10 great HBO shows that are actually worth the hype

HBOis home to some of the greatest television series of all time, including the biggest show of all time, Game of Thrones. However, as such a prestigious streaming platform, a lot of their shows get blown out of proportion in terms of hype, with it never really living up to what it is hailed to be. Everyone regards True Detective as a masterpiece, but outside the first season, it isn't anything special.

However, HBO didn't get the fame it did without delivering some good shows, which is why this list will feature the great HBO shows that are actually worth the hype they get. Based on popularity, critical acclaim, fan opinion in comparison to writing, directing, originality, and influence, these shows are absolute must-watches that live up to the infinite praise they receive.

'Veep' (2012–2019)

HBO is mostly known for their prestigious dramas, but they have a handful of acclaimed comedies, including Veep. Selina Meyer (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) is the current Vice President of the United States of America, but her dream job isn't as dreamy as she once thought. From the chaotic lifestyle to incompetent co-workers, she really has her work cut out for her.

Veep represents a distinct corner of HBO, delivering an unforgettable comedy that is both hilarious, smart, and political. Despite its absurdity, there is a lot of authenticity behind this series, which partially makes it an acclaimed series. However, the sharp dialogue and rapid-fire jokes elevate Veep to the status of a comedic masterpiece.

'The Penguin' (2024)

The Batman Part II is still a long way away, but fans at least got a spin-off in the meantime with The Penguin, starring Colin Farrell as the titular villain. This series serves as his origin story after the events of the first movie, and with other gangsters out of the way, Oswald can begin his crime empire, but he must fight for whatever he earns, building his legacy up from scraps.

DC has a unique mark on HBO, and out of all the shows on there, The Penguin is by far the best. It isn't just a Batman spin-off, but its own drama series that rivals even some of the best mobster shows. As the best DC TV show, it uses the dark vibe and masterful writing to create a tense, unpredictable, and thrilling drama series that can compete with the best of the best.

'Deadwood' (2004–2006)

Westerns aren't as popular as they used to be, but shows like Deadwoodkeep the genre alive and in its peak form. This television series chronicles the life and development of the titular town, which evolved from a simple encampment to a well-organized mining town. However, it didn't just become like that; the people needed to put in blood, sweat, and tears to make their Wild West dream come true.

Deadwood is hands down one of the best Western television shows of all time, and it lives up to that hype by promising some of the greatest dialogue fans will ever hear.Featuring some of the most compelling characters in TV history, this Western isn't just about action, but it also delivers the profound writing and character development that HBO is known for.

'Succession' (2018–2023)

Most of HBO's best shows come from the late 1990s and mid-2000s, but fans shouldn't discredit the modern age, which has aired remarkable series such as Succession. Logan Roy (Brian Cox), the CEO of a multimedia empire, is considering retirement, and this pits his children against each other in a petty and vicious war to take his spot.

As one of the best modern-day HBO shows, Succession has won countless awards, yet some still question its praise. It can flip between absurd comedy about the oddities of the wealthy elite and a touching emotional story about kids and their father. Delving into political territory, Succession is especially relevant and gripping at the same time, proving its hype is more than worth it.

'Chernobyl' (2019)

HBO has some of the greatest miniseries of all time, and one incredible work is Chernobyl, based on the events of the tragic nuclear facility meltdown. After the haunting events, this miniseries follows a handful of characters affected by it, including nearby residents, the first responders, and the higher-ups who were planning for a way to stop the spread of radiation.

Chernobyl is terrifyingly realistic, and it earns its hype by delivering such an authentic story that focuses on not just the event, but the people, making it an emotional and personal story. This intimate view of the event is no doubt disturbing, but it is also a fascinating examination of the cost of incompetence, and that affects normal people.

'Band of Brothers' (2001)

Following one of the best miniseries ever is yet another remarkable miniseries, this time being the epic war drama, Band of Brothers. This war drama is about Easy Company, a military squadron during the Second World War. It chronicles their history from their very first training session all the way to the end of the war and all the tragedy that happens in between.

No war series gives fans a better look at the battle and the personal state of the soldiers like Band of Brothers, which gives a great view of the life of a soldier during the war using ground-level cinematography that makes things even more immersive, yet harder to watch. Everyone talks about Band of Brothers and how good it is, and that hype isn't wasted, because it proves it is one of the best American war shows through grounded realism and character-focused storytelling.

'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' (2026–Present)

Game of Thrones is one of the most hyped-up shows in TV history, so much so that it is impossible to live up to the hype. House of the Dragon is also good, but when it comes to being worth the hype, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms takes the cake. After the death of his master, Duncan (Peter Claffey) aims to become a hedge knight himself, but first he will have to prove himself in a tournament.

Game of Thrones has a horrible ending, and House of the Dragon is good, but not worth the hype. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, on the other hand, is a delightful change of pace with quaint storytelling, endearing characters, charming humor, and an engaging plot. It was one of the biggest surprises of 2026, easily becoming a must-watch show that is better than what the hype is saying.

'Curb Your Enthusiasm' (2000–2024)

As mentioned, HBO isn't known for their comedies, but maybe they should be, because not only do they have Veep, but the platform is also home to Curb Your Enthusiasm. This show features an exaggerated version of Larry David, following his life in Los Angeles as he tackles unspoken rules with ignorance that usually turn into awkward misunderstandings and minor inconveniences that get blown out of proportion.

David has a distinct plot structure in his works, and he perfected the intersecting structure and adapted it into Curb Your Enthusiasm using improvised moments and authentic storytelling. With a much more personal touch and relatable style, this show became the king of cringe comedy, slowly escalating until it concludes with absolutely ridiculous moments, proving it is one of the best American sitcoms ever.

'Barry' (2018–2023)

Succession was the big breakaway success for HBO in the modern era, but 2018 brought another masterpiece in the form of a dramatic comedy, Barry. Bill Hader plays the titular character, who is a hitman at the end of his wits, but finding new life in acting. However, he struggles to balance the two incompatible lives, wondering which one will take over the other.

For fans of the surreal, Barry is the show for them. From absurd moments to shocking twists and all-around bizarreness, this series is unlike anything fans will ever experience. Barry can switch from a hilarious satire to a tense drama in the matter of seconds, and with a remarkable cast of characters and flawless acting, this show earns all of its praise and then some.

'The Sopranos' (1999–2007)

HBO houses some of the greatest TV shows of all time, including what many consider to be the best, The Sopranos. Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) is the head of a crime family, but lately he has struggled to manage life between the family business and his family life, with each one taking its toll on the other.

In terms of how much hype a show gets, it doesn't get more hyped than The Sopranos, yet somehow, it still manages to be worth it. Boasting some of the best episodes on television, it birthed the modern era of TV prestige, influencing the landscape of the medium. Not only that, but The Sopranos is a psychological masterclass and has genius character writing, which combine to create an unforgettable masterpiece.