TV fans don’t have to look any further than HBO Max to find series that are constantly raising the bar for what we see on television. The best TV shows hold the audience’s attention from start to finish, never disappointing viewers or dropping the ball by failing to follow through on plotlines and character arcs. When a TV series is so good that it’s considered perfect, it’s clear that viewers should take notice.
HBO has a reputation for making prestige TV shows that set a high bar for the industry. Many of the greatest TV shows of all time are available to watch now on HBO Max, as the streaming service is committed to housing projects that feature top-tier acting, writing, and direction. The company doesn’t discriminate when it comes to genre or story type, as every niche of filmmaking has found a home on HBO Max, ensuring the streamer will retain its status as the home of perfect television.
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Industry (2020–)
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Though Industry is often compared to Succession, the thriller series is completely its own, even if fans of Succession are sure to enjoy it. Set in the high-stakes world of finance, Industry follows a compelling and ruthless group of characters who aren’t afraid to betray each other to get ahead in their field. Though Industry season 5 will be the final installment of the show, its impact and detailed exploration of international finance will keep the series in the culture conversation for years to come.
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Mare Of Easttown (2021)
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Kate Winslet gives a career-defining performance as Mare Sheehan in the emotional thriller miniseries Mare of Easttown. A series so good that it’s easy to rewatch every year and still be moved by the twists of the story, Mare of Easttown follows Mare as she investigates the disappearance of one young woman and the murder of another in her tight-knit community in Pennsylvania. The crimes she investigates draw parallels to her own traumatic past, which Mare must face in order to solve the mysteries that plague her.
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Station Eleven (2021)
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Station Eleven was adapted from the novel of the same name by Emily St. John Mandel, and does justice to the author’s beautiful narrative about hope and connection in the face of the end of the world. More relevant than ever, Station Eleven chronicles the intersecting lives of several characters, primarily Kirsten (Mackenzie Davis) in the wake of a flu that wipes out most of the population. With elements of science fiction and a nonlinear story structure, the miniseries is unlike anything else on television.
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Insecure (2016–2021)
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Based on the web series by creator Issa Rae, Awkward Black Girl, Insecure is one of the best comedies from HBO in recent years, largely thanks to the charisma of Rae in the leading role of Issa. Chronicling the highs and lows of her personal, professional, and romantic experiences, Insecure is a classic sitcom in many ways, making it all the more important since so few series at the time focused on the everyday lives of Black women. Hilarious, heartfelt, and full of beautiful friendships, Insecure will appeal to audiences everywhere, not just comedy fans.
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The Leftovers (2014–2017)
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There are elements of fantasy and magical realism in The Leftovers, but this is far from the most interesting part of the series. Following a group of characters dealing with the loss and fallout of a global event in which two percent of the population mysteriously disappears without a trace, The Leftovers is a stunning meditation on grief, love, and what it means to have faith. With Justin Theroux, Carrie Coon, and Margaret Qualley prominently featured in the show, The Leftovers might bring tears to your eyes, but it ends on a note of genuine hope.
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The Rehearsal (2022–)
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In one of his best projects to date, The Rehearsal, Nathan Fielder makes the audience laugh, cringe, and gasp in equal measure as he raises the stakes of his experimental docu-series with every episode. Incredibly ambitious, detailed, and never what viewers expect, Fielder has made his name with boundary-pushing work like The Rehearsal. For fans who recently watched his documentary feature You Can See Everything, The Rehearsal will scratch the same itch.
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The Pitt (2025–)
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Though there are still, thankfully, more seasons of The Pitt coming soon, the episodes that are out have had overwhelmingly positive critical and audience reception for a reason. With ER veteran Noah Wyle leading the ensemble cast, The Pitt breathes more life into his characters and sprawling hospital staff than any medical show that’s come before it. Tackling the very real issues faced by healthcare workers today, The Pitt opens audiences’ eyes to the experiences of these individuals through fast-paced, jaw-dropping storytelling.
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I May Destroy You (2020)
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Created by, written by, and starring Michaela Coel, I May Destroy You remains one of the best limited series of the 21st century. Fun to watch because of its pace and characters, and unafraid to face difficult themes head-on, I May Destroy You doesn’t pull any punches. Following Coel’s Arabella, who uncovers the secrets surrounding her assault, the series handles the sensitive subject matter with grace, but doesn’t shy away from the harsh and intense realities of being a survivor. Cathartic and timeless, I May Destroy You will stay with you for a long time.
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The Wire (2002–2008)
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Revolving around the corruption, brutality, and moments of humanity in Baltimore, Maryland, there was nothing like The Wire when it first premiered in 2002. A sweeping exploration of a city, The Wire isn’t just a police drama but a deep investigation into politics, education, and journalism in Baltimore, demonstrating how interconnected these institutions are. Featuring incredible performances from Dominic West, Lance Reddick, Wendell Pierce, and many more, The Wire leaves viewers shocked with every landmark season.
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Succession (2018–2023)
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While many HBO shows aired during the era of peak prestige TV in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Succession heralded a new period of impressive filmmaking for the company. Following the treacherous, powerful, and highly influential Roy family and their media conglomerate, Waystar RoyCo, Succession is a withering satire and class commentary, painting a picture of a despicable family you can’t stop watching. Though it would’ve been easy to keep watching Succession for many seasons, the perfectly crafted show ends on a deeply satisfying note.
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