ALL HBO TV Series Ranked
by hitherto92 | created - 10 Feb 2014 | updated - 26 Jan 2017 | PublicJust started. Added most TV shows & I did mini-series as well. Debating whether to add HBO made movies, but there are quite a few. May have 2 do separate list. Still ranking, but the top 20+ is basically done
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1. The Wire (2002–2008)
TV-MA | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
The Baltimore drug scene, as seen through the eyes of drug dealers and law enforcement.
Stars: Dominic West, Lance Reddick, Sonja Sohn, Wendell Pierce
Votes: 376,979
Arguably best TV series of all time. "Corner Boys", "Burner Phones", "OMAR", Injected themselves into the lexicon of American language. Did an amazing job of addressing the failed drug war from all angles: Po-lice, Drug-Dealers, Drug Addicts, Goverment Officials, Press.
2. The Sopranos (1999–2007)
TV-MA | 60 min | Crime, Drama
New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano deals with personal and professional issues in his home and business life that affect his mental state, leading him to seek professional psychiatric counseling.
Stars: James Gandolfini, Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco, Michael Imperioli
Votes: 470,289
Tony Soprano is maybe the biggest character in TV history. This show took HBO to next level, and made them must see TV on Sunday night. Ralphie played by Joe Pantoliano was my fav. WHO-AH.
3. Game of Thrones (2011–2019)
TV-MA | 60 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
Nine noble families fight for control over the lands of Westeros, while an ancient enemy returns after being dormant for millennia.
Stars: Emilia Clarke, Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington, Lena Headey
Votes: 2,281,751
Must see TV every Sunday night. For people like me growing up loving The Hobbit, feels like 21st century Tolkien. And goes with the "Oz" HBO tactic of not afraid of killing important characters. Which only leads to the suspense.
4. Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000–2024)
TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy
Larry David stars as an over-the-top version of himself in this comedy series that shows how seemingly trivial details of day-to-day life can precipitate a catastrophic chain of events.
Stars: Larry David, Cheryl Hines, Jeff Garlin, Susie Essman
Votes: 146,854
If you are having a bad day, just watch any episode of this fantastic series. Sure to put a smile on your face. Arguably best comedy series ever.
5. Deadwood (2004–2006)
TV-MA | 60 min | Crime, Drama, History
A show set in the late 1800s, revolving around the characters of Deadwood, South Dakota; a town of deep corruption and crime.
Stars: Timothy Olyphant, Ian McShane, Molly Parker, Brad Dourif
Votes: 117,536
Shakespeare with more cursing. Al Swearengen one of greatest characters of all time. Just heard, HBO in serious talks to make a movie to wrap up storylines after abruptly cancelled after 3 seasons!
6. Oz (1997–2003)
TV-MA | 55 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
A series chronicling the daily activities of an unusual prison facility and its criminal inhabitants.
Stars: Ernie Hudson, J.K. Simmons, Lee Tergesen, Dean Winters
Votes: 106,600
The first "It's not TV, It"s HBO" show. This show was the spark I think that set HBO off to dominate TV as We know it. Great drama. Incredibly large talented cast. Hollywood has used actors from this show to fuel talent on Movies & TV shows too many to count. Hell, Schillinger, head of the Nazis, might win Oscar this year for that drummer movie
7. Band of Brothers (2001)
TV-MA | 59 min | Drama, History, War
The story of Easy Company of the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division and their mission in World War II Europe, from Operation Overlord to V-J Day.
Stars: Scott Grimes, Damian Lewis, Ron Livingston, Shane Taylor
Votes: 526,347
8. The Larry Sanders Show (1992–1998)
TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy
A comedic behind the scenes look at a late night talk show.
Stars: Garry Shandling, Jeffrey Tambor, Wallace Langham, Rip Torn
Votes: 9,376
HEY NOW! Just re-watched whole series. Holds up well. Still funny. One of my fav comedy series of all time. Now available on HBO On Demand, after being mysteriously absent for years. You can buy entire series for $20, totally worth it. RIP Gary.
9. True Detective (2014– )
TV-MA | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
Anthology series in which police investigations unearth the personal and professional secrets of those involved, both within and outside the law.
Stars: Vince Vaughn, Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams, Taylor Kitsch
Votes: 655,672
Just finished watching. Awesome acting, Rust is one memorable character. Had this eeriness to it. This ranking based on season one ONLY. Can't recommend season 2. Vince Vaughn was awful.
10. Six Feet Under (2001–2005)
TV-MA | 60 min | Comedy, Drama
A chronicle of the lives of a dysfunctional family who run an independent funeral home in Los Angeles.
Stars: Peter Krause, Michael C. Hall, Frances Conroy, Lauren Ambrose
Votes: 149,258
11. Veep (2012–2019)
TV-MA | 28 min | Comedy
Former Senator Selina Meyer finds that being Vice President of the United States is nothing like she hoped and everything that everyone ever warned her about.
Stars: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Tony Hale, Anna Chlumsky, Reid Scott
Votes: 63,436
A fun series. Julia Lois-Dreyfus does almost the impossible and follows Seinfeld with a quality series. The quality of supporting cast pushes this up the list.
12. Real Time with Bill Maher (2003– )
TV-MA | 60 min | Comedy, News, Talk-Show
Comedian and political satirist Bill Maher discusses topical events with guests from various backgrounds.
Stars: Bill Maher, Andrew Sullivan, Michael Moore, Arianna Huffington
Votes: 14,333
Bill has done political humor better than almost anybody in last 20 years. And He always tries to have a republican on to keep things somewhat balanced.
13. Westworld (2016–2022)
TV-MA | 60 min | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
At the intersection of the near future and the reimagined past, waits a world in which every human appetite can be indulged without consequence.
Stars: Evan Rachel Wood, Jeffrey Wright, Ed Harris, Thandiwe Newton
Votes: 532,442
14. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (2014– )
TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy, News, Talk-Show
Former Daily Show host and correspondent John Oliver brings his persona to this weekly news satire program.
Stars: John Oliver, David Kaye, Ryan Barger, Noel MacNeal
Votes: 95,694
Has taken the torch from Jon Stewart and ran with it. Has addressed some real serious issues, some very under reported. And made them entertaining. A very difficult task. At least watch His clips on YouTube, 10 min you wont regret.
15. Silicon Valley (2014–2019)
TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy
Follows the struggle of Richard Hendricks, a Silicon Valley engineer trying to build his own company called Pied Piper.
Stars: Thomas Middleditch, T.J. Miller, Josh Brener, Martin Starr
Votes: 165,694
16. Boardwalk Empire (2010–2014)
TV-MA | 60 min | Crime, Drama
An Atlantic City politician plays both sides of the law by conspiring with gangsters during the Prohibition era.
Stars: Steve Buscemi, Kelly Macdonald, Michael Shannon, Shea Whigham
Votes: 203,031
I thought Micheal Shanon's storyline was what kept series interesting. Though maybe never overcame Scorsese's step into TV.
17. Rome (2005–2007)
TV-MA | 60 min | Action, Drama, Romance
A down-to-earth account of the lives of both illustrious and ordinary Romans set in the last days of the Roman Republic.
Stars: Kevin McKidd, Ray Stevenson, Polly Walker, Kerry Condon
Votes: 185,215
Loved first season. But watched before Game of Thrones. Might hold you over till GoT season 7.
18. Mr. Show with Bob and David (1995–1998)
TV-MA | 27 min | Comedy
This is a sketch-comedy show. The twist here is that all of the sketches (even the monologue) are connected in some strange way.
Stars: Bob Odenkirk, David Cross, John Ennis, Jay Johnston
Votes: 10,544
Ellis D. Trails, the Taint skit LOL
19. The Pacific (2010)
TV-MA | 53 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
The Pacific Theatre of World War II, as seen through the eyes of several young Marines.
Stars: James Badge Dale, Joseph Mazzello, Jon Seda, Ashton Holmes
Votes: 129,861
20. Eastbound & Down (2009–2013)
TV-MA | 28 min | Comedy, Drama, Sport
Many years after he turned his back on his hometown, a burned-out major league ballplayer returns to teach Physical Education at his old middle school.
Stars: Danny McBride, Steve Little, Katy Mixon Greer, Elizabeth De Razzo
Votes: 64,055
21. In Treatment (2008–2021)
TV-MA | 25 min | Drama
A psychotherapist questions his abilities and gets help by reuniting with his old therapist, whom he has not seen for ten years.
Stars: Gabriel Byrne, Uzo Aduba, Dianne Wiest, Michelle Forbes
Votes: 18,269
I remember Robin Quivers recommending this on Stern show. So i started watching and got sucked in. Gabriel Byrne was fantastic. But some cant handle the pacing. If you liked the Transformer movies, this show is not for you.
22. Hard Knocks (2001– )
TV-MA | 55 min | Documentary, Reality-TV, Sport
Hard Knocks is a reality sports documentary produced by the NFL and HBO. Each season the show follows an NFL team during training camp in preparation for the upcoming season.
Stars: Liev Schreiber, Vontaze Burfict, J.J. Watt, Kliff Kingsbury
Votes: 2,682
23. Vice (2013–2021)
TV-MA | 30 min | Documentary, News
Documentary series featuring startling, groundbreaking stories from around the world.
Stars: Shane Smith, Gianna Toboni, Thomas Morton, Ben Anderson
Votes: 4,380
60 minutes for the next generation. Shane Smith has done a fantastic job with this. Really looking forward 2 new season
24. Entourage (2004–2011)
TV-MA | 28 min | Comedy, Drama
Film star, Vince Chase, navigates the vapid terrain of Los Angeles with a close circle of friends and his trusty agent.
Stars: Kevin Connolly, Adrian Grenier, Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara
Votes: 176,766
25. HBO Boxing (1973– )
TV-14 | 63 min | Documentary, Sport
Telecasts of various boxing matches.
Stars: Larry Merchant, Jim Lampley, Harold Lederman, Michael Buffer
Votes: 136
I remeber watching the Gatti-Ward fights in my parents basement, high AF, and it was awesome
26. Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel (1995– )
TV-PG | 60 min | News, Sport, Talk-Show
A monthly sports magazine that follows what happens on and, more importantly, off the field.
Stars: Bryant Gumbel, Jon Frankel, Bernard Goldberg, Mary Carillo
Votes: 457
Doing great sports journalism for over 20 years.
27. Sex and the City (1998–2004)
TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
Four female New Yorkers gossip about their sex lives (or lack thereof) and find new ways to deal with being a woman in the late 1990s.
Stars: Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon
Votes: 142,543
A very innovative show for HBO at the time. Women talking honestly about their sex lives, Unheard of. First couple seasons were must watch, then dragged out Mr. Big storyline. If I remember correctly.
28. Lucky Louie (2006–2007)
TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy
A working class family and their oddball friends.
Stars: Louis C.K., Pamela Adlon, Mike Hagerty, Laura Kightlinger
Votes: 10,777
29. Girls (2012–2017)
TV-MA | 28 min | Comedy, Drama
A comedy about the experiences of a group of girls in their early 20s.
Stars: Lena Dunham, Allison Williams, Jemima Kirke, Adam Driver
Votes: 77,797
Gained national acclaim when Brian Williams daughter ate a dudes ass on TV.
30. Da Ali G Show (2000–2004)
TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy
Sacha Baron Cohen provides an inimitable mix of global reportage and celebrity chat via his characters Ali G, Borat Sagdiyev and Brüno Gehard.
Stars: Sacha Baron Cohen, T.N.T. Crew, Steve Ellington
Votes: 18,275
My cousin from England told me about this Sacha Baron Cohen before He hit America. His impersonation of a white guy acting black is hilarious. The guy is a comedic genius.
31. Inside the NFL (1977– )
TV-PG | 60 min | News, Sport, Talk-Show
Sports Emmy® winning weekly show with the most experienced, articulate and connected analysts in the business. Get expert insight, exclusive commentary and special on and off the field features. Every team. Every game. Every week.
Stars: Phil Simms, Cris Collinsworth, Warren Sapp, James Brown
Votes: 415
For many years was best, in-depth coverage of NFL games
32. True Blood (2008–2014)
TV-MA | 55 min | Drama, Fantasy, Mystery
Telepathic waitress Sookie Stackhouse encounters a strange new supernatural world when she meets the mysterious Bill Compton, a southern Louisiana gentleman and vampire.
Stars: Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Sam Trammell, Ryan Kwanten
Votes: 259,974
33. The Corner (2000)
TV-MA | 63 min | Crime, Drama
Chronicles a West Baltimore family living in poverty on the front lines of America's drug war.
Stars: T.K. Carter, Khandi Alexander, Sean Nelson, Clarke Peters
Votes: 5,500
34. The Newsroom (2012–2014)
TV-MA | 60 min | Drama
A newsroom undergoes some changes in its workings and morals as a new team is brought in, bringing unexpected results for its existing news anchor.
Stars: Jeff Daniels, Emily Mortimer, John Gallagher Jr., Alison Pill
Votes: 124,574
Started pretty strong. But by mid season 2 started to lose me.
35. Fraggle Rock (1983–1987)
TV-Y | 30 min | Animation, Adventure, Comedy
The adventures of the various inhabitants of an underground civilization.
Stars: Karen Prell, Gerard Parkes, Kathryn Mullen, Jerry Nelson
Votes: 8,323
Can still sing theme. "Down in Fraggle Rock"
36. The Night Of (2016)
TV-MA | 66 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
After a night of partying with a woman he picked up, a man wakes up to find her stabbed to death and is charged with her murder.
Stars: Riz Ahmed, John Turturro, Bill Camp, Amara Karan
Votes: 171,565
37. Extras (2005–2007)
TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy, Drama
Andy Millman is an actor with ambition and a script. Reduced to working as an extra with a useless agent, Andy's attempts to boost his career invariably end in failure and embarrassment.
Stars: Ricky Gervais, Ashley Jensen, Stephen Merchant, Shaun Williamson
Votes: 60,356
Moved up list after Storm Halloway's recommendation. Has some real funny bits.
38. Generation Kill (2008)
TV-MA | 10 min | Drama, War
A Rolling Stone reporter, embedded with The 1st Recon Marines chronicles his experiences during the first wave of the American-led assault on Baghdad in 2003.
Stars: Alexander Skarsgård, James Ransone, Lee Tergesen, Jon Huertas
Votes: 59,157
39. John Adams (2008)
TV-14 | 71 min | Biography, Drama, History
The life of one of the USA's Founding Fathers, its second President, and his role in the nation's first 50 years.
Stars: Paul Giamatti, Laura Linney, John Dossett, Stephen Dillane
Votes: 36,576
40. Angels in America (2003)
TV-MA | 59 min | Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Several disparate but connected individuals go through the AIDS crisis in the mid-1980s.
Stars: Al Pacino, Meryl Streep, Emma Thompson, Mary-Louise Parker
Votes: 29,764
41. Sonic Highways (2014)
TV-MA | 60 min | Documentary, Music
Sonic Highways commemorates the Foo Fighters 20th anniversary by documenting the eight-city recording odyssey that produced their latest, and eighth, studio album.
Stars: Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, Pat Smear, Chris Shiflett
Votes: 3,756
42. Carnivàle (2003–2005)
TV-MA | 60 min | Drama, Fantasy, Mystery
During the Great Depression, an Oklahoma farm boy and a charismatic minister learn that they are key players in a proxy war being fought between Heaven and Hell.
Stars: Michael J. Anderson, Adrienne Barbeau, Clancy Brown, Debra Christofferson
Votes: 46,833
43. Family Tree (2013)
TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy
From Christopher Guest ('Best in Show, ' 'A Mighty Wind') comes this comedy series that follows one man's quest to track down his genealogy.
Stars: Chris O'Dowd, Tom Bennett, Nina Conti, Carrie Aizley
Votes: 3,631
44. Treme (2010–2013)
TV-MA | 55 min | Drama, Music