HBO has my favourite shows anywhere. I wanted to see what I should add to my watchlist next. I’ve gathered 61 of the best shows that scored 8 or higher on IMDb (you can jump down and view the whole list here). My personal recommendations are True Detective (season 1), Succession, The Leftovers, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Flight of the Conchords and Barry.
More best HBO lists:
Comedies On HBO
Band of Brothers (2001) – IMDb 9.4 · War/Drama
For Fans of: The Pacific, Saving Private Ryan, Generation Kill
Produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, this WWII miniseries follows Easy Company from boot camp to V-E Day, with standout performances from Damian Lewis, Ron Livingston, and Michael Fassbender. It won the Emmy and Golden Globe for Best Miniseries and remains one of HBO’s most acclaimed productions.
Game of Thrones (2011–2019) – IMDb 9.3 · Fantasy/Drama
For Fans of: House of the Dragon, The Witcher, Vikings
Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, and Peter Dinklage anchor this sprawling saga of dynastic warfare, dragons, and betrayal. The series won 59 Primetime Emmys, including four for Outstanding Drama Series, and redefined global television scale.
The Pacific (2010) – IMDb 9.3 · War/Drama
For Fans of: Band of Brothers, Hacksaw Ridge, Flags of Our Fathers
James Badge Dale and Rami Malek star in this companion piece to Band of Brothers, chronicling the brutal Pacific theater of WWII. Produced by Spielberg and Hanks, it won eight Emmys including Outstanding Miniseries.
The Wire (2002–2008) – IMDb 9.3 · Crime/Drama
For Fans of: We Own This City, Breaking Bad, Snowfall
Created by David Simon, this Baltimore-set series explores the drug trade, politics, and education through characters played by Idris Elba, Dominic West, and Michael K. Williams. Though snubbed during its run, it’s now considered one of the greatest TV dramas ever made.
The Sopranos (1999–2007) – IMDb 9.2 · Crime/Drama
For Fans of: Boardwalk Empire, Mad Men, Ray Donovan
James Gandolfini’s portrayal of mob boss Tony Soprano redefined antihero television, supported by Edie Falco and Michael Imperioli. The show won 21 Emmys and five Golden Globes, including Best Drama Series and Lead Actor for Gandolfini.
Chernobyl (2019) – IMDb 9.0 · Historical/Drama
For Fans of: The Looming Tower, The Dropout, The Crown
Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgård, and Emily Watson lead this harrowing retelling of the 1986 nuclear disaster. The miniseries won 10 Emmys including Outstanding Limited Series and earned BAFTA and Golden Globe wins for its writing and direction.
True Detective (Season 1, 2014) – IMDb 9.0 · Crime/Drama
For Fans of: Mindhunter, Hannibal, Mare of Easttown
Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson deliver career-defining performances in this Southern Gothic mystery about ritualistic killings and existential dread. Season 1 won five Emmys and a Writers Guild Award for Nic Pizzolatto’s screenplay.
The Last of Us (2023–) – IMDb 8.9 · Post-Apocalyptic/Drama
For Fans of: Station Eleven, The Road, The Walking Dead
Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey star in this adaptation of the acclaimed video game, blending survival horror with emotional storytelling. The series earned 24 Emmy nominations in its first season, including Outstanding Drama Series and Lead Actor for Pascal.
The Night Of (2016) – IMDb 8.9 · Legal/Drama
For Fans of: When They See Us, Unbelievable, The Staircase
Riz Ahmed and John Turturro headline this gripping miniseries about a murder trial and the criminal justice system’s failings. Ahmed won the Emmy for Lead Actor, and the show earned five additional nominations including Outstanding Limited Series.
Succession (2018–2023) – IMDb 8.8 · Drama/Satire
For Fans of: Industry, The White Lotus, Billions
Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, and Sarah Snook headline this razor-sharp portrait of a media dynasty locked in psychological warfare. The series won 13 Primetime Emmys, including Outstanding Drama Series and Lead Actor for Strong and Cox.
Generation Kill (2008) – IMDb 8.7 · War/Drama
For Fans of: Band of Brothers, The Hurt Locker, Jarhead
Alexander Skarsgård and James Ransone star in this gritty, journalistic account of the 2003 Iraq invasion, based on Evan Wright’s reporting. The miniseries earned Emmy nominations and was praised for its realism and ensemble cast.
House of the Dragon (2022–) – IMDb 8.7 · Fantasy/Drama
For Fans of: Game of Thrones, Vikings, The Witcher
Emma D’Arcy, Matt Smith, and Olivia Cooke lead this prequel chronicling the Targaryen civil war. The series received Emmy nominations for production design and visual effects, and was lauded for its performances and political intrigue.
Oz (1997–2003) – IMDb 8.7 · Crime/Drama
For Fans of: The Wire, Orange Is the New Black, Prison Break
Harold Perrineau, J.K. Simmons, and Ernie Hudson anchor this brutal prison drama that helped define HBO’s early prestige era. Though controversial, it earned CableACE Awards and paved the way for serialized antihero storytelling.
Rome (2005–2007) – IMDb 8.7 · Historical/Drama
For Fans of: Spartacus, Vikings, The Borgias
Kevin McKidd and Ray Stevenson portray Roman soldiers caught in the political upheaval of Caesar’s rise and fall. The series won seven Emmys, including Outstanding Costumes and Art Direction, and was praised for its scale and ambition.
Six Feet Under (2001–2005) – IMDb 8.7 · Drama
For Fans of: The Leftovers, Mad Men, Rectify
Peter Krause, Michael C. Hall, and Frances Conroy star in this funeral-home family drama exploring mortality, grief, and identity. The show won nine Emmys and a Golden Globe for Best Drama Series, with Hall earning multiple nominations.
The Leftovers (2014–2017) – IMDb 8.7 · Mystery/Drama
For Fans of: Station Eleven, Twin Peaks, The OA
Justin Theroux, Carrie Coon, and Regina King deliver haunting performances in this post-rapture meditation on loss and belief. Though under-awarded during its run, it earned a Peabody and Critics Choice nods, and is now considered a modern masterpiece.
Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000–2024) – IMDb 8.7 · Cringe/Comedy
For Fans of: Seinfeld, The Office, Louie
Larry David plays a fictionalized version of himself navigating social faux pas and petty grievances. The series earned 47 Emmy nominations and featured regulars Jeff Garlin, Cheryl Hines, and J.B. Smoove.
Mr. Show with Bob and David (1995–1998) – IMDb 8.7 · Sketch/Comedy
For Fans of: Monty Python, Tim and Eric, I Think You Should Leave
Bob Odenkirk and David Cross headline this surreal, interconnected sketch series that helped launch the careers of Paul F. Tompkins, Sarah Silverman, and Jack Black. It earned four Emmy nominations for writing.
Tenacious D (1997–2000) – IMDb 8.7 · Musical/Comedy
For Fans of: Flight of the Conchords, The Mighty Boosh, Garfunkel and Oates
Jack Black and Kyle Gass star as a fictionalized version of their comedy rock duo, blending absurd humor and acoustic metal. The series paved the way for their Grammy-winning music and feature film.
Banshee (2013–2016) – IMDb 8.4 · Action/Drama
For Fans of: Justified, Warrior, Ray Donovan
Antony Starr plays an ex-con who assumes the identity of a murdered sheriff in a corrupt Pennsylvania town. Though never a major awards contender, the series earned cult acclaim for its brutal fight choreography and pulpy storytelling.
Euphoria (2019–) – IMDb 8.4 · Drama
For Fans of: Skins, Thirteen, My So-Called Life
Zendaya’s Emmy-winning performance anchors this visually arresting portrait of addiction, identity, and adolescence. The series won nine Emmys, including Outstanding Lead Actress and Original Music for Labrinth’s score.
Euphoria Special Episodes (2020–2021) – IMDb 8.4 · Drama
For Fans of: The Bear, In Treatment, Transparent
These two bridge episodes, focused on Rue and Jules, earned critical acclaim for their stripped-down emotional intensity. Zendaya and Colman Domingo received Emmy nominations for their performances.
Show Me a Hero (2015) – IMDb 8.4 · Historical/Drama
For Fans of: The Wire, Treme, The West Wing
Oscar Isaac stars as a young mayor caught in a housing crisis in Yonkers, in this David Simon miniseries. The show won a Writers Guild Award and earned Golden Globe and Critics Choice nominations for Isaac.
The Knick (2014–2015) – IMDb 8.4 · Historical/Drama
For Fans of: Deadwood, Boardwalk Empire, House
Directed by Steven Soderbergh, this early-1900s medical drama stars Clive Owen as a brilliant but addicted surgeon. The series earned a Peabody Award and multiple Emmy nominations for its cinematography and production design.
Entourage (2004–2011) – IMDb 8.4 · Comedy/Drama
For Fans of: Ballers, Californication, The Idol
Adrian Grenier, Kevin Connolly, and Jeremy Piven star in this Hollywood insider comedy about a rising actor and his loyal crew. Piven won three consecutive Emmys and a Golden Globe for his role as Ari Gold.
Carnivàle (2003–2005) – IMDb 8.3 · Fantasy/Drama
For Fans of: Twin Peaks, American Gods, The OA
Nick Stahl and Clancy Brown star in this Dust Bowl-set supernatural saga about good and evil on the carnival circuit. The series won five Emmys for art direction and cinematography and remains a cult favorite for its mythic ambition.
I May Destroy You (2020) – IMDb 8.3 · Drama
For Fans of: Fleabag, Unbelievable, Sharp Objects
Created by and starring Michaela Coel, this London-set series explores consent, trauma, and creative identity. It won a BAFTA for Best Drama Series and earned Coel an Emmy for Outstanding Writing.
Patria (2020) – IMDb 8.3 · Historical/Drama
For Fans of: The Crown, Unorthodox, When They See Us
This Spanish-language series follows two families divided by the Basque conflict and ETA terrorism. It won the Platino Award for Best Series and was praised for its emotional complexity and historical scope.
The New Pope (2020) – IMDb 8.3 · Drama
For Fans of: The Young Pope, House of Cards, The Great
Jude Law and John Malkovich star in Paolo Sorrentino’s surreal sequel about Vatican power plays and spiritual spectacle. The series earned European Film Award nominations and was lauded for its visual style.
The Young Pope (2016) – IMDb 8.3 · Drama
For Fans of: The Great, Succession, The Borgias
Jude Law plays the first American pope, a charismatic and controversial figure navigating faith and politics. The series won Best European TV Series at the Venice TV Awards and was nominated for a BAFTA.
Treme (2010–2013) – IMDb 8.3 · Drama
For Fans of: The Wire, Show Me a Hero, Atlanta
Set in post-Katrina New Orleans, this David Simon series stars Wendell Pierce, Khandi Alexander, and Steve Zahn. It earned Peabody and NAACP Image Awards and was praised for its musical authenticity and social realism.
We Own This City (2022) – IMDb 8.3 · Crime/Drama
For Fans of: The Wire, American Crime Story, City on a Hill
Jon Bernthal stars as a corrupt Baltimore cop in this David Simon miniseries about systemic abuse and reform. The show earned Critics Choice nominations and was praised for its urgency and performances.
Barry (2018–2023) – IMDb 8.3 · Dark/Comedy
For Fans of: Dexter, Killing Eve, The Sopranos
Bill Hader stars as a hitman who joins an acting class while trying to leave his violent past behind. The series won nine Primetime Emmys, including Best Actor for Hader and Best Supporting Actor for Henry Winkler.
The Larry Sanders Show (1992–1998) – IMDb 8.3 · Satire/Comedy
For Fans of: 30 Rock, Studio 60, The Comeback
Garry Shandling, Jeffrey Tambor, and Rip Torn star in this behind-the-scenes look at a fictional late-night talk show. The series earned 56 Emmy nominations and helped redefine TV comedy’s tone and structure.
The White Lotus (2021–) – IMDb 8.3 · Satire/Comedy
For Fans of: Succession, Big Little Lies, Enlightened
Jennifer Coolidge, Aubrey Plaza, and Murray Bartlett headline this biting anthology about wealth, privilege, and vacation chaos. The series won 10 Primetime Emmys, including Outstanding Limited Series and Supporting Actress for Coolidge.
Veep (2012–2019) – IMDb 8.3 · Political/Comedy
For Fans of: The Thick of It, Parks and Recreation, House of Cards
Julia Louis-Dreyfus stars as Vice President Selina Meyer in this rapid-fire satire of American politics. The show won 17 Emmys, including six consecutive wins for Lead Actress and Outstanding Comedy Series.
Olive Kitteridge (2014) – IMDb 8.2 · Drama
For Fans of: Sharp Objects, Mare of Easttown, The Leftovers
Frances McDormand stars as a prickly retired teacher in this four-part adaptation of Elizabeth Strout’s Pulitzer-winning novel. The miniseries won eight Emmys, including Outstanding Limited Series and Lead Actress for McDormand.
The World Between Us (2019) – IMDb 8.2 · Crime/Drama
For Fans of: Unbelievable, When They See Us, The Night Of
This Taiwanese series explores the aftermath of a mass shooting through the lens of victims, families, and the media. It won Best Drama Series at the Golden Bell Awards and was praised for its psychological depth and social critique.
Gentleman Jack (2019–2022) – IMDb 8.1 · Historical/Drama
For Fans of: The Gilded Age, A Very English Scandal, Dickinson
Suranne Jones plays Anne Lister, a 19th-century landowner and diarist navigating love and legacy in Yorkshire. The series won a BAFTA for Best Drama Series and was celebrated for its queer representation and period detail.
In Treatment (2008–2021) – IMDb 8.1 · Drama
For Fans of: The Bear, High Maintenance, The Leftovers
Gabriel Byrne and Uzo Aduba portray therapists guiding patients through weekly sessions in this intimate, dialogue-driven series. Byrne won a Golden Globe, and the show earned multiple Emmy nominations across its four seasons.
Luck (2011–2012) – IMDb 8.1 · Drama
For Fans of: Deadwood, Boardwalk Empire, The Knick
Dustin Hoffman stars as a gambling kingpin in this racetrack-set drama from David Milch. Though short-lived, it earned Emmy nominations for cinematography and sound, and was praised for its ensemble cast and atmosphere.
Watchmen (2019) – IMDb 8.1 · Superhero/Drama
For Fans of: The Boys, Westworld, Mr. Robot
Regina King leads this bold reimagining of the graphic novel, blending racial history, masked justice, and alternate realities. The series won 11 Emmys, including Outstanding Limited Series and Lead Actress for King.
High Maintenance (2016–2020) – IMDb 8.1 · Slice-of-Life/Comedy
For Fans of: Easy, Master of None, Somebody Somewhere
Ben Sinclair stars as a weed delivery guy navigating New York’s eccentric lives in this quietly radical anthology. The show was a Peabody Award finalist and praised for its empathy and narrative innovation.
Big Love (2006–2011) – IMDb 8.0 · Drama
For Fans of: The Righteous Gemstones, Six Feet Under, The Americans
Bill Paxton, Jeanne Tripplehorn, and Chloë Sevigny star in this family saga about a modern-day polygamist balancing faith, secrecy, and politics. The series earned Golden Globe and Emmy nominations, with Sevigny winning a Golden Globe for Supporting Actress.
Magnifica 70 (2015–2018) – IMDb 8.0 · Drama
For Fans of: Babylon Berlin, The Deuce, Euphoria
Set in 1970s São Paulo, this Brazilian series follows a censor who becomes obsessed with an erotic film actress. It won Best Drama Series at the Fénix Awards and was praised for its stylized direction and psychological complexity.
Sharp Objects (2018) – IMDb 8.0 · Thriller/Drama
For Fans of: Mare of Easttown, True Detective, The Sinner
Amy Adams stars as a journalist returning to her hometown to investigate a murder — and confront her own trauma. The series earned eight Emmy nominations and won a Critics Choice Award for Patricia Clarkson’s supporting performance.
The Deuce (2017–2019) – IMDb 8.0 · Historical/Drama
For Fans of: Show Me a Hero, The Knick, Boogie Nights
James Franco and Maggie Gyllenhaal star in David Simon’s chronicle of New York’s sex industry in the 1970s and ’80s. Gyllenhaal earned a Golden Globe nomination, and the series was praised for its period authenticity and ensemble cast.
More best TV shows:
All HBO shows ranked by IMDb score:
| Title | IMDb Score |
|---|---|
| Band of Brothers | 9.4 |
| Game of Thrones | 9.3 |
| The Pacific | 9.3 |
| The Wire | 9.3 |
| The Sopranos | 9.2 |
| Chernobyl | 9 |
| True Detective | 9 |
| The Last of Us | 8.9 |
| The Night Of | 8.9 |
| Succession | 8.8 |
| Generation Kill | 8.7 |
| House of the Dragon | 8.7 |
| Oz | 8.7 |
| Rome 2005 | 8.7 |
| Six Feet Under | 8.7 |
| The Leftovers | 8.7 |
| Curb Your Enthusiasm | 8.7 |
| Mr. Show with Bob and David | 8.7 |
| Tenacious D | 8.7 |
| The Penguin | 8.6 |
| Deadwood | 8.6 |
| From the Earth to the Moon | 8.6 |
| John Adams | 8.6 |
| Mare of Easttown | 8.6 |
| My Brilliant Friend | 8.6 |
| The Newsroom | 8.6 |
| Flight of the Conchords | 8.6 |
| Angels in America | 8.5 |
| Big Little Lies | 8.5 |
| Boardwalk Empire | 8.5 |
| Parade’s End | 8.5 |
| Silicon Valley | 8.5 |
| The Rehearsal | 8.5 |
| Banshee | 8.4 |
| Euphoria | 8.4 |
| Euphoria Special Episodes | 8.4 |
| Show Me a Hero | 8.4 |
| The Knick | 8.4 |
| Entourage | 8.4 |
| Carnivale | 8.3 |
| I May Destroy You | 8.3 |
| Patria | 8.3 |
| The New Pope | 8.3 |
| The Young Pope | 8.3 |
| Treme | 8.3 |
| We Own This City | 8.3 |
| Barry | 8.3 |
| The Larry Sanders Show | 8.3 |
| The White Lotus | 8.3 |
| Veep | 8.3 |
| Olive Kitteridge | 8.2 |
| The World Between Us | 8.2 |
| Gentleman Jack | 8.1 |
| In Treatment | 8.1 |
| Luck | 8.1 |
| Watchmen | 8.1 |
| High Maintenance | 8.1 |
| Big Love | 8 |
| Magnifica 70 | 8 |
| Sharp Objects | 8 |
| The Deuce | 8 |
| Epitafios | 7.9 |
| His Dark Materials | 7.9 |
| House of Saddam | 7.9 |
| Perry Mason | 7.9 |
| Scenes from a Marriage | 7.9 |
| The Plot Against America | 7.9 |
| True Blood | 7.9 |
| The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency | 7.9 |
| The Righteous Gemstones | 7.9 |
| Vice Principals | 7.9 |
| Catherine the Great | 7.8 |
| Elizabeth I | 7.8 |
| The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency | 7.8 |
| The Regime | 7.8 |
| Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty | 7.8 |
| The Chair Company | 7.8 |
| Insecure | 7.8 |
| Our Boys | 7.7 |
| Getting On | 7.7 |
| Mujer de Fases | 7.7 |
| Five Days | 7.6 |
| Like Water for Chocolate | 7.6 |
| Mildred Pierce | 7.6 |
| Togetherness | 7.6 |
| City of God: The Fight Rages On | 7.5 |
| I Know This Much Is True | 7.5 |
| Talking Sopranos Podcast | 7.5 |
| The Investigation | 7.5 |
| Years and Years | 7.5 |
| Bored to Death | 7.5 |
| Crashing | 7.5 |
| Eastbound & Down | 7.5 |
| Enlightened | 7.5 |
| Girls | 7.5 |
| How to Make It in America | 7.5 |
| Looking | 7.5 |
| Somebody Somewhere | 7.5 |
| The Comeback | 7.5 |
| El Negocio | 7.4 |
| Grisse | 7.4 |
| Gunpowder | 7.4 |
| John from Cincinnati | 7.4 |
| Laetitia | 7.4 |
| The Casual Vacancy | 7.4 |
| The Gilded Age | 7.4 |
| The Undoing | 7.4 |
| Animals | 7.4 |
| Arli$$ | 7.4 |
| Room 104 | 7.4 |
| Dune: Prophecy | 7.3 |
| El Jardín de Bronce | 7.3 |
| Empire Falls | 7.3 |
| Hijos del Carnival | 7.3 |
| Industry | 7.3 |
| On The Job | 7.3 |
| Task | 7.3 |
| The Third Day | 7.3 |
| Los Espookys | 7.3 |
| Landscapers | 7.2 |
| Tell Me You Love Me | 7.2 |
| The Outsider 2020 | 7.2 |
| Avenue 5 | 7.2 |
| Betty | 7.2 |
| Hung | 7.2 |
| The Prince | 7.2 |
| The Eastern Gate | 7.1 |
| C.B. Strike | 7.1 |
| Mosaic | 7.1 |
| We Are Who We Are | 7.1 |
| Divorce | 7.1 |
| Hello Ladies | 7.1 |
| Sex and the City | 7.1 |
| El Hipnotizador | 7 |
| Invisible Stories | 7 |
| Maria Marta: El Crimen del Country | 7 |
| White House Plumbers | 7 |
| VGLY | 7 |