When you think of HBO, you think of high-quality, boundary-pushing television. With more than 1,500 Primetime Emmy nominations and over 220 wins, HBO has earned its place as one of the undisputed kings of the TV world. Known for its gritty storytelling, complex characters, and willingness to dive deep into controversial, taboo subjects, HBO has set the standard for what TV can be.
Since the late 90s, HBO has led the charge in the “Golden Age of Television,” producing some of the most captivating and critically acclaimed shows of all time. And while not every show is a hit, there’s a shortlist of HBO shows that are perfect from start to finish, offering both critical acclaim and audience approval. These shows are binge-worthy, thought-provoking, and simply unforgettable. Let’s dive into 10 HBO series that have set the bar for television excellence.
1. The Wire (2002-2008)
Creator: David Simon
HBO’s The Wire is often hailed as one of the greatest TV shows of all time—and for good reason. Set against the backdrop of Baltimore, this gritty crime drama paints an unflinching portrait of the city’s war on drugs, and it does so with depth and sophistication. The show’s brilliance lies in its multifaceted approach: it’s not just about drugs or crime, but about the systems that enable them—whether it’s law enforcement, politics, schools, or the media.
The Wire isn’t just about its complex narrative; it’s about the people within the system—their struggles, decisions, and the consequences of their actions. The show doesn’t provide easy answers or hero-villain dichotomies. It’s an intricate exploration of how power, poverty, and race intersect and shape the lives of ordinary people.
The show never shies away from uncomfortable truths, making it both difficult to watch and impossible to forget. From its compelling characters to its powerful social commentary, The Wire remains a shining example of what television can achieve when it’s not afraid to take risks.
2. Veep (2012-2019)
Creator: Armando Iannucci
If you’re looking for a political comedy that perfectly blends biting satire with sharp wit, look no further than Veep. Starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Selina Meyer, the show follows the rise (and fall) of a Vice President who ultimately becomes President of the United States, despite her political missteps, personal shortcomings, and constant humiliations from both her political adversaries and her own staff.
At first glance, Veep might seem like a typical political farce, but it’s much more than that. The show is a razor-sharp critique of modern-day politics, showing how deeply flawed and often ridiculous the political system can be. The comedy is quick, intelligent, and at times downright cruel, but it’s also a lot of fun to watch as Selina Meyer and her team struggle to maintain their grip on power—no matter what the cost.
With its incredible ensemble cast, Veep offers one of the best performances of Louis-Dreyfus’ career, delivering memorable moments of humor, pathos, and pure political absurdity.
3. Sex and the City (1998-2004)
Creator: Darren Star
Sex and the City remains one of HBO’s most iconic shows, and for good reason. At the heart of the series is Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), a sex columnist navigating the highs and lows of love, friendship, and career in New York City. Alongside her are three other fabulous women—Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda—each of whom adds her own unique flavor to the group dynamic.
What made Sex and the City groundbreaking was its honest exploration of female sexuality, independence, and friendship. The series didn’t shy away from difficult topics, offering up unapologetically real portrayals of women navigating relationships, careers, and personal growth in a fast-paced city.
Despite its sometimes glamorous portrayal of life in New York, the show was also a deep exploration of female friendship and the emotional complexities that come with it. The chemistry between the four leads is electric, and their ups and downs feel relatable even years after the show aired.
4. Band of Brothers (2001)
Creators: Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg
A historical war drama that is as emotionally gripping as it is visually stunning, Band of Brothers tells the story of Easy Company, a unit of the 101st Airborne Division during World War II. Produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, the miniseries is a tribute to the soldiers who fought in the war, and it takes a deeply human look at their experiences—from training camp to the harrowing days of D-Day and beyond.
Unlike many war dramas, Band of Brothers focuses not just on the violence of war, but on the bond between soldiers, the horrors they face, and the trauma that lasts long after the fighting ends. With unforgettable performances and a level of historical accuracy rarely seen in TV dramas, Band of Brothers remains a benchmark for war storytelling.
5. The Sopranos (1999-2007)
Creator: David Chase
The Sopranos is the show that changed the game. It introduced audiences to Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), a New Jersey mob boss struggling to balance his brutal criminal life with his chaotic home life. Underneath the mafia violence, The Sopranos is a story about family, identity, and mental health—particularly Tony’s struggles with panic attacks, therapy, and his relationships with his wife, children, and mother.
The show was groundbreaking in how it combined traditional mob drama with deep psychological exploration, creating a character in Tony Soprano that was both terrifying and tragically human. Over six seasons, The Sopranos explored the moral complexities of its characters, giving viewers a fresh take on what a “good guy” or “bad guy” really is.
With its unforgettable performances, particularly Gandolfini’s iconic portrayal of Tony, The Sopranos remains an absolute must-watch for TV fans everywhere.
6. Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
Creators: David Benioff, D.B. Weiss
Based on George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire novels, Game of Thrones captivated audiences around the globe with its epic scope, intricate political intrigue, and larger-than-life characters. Set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, the series follows a myriad of noble families as they fight for control of the Iron Throne and the Seven Kingdoms.
Game of Thrones became a pop culture phenomenon for its shocking plot twists, brutal violence, and unpredictable character arcs. From the gruesome Red Wedding to the rise of Daenerys Targaryen, the show continuously kept audiences on edge, never afraid to kill off major characters or subvert expectations.
While its later seasons received mixed reviews, especially after the controversial final season, Game of Thrones remains a landmark series in the world of TV, setting the stage for high-budget, fantasy-based television.
7. Succession (2018-2023)
Creator: Jesse Armstrong
If there was ever a show that felt like Shakespearean tragedy with a modern twist, it’s Succession. The Roy family, media moguls who dominate global media, are locked in an endless battle for power. The patriarch, Logan Roy (Brian Cox), is a ruthless billionaire who manipulates everyone around him to secure his legacy. But as his children—the ambitious Kendall (Jeremy Strong), the calculating Shiv (Sarah Snook), and the irresponsible Roman (Kieran Culkin)—fight for control of the family empire, it becomes clear that none of them are really ready for the throne.
Succession is a dark comedy about power, ambition, and family, filled with sharp dialogue and morally bankrupt characters. The show’s biting satire cuts deep into corporate greed, legacy, and the impact of wealth on personal relationships. With unforgettable performances and an unpredictable storyline, Succession is as entertaining as it is devastating.
8. The Leftovers (2014-2017)
Creators: Damon Lindelof, Tom Perrotta
What happens when 2% of the world’s population inexplicably vanishes without a trace? That’s the premise of The Leftovers, a hauntingly beautiful exploration of grief, loss, and faith. The series focuses on a small town three years after the “Sudden Departure,” as the community grapples with the unanswered questions of who disappeared, why, and how they can move on.
Unlike many other post-apocalyptic shows, The Leftovers doesn’t focus on the cause of the disappearance—it’s more interested in how people cope in a world that no longer makes sense. With stunning performances, particularly by Carrie Coon and Justin Theroux, The Leftovers is a deeply emotional and thought-provoking show that refuses to give easy answers.
9. Silicon Valley (2014-2019)
Creators: John Altschuler, Mike Judge, Dave Krinsky
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to try and build a startup in the high-stakes world of tech, Silicon Valley is here to answer that question. The series follows Richard Hendricks (Thomas Middleditch), a coder who creates an innovative compression algorithm and embarks on a quest to launch his own tech company. But as he soon discovers, the road to success is filled with egos, backstabbing, and tech industry absurdities.
Silicon Valley is a hilarious and scathing commentary on the startup world, the inflated egos of tech moguls, and the absurdity of modern corporate culture. With a razor-sharp script and a fantastic ensemble cast, it’s a must-watch for anyone interested in the world of tech.
10. Barry (2018-2023)
Creators: Alec Berg, Bill Hader
At first glance, Barry might seem like a typical crime drama about a hitman trying to escape his violent past. But as the show progresses, it becomes something much deeper: a dark comedy about self-discovery, morality, and ambition. Bill Hader stars as Barry Berkman, a hitman who unexpectedly falls in love with acting while on a job in Los Angeles.
The beauty of Barry lies in its ability to balance humor with the psychological depths of its characters. As Barry tries to leave behind his criminal life, he finds himself drawn back into violence and moral compromise, making it a compelling and tragic tale of redemption.
Conclusion
From complex character studies to breathtaking narratives, HBO has produced some of the best television shows ever made. Whether it’s a gritty crime drama like The Wire, a biting political satire like Veep, or an emotional exploration of grief like The Leftovers, each of these shows offers something unique. If you haven’t seen them yet, now’s the perfect time to dive into these masterpieces—and if you have, you know just how brilliant they are.
