HBO is maybe finest recognized for producing and airing among the hottest and excellent tv collection. With a protracted historical past of delivering high-quality and unique content material, it is no shock that most of the most-watched HBO collection have grow to be cultural phenomena, fascinating audiences and incomes a loyal fan base. From blockbuster fantasy dramas to thought-provoking comedies, the tv reveals on HBO (and now Max) symbolize among the finest work the corporate has to supply and are certain to enchantment to a variety of viewers.
Whether or not you are a fan of motion, drama, or comedy, there’s one thing on this record for everybody. From the epic fantasy collection Recreation of Thrones to the revolutionary teen drama Euphoria, listed here are the most-watched HBO collection to this point.
21
‘The Penguin’ (2023)
The Penguin
4
/5
- Launch Date
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2024 – 2023
- Showrunner
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Lauren LeFranc
Meant to bridge the narrative hole between 2022’s The Batman and its upcoming sequels, the expectations of The Penguin have been optimistic however did not essentially count on it to be excellent. Nonetheless, the retelling of the origin of Oswald Cobblepot grew to become considered one of Max’s most beloved current reveals in brief order, leading to Emmy and Golden Globe nominations (and wins).
Reinventing a Batman Villain
Presenting the well-known Batman villain as a hardened legal climbing the ranks, the restricted collection managed to humanize Cobblepot whereas making him a frightening determine in Gotham’s legal underworld. An outstanding efficiency from Colin Farrell because the Penguin helped push the collection ahead, however bringing a compelling mob story that shone a brand new mild on the gritty crime world of Gotham made the collection an unforgettable fan favourite and significant darling.
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20
‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ (2000 – 2024)
In Curb Your Enthusiasm, Larry David, the co-creator of Seinfeld, steps into the highlight as a fictionalized model of himself. As he navigates the mundane but maddening conditions introduced by each day life, Larry typically lands in bother, has awkward encounters with folks in Los Angeles, and refuses to evolve to societal norms. With its improvisational type, the sitcom carved out a distinct segment within the comedy panorama.
The Comedy of Misanthropy
Curb Your Enthusiasm is maybe the best-improvised sitcom of all time. It delivers a stage of cringe-worthy comedy that’s exhausting to match. On the middle of all of it is Larry and his dedication to his ideas. Together with his unfiltered method to on a regular basis life and his frustrations with folks and their habits and beliefs, he manages to mine cathartic experiences by saying and doing the issues we take into consideration however by no means do ourselves. For over twenty years, the collection supplied a refreshing and trustworthy satire of Hollywood and the human situation basically.
19
‘Chernobyl’ (2019)
Chernobyl
- Launch Date
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2019 – 2018
- Community
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HBO Max
- Administrators
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Johan Renck
Chernobyl, a 2019 HBO miniseries, tells the story of the 1986 nuclear catastrophe within the Soviet Union. The present focuses on the individuals who tried to include the nuclear fallout and forestall even additional unimaginable tragedy, but additionally depicts the politicians and bureaucrats who didn’t act decisively within the face of a disaster. Other than that includes a terrifying take a look at the bodily ramifications of the catastrophe, Chernobyl additionally explores the psychological and emotional toll of the catastrophe on the folks of the Soviet Union, who have been subjected to a disinformation marketing campaign by their very own authorities.
Haunting Story of Historical past’s Darkest Second
Chernobyl was a crucial and business success and is broadly thought-about among the best miniseries ever made. It has acquired widespread reward for its writing, performing, and a spotlight to historic element and has been nominated for quite a few awards, together with 19 Primetime Emmy Awards. What’s extra is that it crafts a tense drama that’s rooted in info and makes you understand simply what sort of impression the catastrophe had on humanity.
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18
‘Veep’ (2012 – 2019)
Veep
5
/5
- Launch Date
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2012 – 2018
- Community
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HBO Max
Veep is a political satire tv collection from the good Armando Iannucci that aired on HBO from 2012 to 2019. The collection follows Selina Meyer, a former vice chairman and later president, as she navigates the political world and the cutthroat atmosphere of Washington, D.C. Meyer tries to make her mark and climb the political ladder alongside along with her workers however consistently finds herself thwarted by obstacles and her personal shortcomings.
A Scathing Satire of Political Dysfunction
The collection is thought for its sharp writing and gifted solid, led by Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Meyer. Aside from skewering the absurdities of modern-day politics, it additionally examines energy in a ruthlessly humorous approach. The present acquired widespread crucial acclaim and quite a few awards, together with 17 Primetime Emmy Awards. If you happen to’re a fan of political satire and luxuriate in reveals that deftly steadiness humor and drama, Veep is certainly value trying out.
17
‘Large Little Lies’ (2017 – 2019)
Large Little Lies is an American drama tv collection based mostly on the novel of the identical title by Liane Moriarty. The present premiered on HBO on February 19, 2017, and ran for 2 seasons till July 21, 2019. It follows the lives of 5 girls dwelling within the rich, upper-class beachfront neighborhood of Monterey, California, as they cope with their relationships, work, and household points.
Beautiful Drama with an Wonderful Soundtrack
The primary solid includes Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, Laura Dern, and Zoë Kravitz. The collection is recognized for its unimaginable performing performances, gorgeous visuals, and fascinating plot. The story is revealed by a collection of flashbacks and focuses on the occasions following a homicide that happens at a college. As the ladies attempt to piece collectively what occurred, they need to additionally confront the secrets and techniques and lies which were tearing them aside. Large Little Lies is an exhilarating emotional rollercoaster that may preserve you hooked from begin to end.
16
‘Barry’ (2018 – 2023)
Barry
- Launch Date
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2018 – 2022
- Community
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HBO Max
- Showrunner
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Alec Berg
Barry follows the titular Barry Berkman, a low-level hitman who’s employed by his longtime handler to kill somebody in LA. By an odd collection of occasions, he finds himself concerned in an performing class and develops a ardour for performing. Sadly, his life as a killer catches as much as him and earlier than lengthy he is concerned in an epic, violent feud with the Chechen mafia.
Chasing the Dream
HBO is not any stranger to producing thought-provoking darkish comedies, and Barry is exemplary in utilizing sharp wit to discover darker themes. The collection additionally blends components of drama, motion, and suspense to create a surprisingly gripping and intense narrative and intensely darkish character examine. Invoice Hader is at his finest right here, rigorously balancing his comedic and dramatic abilities and exhibiting nice reserve when wanted to ship some emotionally poignant TV moments.
15
‘Succession’ (2018 – 2023)
Succession
- Launch Date
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2018 – 2023
- Community
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HBO Max
- Showrunner
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Jesse Armstrong
Succession follows the lives of the Roy household, the dysfunctional house owners of a large media and leisure conglomerate. When the patriarch of the household, Logan Roy (Brian Cox), pronounces his impending retirement, it units off an influence wrestle throughout the household as every member jockeys for place and management of the corporate.
Darkly Comedic and Socially Related
The collection delves into the cutthroat world of company greed and household dynamics because the Roys wrestle to keep up their legacy whereas additionally coping with private {and professional} scandals. As they battle to come back out on high, they need to additionally grapple with the results of their actions and the toll it takes on their relationships and private lives. Succession has acquired crucial approval for its writing, performing, and portrayal of the high-stakes world of the super-rich, in addition to for its exploration of ambition, corruption, and management.
14
White Lotus (2021 – Current)
Maybe one of many best-crafted anthology TV collection of all time, The White Lotus explores themes of greed, privilege, corruption, and social dynamics of the wealthy. Every season takes place at a unique resort in a unique season and follows the lives of prosperous company and the workers who must cope with them. The collection makes use of satire to critique the higher class whereas crafting unforgettable characters.
Subtly Crafted Social Critique
The White Lotus is arguably probably the most culturally related present presently working. It retains its relevancy by pertaining to the modern-day obsessions and mistrust of the bourgeois. The anthology format has stored the collection recent and thrilling, backed by a persistently comedic but considerate script and nice performances from a big, rotating solid. Furthermore, there’s a refined brilliance to the present, with its commentary not being obnoxiously heavy-handed, a steadiness that appears much less and fewer frequent.
13
‘The Wire’ (2002 – 2008)
The Wire
- Launch Date
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2002 – 2007
- Community
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HBO Max, BBC
The Wire is ready in Baltimore and follows the lives of assorted characters linked to the town’s drug commerce. The collection is thought for its life like portrayal of the drug world, in addition to its deep character growth and sophisticated storytelling. All through its 5 seasons, The Wire tackles a variety of points, together with corruption, the training system’s failures, and the media’s impression on society.
Gritty and Lifelike Masterpiece
The Wire is a groundbreaking work of tv artwork and a necessary addition for HBO. Created by David Simon, it has a masterful storyline and extremely fleshed-out characters. The present’s ensemble solid consists of Dominic West, Idris Elba, and Michael Okay. Williams, and its writing has been praised for its authenticity and a spotlight to element. What’s extra, the collection gives an trustworthy look into how a flawed system impacts the human expertise and examines the social, financial, and political forces that envelop all of it.
12
‘Intercourse and the Metropolis’ (1998 – 2004)
Created by Darren Star, Intercourse and the Metropolis is likely one of the hottest and beloved HBO collection of all time. It follows the lives of Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda, 4 good and dynamic thirty-somethings, as they navigate the dizzying highs and lows of affection and intercourse in New York Metropolis. The collection, spanning six seasons, takes viewers on a wild and emotional rollercoaster as every of the ladies finds romance and will get into scandalous conditions, profitable some and shedding some whereas being unapologetically themselves.
A Groundbreaking Exploration of Womanhood
The present’s enduring reputation and significant acclaim stems from its exploration of femininity and its capability to seize common experiences of sturdy, susceptible, empowered, and multifaceted girls with equal elements poignancy and humor. Its fearless depiction paired with iconic performances from Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, and Cynthia Nixon, strikes a chord that continues to reverberate and affect even right this moment.
11
‘Deadwood’ (2004 – 2006)
Deadwood
- Launch Date
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2004 – 2005
- Community
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HBO Max
Set throughout the late nineteenth century within the lawless mining city of Deadwood, South Dakota, the collection follows a various group of characters as they arrive on the town to make a fortune. From the crafty saloon proprietor Al Swearengen to the principled sheriff and co-owner of Star & Bullock {Hardware}, every of them struggles with energy, ethical dilemmas, and private vendettas. In the meantime, the realities of America’s West create chaos for them.
A Groundbreaking Ode to Frontier Life
Deadwood has a legacy rooted in its uncompromising narrative. It depicts the brutality and the ethical ambiguity of the American West but additionally options plenty of layered and nuanced characters, performed most famously by Timothy Olyphant, Ian McShane, and Molly Parker. It was created by David Milch, who centered his gaze on weaving real-life characters and fictional storylines collectively to create a wealthy tapestry of justice and redemption. It’s nonetheless saddening that Deadwood was canceled after simply three seasons.
10
‘Boardwalk Empire’ (2010 – 2014)
Boardwalk Empire
- Launch Date
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2010 – 2013
- Administrators
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Timothy Van Patten, Allen Coulter
Set within the turbulent period of the Twenties prohibition, Boardwalk Empire follows Enoch “Nucky” Thompson (Steve Buscemi), who lives a violent life straddling operations between the regulation and gangsters in Atlantic Metropolis. Nucky makes use of his sway because the treasurer to construct a legal group, having to weave his approach between numerous events to keep up energy.
A Sensible Ensemble Forged
Arms down, Boardwalk Empire boasts one of many best casts ever to look in an HBO collection. Standouts like Steve Buscemi, Michael Shannon, Michael Kenneth Williams, and Stephen Graham work brilliantly off one another to immerse the viewer within the grit and energy struggles of the Twenties prohibition period. The collection additionally boasts a formidable visible path, rating, and a spotlight to element to seize historic accuracy. Deeply compelling character arcs and loads of twists make Boardwalk Empire a timeless favourite.
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9
‘Six Ft Beneath’ (2001 – 2005)
A delectably darkish comedy created by Alan Ball, Six Ft Beneath follows the Fisher household, who’ve owned and run a funeral residence for a few years. We’re launched to the Fishers by Nate, who leaves his residence in Seattle after the demise of the household patriarch, Nathaniel. The passing prompts him to maneuver to LA to assist the remainder of his household navigate advanced relationships whereas attempting to come back collectively to maintain the enterprise going.
The Household Enterprise of Loss of life
Six Ft Beneath grew to become admired for its considerate storytelling, not being afraid to sort out taboo material that was nonetheless typically ignored on TV within the early 2000s. The collection had a realism and depth that immediately made it a fan favourite, backed by a darkish wit that all the time complimented as a substitute of taking away from the drama. The finale is commonly thought-about among the best, completely wrapping up and offering closure for followers.
8
‘Band of Brothers’ (2001)
Band of Brothers is a 10-part miniseries that tells the story of Simple Firm, an elite unit of the USA Military, as they take part in key occasions throughout World Warfare II. The collection begins with the boys of Simple Firm coaching in Georgia in 1942 and follows them by their rigorous coaching and into fight in Europe, the place they battle in among the struggle’s most iconic battles. The collection premiered with nearly 10 million viewers, however the tragedy of 9/11 occurred instantly after; HBO ceased advertising and marketing the present, and subsequent episodes noticed a drastic drop in viewership. Nonetheless, it grew to become one of the common residence media and streaming releases over time.
An Unforgettable Tribute to a Era
All through the collection, the boys of Simple Firm face unimaginable challenges and make extraordinary sacrifices, however additionally they type deep bonds of friendship and brotherhood that final a lifetime. With its unflinching depiction of struggle, Band of Brothers has grow to be one of the highly-acclaimed and beloved collection in tv historical past. It’s a must-watch if you happen to’re a fan of historic dramas or simply need to expertise one of the emotionally highly effective reveals in TV historical past.
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7
‘Westworld’ (2016 – 2022)
Westworld
- Launch Date
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2016 – 2021
- Community
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HBO Max
Westworld takes place in a futuristic, Western-themed amusement park known as Westworld, populated by synthetic beings generally known as “hosts.” The hosts are indistinguishable from people and are programmed to cater to the needs of the park’s rich company, who can do no matter they need throughout the park with out concern of retribution. Because the collection progresses, the hosts develop consciousness and recollections, resulting in a riot in opposition to their human creators.
A Thoughts-Bending Sci-Fi Collection
Westworld is an HBO science-fiction thriller collection created by Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Pleasure. Its technologically superior setting and dazzling visuals completely complement the thought-provoking narrative, which tries to create a bridge between know-how and ethics. The collection additionally options an important ensemble of advanced characters and complicated plot twists, whereas exploring themes of synthetic intelligence, consciousness, and the character of humanity. Westworld‘s 2016 premiere had the very best scores of any collection premiere since True Detective earlier than it.
6
‘True Detective’ (2014 – 2024)
True Detective is an American anthology collection on HBO that follows the lives of police detectives as they examine difficult instances that normally contain methods of energy and authority. Every season is a self-contained narrative with new solid ensembles and follows numerous units of characters and settings. The primary season, set in Louisiana, follows Rustin Cohle (Matthew McConaughey) and Martin Hart (Woody Harrelson) as they examine a collection of grotesque murders. Sometimes thought-about the very best season of the 4 thus far, Season 1 had higher scores than the primary season of any HBO present, with its common viewership of 11.9 million an episode breaking the file set by Six Ft Beneath.
One of many Most Gripping Crime Dramas on Tv
Every season created a moody environment the place darkness lurks in each nook. The characters are pressured to confront their very own demons whereas uncovering a core thriller. The second season is ready in California and follows three detectives (Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams, and Vince Vaughn) investigating a collection of crimes that will or will not be linked. The third season is ready in Arkansas and follows two detectives (Mahershala Ali and Stephen Dorff) investigating the disappearance of two youngsters amid a decades-long feud between two rival households. The fourth season follows a cop (Jodie Foster) in Alaska investigating the deaths of scientists.
5
‘Euphoria’ (2019 – Current)
Euphoria follows the lifetime of a gaggle of highschool college students as they navigate love, id, and trauma within the digital age. The present facilities on 17-year-old Rue Bennett (Zendaya), a recovering drug addict striving to seek out her place on the planet. As she struggles with psychological well being points, she types relationships along with her classmates, together with Jules (Hunter Schafer), a transgender woman trying to find acceptance; Kat (Barbie Ferreira), a body-conscious teen attempting to beat her insecurities; and Nate (Jacob Elordi), a jock with deep-seated anger points.
Dazzling and Emotional Teen Drama
Euphoria rose in reputation due to how precisely it portrayed teenage life. It tackled advanced themes comparable to habit, sexual assault, and the impression of social media on trendy relationships. With its uncooked and unflinching portrayal, fashionable visuals, excellent performances, and profoundly empathetic classes, Euphoria has grow to be a crucial and business hit, fascinating audiences with its compelling characters and provocative storytelling.
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4
‘The Sopranos’ (1999 – 2007)
The Sopranos is a landmark tv collection that tells the story of Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), a robust and charismatic New Jersey mob boss who struggles to steadiness the calls for of his legal enterprise with the wants of his difficult private life. As Tony navigates the violent and cutthroat world of organized crime, he grapples with psychological well being points and the challenges of being a husband and father.
Dropped at Display an American Anti-Hero
The Sopranos enormously influenced tv. It was a nuanced present that redefined the boundaries of the crime drama style and left an indelible mark on it. Throughout six seasons, it additionally explored the inside workings of the Soprano household and their relationships with different mafia households, in addition to the FBI brokers who consistently attempt to convey them down. The Sopranos grew to become one of the common and critically acclaimed tv collection with its advanced characters, compelling storylines, and uncooked, life like portrayal of the mafia.
3
‘Home of the Dragon’ (2022 – Current)
Contemplating how Recreation of Thrones grew to become HBO’s greatest collection of all time, it is no surprise that Home of the Dragon instantly jumped the viewership charts, although it hasn’t dethroned that collection but. The premiere garnered the biggest single-day viewership for a collection debut within the historical past of Max, and inside one week, viewership rose to 25 million throughout each platform.
The Home That Martin Constructed
Making a prequel to George R.R. Martin’s Recreation of Thrones collection was a surefire guess, and whereas Home of the Dragon hasn’t been as acclaimed as that one, it is nonetheless an enormous hit with followers of the franchise. It consists of all of the struggles for energy, epic motion, sexual violence, and palace intrigue that viewers appear to like.
2
‘The Final of Us’ (2023 – Current)
The Final of Us is customized from the online game franchise of the identical title developed by Naughty Canine. It takes place in a post-apocalyptic world the place a devastating fungal an infection has turned America right into a crumbled panorama. We comply with a hardened smuggler named Joel, who’s tasked with escorting a younger woman named Ellie to the opposite facet of the nation. Alongside the best way, the 2 forge an unlikely bond.
One of many Most Riveting New HBO Collection
With its flawless cinematography, surprising cliffhangers, richly drawn characters, and profound exploration of their shared wrestle for survival, The Final of Us captivated thousands and thousands of viewers. The collection is led by spectacular performances from Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, and it’s established itself as a landmark within the style of post-apocalyptic storytelling. Regardless of being pretty new, the collection was watched by nearly 40 million viewers inside two months and presently has followers ready for an additional season, which is scheduled to premiere in early 2025.