10 Overlooked HBO Shows That Deserve a Second Watch

Article Overview

HBO has a rich catalog of forgotten series that deserve more recognition, including Rome, John Adams, and Enlightened.

Rome is an exceptional historical drama that effectively portrays Ancient Roman times with its superior production quality, compelling storytelling, and remarkable performances.

John Adams, an Emmy-winning miniseries, skillfully depicts American history with meticulous attention to accuracy and showcases a phenomenal performance from Paul Giamatti.

HBO is renowned for its prestigious television shows, but there are numerous overlooked series from this acclaimed network that merit rediscovery. Throughout the 21st century, HBO has consistently been regarded as the leading provider of top-notch TV programming, spanning from gripping crime dramas like The Sopranos and The Wire to blockbuster hits such as Game of Thrones and The Last of Us, as well as comedic gems like Veep and The White Lotus. While HBO has consistently delivered outstanding television, a number of its shows have remained underappreciated due to their niche appeal or gradually slipped out of public discourse.

Having been in operation since the 1970s, HBO only ventured into producing scripted television in the '80s, with many of its most renowned series debuting in the late '90s and throughout the 21st century. Whether it be long-form dramas, miniseries, or anthology collections, the network excels in presenting authentic, intricate, and groundbreaking narratives. Numerous lesser-known HBO productions, spanning from historical dramas to sketch comedy series, truly deserve greater recognition.

10. Rome

The best show for Roman history buffs.

9. John Adams

Rome is likely the best representation of Ancient Roman times in film or TV. It offers two complete seasons that delve into both historical and fictional characters. The initial season focuses on Julius Caesar's civil war, while the second season explores the power struggle between Octavian and Mark Antony. Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo, two fictional Roman soldiers, are the central protagonists who find themselves entangled in pivotal historical events. The series is renowned for its remarkable production value, exceptional writing, and outstanding performances. It even served as an inspiration for George R.R. Martin, who aspired for Game of Thrones to be an HBO series. Rome stands out as one of the most extravagant TV productions ever created.

American history comes to life.

Starring as John and Abigail Adams are Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney in HBO's John Adams miniseries, which follows the life of its eponymous character over a fifty-year span. With its meticulous attention to historical accuracy in depicting the 18th-century period, the series earned the Emmy for Outstanding Limited Series. Like many other HBO miniseries, Paul Giamatti delivers a remarkable performance, aided by the show's authenticity that transports the audience into the era and creates a connection with its characters.

8. Enlightened

Laura Dern's exceptional TV performances in shows like Big Little Lies and Twin Peaks have garnered her much acclaim, but it is the 2011 series Enlightened that truly thrusts her into the spotlight. Collaborating with The White Lotus creator Mike White, Dern co-creates a gripping narrative that seamlessly blends humor with thought-provoking drama. In Enlightened, Dern portrays Amy Jellicoe, a high-ranking corporate executive whose self-destructive tendencies lead her to experience a very public breakdown. Seeking solace and healing, she embarks on a three-month retreat in Hawaii, returning with a newfound perspective on life that is met with resistance from those around her.

7. Mr. Show

The White Lotus creator Mike White teams with Laura Dern.

HBO has showcased an array of remarkable comedy shows over the years, but surprisingly, Mr. Show, created by Bob Odenkirk and David Cross, has received relatively little recognition. This sketch comedy gem from the '90s is renowned for its surreal humor and its ability to tackle weighty subjects such as politics and religion. Moreover, the series is celebrated for its innovation and is often credited with exerting a significant influence on sketch comedy. Notably, it features outstanding performances from renowned comedians such as Jack Black, Sarah Silverman, Ben Stiller, Jon Stewart, and Marlon Wayans.

6. Six Feet Under

Surreal comedy sketches from Bob Odenkirk.

One of HBO's best dark comedies.

HBO is known for its impressive collection of dark comedy series, and one of its early successes was Six Feet Under. This series centers around the Fisher family and their interconnected relationships as they operate a funeral home in Los Angeles. One of the standout elements of this 2001 show is its intricate exploration of the concept of mortality, with each episode commencing with a death. The finale of Six Feet Under continues to captivate audiences and is widely recognized as one of the most remarkable and satisfying conclusions in television history.

5. Looking

Murray Bartlett demonstrated his acting prowess in HBO series Looking, prior to gaining recognition for The White Lotus and The Last of Us. Alongside Jonathan Groff and Raúl Castillo, Bartlett delves into the lives of three close friends residing in San Francisco, as they navigate various approaches to love and career. Praised for its genuine portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters, Looking provides an authentic depiction of friendships and romantic relationships.

4. Angels In America

An authentic comedy/drama set in San Francisco.

Angels in America, an HBO series, boasts an extraordinary cast including Al Pacino, Meryl Streep, Emma Thompson, Jeffrey Wright, Patrick Wilson, and Mary-Louise Parker. This remarkable miniseries garnered 21 Emmy nominations and won 11, including Lead Acting honors for Pacino and Streep. The performances in the 2003 production are widely regarded as some of the finest in television history. Even today, Angels in America remains one of HBO's standout miniseries, acclaimed for its poignant and thorough depiction of the AIDS epidemic.

3. The Leftovers

The greatest miniseries cast ever.

The TV series

2. Bored To Death

, created by Damon Lindelof from Lost, is highly underrated. It takes place after "The Sudden Departure," an event where 2% of the world's population mysteriously disappears. The story centers around the residents of a small town as they cope with their grief in different ways. The show's exploration of themes like loss and faith is highly praised and is brought to life by a talented cast including Justin Theroux, Margaret Qualley, Carrie Coon, Liv Tyler, and Regina King, who deliver some of their best performances.

An intriguing follow-up show for Lost fans.

1. Treme

Bored to Death, created by author Jonathan Ames, follows the comedic journey of a fictionalized version of Ames himself, portrayed by Jason Schwartzman. Set in New York, the main character is both an author and an unlicensed private detective, adding a humorous twist to his professional life. Supported by the talents of Ted Danson and Zach Galifianakis in pivotal roles, Bored to Death appeals to fans of dry, offbeat humor and delightfully eccentric characters.

During its run, The Wire was not widely watched, and its successor, Treme, fared even worse. Set in post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans, the show delves into the challenges faced by various individuals in the aftermath of the disaster. Treme features actors from The Wire, including Wendell Pierce and Clarke Peters, as well as Steve Zahn, Kim Dickens, and others, creating a diverse ensemble cast. This HBO series seamlessly incorporates the renowned cultural backdrop of New Orleans, immersing viewers in its vibrant music-infused narrative.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I have a few thoughts on the overlooked HBO shows that deserve a second watch. Firstly, I appreciate the diversity of genres represented in this list, from historical dramas like Rome and John Adams to surreal comedies like Enlightened. It's great to see that HBO has a wide range of offerings beyond its more popular and well-known shows.

Secondly, I'm particularly drawn to the historical dramas on this list. Rome and John Adams both seem like fascinating and immersive shows that offer a glimpse into different time periods and cultures. I'm a big fan of historical fiction, so I'm excited to check these out and learn more about ancient Rome and the American Revolution.

Overall, I think this list is a great resource for anyone looking to explore some of HBO's lesser-known gems. I'm definitely going to be adding a few of these shows to my watchlist!