HBO is possibly best recognised for creating and broadcasting some of the best and most well-liked television shows. It comes as no surprise that many of the most popular HBO programmes have become cultural phenomena, captivating audiences and gaining a committed fan base given the network’s lengthy history of providing high-quality and original material. The HBO series represent some of the best works the corporation has to offer, are sure to appeal to a wide spectrum of fans, and vary from blockbuster fantasy dramas to thought-provoking comedies.
This list has something for everyone, whether you enjoy action, drama, or comedy. Here are the top 10 most-watched HBO shows to date, ranging from the sweeping fantasy series Game of Thrones to the ground-breaking teen drama Euphoria.
Band of Brothers (2001)
The 10-episode HBO miniseries Band of Brothers follows the exploits of the elite American Army unit Easy Company as they take part in significant World War II events. The Easy Company members begin the series in Georgia in 1942 as they undergo tough training before heading to Europe to engage in some of the most famous battles of the war.
The men of Easy Company undergo terrible hardships and give extraordinary sacrifices throughout the series, but they also develop strong relationships of kinship and friendship that last a lifetime.
Band of Brothers has become one of the most lauded and adored television series in history thanks to its realistic portrayal of combat. If you enjoy historical dramas or simply want to see one of the most moving television programmes ever produced, this is a must-watch.
Big Little Lies (2017-2019)
The drama television programme Big Little Lies on HBO is based on Liane Moriarty’s book of the same name. After its February 19, 2017, HBO debut, the programme continued for two seasons until July 21, 2019. It chronicles the struggles of five women as they navigate their relationships, careers, and families while residing in the affluent, upper-class beachside enclave of Monterey, California.
Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, Laura Dern, and Zo Kravitz make up the core cast. The series is renowned for its outstanding actor performances, gorgeous scenery, and intriguing story.
Flashbacks are used to reveal the plot, which centres on what happens after a murder takes place at a school. The secrets and lies that have been pulling the women apart must be faced as they attempt to piece together what transpired. Big Little Lies will have you hooked from beginning to end with its exhilarating and emotional rollercoaster.
Chernobyl (2019)
A 2019 HBO miniseries titled Chernobyl chronicles the Soviet Union’s nuclear accident in 1986. The programme is centred on the valiant men and women who gave their life to save Europe from unspeakable tragedy and the politicians and bureaucrats who chose not to take prompt action when a disaster struck. The show also examines the psychological and emotional effects of the catastrophe on the Soviet Union’s citizens, who were the target of a government-run disinformation operation.
Chernobyl is regarded as one of the best television shows and was a critical and commercial success. It has won several accolades for its writing, acting, and attention to historical detail and has gotten nominations for many prizes, including 19 Primetime Emmy Awards.
Euphoria (2019-present)
In Euphoria, a group of high school teenagers navigate love, identity, and trauma as they grow up in the digital age. The protagonist of the programme is Zendaya’s character Rue Bennett, a 17-year-old heroin user who is trying to make her way in the world. She develops relationships with her classmates as she battles mental health issues, including Nate (Jacob Elordi), a jock with ingrained anger issues, Jules (Hunter Schafer), a transgender girl seeking acceptance, Kat (Barbie Ferreira), a body-conscious teen trying to overcome her insecurities, and Kat (Barbie Ferreira), a teenager trying to overcome her insecurities.
The show addresses difficult subjects like addiction, sexual assault, and how social media affects contemporary relationships. Euphoria, which captures audiences with its fascinating characters and thought-provoking storyline, has gained both critical acclaim and financial success because to its uncompromising and genuine portrayal of adolescence.
Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
From 2011 through 2019, HBO broadcast the wildly popular and well-regarded fantasy drama television series Game of Thrones. David Benioff and D.B. Weiss created the television adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” books, which stars Sean Bean, Lena Headey, Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, and Peter Dinklage among a vast ensemble cast.
As they compete for possession of the Iron Throne, the series explores the intricate and perilous political relationships that exist between the aristocratic houses on the mythical continent of Westeros. The show is renowned for its excellent production qualities, intricate cast of characters, and surprising plot turns. It gained notoriety as one of the most watched and well-received TV programmes in history and earned numerous honours, including a Golden Globe and several Emmys.
Succession (2018-present)
The succession of the Roy family Succession by Warner Bros. Television Distribution centres on the dysfunctional Roy family, who own a major media and entertainment empire. Logan Roy (Brian Cox), the family patriarch, announces his upcoming retirement, which sparks a power struggle inside the family as each member vies for influence over the business.
The Roy family struggles to uphold their legacy while also coping with personal and professional issues in this television series, which dives into the competitive world of corporate greed and family relations.
They must contend with the fallout from their acts and the toll it takes on their interpersonal connections and personal lives as they struggle to prevail. For its narrative, acting, and depiction of the high-stakes world of the super-rich, the series has won praise from critics.
The Sopranos (1999-2007)
The Sopranos is a legendary television series that chronicles the lives of Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), a strong and charming mob leader from New Jersey who attempts to strike a balance between the needs of his complicated personal life and the demands of his criminal organisation. Tony struggles with mental health concerns and the difficulties of being a spouse and parent as he makes his way through the brutal and competitive world of organised crime.
The Soprano family’s inner workings, their links with other mafia families, and the FBI agents who are continually attempting to bring them down are also explored in the series. The Sopranos rose to prominence and won critical acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of the mafia and its rich characters, captivating plots, and raw authenticity.
The Wire (2002-2008)
The life stories of different characters involved in the drug trade in Baltimore are followed in the television series The Wire. The show is renowned for its intricate storyline, rich character development, and realistic depiction of the drug trade. The Wire explores a variety of topics over the course of its five seasons, including corruption, flaws in the educational system, and the influence of the media on society. Dominic West, Idris Elba, and Michael K. Williams are among the show’s ensemble cast members, and critics have complimented the screenplay for its realism and attention to detail.
True Detective (2014-present)
The American television programme True Detective, which airs on HBO, covers the daily activities of police investigators as they look into crimes and strive to solve riddles. Each season features a fresh cast ensemble and follows a different cast of characters in a different locale. Rustin Cohle (Matthew McConaughey) and Martin Hart (Woody Harrelson) are followed as they look into a string of horrific killings in Louisiana during the first season.
The second season is set in California and centres on three detectives (Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams, and Vince Vaughn) who are looking into a string of possibly connected homicides.
The third season takes place in Arkansas and centres on two detectives (Mahershala Ali and Stephen Dorff) who are looking into the disappearance of two kids amidst a long-standing dispute between two competing families.
Veep (2012-2019)
An HBO political satire programme called Veep ran from 2012 until 2019. The show follows Selina Meyer, a former vice president who became president, as she negotiates Washington, D.C.’s political landscape and competitive climate. Along with her team, Meyer wants to make her imprint and advance politically, but she is frequently frustrated by roadblocks and her own failings.
The show is renowned for its witty writing and strong ensemble, which is led by Meyer, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus. The programme garnered a lot of positive reviews and accolades, including 17 Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe for star Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Veep is undoubtedly worth watching if you appreciate comedies that skillfully strike a balance between humour and drama and enjoy political satire.
Westworld (2016-present)
Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy are the creators of the science fiction thriller HBO television programme Westworld. The action of the programme takes place in Westworld, a future theme park with a Western theme that is populated by “hosts,” or artificial beings. The park’s wealthy visitors, who can do whatever they want inside the park without worrying about punishment, are catered to by the hosts, who are indistinguishable from humans and are trained to do so.
The hosts grow in consciousness and memory throughout the series, which causes them to rebel against their human creators. The programme examines issues related to consciousness, artificial intelligence, and the nature of humankind.