10 Criminally Underrated HBO TV Shows You Must See
It’s not all about Succession and Game of Thrones.
As HBO has recently found itself in the middle of a scandal about the usage of anonymous X (formerly known as Twitter) accounts to fight the critics, the audience went on to remember the network’s worst productions. Which wasn’t too hard, as the memories of The Idol are still too fresh in everybody’s minds.
However, it’s not like HBO doesn’t have anything truly good to share. In fact, the network that has gifted the TV viewers such hits as Succession, Game of Thrones, and The Sopranos over the years, has had a lot more to offer. It’s a shame that not all of its pieces had found its audience.
If you are looking for something that you have probably never seen before, and willing to give a chance to some lesser-known titles, this list is for you. Here are the top 10 criminally underrated HBO TV series that are certain to leave you speechless.
Carnival
If you're not opposed to the idea of going back to the 1930s, this might be the show for you. Though the show ended too soon and fans didn't get to see how the events were supposed to play out, the creator made sure they had some sort of closure and mapped out seasons 3 and 4 and how they were supposed to look.
Rome
The show was brilliant, to say the least. From the clever writing to the detail on every costume, you could see how much budget went into the production. Maybe that was the reason why the show was canceled so soon. Either way, it is definitely worth watching if you are looking for a really high-quality television show.
Oz
Before HBO became popular with their late-night hit The Sopranos, there was Oz, and this is definitely the show to watch if you're not afraid of the unpleasant sights of a male prison with all the dark moments that come with the subject. Being the first hour-long drama on the network makes Oz an unforgettable HBO classic.
Crashing
If you are looking for a rather fun and lighthearted yet very relatable TV show, Crashing is the one for you. It's a shame that the show wasn't renewed for a fourth season, but there's still hope that it will be brought to the big screen. For now, three seasons would be enough to get you to escape your own problems and try to manage someone else's.
Station Eleven
Maybe it has something to do with the pandemic theme hitting too close to home in 2021 when the show was released, but for some reason, Station Eleven went almost unnoticed by audiences and didn't get too much hype. However, this limited series is a real treasure for those who love post-apocalyptic settings.
The Comeback
It may not be Lisa Kudrow 's best role, but it is definitely the one you should check out. Funny and ironic at times, the show isn't afraid to laugh at what goes on in the background of the entertainment industry. Although it was released in 2005, you will be surprised how many of the themes are still relevant today.
Generation Kill
Starring Alexander Skarsgård in the lead role of Brad "Iceman" Colbert, as well as a huge cast of 27 other people and a large group of supporting actors, Generation Kill tells the story of Evan Wright's experience as an embedded reporter with the US Marine Corps during the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
High Maintenance
Technically, this show originally premiered as a TV series on Vimeo, but it was so good that it later moved to HBO. It follows a nameless marijuana delivery guy, portrayed by Ben Sinclaire, and focuses on some of the best, worst, and most obscure experiences he has driving around different areas of New York.
The Knick
If you are a fan of medical procedurals and period dramas, you should give The Knick a try, as it combines them all in one great show. The events of the show are set in New York in the 1900s, and it has everything you want to see in a show like this: from romance to fighting prejudice and addiction. The Knick deserves a lot more recognition.
The Night Of
Created in partnership with BBC Worldwide, The Night Of is a murder mystery full of unexpected twists and raw emotion. The show has been critically acclaimed and has a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, so if you are a fan of the genre, you might want to check it out. And since it's only 8 episodes long, it won't take up too much of your time.