HBO has built its reputation on delivering some of the most recognizable TV of all time. The network has been home to culture-defining hits, including The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, Band of Brothers, and more. What often gets overlooked is that HBO isn’t just limited to its big moneymakers that bring in millions of views.
From the beginning, the network has backed ambitious projects with strong visions, and that still hasn’t changed. Unfortunately, many of these are overshadowed by bigger releases, but that doesn’t take away from their genius. Here is a list of some great yet underrated HBO shows you probably haven’t seen but absolutely need to.
10
‘Sharp Objects’ (2018)
Sharp Objects features Amy Adams in her finest role as Camille, a reporter battling alcoholism who returns to her small Missouri hometown to cover the murders of two young girls. However, to do so, she has to finally confront a past that she has been running away from her entire adult life. The show might feel like a procedural crime drama at first, but Sharp Objects, based on Gillian Flynn’s novel, is a devastating portrayal of complex mother-daughter relationships. The narrative cuts between the past and the present and takes its time to take the audience through the protagonist’s history, and the pain that she wants to keep avoiding.
This slow-burn approach, combined with fleeting flashbacks and abrupt visual cuts, might feel jarring in the beginning, but the pacing immerses its audience in the suffocation of Camille’s life. The shocking twist in the finale is the highlight of the show and brings everything full circle without a traditional clean resolution. For anyone who wants a murder mystery that goes beyond a one-note investigation, Sharp Objects is the perfect binge-watch.
9
‘The Outsider’ (2020)
The Outsider is an underrated masterpiece based on Stephen King’s 2018 novel. The HBO miniseries begins as a procedural and follows detective Ralph Anderson (Ben Mendelsohn) as he investigates the brutal murder of a young boy. Here’s where things get interesting. The early episodes of the show lean into realism with methodological timelines, witness accounts, and forensic details. There’s a sense of certainty about the narrative, which is why it feels so jarring when the rug is suddenly pulled from under the audience.
Unlike many other Stephen King adaptations, the series forces its characters and the audience to slowly question everything they know. We eventually find out about an unseen entity that preys on grief and trauma. Some characters cling desperately to logic, while others start to accept that reality might not be what they thought. This tension keeps viewers on the edge of their seats till the very end. By the time The Outsider fully embraces its supernatural elements, the fear feels earned, and thus, way more real.
8
‘The Plot Against America’ (2020)
<em>The Plot Against America </em>is one of the hardest-hitting miniseries of all time. The show, based on Philip Roth’s 2004 novel, imagines an alternate version of American history in which famed aviator Charles Lindbergh defeats Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1940 presidential election and steers the country toward isolationism, authoritarianism, and borderline fascism. Rather than telling this story through politicians or military leaders, the series grounds everything in the everyday life of a working-class Jewish family, the Levins, in Newark, New Jersey.
This makes Lindbergh’s rise feel personal, with a fictional government program like “Just Folks” promising opportunity while subtly targeting Jewish families. The series is both fascinating and eye-opening to watch in how it shows a slow normalization of intolerance. The pacing is deliberately slow to let the audience sit with discomfort and realize how corruption started taking root within American institutions in this alternate version of history. On one hand, there is this national crisis, but the Levins’ story grounds all of this in the very intimate struggles of a small family. The Plot Against America is HBO’s version of a historical thought experiment, and it’s more than worth watching.
7
‘The Other Two’ (2019–2023)
The Other Two is a hilariously satirical portrayal of modern internet fame. The show follows siblings Brooke (Heléne Yorke) and Cary (Drew Tarver), whose lives take a turn when their 13-year-old brother Chase (Case Walker) becomes a viral pop star overnight. However, as Chase enjoys his newfound fame, Brooke and Cary struggle with their self-worth. The plot starts with a bunch of crazy situations that lead to Chase’s big break. Soon after, Brooke starts working as his assistant while Cary navigates the trials and tribulations of being a struggling actor.
Unlike many other shows,
The Other Two doesn’t present internet fame and pop culture as shallow. Instead,
the sitcom attempts to show what happens when one’s career rises and falls based on algorithms
and relentless online scrutiny.
Other than all the sharp commentary, though,
the comedy is laugh-out-loud funny and features a pretty realistic portrayal of family dynamics. This is a show that isn’t scared to present its characters as messy and even unlikable at times,
but that’s
the whole point.
6
‘My Brilliant Friend’ (2018–2024)
HBO’s heartwarming adaptation ofElena Ferrante’s strong > celebrated Neapolitan novel doesn’t get nearly as much appreciation as it deserves. The show tells the story of a lifelong friendship between two women,
Elena “Lenù” Greco (Elisa Del Genio,Margherita Mazzucco,and Alba Rohrwacher) and Raffaella “Lila” Cerullo (Ludovica Nasti,Gaia Girace,and Irene Maiorino), beginning in post–World War II Naples and unfolding across decades of social,
emotional,
and political change.
The plot begins with a hook that you just can’t ignore after an older Lenù learns that Lila has vanished without a trace,
something Lila had spoken about doing for years.
That’s when Lenù begins writing their shared history that starts from their first meeting in
950s Naples in a poor,
violent neighborhood shaped by poverty,
patriarchy,
and limited opportunity. p >
Over its four seasons,My Brilliant Friend strong >traces how their relationship evolves as women grow older,enter romantic relationships,confront class mobility,and navigate society consistently limits their choices.
Even when they are physically apart,
Lenù and Lila’s lives remain intertwined,
and their friendship is obviously at heart of show.
My Brilliant Friend
is one most realistic HBO shows genuinely feels like replay someone lived memories.
It’s immersive without feeling too indulgent,
and that’s mark great story. p >
5
‘Getting On’ (2013–2015)
Getting On is one HBO’s most daring comedies because it refuses be easy watch. strong >
The show is set inside Billy Barnes Extended Care Unit chronically underfunded California hospital,
and series focuses daily grind caring elderly patients who often dying slowly,
painfully,
and without dignity.
This isn’t< Grey’s Anatomy strong >< Grey’s Anatomy strong >< Grey’s Anatomy strong >< Grey’s Anatomy strong >< Grey’s Anatomy strong >< Grey’s Anatomy strong >< Grey’s Anatomy strong >< Grey’s Anatomy strong >
with its medical breakthroughs heroic saves.
Getting On exists uncomfortable space between routine paperwork emotional exhaustion caretakers.
Each episode revolves mundane crises like hospice eligibility understating patients whose suffering stretches weeks.
However,
all these small conflicts keep adding up into something much more impactful. p >
The humor here dry almost always uncomfortable.
However,
the show understands that real life you can’t separate tragedy naturally human instinct coping laughter even darkest times.
That’s not say sitcom treats patients punchlines.
Themedical comedy TV show actually comes understanding bureaucratic systems they have exist along contradictions moral compromises surrounding care.
The show brutally honest about how good intentions can erode over time so it might not be everyone cup tea.
For anyone appreciates absurdity life this perfect watch. p >
4
‘We Are Who We Are’ (2020)
Luca Guadagnino</strong just hits different. His work has always been about creating right mood,
and
We Are Who We Are
is perfect example that.
The show set fictional U.S military base Chioggia Italy follows two American teenagers Fraser Wilson (Jack Dylan Grazer) Caitlin “Harper” Poythress (Jordan Kristine Seamón) navigate friendship desire self-discovery summer fall.
The contrast between Fraser arrives base two mothers Caitlin lived base years highlight show for me.
Their bond feels organic given lot time breathe.
In fact many episodes series linger conversations go absolutely nowhere might frustrating some.
However,
Guadagnino’s We Are Who We Are actually argues everything doesn’t need motive confusion defining part adolescence.
Guadagnino turns military compound into world soundtrack mirrors dream-like quality.
We Are Who We Are one most realistic portrayals teenagers because doesn’t try fit them boxes.
Instead embraces messiness these years.








