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HBO is no stranger to producing great television. In fact, they’ve spent the last five years doing what they’ve done best: dominating the landscape with shows that feel distinct, purposeful, and (more often than not) worth the emotional investment. Indeed, from sprawling fantasy epics and prestige dramas to offbeat comedies and genre-bending experiments, the network’s output hasn’t just been strong—it’s been varied in a way that keeps audiences constantly on their toes.
No wonder they’ve prevailed throughout awards season. In the past half-decade, HBO has delivered a handful of shows that redefined what their genres could look like—whether through bold storytelling choices, clever IP selections, unforgettable performances, or a willingness to take creative risks. Either way, these are the most recent shows, starting from 2021 (sorry Succession fans), that prove to be a cut above the rest.
10
‘The Last of Us’ (2023–Present)
Set in a post-apocalyptic America, ravaged by a fungal outbreak, hardened smuggler Joel (Pedro Pascal) is tasked with escorting young Ellie (Bella Ramsey) across the country as she may hold the key to creating a cure. But what starts as a transactional mission quickly evolves as the pair navigate hostile survivors, militant factions, and the lingering ghosts of their pasts—all while forging an unexpected bond.
As an adaptation of a beloved video game, The Last of Us shines in how it shapes survival as both a physical feat and an emotional cost. This is because, unlike others in its genre, this show is not a mere tale about zombies: it’s a careful analysis of human nature. Joel’s growing attachment to Ellie isn’t just framed as heroic—it’s messy, selfish, and by the finale, morally devastating. It’s a show that constantly asks whether love is a saving grace or a destructive force. Add in the career-best performances, and you’ve got an adaptation that’s genuinely haunting and incredibly moving. Fingers-crossed, Season 3 doesn’t fall into a slump.
9
‘House of the Dragon’ (2022–Present)
Nearly 200 years before Game of Thrones, King Viserys (Paddy Considine) of House Targaryen breaks centuries of tradition by naming his daughter, Princess Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock, later Emma D’Arcy), as his successor. However, when Viserys later remarries and produces a son, the realm (and his family) engage in a bitter dispute over who has the rightful claim to the Iron Throne.
Rather than chasing the obvious spectacle of the legendary Targaryen dynasty, House of the Dragon leans into the psychology of power: how it warps relationships, distorts truth, and erodes trust over time. Most of the characters aren’t painted as simple rivals but as products of a system that pits them against each other, making every confrontation feel tragically inevitable. It strangely feels like a more intimate, deliberate kind of storytelling, but one that pays off in its devastating portrayal of a family tearing itself apart. Let’s hope Season 3 can up the ante.
8
‘Somebody Somewhere’ (2022–2024)
After the death of her sister, Sam (Bridget Everett) returns to her hometown in Kansas, but struggles to find her footing in a place she once knew. Thankfully, just before she fully disconnects from those around her, Sam forms an unexpected bond with Joel (Jeff Hiller), a former classmate and now colleague who introduces her to a community of outsiders who embrace self-expression and vulnerability.
While simple in its premise, its radical sincerity is exactly what makes Somebody Somewhere resonate so deeply. There’s no rush in “fixing” Sam or neatly resolving her grief. Instead, the show finds meaning in the slow, often uncomfortable process of healing. Better still, the humor is less punchline-driven, allowing the comedy to come out by simply letting its characters exist. And in doing so, the show captures something incredibly universal about the loneliness and courage of seeking out connection.
7
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ (2026–Present)
Deep within Westeros, humble (but naive) hedge knight, Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey), travels across the land, with his young squire Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell) in search of purpose and opportunity. Their journey takes them through tournaments, political tensions, and crazed chance encounters, all of which gradually reveal that Egg is more important than he seems.
Despite this being yet another Game of Thrones spin-off, its smaller scope is what gives A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms its special charm. Dunk’s earnest sensibility and Egg’s hidden complexity create a dynamic that feels refreshingly grounded in a world of mythology and cynicism. Instead of constant betrayal, the show explores what it means when characters consistently try to do the right thing. Yes, it’s perhaps a gentler entry into the world of the Iron Throne, but one that still carries the weight of its history.
6
‘The Rehearsal’ (2022–Present)
Nathan Fielder helps ordinary people prepare for major life moments by constructing meticulously detailed simulations of real-world scenarios. From confessing a long-held lie to navigating parenthood, each “rehearsal” involves increasingly elaborate layers of planning. But as the experiments grow more complex, Nathan inserts himself deeper into the process, blurring the lines between facilitator and participant.
The brilliance of The Rehearsal lies in how it weaponizes discomfort. Beneath the absurdity is a sharp exploration of control, anxiety, and the impossibility of training for life’s messiest moments. As Nathan inserts himself deeper into his own experiments, the show begins to question its own ethics, turning the camera inward in ways that are both hilarious and deeply unsettling. Think of it as a twisted (and much darker) Jury Duty.
5
‘The White Lotus’ (2021–Present)
A group of wealthy guests arrives at the luxurious White Lotus resort expecting a time of relaxation, only to be met with personal tensions bubbling to the surface. As staff caters to their every need, classes divide, relationships fracture, and hidden resentments begin to unravel, all of which culminate in a shocking death.
Despite the rotating cast and locations, The White Lotus has secured its addictive status for its razor-sharp social commentary that just so happens to be wrapped in dark humor. The characters are often deeply flawed—sometimes outright insufferable—but never without dimension, making their unraveling both entertaining and revealing. It helps that the performances are top-tier, especially with Mike White‘s iconic and extremely quotable lines from The White Lotus. Think of it as satire with teeth, one that knows exactly where to sink them.
4
‘Mare of Easttown’ (2021)
In a small Pennsylvanian town, detective Mare Sheehan (Kate Winslet) is tasked with investigating the murder of a young mother, while still reeling from her own personal tragedies. As the case unfolds, Mare’s professional responsibilities begin to collide with her personal life, pulling her deeper into the secrets of a community so intensely connected.
Like all great crime dramas, Mare of Easttown refuses to separate the mystery from its central character. Indeed, Mare isn’t just solving a murder; she’s navigating grief, guilt, and the weight of expectation in a place where everyone knows her history. The performances ground the story in something deeply human, ensuring that every twist carries emotional consequences. So, if you’re in for a solid single-season binge, this should be at the top of your list.
3
‘The Penguin’ (2024)
Following the events of The Batman, Oswald “Oz” Cobb (Colin Farrell) makes his maneuvers to rise through the ranks of Gotham’s criminal underworld. And with the city in complete disarray from the floods, this becomes much easier. His plan of attack? Meddle with the deep-seated rivalry between the Falcone and the Maroni families—the city’s greatest criminal overlords.
In a world of superhero fatigue, The Penguin stands out for its centralization of a deeply complex being. For many, there’s an intrigue in how Oz’s ruthlessness feels somewhat human. His hunger for respect, his insecurity, and his extreme adaptability are what make him both dangerous and strangely sympathetic. And the show doesn’t shy away from that, nor paint him as a cartoonish villain. Instead, it paints a portrait of ambition unchecked, and where every victory comes at a cost of moral darkness.
2
‘Hacks’ (2021–2026)
Legendary Las Vegas comedian Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) is forced to reinvent her act if she hopes to stay relevant in the modern cultural scene. This leads her to reluctantly hire Ava (Hannah Einbinder), a young writer whose career has stalled after a public controversy. But while the two women initially clash over generational differences and opposing perspectives, they learn to collaborate, which leads to their relationship evolving into something much more complicated and unexpectedly personal.
At its core, Hacks thrives on the push-and-pull between its leads. Deborah and Ava challenge each other in ways that are often uncomfortable but ultimately necessary, with their growing bond forming the backbone of the entire series. It’s sharp, funny, and deeply reflective of the vulnerabilities that come with reinvention (especially within the entertainment industry). Throw in some other iconic ensemble members from Hacks, and you’ve got an award-winning show that captures the intersection of ambition, ego, and insecurity.
1
‘The Pitt’ (2025–Present)
Set in the high-stakes environment of a chaotic, underfunded emergency department in a Pittsburgh trauma center, Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch (Noah Wyle) leads his team during a 15-hour, real-time shift. But as time passes, and the pressure of the job mounts, personal struggles and professional responsibilities begin to blur, revealing the emotional toll of working within an overstretched system.
While there are many great dramas on television, The Pitt sets itself apart with its unflinching commitment to realism—one that also never loses sight of its humanity. The medical cases are intense, but it’s their cumulative weight that truly lands, shaping every character in subtle, lasting ways. There’s no easy catharsis here, just the quiet resilience required to keep going in the face of exhaustion and loss. It’s gripping without being overly sensational, emotional without being manipulative. A rare perfect balance in the medical genre and one that makes it HBO’s most compelling recent achievement.
The Pitt
- Release Date
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January 9, 2025
- Network
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Max
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Noah Wyle
Dr. Michael ‘Robby’ Robinavitch
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Tracy Ifeachor
Dr. Heather Collins
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Jessica Nobleza
Almontather Rassoul
