As a defining pillar of contemporary television, HBO has emerged as an influential brand, playing a crucial role in the medium’s evolution into a respected form of dramatic storytelling over recent decades. It’s no surprise that this premium pay television network hosts an impressive array of the greatest TV shows ever produced. HBO has consistently delivered exceptional quality and ambitious creative content, making it a benchmark for excellence in the industry.
While HBO is renowned for offering some of the most remarkable miniseries in television history, as well as iconic five-season hits like The Wire and Boardwalk Empire, this compilation will spotlight only those series that have surpassed Season 5. Spanning various genres from gripping crime dramas to sharp satirical comedies and even fantastical adventures, these 10 selections exemplify HBO’s relentless pursuit of artistic brilliance and grandeur.
10
‘Sex in the City’ (1998–2004)
Created by Darren Star
A cultural icon of its era, Sex and the City is renowned for its sharp dialogue and profound themes, alongside its biting humor, complex characters, and its unique ability to intertwine social commentary with satirical storytelling. The series chronicles the lives of four ambitious and intelligent women navigating the bustling landscape of New York City, facing everything from awkward romantic encounters to the challenges of modern feminism, personal relationships, and the ups and downs of their professional journeys.
Despite its retrospective critiques, Sex and the City remains a groundbreaking television achievement that initiated conversations about female sexuality, portrayed the intricacies of female friendships, and challenged traditional gender roles in contemporary society. With its candid and sometimes irreverent style, which oscillates between mockery and observation, the series may not have aged as gracefully as some of its contemporaries, yet Sex and the City undeniably retains its status as a defining symbol of late 90s and early 2000s television.
9
‘True Blood’ (2008–2014)
Created by Alan Ball
The late 2000s and early 2010s saw a surge of romanticized narratives that explored the eroticism of supernatural beings. While Twilight and The Vampire Diaries approached this taboo subject with varying levels of audacity, HBO took a bold leap with True Blood. Based on the acclaimed novel series by Charlaine Harris, the show is set in an alternate reality where supernatural beings, including vampires, shifters, and witches, coexist openly with humans, albeit in a tense and complex interspecies relationship. The life of Louisiana bartender Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin) dramatically shifts when she encounters vampire Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer).
Although the series experiences fluctuations in quality in its later episodes, True Blood remains a thrilling journey filled with its intoxicating blend of bloodlust, romance, and social commentary on civil rights and the intersection of humanity with monsters. At its peak, True Blood is an addictive spectacle, presenting a mesmerizing fusion of Southern Gothic charm, blood-soaked horror, and socially charged themes, providing viewers with a heart-pounding yet humorous narrative experience.
true blood
- Release Date
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2008 – 2014-00-00
- Network
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HBO Max
8
‘Girls’ (2012–2017)
Created by Lena Dunham
While it may not be another Sex and the City, Girls similarly follows a quartet of women in New York who depend on their friendship to navigate career hurdles, romantic entanglements, and personal growth as they grapple with the complexities of early adulthood. To put it simply, the premise of Girls doesn’t offer a novel concept, but its brilliance lies in how it utilizes this familiar narrative framework to provide fresh perspectives and incisive critiques of modern society.
Often characterized as an examination of a post-feminist landscape, the series boldly challenges traditional notions of happiness and fulfilling romantic relationships in its quest to present a more authentic, unfiltered, and at times, unflattering portrayal of contemporary life. Blending millennial angst and melancholy with unflinching observations on sexuality, Girls compensates for occasional narrative rough edges with sheer audacity. Although it may not appeal to everyone, Girls maintains a consistent standard of excellence throughout its six-season run, showcasing HBO’s renowned commitment to pushing boundaries and delivering compelling content with unwavering conviction.
Girls
- Release Date
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2012 – 2016
- Network
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HBO Max
7
‘Entourage’ (2004–2011)
Created by Doug Ellin
With a distinctively juvenile sense of humor, Entourage creates a polarizing experience for audiences. Some viewers find it to be a hilarious escapade into the realms of wealth, fame, and friendship, while others perceive it as a repetitive and immature collection of shallow comedy. Regardless of individual opinions, the series spans eight seasons, chronicling the life of young Hollywood star Vincent Chase (Adrian Grenier) alongside his childhood friends.
Reportedly inspired by elements of executive producer Mark Wahlberg’s real-life friends and their experiences in the entertainment industry, Entourage thrives due to its authentic portrayals of characters and the inherent allure of the movie star lifestyle. Although it became somewhat predictable by its eighth and final season, the series still remains a memorable comedic triumph for HBO.
6
‘Oz’ (1997–2003)
Created by Tom Fontana
Debuting in 1997, Oz stands as a precursor to many of HBO’s groundbreaking series emerging in the late 90s and early 2000s, serving as a cornerstone of the golden age of television drama. This gritty prison drama delves into the lives of inmates within an experimental ward of the Oswald Maximum Security Correctional Facility, portraying the struggles of hardened criminals from rival gangs, the innocent caught in their conflict, and the ward manager’s mixed results in his attempts to prioritize rehabilitation over punishment.
Presenting a graphic and unflinching portrayal of life behind bars, Oz may exaggerate certain aspects for dramatic effect, yet it conveys its message with unwavering clarity and intensity. Dark, disturbing, and often deeply unsettling, it serves as a cautionary tale. Despite its violent nature, the series is infused with stylistic elements and moments of profound humanity that resonate with viewers. Ultimately, it creates a compelling and intense viewing experience, solidifying its reputation as one of the most harrowing yet gripping series HBO has ever produced.
Oz
- Release Date
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1997 – 2003-00-00
- Network
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HBO Max
5
‘Silicon Valley’ (2014–2019)
Created by Mike Judge, John Altschuler, and Dave Krinsky
Co-created by the brilliant and insightful Mike Judge, Silicon Valley serves as a sharp and insightful satire of the technology sector and the fierce entrepreneurial spirit that defines Silicon Valley. The narrative follows Richard Hendricks (Thomas Middleditch) and his colleagues as they strive to secure investors for their innovative app while navigating the challenging social dynamics of the industry, often hindered by their socially awkward tendencies.
Drawing from Judge’s firsthand experiences in the tech world, Silicon Valley excels at delivering relatable characters, clever humor, and high-concept ideas that resonate with a wide audience. Each of the six seasons of Silicon Valley garnered critical acclaim, solidifying the series’ place as one of HBO’s most successful and relevant comedic ventures.
4
‘Veep’ (2012–2019)
Created by Armando Iannucci
Although it faced initial challenges and relied heavily on the comedic talents of Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep quickly evolved into a biting satire that critiques political hypocrisy and ambition. Louis-Dreyfus stars as Selina Meyer, a former U.S. Senator now serving as Vice President, striving to balance her personal and professional life while managing political crises that threaten her position and her higher aspirations.
With a venomous wit that permeates the series, Veep delivers a relentless barrage of sharp insults and unfiltered ambitions, enhanced by an outstanding ensemble cast whose performances elevate the narrative. The series reaches a fittingly absurd conclusion with its brilliantly executed seventh and final season, securing Veep’s status as one of HBO’s most iconic and acclaimed comedies in recent memory.
Veep
- Release Date
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2012 – 2018
- Network
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HBO Max
3
‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ (2000–2024)
Created by Larry David
It is intriguing that many of HBO’s longest-running series are comedies. Among these, Curb Your Enthusiasm stands out as a quintessential example of the genre. Featuring Larry David in a comically exaggerated portrayal of himself as a successful and semi-retired television writer and producer famous for his work on Seinfeld, the series showcases Larry’s misadventures as he navigates the absurdities of social norms and relationships with friends and celebrities in Hollywood.
While it occasionally experiences dips in quality, the series is characterized by its unforgettable moments and its uproarious sequences of unfiltered comedic brilliance, often driven by the actors’ improvisational skills. After an initial eight-season run from 2000 to 2011, Curb Your Enthusiasm returned in 2017 for a one-off ninth season, followed by Seasons 10 through 12, which aired from 2020 to 2024.
2
‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019)
Created by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss
While numerous critics may hastily condemn Game of Thrones for its disappointing final season, such quick judgments risk overlooking the seven seasons of remarkable and innovative television that preceded it. Based on the literary works of George R. R. Martin, Game of Thrones is a sweeping fantasy epic that tracks the fierce power struggles among the ruling families of Westeros as they vie for control of the Iron Throne, presenting a narrative filled with political intrigue and shocking betrayals that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Transcending mere television entertainment, Game of Thrones became a cultural touchstone. With its exceptional writing, stellar performances, unmatched production quality, and masterful grasp of fantasy storytelling, the series didn’t merely captivate audiences; it enveloped them in its world, making each episode a highly anticipated event that often warranted multiple viewings. Despite the unfortunate conclusion, Game of Thrones propelled HBO to unprecedented heights of popularity and acclaim in the realm of television.
1
‘The Sopranos’ (1999–2007)
