HBO has long held a reputation for quality television, producing many of the greatest TV shows of all time, and that includes several iconic miniseries. Combining cinematic production values with intimate long-form storytelling, these shows have played a key role in making HBO the biggest name in “prestige TV.” However, with the abundance of prestige TV available today, even true masterpieces may slip from public memory.
These HBO miniseries may be underrated and often overlooked, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t great. In fact, at least some of them are undeniable television masterpieces that deliver exceptional storytelling, production design, and performances, creating a truly mind-blowing experience. Here’s our selection of some near-perfect HBO miniseries that sadly nobody remembers.
1
‘Mildred Pierce’ (2011)
Adapted from James M. Cain‘s 1941 novel, Mildred Pierce is a period drama miniseries created by Todd Haynes that stars Kate Winslet as the titular character. A recently-divorced woman in Depression-era Los Angeles, the show follows Mildred’s attempts to establish a restaurant business while navigating a new romance and her troubled relationship with her spoiled daughter (Evan Rachel Wood). Guy Pearce, Miriam Shor, Melissa Leo, and more appear in supporting roles.
Arguably one of HBO’s most underrated period dramas, Mildred Pierce garnered largely favorable reviews at the time of its release in 2011, but it didn’t get much attention from audiences. Though it’s often overlooked, the miniseries features some impeccable performances, particularly by Kate Winslet, and an elaborate, period-accurate production. Mildred Pierce also went on to receive several prestigious awards, including five Emmys, with Winslet winning Outstanding Lead Actress and Guy Pearce winning Outstanding Supporting Actor in the miniseries category.
2
‘The Night Of’ (2016)
Created by Richard Price and Steven Zaillian, The Night Of is a crime drama miniseries starring Riz Ahmed as Nasir “Naz” Khan, a young Pakistani-American man who wakes up beside a murdered woman he had only met the night before. With no memory of what happened and all the evidence stacked against him, Naz’s future looks desperately bleak until a relentless lawyer, John Stone (John Turturro), decides to take his case. The series also features Bill Camp, Michael Kenneth Williams, Glenne Headly, and Poorna Jagannathan in key roles.
Adapted from the first season of Peter Moffat’s Criminal Justice, The Night Of far surpasses its inspiration through its masterful writing, direction, and performances. Though it begins with a fairly familiar premise, the miniseries takes an intelligent, layered approach to the narrative, transforming it into a timely and complex thriller. The series is a masterpiece anchored by Ahmed and Turturro’s performances and chemistry. Though it isn’t as talked about these days, The Night Of earned multiple accolades, including five Emmy Awards out of 14 nominations.
3
‘Station Eleven’ (2021–2022)
Created by Patrick Somerville and based on Emily St. John Mandel’s 2014 novel, Station Eleven is a post-apocalyptic miniseries set 20 years after civilization collapsed due to a pandemic. The show follows a troupe of traveling performers whose attempts to rebuild and reimagine the world are upended by an encounter with a violent cult. The series boasts a sprawling ensemble cast that includes Mackenzie Davis, Himesh Patel, Matilda Lawler, David Wilmot, Nabhaan Rizwan, Daniel Zovatto, Philippine Velge, and Lori Petty, with additional recurring roles fromGael García Bernal,Danielle Deadwyler,David Cross,Caitlin FitzGerald, among others.
Most post-apocalyptic shows follow a very familiar pattern of bleak environments and hopeless people, but Station Eleven isn’t like that at all. The series presents a thematically rich exploration of humanity’s best qualities, what makes life worth living, and the importance of holding on to them even during dire times. Upon its release,Station Eleven received near-universal acclaim for its moving performances, fascinating narrative, and intelligent subversion of genre tropes. Although it has largely been forgotten by mainstream audiences since then, the show did receive numerous accolades.
4
‘Scavengers Reign’ (2023)
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