.A.T.', 'End of Watch' stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña as two LAPD partners who patrol the streets of South Central Los Angeles. The film features a standout ensemble cast that also includes David Harbour, Anna Kendrick, Frank Grillo, and America Ferrera.

  • HBO Max will remove 'End of Watch' on February 23, 2026.

The players

Jake Gyllenhaal

An acclaimed American actor known for his roles in films such as 'Donnie Darko', 'Brokeback Mountain', and 'Nightcrawler'.

David Ayer

An American filmmaker who has directed several gritty police dramas, including 'Training Day', 'Street Kings', and 'Bright'.

Michael Peña

A versatile American actor who has appeared in a wide range of films, from 'Crash' to 'Ant-Man'.

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The takeaway

With its gritty portrayal of LAPD officers and a standout cast led by Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña, 'End of Watch' is a must-watch for fans of police procedurals before it leaves HBO Max on February 23. The film's impending departure from the streaming platform serves as a reminder of the limited window viewers have to enjoy acclaimed titles in the genre.