Top 25 Best HBO Series
This is a list of the top 25 HBO series, note that the list has no particular order.
There are a lot of great shows on this list, HBO has become a worldwide channel mostly because they know how to choose a good show.
I am sure you will like the list, if you think I missed out on a series that you firmly believe should be here then don’t be shy and share it with us in the comment section. Let’s start!
Best HBO Series Ever
The Wire
Created by: David Simon
Genre: Crime Drama
Running Time: 55-60 mins
Original Channel: HBO
The Wire was created by David Simon. The show was on air from 2002 to 2008. In that period it produced 6 episodes and 5 seasons. An episode usually runs for about an hour.
The setting takes place in Baltimore, it’s about the fight between detectives and drug dealers. It has been praised for its realness and originality.
The Wire is considered as one of the best show ever produced. Check it out and let us now whether you agree with that assessment.
Game of Thrones
Created by: David Benioff, D.B. Weiss
Genre: Fantasy
Running Time: 50-65 mins
Original Channel: HBO
Game of Thrones was adapted form the books of George R.R. Martin. The show started airing in 2011. So far there have been 40 episodes and 4 seasons, 10 for each. One episode runs for 50 to 65 minutes.
The show takes place in a mythical land called Westeros. It’s a fantasy world filled with a lot of mythical creatures. Men fight for power and the Iron Throne, hence the name. A lot of surprises makes this show a must watch.
It is one of the most popular series at the moment, and not only on HBO. The books are not yet finished so nobody knows yet what is to come, the one thing we do know is that we will be surprised and yet another of our favorite characters will probably die.
Boardwalk Empire
Created by: Terence Winter
Genre: Crime Drama
Running Time: 50-60 mins
Original Channel: HBO
Boardwalk Empire has Steve Buscemi as the protagonist, the show started airing in 2010. So far it has 55 episodes and 5 seasons behind it. One episode usually runs for about an hour.
The plot revolves in the Prohibition era, this crime drama is making a lot of buzz. An Atlanta City politician sits on two chairs, playing on both sides of the law is quite risky.
Boardwalk Empire became on of the most popular shows very quickly, HBO certainly knows how to choose crime dramas.
The Sopranos
Created by: David Chase
Genre: Crime Drama
Running Time: 43-75 mins
Original Channel: HBO
The Sopranos was created by David Chase. It was on air from 1999 to 2007, in that timeline it created 86 episodes. This is yet another fantastic crime drama that you have to watch.
An Italian mob boss is trying to solve problems both at work and home, the latter is a lot harder than you might imagine. Tony Soprano is definitely one of the best characters ever produced, kudos to David Chase and the man who played him brilliantly, James Gandolfini.
It is a crime and family drama that defined all the series in this category, one of the very best and yet another on HBO.
Sex and the City
Created by: Darren Star
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Running Time: 30 mins
Original Channel: HBO
Sex and the City was on air for 6 years, in that period it produced 94 episodes. The creator of the show was Darren Star. The main cast was consisted of Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Kattrall, Cynthia Nixon, and Kristin Davis.
4 New York women gossip about their sex lives, a good look at modern relationships. A look at the difficulties at being a woman in the 90’s.
Two movies were also made, one in 2008 and one in 2010, Sex and the City and Sex and the City 2.
Rome
Created by: Bruno Heller, William J. MacDonald, John Milius
Genre: Historical Drama
Running Time: 50 mins
Original Channel: HBO
Rome is a historical classic, there are only 2 seasons and 22 episodes of this historical drama. One episode runs for 50 minutes. The series was on air from 2005 to 2007. It is considered as one of the best HBO series.
It takes place in the last days of the Roman Empire, a good look at the illustrious and ordinary people in Rome. It’s a show with a lot of drama and unpredictable situations.
If you like historical series then you have to watch this one, HBO made the right move by choosing this one, great show. It was short maybe, but it is one of the best historical dramas on HBO.
The Newsroom
Created by: Aaron Sorkin
Genre: Political Drama
Running Time: 52-60 mins
Original Channel: HBO
The Newsroom was created by Aaron Sorkin, we see Jeff Daniels in another light. The show had an extraordinary pilot, “Why is America the greatest country in the world”, watch that scene and you will decide to watch the series.
A new team and a new way of delivering the news, we experience the life of a news anchor. Jeff Daniels does an awesome job with this one.
It is one of the best news show out there, HBO grabbed it and made the right choice. It is a great series, a lot of popular topics are included and I am sure you will enjoy watching the news from a new perspective.
True Detective
Created by: Nic Pizzolatto
Genre: Southern Gothic, Mystery
Running Time: 54-60 mins
Original Channel: HBO
True Detective with only 8 episode won the hearts of all mystery fans. The show was created by Nic Pizzolatto, only 8 episodes so far. Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson are playing the main characters.
Two detectives try to solve murders by a serial killer, it takes them 17 years to achieve that. It’s one of the best mysteries ever produced, one of my favorites.
There will be a second season but with all new cast, Colin Farrell and Vince Vaughn are going to be the two new detectives, the setting will take place in California but he will exclude Los Angeles and go for the less known locations. This is one of the newest TV shows on HBO, and I highly recommend you to watch it.
Deadwood
Created by: David Milch
Genre: Western
Running Time: 48-60 mins
Original Channel: HBO
Deadwood is a creation of David Milch, it has been on HBO from 2004 to 2006, 36 episodes were made in that period.
The setting takes place in the 1800’s, Deadwood in South Dakota is a town with a lot of corruption and crime. We have the chance to see the characters of that town and their troubles.
This series has received a lot of positive reviews, if you haven’t watched it, give it a chance.
Da Ali G Show
Created by: Sacha Baron Cohen
Genre: HBO
Running Time: 30 mins
Original Channel: HBO
Da Ali G Show was created by Sacha Baron Cohen, the same man is starring the show. It was on air from 2003 to 2006. 18 episodes is the total of the show.
Ali G interviews all kind of people, politicians, scientists, law enforcement et cetera. Interviews in his style, simply hilarious.
It’s based on the character from the movie Ali G indahouse, released in 2002.
Big Love
Created by: Mark V. Olsen, Will Scheffer
Genre: Drama
Running Time: 50 mins
Original Channel: HBO
Big Love was created by the duo of Will Scheffer and Mark V. Olsen. The series was on air from 2006 to 2011, it has 5 seasons and 53 episodes.
We take a greater look at a polygamy (someone who has more than one wife). A man’s life with his three wives. Bill Paxton is the main character, he is assisted by Jeanne Tripplehorn, Ginnifer Goodwin and Chloe Sevigny.
A very interesting concept for a series, give it a chance!
Eastbound & Down
Created by: Ben Best, Danny McBride, Jody Hill
Genre: Comedy
Running Time: 28 mins
Original Channel: HBO
Eastbound & Down is one of the shows that you really should not miss out on, it has been on air from 2009 to 2013. It has 29 episodes, one of the executive producers is Will Ferrell. The protagonist is played by Danny McBride.
Some years have passed since Kenny Powers has turned his back to his hometown. He returns and teaches phys ed at his old middle school. McBride does an outstanding job in this comedy series.
Most critics have praised the show, you are welcome!
Bored to Death
Created by: Jonathan Ames
Genre: Neo-noir
Running Time: 26 mins
Original Channel: HBO
Bored to Death was on air from 2009 to 2011. It was created by Jonathan Ames, the show has 24 episodes and 3 seasons. Zach Galifianakis plays on of the lead roles.
Jonathan Ames is a struggling novelist, he decides to start pretending to be a detective in order to inspire himself. This double life leads to some troubles.
It’s a great show that I am sure you will enjoy, Jason Schwartzman does a great job here, Zach is just another reason to watch this show.
John Adams
Created by: Tom Hooper
Genre: Biographical miniseries
Running Time: 8 hours, 20 mins
Original Channel: HBO
John Adams was developed by Tom Hooper, the executive producers were Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman. It was based on John Adams by David McCullough. John Adams has 7 episodes and was on air for a month in 2008.
The story of John Adams, one of America’s founding fathers, the second president and his influence in the first 50 years of USA.
One of the best biographical miniseries out there, if you are a fan of biographical series then this one is definitely for you.
Generation Kill
Created by: Susanna White, Simon Cellan Jones
Genre: War miniseries
Running Time: 470 mins
Original Channel: HBO
Generation Kill was directed by Simon Cellan Jones and Susanna White, it was produced by Andrea Calderwood and written by David Simon, Evan Wright, and Ed Burns. It’s based on Generation Kill written by Evan Wright.
It’s about the American assault on Baghdad in 2003. We see it from the perspective of a Rolling Stone reporter.
The show has 7 episodes and it runs for the total of 470 minutes.
Flight of the Conchords
Created by: James Bobin, Bret McKenzie, Jermaine Clement
Genre: Musical
Running Time: 26 mins
Original Channel: HBO
Flight of the Conchords was on air for 2 years, from 2007 to 2009. Apart from James Bobin, the creators of the show also star in it, Flight of the Conchords has 22 episodes.
A New Zealand band living in New York try to make it on the big stage, a hilarious musical that received a lot of positive reviews.
It has 2 seasons, if you like musicals then you should not miss this one, if not this is a good way to start liking that genre.
Enlightened
Created by: Mike White, Laura Dern
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Running Time: 25-30 mins
Original Channel: HBO
Enlightened was created by Mike White and Laura Dern. An episode usually runs for about 30 minutes. It was on air from 2011 to 2013 and it has 18 episodes.
It’s a story of a woman who made a big change in her life. She used to be self-destructive and miserable, she got enlightened and decided to turn things around causing havoc both at home and at work.
There are two seasons of this drama, the first one was released in 2011 while the second in 2013.
Entourage
Created by: Doug Ellin
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Running Time: 22-30 mins
Original Channel: HBO
Entourage was created by Doug Ellin. This one was on the air from 2004 to 2011, in the process it released 96 episodes. Kevin Connolly plays the protagonist in the show.
Vince Chase is a movie star, he navigates the vapid terrain of LA with his trusty agent and a close set of friends.
There is a reason why this show was on HBO for 8 seasons, check it out and find out for yourself.
Veep
Created by: Armando Iannucci
Genre: Political Satire
Running Time: 26-30 mins
Original Channel: HBO
Veep has been on air since 2012, so far there have been 3 seasons and 28 episodes. The creator of the show is Armando Iannucci, the protagonist is played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
Selina Meyer becomes the new Vice President, that position ends up being a lot more different than she thought and was told that it would be. Meyer, a former senator tries to make the most of every difficult situation and there are a lot of them.
One of the best political satires, two seasons in and hopefully many more to come.
Girls
Created by: Lena Dunham
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Running Time: 30 mins
Original Channel: HBO
Girls was created by Lena Dunham, it started airing two years ago, so far there have been 32 episodes and three seasons. Lena Dunham also stars in this comedy.
It’s basically about girls in their early 20’s, their troubles, successes and everything that comes and goes in life.
The show was applauded for the more realistic view of woman in general, a lot of positive critics, kudos to Lena Dunham.
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Created by: Larry David
Genre: Improvisation
Running Time: 30 mins
Original Channel: HBO
Curb Your Enthusiasm was created, and written by Larry David. He is also the protagonist of the show, Curb Your Enthusiasm is on air since 2000, so far it has 80 episodes and a 30 minute special.
He has it all, you name it, a loving wife, successful business…it seems that nothing can go wrong, well…not exactly. One of the greatest comedies on HBO, the Seinfeld co-creator has done it again.
It’s a fantastic show that you probably have watched by now, if not then you have no excuse to delay any further.
In Treatment
Created by: Rodrigo Garcia
Genre: Drama
Running Time: 22-30 mins
Original Channel: HBO
In Treatment was developed by Rodrigo Garcia, it’s based on BeTipul by Hagai Levi, Nir Bergman, and Ori Sivan. The show was on air from 2008 to 2010, in this period it has produced 106 episodes.
A psychotherapist has confidence issues, he reunites with his old therapist, someone he hasn’t seen in a decade.
The show has received mostly positive reviews, it’s not the most popular HBO show bu is definitely worth your time.
Six Feet Under
Created by: Alan Ball
Genre: Black Comedy
Running Time: 46-60 mins
Original Channel: HBO
Six Feet Under was created by Alan Ball, it stopped airing in 2005, the series has 63 episodes. One episode usually runs for little less than an hour.
A dysfunctional family runs a funeral home, we see their struggles and interesting situations altogether. It’s a show with a lot of black humor.
If you like this genre, black humor then this one was made just for you.
True Blood
Created by: Alan Ball
Genre: Supernatural
Running Time: 45-60 mins
Original Channel: HBO
True Blood had its finale this year, this is yet another creation of Alan Ball. When we sum it up, we get 80 episodes and 7 seasons of this horror and supernatural drama.
It’s a world where vampires are out in the open, they are not the only supernatural beings, werewolves, faeries and many more mythical creatures exist in this great fantasy.
You have to watch this one, start with the theme song, Bad Things by Jace Everett. True Blood is one of the most popular TV shows on HBO.
The Comeback
Created by: Lisa Kudrow, Michael Patrick King
Genre: Comedy
Running Time: 30 mins
Original Channel: HBO
The Comeback was created by Lisa Kudrow and Michael Patrick King, the show has 13 episodes. Lisa Kudrow is also the protagonist of the show, you might know her from her role as Phoebe in Friends.
All you need to succeed is a camera crew and determination, an ex-celebrity tries to make her way to the spotlight once again.
The original run was in 2005, it was revived this year. Let’s see what The Comeback can bring us this time around.
