HBO has a strong history of producing quality shows, dating back to <em>The Sopranos</em> and Sex and the City. While many have been successful, some of the most acclaimed series from the last decade have struggled. For instance, The Last of Us was initially celebrated after its first season, but the mixed reactions to Season 2 indicate that its audience may have diminished.
That said, there are other HBO shows released in the past decade that are truly exceptional. These series offer sustained tension, thrilling moments, masterful storytelling, and outstanding performances.
9
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ (2026–Present)
If you enjoyed Game of Thrones, then A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is the latest addition to this expanding franchise. This fantasy drama acts as a prequel to Game of Thrones and adapts George R.R. Martin‘s Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas. The story centers around hedge knight Ser Duncan “Dunk” the Tall (Peter Claffey) and his squire Prince Aegon “Egg” Targaryen (Dexter Sol Ansell). Aegon eventually becomes king and is known in lore as the great-grandfather to Rhaegar (Wilf Scolding), Viserys (Harry Lloyd), and Daenerys (Emilia Clarke), all Targaryens who perished in Game of Thrones.
The show consists of just six episodes in its first season and received favorable reviews. While Collider reviewer Therese Lacson describes it as a polarizing series for fans of Game of Thrones, she notes that book enthusiasts will appreciate its fidelity to the source material. The tonal shift makes it more light-hearted and low-stakes, she adds, but it also incorporates more humor. The world of Westeros could certainly benefit from that.
8
‘The White Lotus’ (2021–Present)
If nothing else, The White Lotus offers a journey to stunning locations like Hawaii, Sicily, Thailand, and for the upcoming fourth season, Southern France. However, it also includes a healthy dose of drama and murder. Each season features a different yet equally fantastic ensemble cast, showcasing an eclectic mix of characters enjoying their time at a luxury White Lotus resort. While we know a murder has occurred, the identity of the victim and the perpetrator remain a mystery until the conclusion.
The stories are captivating, largely due to the opulent settings and cultural influences present in each season. There are no weak seasons, nor even episodes, with characters that engage viewers regardless of whether they love or hate them. It’s no wonder that The White Lotus has won 16 Emmy Awards, showing no signs of slowing down with an exciting upcoming fourth season featuring announced cast members such as Helena Bonham Carter, Max Greenfield, Chris Messina, Kumail Nanjiani, and Rosie Perez, who will portray new quirky guests.
7
‘The Outsider’ (2020)
<img width="825" height="413" loading="lazy" decoding="async" alt="Ben Mendelsohn standing next to Cynthia Erivo, who is staring at him concerned in The Outsider." data-img-url="https://static0.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/the-outsider-ben-mendelsohn-cynthia-erivo.jpg?q=70&fit=crop&w=825&dpr=1" src="https://static0.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/the-outsider-ben-mendelsohn-cynthia-erivo.jpg?q=70&fit=crop&w=[…]
