Top 10 Best HBO Shows of All Time
Though it is becoming increasing hard to find decent television programming on mainstream networks like CBS, NBC and ABC such is not the case with premium cable networks. Some of TV’s best dramas are showing up on networks like FX, Showtime, Starz and AMC. Though shows like Dexter, Breaking Bad, Spartacus and Rescue Me have helped changed the landscape of television, these networks are following in the footsteps of a giant. That giant? HBO.
For decades now Home Box Office has been delivering shows, movies and mini-series of exceptional quality. Coming up with a list of the best HBO shows of all time was definitely a challenge, and keeping it to just ten ensured that some very very good shows were kept off the list. I’m sure this will be a contentious list as TV fanatics are nearly as passionate as music fans. I look forward to debating with you all in comments. 
Here are my picks for the top 10 best HBO shows of all time:
10 – Sex and the City
Being a guy I have to admit that this show isn’t really my cup of tea. However, this isn’t a subjective list of my personal favorite HBO shows of all time, but an objective list of the best, so SatC nabs a spot. Those who argue against its inclusion are ignoring the massive popularity this show enjoyed during its run, particularly among its target demographic: women. Though the two spin-off movies may have tarnished the franchise somewhat during its six season run from 1998-2004 it was one of the most talked about shows on television.
9 – Boardwalk Empire
Yes, I realize it is only in its second season, but the production value, the acting and the writing of this ambitious show merit its inclusion on the list. The show chronicles the life of Nucky Thompson, a politician/gangster who ran Atlantic City with an iron fist during prohibition. Though I initially wondered about the casting of Steve Buscemi in the lead role, he has been absolutely fantastic, as have all of his co-stars. Another home run for HBO look for this series to consistently remain one of the best on television for as long as it runs.
8 – Game of Thrones
Another new series, this adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s best-selling A Song of Ice and Fire epic fantasy book series is as ambitious a project as has ever been seen on television. The show is staggering in scope, with a huge cast of characters set in a fantasy world that rivals what we saw in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings movies a decade ago. Some might find the graphic violence and sex off-putting, but that is pretty standard fare for HBO. Season two, which follows the events in Martin’s A Clash of Kings novel is set to air this April, and if it is anywhere near as good as the first season fantasy lovers will be tuning in in huge numbers.
7 – Rome
Speaking of massively ambitious television projects, this show certainly qualifies. The set-building necessary to depict ancient Rome was a daunting (and expensive) task. The result was breathtaking, and viewers were magically transported back to that key point in world history. Ultimately the expense was too much for the network to swallow and the show was canceled after just two seasons.
6 – Six Feet Under
One of the most underrated shows in television history, in my opinion, this dark dramedy’s subject matter was centered around death. In fact, the family the show centered around actually ran a funeral parlor. It may sound like a dreary theme for a show, but there was plenty of laugh out loud moments on the show too, particularly for those who have a dark sense of humor. Those watching the show for the first time now will recognize a young Michael C. Hall, who has now gone on to play one of television’s most iconic characters: Dexter.
5 – Oz
HBO certainly doesn’t shy away from dark, controversial subject matter and following the lives of inmates in a maximum security prison certainly qualifies. Character Augustus Hill, a convicted drug dealer and murderer, narrates the show from his cell in the fictional level 4 maximum security prison, Oswald State Correctional Facility. Though it dwelt in the shadow of HBO’s 900 lb gorilla, The Sopranos at the time, looking back it holds its own as one of the very best dramas of all time.
4 – Deadwood
Forget Gunsmoke, this tale of the old west is the best Western TV show of all time. Gritty and dark at times, the show also is a constant source of laughs, thanks in large part to saloon owner, and gangster boss Al Swearengen, played superbly by English actor Ian McShane. One of the most quotable characters of all time, Swearengen steals the show, but his co-stars are nearly as good. Seth Bullock, Calamity Jane, Wild Bill Hickock and Wyatt Earp are just some of the legendary figures from old west lore that appear on the show. Sadly, like Rome this show’s run ended far too soon, and fans only got to see three seasons before the show was taken off air.
3 – Curb Your Enthusiasm
Though most of the best shows in HBO’s considerable arsenal are dramas, the network also has a history of producing great comedy. Curb Your Enthusiasm, created by and starring Seinfeld co-creator Larry David, is arguably the funniest show on television today. Fans of Seinfeld will certainly recognize the brand of humor, and because it shows on a non-mainstream network the humor can be taken to a whole new (read adult) level. If you’ve somehow missed this over the years, grab season one on DVD and get watching. You’ve got eight seasons of laughter to catch up on.
2 – The Sopranos
Sacrilege! Tony Soprano and crew at number two? What’s up with that? Yes, it was a fantastic, ground-breaking show, but it has since been surpassed. Sorry. What else can be said about this show. It brought in a new breed of viewing audience and is a huge reason why we are seeing so many great, experimental niche dramas on TV today.
1 – The Wire
You want gritty realism on television? Watch The Wire. Someone tuning in on to The Wire for the first time might assume its depiction of a war between a drug task force and dealers in Baltimore to be a documentary rather than a fictional television series. Unfortunately, not enough people watched this series over its five seasons. Hopefully this article helps spread the word as to just how good this drama was, because this is television at its absolute finest.
