HBO is perhaps best known for producing and airing some of the most popular and outstanding television series. With a long history of delivering high-quality and original content, it's no surprise that many of the most-watched HBO series have become cultural phenomena, captivating audiences and earning a devoted fan base. From blockbuster fantasy dramas to thought-provoking comedies, HBO series represent some of the best works the company has to offer and are sure to appeal to a wide range of viewers.
Whether you're a fan of action, drama, or comedy, there's something on this list for everyone. From the epic fantasy series Game of Thrones to the revolutionary teen drama Euphoria, here are the most-watched HBO series to date.
11 Veep (2012-2019)
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Veep is a political satire television series aired on HBO from 2012 to 2019. The series follows Selina Meyer, a former vice president and later president, as she navigates the political world and the cutthroat environment of Washington, D.C. Meyer tries to make her mark and climb the political ladder along with her staff but constantly finds herself thwarted by obstacles and her shortcomings.
The series is known for its sharp writing and talented cast, led by Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Meyer. The show received widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards, including 17 Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe for Louis-Dreyfus. If you're a fan of political satire and enjoy shows that deftly balance humor and drama, Veep is definitely worth checking out.
10 Westworld (2016-present)
Westworld is an HBO science fiction thriller television series created by Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy. The show takes place in a futuristic, Western-themed amusement park called Westworld, populated by artificial beings known as "hosts." The hosts are indistinguishable from humans and are programmed to cater to the desires of the park's wealthy guests, who can do whatever they want within the park without fear of retribution.
As the series progresses, the hosts begin to develop consciousness and memories, leading to a rebellion against their human creators. The show explores themes of artificial intelligence, consciousness, and the nature of humanity.
9 True Detective (2014-present)
True Detective is an American television series on HBO that follows the lives of police detectives as they investigate crimes and try to solve mysteries. Each season is a self-contained narrative with new cast ensembles and follows various sets of characters and settings. The first season, set in Louisiana, follows Rustin Cohle (Matthew McConaughey) and Martin Hart (Woody Harrelson) as they investigate a series of gruesome murders.
The second season is set in California and follows three detectives (Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams, and Vince Vaughn) investigating a series of crimes that may or may not be connected.
The third season is set in Arkansas and follows two detectives (Mahershala Ali and Stephen Dorff) investigating the disappearance of two children amid a decades-long feud between two rival families.
8 Band of Brothers (2001)
Band of Brothers is a 10-part miniseries that tells the story of Easy Company, an elite unit of the United States Army, as they participate in key events during World War II. The series begins with the men of Easy Company training in Georgia in 1942 and follows them through their rigorous training and into combat in Europe, where they fight in some of the war's most iconic battles.
Throughout the series, the men of Easy Company face incredible challenges and make extraordinary sacrifices, but they also form deep bonds of friendship and brotherhood that last a lifetime.
With its unflinching depiction of war, Band of Brothers has become one of the most highly-acclaimed and beloved series in television history. It is a must-watch if you're a fan of historical dramas or just want to experience one of the most emotionally powerful shows in TV history.
7 Big Little Lies (2017-2019)
Big Little Lies is an American drama television series based on the novel of the same name by Liane Moriarty. The show premiered on HBO on February 19, 2017, and ran for two seasons until July 21, 2019. It follows the lives of five women living in the wealthy, upper-class beachfront community of Monterey, California, as they deal with their relationships, work, and family issues.
The main cast consists of Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, Laura Dern, and Zoë Kravitz. The series is known for its incredible acting performances, stunning visuals, and captivating plot.
The story is revealed through a series of flashbacks and focuses on the events following a murder that occurs at a school. As the women try to piece together what happened, they must also confront the secrets and lies that have been tearing them apart. Big Little Lies is a thrilling and emotional rollercoaster that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
6 Chernobyl (2019)
Chernobyl, a 2019 HBO miniseries, tells the story of the 1986 nuclear disaster in the Soviet Union. The show focuses on the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives to save Europe from unimaginable tragedy and the politicians and bureaucrats who failed to act decisively in the face of a catastrophe. The series also explores the psychological and emotional toll of the disaster on the people of the Soviet Union, who were subjected to a disinformation campaign by their own government.
Chernobyl was a critical and commercial success and is widely considered one of the best television series. It has received widespread praise for its writing, acting, and attention to historical detail and has been nominated for numerous awards, including 19 Primetime Emmy Awards.
5 Succession (2018-present)
Succession follows the lives of the Roy family, the dysfunctional owners of a massive media and entertainment conglomerate. When the patriarch of the family, Logan Roy (Brian Cox), announces his impending retirement, it sets off a power struggle within the family as each member jockeys for position and control of the company.
The series delves into the cutthroat world of corporate greed and family dynamics as the Roys struggle to maintain their legacy while also dealing with personal and professional scandals.
As they fight to come out on top, they must also grapple with the consequences of their actions and the toll it takes on their relationships and personal lives. The series has received critical acclaim for its writing, acting, and portrayal of the high-stakes world of the super-rich.
4 The Wire (2002-2008)
The Wire is set in Baltimore and follows the lives of various characters connected to the city's drug trade. The series is known for its realistic portrayal of the drug world, as well as its deep character development and complex storytelling. Throughout its five seasons, The Wire tackles a wide range of issues, including corruption, the education system's failures, and the media's impact on society. The show's ensemble cast includes Dominic West, Idris Elba, and Michael K. Williams, and its writing has been praised for its authenticity and attention to detail.
3 The Sopranos (1999-2007)
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The Sopranos is a landmark television series that tells the story of Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), a powerful and charismatic New Jersey mob boss who struggles to balance the demands of his criminal enterprise with the needs of his complicated personal life. As Tony navigates the violent and cutthroat world of organized crime, he grapples with mental health issues and the challenges of being a husband and father.
The series also explores the inner workings of the Soprano family and their relationships with other mafia families, as well as the FBI agents who are constantly trying to bring them down. With its complex characters, compelling storylines, and raw, realistic portrayal of the mafia, The Sopranos became one of the most popular and critically acclaimed television series.
2 Euphoria (2019-present)
Euphoria follows the life of a group of high school students as they navigate love, identity, and trauma in the digital age. The show centers on 17-year-old Rue Bennett (Zendaya), a recovering drug addict striving to find her place in the world. As she struggles with mental health issues, she forms relationships with her fellow classmates, including Jules (Hunter Schafer), a transgender girl searching for acceptance; Kat (Barbie Ferreira), a body-conscious teen trying to overcome her insecurities; and Nate (Jacob Elordi), a jock with deep-seated anger issues.
The series tackles complex themes such as addiction, sexual assault, and the impact of social media on modern relationships. With its raw and unflinching portrayal of adolescence, Euphoria has become a critical and commercial hit, captivating audiences with its compelling characters and provocative storytelling.
1 Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
Game of Thrones is a widely popular and highly acclaimed fantasy drama television series that aired on HBO from 2011 to 2019. The show is based on the "A Song of Ice and Fire" novels by George R.R. Martin and was developed for television by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, featuring a large ensemble cast, including Sean Bean, Lena Headey, Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, and Peter Dinklage.
The series follows the complex and dangerous political relationships between noble families in the fictional continent of Westeros, as they fight for control of the Iron Throne. The series is known for its high production values, complex characters, and shocking plot twists. It became one of the most watched and well-reviewed TV shows in history and won numerous awards, including multiple Emmys and a Golden Globe.