Top 5 HBO Series
By Austin Johnson
HBO Max is probably the most valuable streaming service available right now if you just want a massive collection of classic films and some pillars of television. It's got a good format and it offers stuff that no one has before like the Studio Ghibli films. Everyone has their preference when it comes to streaming services but I see Max as the one with the most quality in one place. My personal favorite service is the Criterion Channel but that’s not nearly as good for conversation because the content isn’t as sought after as the stuff on HBO Max, Netflix, Hulu, etc. Criterion is exclusively for film buffs while Max has the stuff to satisfy a film buff but then it has some kick ass TV. We typically focus on films here at Filmgazm, but occasionally we make an exception and right now is one of those times because I want to talk about some of my favorite HBO series of all time. Max contains shows that haven’t really been attached to HBO until now, but I am going to focus on the original series that HBO has produced. Let’s dig in.
5.) High Maintenance (2016-)
“I'd like to thank my colon who's always been behind me.”
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If you’ve read some of my stuff before or heard me talk on the podcast then you probably know that I’m 100% on board for the legalization of marijuana. I have always been fascinated by the culture surrounding it and High Maintenance takes that very thing to the next level. Ben Sinclair created the show and is the only actor in every episode as he is delivering weed by bicycle to all kinds of different people in New York. Each delivery has its own story and I really enjoy riding along with this show that is currently unsure about coming back for a fifth season. I hope it does but I’m extremely grateful for the 34 episodes that are available.
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4.) Treme (2010-2013)
“Without that horn, I can't make a living.”
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Treme has quite possibly the most interesting cast in television history from Khandi Alexander to John Goodman. I adore jazz music and anytime I can watch something involving the genre with the city of New Orleans, I’m fucking all in. Eric Ellis Overmyer and David Simon did work together on The Wire before making this wonderful show about people rebuilding their lives and culture after Hurricane Katrina. Treme was nominated six times with one win at the Emmys throughout its four season run. I think that’s pretty ridiculous but it just flat out needs to be seen more. You’ll hear people consistently mention other shows as HBO gold but Treme should most definitely be in that conversation.
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3.) Six Feet Under (2001-2005)
“Stop listening to the static.”
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Death is a subject that we obviously don’t want to talk about too often but Six Feet Under thrives on all things surrounding death. Alan Ball wrote American Beauty and won the Oscar for Best Screenplay and then he created Six Feet Under and saw it receive a total of 44 Emmy nominations and nine wins. His style is very in your face and all the actors do a wonderful job of pushing the limit with their characters. Peter Krause, Michael C. Hall, and Frances Conroy are all spectacular as the Fisher family who run a funeral home. Every episode brings something up that we usually avoid in everyday society which is gut punching and rewarding.
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2.) The Sopranos (1999-2007)
“More is lost by indecision than wrong decision.”
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First off, I’m one of the fans that likes the ending of The Sopranos. I truly think there was no other way and I respect the hell out of David Chase’s creative decisions throughout the entire series. The Sopranos received over 100 Emmy nominations and won 21 during its run which is just absurd. The Sopranos is the show that kind of has everything going for it as far as financial and critical success but it’s still really strange and even revolutionary at times. James Gandolfini and really the entire cast pop like fucking fireworks all 86 episodes. Rest in peace to Gandolfini and I must say that Tony Soprano might be the greatest television character I’ve ever tagged along with.
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1.) The Wire (2002-2008)
“A life, Jimmy, you know what that is? It's the shit that
happens while you're waiting for moments that never come.” |
The Wire is the most thought-provoking and important fictional show that I’ve ever seen. The setting of Baltimore is extremely authentic and the characters are pretty much all written perfectly from Detective Jimmy McNulty who is in all 60 episodes to Savino Bratton who is in just 9 episodes. Somehow, The Wire only got two Emmy nominations for writing throughout its entire run. David Simon is a genius writer but that’s just one of those things that doesn’t make sense at all. The majority of the cast is black which really has to make you upset at the lack of recognition because the quality is just as high as any American show that has existed. It’s a damn shame, but the cultural impact that The Wire has surpasses any trophy you can get. It’s must see entertainment in my opinion and easily my favorite TV show of all time.
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