Starting from the late ’90s, HBO kick-started what’s now known as the “Golden Era” of TV production. Since then, it has been responsible for crafting numerous all-time great shows across various genres and influences. The network’s top productions stand out thanks to their exceptional writing, direction, and acting, offering an unparalleled viewing experience. With a mountain of Primetime Emmys under its belt, it’s clear that HBO has set a high standard for television excellence. In the 2000s, HBO transformed into a powerhouse of prestigious TV shows, revolutionizing the medium and paving the way for the exceptional series we enjoy today. HBO demonstrated that episodic storytelling could explore narratives in ways never before attempted.
If you’re lucky enough to have Max, you’ve got an abundance of fantastic HBO series to immerse yourself in. There’s a bit for everyone, but some truly stand out from the crowd. Here are the top 10 HBO shows that you should definitely check out at this moment. They offer a diverse range of entertainment that will surely captivate viewers.
Oz
Generally speaking, many believe that the age of HBO’s top-tier TV shows started in 1999 with “The Sopranos,” but if you want to trace it back to its origins, you should look about two years before that. The crime drama “Oz” is a significant precursor as it unfolds within the Oswald Correctional Facility, a unique prison that houses an innovative concept called “the Emerald City.” This section of the prison offers inmates a surprising degree of autonomy, serving as an experiment designed to improve the prison experience for its inhabitants.
The series delves into the lives of prisoners and prison personnel, unsparingly portraying the harrowing aspects of incarceration. At times, Oz can be downright chilling, but it also has moments of sheer brilliance. The intriguing characters and exceptional performances captivate audiences, while the narrative strategies laid by the show set the stage for the emergence of premium television.
Flight of the Concords
On HBO, you’d find not just intense dramas, but also some hilarious comedies as well. Among them was a gem from the New Zealand musical comedy duo, Flight of the Concords, made up of Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie. Before they got their own series in 2007, HBO gave them a comedy special to showcase their talents. The Flight of the Concords may have only aired for two seasons, but it’s still considered one of the funniest shows ever on HBO.
The series chronicles the journey of two musicians as they pursue success and wealth in New York City, guided by their manager Murray who doubles as the Deputy Cultural Attaché for New Zealand. This comedy is simply brilliant, enhanced by the duo’s outstanding musical performances. Let me tell you, “Bowie’s in Space” is one of the greatest songs out there, and it’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the incredible music this show offers. Flight of the Conchords was unfairly cut short and it’s an ideal choice for a marathon viewing session.
The Larry Sanders Show
From its inception, HBO has been a bastion of top-notch comedy, beginning with their stand-up specials during the early years. Over time, they began producing some truly outstanding sitcoms, among them being “The Larry Sanders Show,” which aired from 1992 to 1998. In this series, Gary Shandling played the lead role as a late-night talk show host navigating his relationships with his boss, colleagues, and guests. Being an HBO production, the show had more freedom with profanity compared to network specials, enabling it to reach comedic heights that some viewers might not have been accustomed to on traditional networks.
In my humble opinion as a movie enthusiast, Larry David Shandling may be the cream of the crop, yet Rip Torn and Jeffrey Tambor consistently steal the spotlight. The Larry Sanders Show, hailing from its specific era, shares a common challenge faced by many sitcoms – ageing gracefully. However, when this series hits its stride, it’s hard to find another sitcom that rivals its brilliance.
Treme
New Orleans, often recognized as one of America’s most distinctive cities, is a vibrant blend of various cultures with its unique identity. The city came close to being wiped out by Hurricane Katrina, yet it managed to survive and thrive – a theme explored in the TV show Treme. Developed by the creators of The Wire, David Simon and Eric Overmeyer, the series focused on an ensemble cast as they worked tirelessly to restore their city. Through this journey, it highlighted the charm and resilience of New Orleans.
As a passionate cinephile, I’ve always been captivated by the dramatic depth that HBO series often deliver. Yet, when compared to powerhouses like “Rome” or “Game of Thrones”, “Treme” appears almost tranquil in its storytelling. However, let me clarify, this show is no less a masterpiece for its subtlety. It’s a poignant exploration of resilience, highlighting the indomitable human spirit and underscoring the profound impact of the seemingly insignificant elements that make life meaningful – music, food, and communal celebrations.
Despite only running for four seasons and perhaps not receiving the same level of acclaim as some of its HBO counterparts, “Treme” remains one of the most exceptional shows in television history to me.
Rome
Rome was a collaborative effort between HBO and BBC, and these networks spared no expense in bringing this series to life. “Rome” delved into the tale of Julius Caesar’s conquest of Rome and its subsequent events. The show featured an array of characters, including Caesar himself, other high-ranking Romans, soldiers, and common folk. With its raw and intense portrayal of violence, “Rome” was a visually impressive production. Unfortunately, this high production value proved to be a drawback, as the series was costly and not likely to sell many merchandise items during the mid-2000s. Despite its brief run, lasting just two seasons, it was an exceptional showcase of storytelling and cinematic excellence.
The series Rome seamlessly blends captivating historical narratives with the raw, gripping storytelling that HBO is renowned for. Each aspect of the show exudes quality, ensuring it grips viewers from start to finish without letting go. Indeed, if Rome had been produced in the last decade, it likely would have extended beyond its two seasons. This historical drama stands out as a masterpiece among its genre.
Game of Thrones
Some individuals may argue that spending time on “Game of Thrones” is not worthwhile, as it transitioned from one of television’s finest adaptations to a subject of mockery in its final two seasons. The showrunners, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, desired to conclude the series so they could focus on other ventures, such as potentially creating Star Wars movies; however, those plans eventually fell apart. Regrettably, rushing the show’s conclusion and the disappointing reception from viewers negatively affected their professional reputations.
Nonetheless, the fact that new seasons may not have lived up to expectations doesn’t diminish the initial brilliance of “Game of Thrones”. The series was a sensation when it first debuted, earning its status for good reasons. It brought George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” book series to life on screen magnificently, depicting the grandeur of Westeros. Even though the show surpassed Martin (a notoriously slow author) and seemed to decline when it ran out of source material, it remains a compelling series worth revisiting.
The Jinx
Over the years, HBO has been known for hosting exceptional documentaries, such as the Paradise Lost trilogy about the West Memphis Three. However, while most of these aren’t traditional series, one documentary stands out: The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst. This series was directed by Andrew Jarecki, who previously told a fictionalized account of Durst’s story in the film All Good Things.
Robert Durst, a wealthy New York City real estate mogul, was accused of multiple murders: his first wife Kathie, his friend Susan Berman, and his neighbor Morris Black, spanning from the early ’80s to the early ’00s. The show initially aired in 2015, with a second season scheduled for release in 2024.
The initial season meticulously presented incriminating evidence against Durst, concluding with a shocking revelation. In an off-guard instant, unaware that he was being recorded, Durst appeared to admit to the murders in a self-directed conversation. Subsequently, he was apprehended for the crimes, and the subsequent season followed his trial, culminating in his conviction and demise in 2022. Few true crime series rival the captivating allure of The Jinx, making it a must-watch for any binge-viewer.
The Wire
Many people believe that “The Wire” is the finest crime drama ever produced. Created by David Simon, who is both an author and a former police reporter, this series was set in Baltimore. Throughout its five-season duration, it explored various aspects of the city and how they intertwined with the police – from the illegal drug trade to the port system, city government and bureaucracy, education system, and print media. An exceptional ensemble cast delivered compelling performances that breathed life into these stories.
As a cinema enthusiast, I can confidently say that “The Wire” truly lives up to its acclaim, standing out among other shows with an exceptional uniqueness. Simon masterfully portrayed the gritty truths of an American city on our screens, revealing both its flaws and beauty without sugarcoating it. Unlike many crime dramas that either glamorize or sensationalize one side or the other, “The Wire” presented a raw and authentic depiction of the world. Words alone fall short when trying to express just how remarkable this show is; no adjective can fully encapsulate its brilliance because it transcends any description we might try to apply.
Deadwood
The Western genre may no longer hold the same level of dominance in entertainment as it once did; however, the critically acclaimed series “Deadwood” demonstrated a way to rejuvenate this genre. Crafted by David Milch, “Deadwood” was set in the titular town during its prosperous era. The show’s three-season run excelled at portraying the gritty truths of the Old West – a lawless, violent land filled with individuals striving to amass wealth or simply endure another day.
“Deadwood” fearlessly tackled the darker aspects of America in the late 1800s, which contributed significantly to its status as one of the finest television programs from 2004 to 2007. Nevertheless, the series was costly to produce, and this expense ultimately led to an abrupt conclusion in its third season.
Deadwood, undoubtedly, embodies what sets HBO shows apart on television. The acting, scriptwriting, direction, and production are all exceptional, weaving its tales with an atmosphere reminiscent of a gritty Shakespearean play – rich language from the era intermingling with coarse profanity to produce something truly distinctive. Moreover, it’s subtly humorous, with its dry wit shining even in the bleakest scenes. The series concluded in 2019, with an HBO movie providing a resolution. In comparison to the show, the ending feels somewhat like a fairy tale, yet it retains much of the original’s essence.
The Sopranos
Some individuals believe that “Breaking Bad” is television’s finest hour, but many of these people haven’t seen “The Sopranos.” It’s widely acknowledged that “The Sopranos” started what we now call the “Golden Age of TV,” and its six-season run made it a favorite among both critics and viewers. “The Sopranos” revolves around mob boss Tony Soprano, who grapples with his personal life and various psychological issues. His therapy sessions are instrumental to the show’s storyline. Created by David Chase, “The Sopranos” took the conventional mob narratives that Hollywood had been telling for years and delved deep into the characters, exploring how their lives impact themselves and their families.
As a passionate film enthusiast, I firmly believe that “The Sopranos” earns every ounce of its renowned status. Even in its weakest moments, it outshines the best episodes from nearly all other series. Tony Soprano stands as one of the most captivating characters ever crafted for television. He’s a villain, yet he exudes charm and complexity that keep viewers enthralled. The brilliance of James Gandolfini’s portrayal of Tony Soprano is what truly drives the show. “The Sopranos” is undeniably a classic, and once you start watching, it’s hard not to get sucked into each riveting episode, with hours seemingly slipping away as if they were nothing.
You can binge all of these shows on Max.
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2025-01-23 22:11