HBO’s 10 Best Shows in History, Ranked by Their Lasting Influence

A changing television landscape

Television moved from network broadcasting to premium cable and later to streaming. Through those changes, HBO remained a major presence, producing series across genres. The ranking considers shows released under HBO’s main banner, rather than HBO Max. The article names The Pitt and Hacks as examples outside its scope.

Friendship and independence in New York

Created by Darren Star, Sex and the City follows four single women navigating work, love and friendship in New York City. Carrie Bradshaw, played by Sarah Jessica Parker, writes a newspaper column about dating, while Samantha Jones, Charlotte York and Miranda Hobbes bring contrasting views of romance and careers.

The series placed female friendship at its center and followed women pursuing careers, financial independence and personal fulfillment. Patricia Field’s costumes also made fashion a prominent part of its portrayal of Manhattan.

Prohibition-era power struggles

Boardwalk Empire, created by Terence Winter, depicts organized crime in Atlantic City during the 1920s and 1930s. Steve Buscemi plays Enoch “Nucky” Thompson, a corrupt county treasurer who combines political power with bootlegging.

Mortality and the human experience

Six Feet Under uses mortality to examine complicated, sometimes hopeful aspects of life. Its approach blends human drama with surreal moments. The series depicts grief and guilt through characters’ conversations with manifestations of the dead, including Nathaniel Sr., played by Richard Jenkins.