Ranked: 15 of The Greatest Shows to Air on HBO

Express Tribune

22-02-2025

When it comes to television, HBO is in a league of its own.
For decades, the network has been the gold standard for gripping storytelling, masterful direction, and unforgettable performances.
Whether it's the mafia, medieval battles, dystopian futures, or twisted family drama, HBO has consistently pushed the boundaries of what television can be.
With an impressive catalog of shows that have shaped pop culture, some stand out more than others.
From genre-defining classics to modern masterpieces, these are the 15 best HBO original series that cemented the network's legendary status.
15. Sex and the City (1998-2004)
Few shows have had the cultural impact of Sex and the City. The glamorous lives of Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda redefined modern television, bringing female-driven narratives, bold discussions about relationships, and high-fashion moments to the small screen. While the show has had its share of criticism over the years, its influence on pop culture and the way it shaped conversations around love, friendship, and independence is undeniable.
14. The Night Of (2016)
A hidden gem in HBO's catalog, The Night Of is an intense and gripping miniseries that explores the American criminal justice system in brutal detail. Starring Riz Ahmed and John Turturro, the show examines wrongful incarceration, racial prejudice, and the emotional toll of being trapped in a flawed system. With masterful writing and haunting performances, it's a one-season wonder that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll.
13. Deadwood (2004-2006)
Deadwood took the Western genre and made it gritty, raw, and unforgettable. The show redefined the Wild West with its morally complex characters, rich storytelling, and poetic dialogue. Though it was cut short after three seasons, its legacy lives on, and its influence can still be seen in modern TV dramas that aim to blend historical authenticity with powerful storytelling.
12. Boardwalk Empire (2010-2014)
If you're a fan of crime, corruption, and Prohibition-era glamour, Boardwalk Empire is a must-watch. Produced by Martin Scorsese, the show delivers a visually stunning look into the rise of organized crime in the 1920s. Steve Buscemi's performance as Nucky Thompson is nothing short of brilliant, and the show's mix of real historical figures and fictional narratives makes it a standout in HBO's lineup.
11. The White Lotus (2021-Present)
Who knew rich people on vacation could make for such compelling television? The White Lotus is a sharp, satirical look at privilege, power, and social dynamics, all set against the backdrop of luxurious resorts. With stunning locations, an all-star cast, and biting social commentary, this anthology series has quickly become one of HBO's most talked-about modern shows.
10. I May Destroy You (2020)
Michaela Coel's I May Destroy You is bold, unflinching, and deeply personal. The show tackles sexual assault, trauma, and healing with a level of honesty rarely seen on television. Coel's performance as Arabella, a woman piecing together the events of a traumatic night, is heart-wrenching and powerful. This show isn't just great television—it's essential viewing.
9. Oz (1997-2003)
Before HBO became the king of prestige TV, there was Oz. The gritty prison drama set the stage for all the groundbreaking series that followed. With its raw storytelling, brutal violence, and complex characters, Oz remains one of the most influential shows in television history.
8. Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000-2024)
Larry David's cringe-inducing, semi-autobiographical comedy has been making audiences laugh (and squirm) for over two decades. Curb Your Enthusiasm thrives on social awkwardness, sarcastic wit, and observational humor. With an improvised format and an ability to turn everyday situations into comedic gold, this show has cemented itself as one of HBO's best comedies.
7. True Detective (2014-Present)
The first season of True Detective was a game-changer for crime dramas. Starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, it delivered atmospheric cinematography, eerie storytelling, and unforgettable performances. Though the following seasons varied in quality, the show's ability to reinvent itself with each new cast and mystery keeps it compelling.
6. Six Feet Under (2001-2005)
Few shows handle life and death as beautifully as Six Feet Under. Set in a family-run funeral home, this series blends dark humor with deep emotional resonance, exploring grief, love, and personal growth. The series finale is widely regarded as one of the best in TV history, delivering an ending that leaves a lasting impact.
5. Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
Despite its divisive final season, Game of Thrones remains one of the most ambitious TV series ever created. With jaw-dropping battles, complex characters, and a rich fantasy world, it defined an era of television. It may have ended on a controversial note, but its cultural impact is undeniable.
4. Chernobyl (2019)
Chornobyl is a masterclass in historical storytelling, dramatizing the real-life nuclear disaster with haunting realism. Its tense atmosphere, meticulous attention to detail, and stellar performances make it one of the most gripping miniseries ever produced.
3. The Sopranos (1999-2007)
Often considered the show that changed television forever, The Sopranos blended mob drama with psychological depth, giving us one of TV's greatest antiheroes in Tony Soprano. With brilliant writing, complex character studies, and a genre-defining finale, it remains a hallmark of prestige TV.
2. Succession (2018-2023)
Few shows can balance satire, dark humor, and family dysfunction like Succession. The saga of the Roy family's power struggles gave us some of the most iconic TV moments of the last decade. With razor-sharp writing and unforgettable performances, Succession earned its place as one of HBO's most brilliant creations.
1. The Wire (2002-2008)
No show captures the gritty reality of urban America quite like The Wire. Its multilayered storytelling, deeply human characters, and unfiltered social commentary make it more than just a TV show—it's a cultural document. Often hailed as the best series ever made, The Wire tops this list as HBO's crowning achievement.
HBO continues to dominate television, delivering some of the most compelling stories ever told. Whether you're into crime dramas, satirical comedies, or historical epics, this list proves that no one does TV quite like HBO.