6 Greatest HBO Episodes of All Time, According to Rotten Tomatoes

HBO is known for its incredibly consistent array of high-quality shows. Officially the oldest subscription TV service in the United States still in operation, HBO’s heritage in American media culture is one of the finest, and is preserved by the many millions that return to their best projects time after time. Whether it’s Band of Brothers or Succession, these beloved projects are considered some of the highest-quality TV titles in the medium’s history, and it’s thanks in no small part to HBO that they exist.

However, unlike film, television has the benefit of exposing its puzzle pieces and allowing quality to vary throughout a season. By its very episodic nature, some elements of television are made to either stand alone or simply stand out. With that in mind, and with HBO shows in their entirety often getting most of the plaudits, this is a chance to celebrate the episodes themselves. Alas, review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes doesn’t have ratings for many of the best HBO has to offer, such as The Sopranos or Chernobyl. With that caveat taken into account, here’s a look at the best HBO episodes to receive a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

“She Was Killed by Space Junk”

‘Watchmen’, Episode 3

Image via HBO

Written as a sequel to the 1986 DC Comics series, HBO’s Watchmen sadly altered its status from a series to a miniseries following the exit of showrunner Damon Lindelof. Sadly, this left fans with just nine episodes to rewatch, although among them is an episode that Rotten Tomatoes critics clearly deem perfect: Episode 3, “She Was Killed by Space Junk,” which follows Laurie Blake (Jean Smart) on a trip to Tulsa to investigate members of the Kavalry, only for nefarious deeds to happen under her nose.

As the third episode in the series and the end of the entire show’s first act, “She Was Killed by Space Junk” had the important job of turning the dial on Watchmen‘s pace as the world-building of Episodes 1 and 2 needed to narrow into plot. As a deeper look at Laurie’s history with Doctor Manhattan is revealed, Watchmen‘s tension begins to simmer as the promise of what’s to come keeps viewers desperate for more. Is “She Was Killed by Space Junk” the best episode of Watchmen? No. Is it an episode at least worthy of the high praise it has received on Rotten Tomatoes? Yes.

“When You’re Lost in the Darkness”

‘The Last of Us’, Season 1, Episode 1

Image via HBO

Many were likely expecting a different episode to appear from this video game adaptation, but, according to Rotten Tomatoes, neither Episode 3 nor Episode 8 from The Last of Us Season 1 quite hit the heights of “When You’re Lost in the Darkness,” the show’s pilot episode. The episode introduces audiences to a chaotic world and its inhabitants, following a global pandemic outbreak at the hands of a mutated form of the Cordyceps fungus.

Considered by many to be one of the best pilot episodes in recent television history, “When You’re Lost in the Darkness” had the unenviable job of both pleasing those who were die-hard lovers of the original video game, as well as laying the foundations for those who were yet to experience this story at all. Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin nail this intention, bringing both a doting homage to the source material and a visceral, exciting viewing experience for new audiences.

“You Get What You Need”

‘Big Little Lies’, Season 1, Episode 7

Image via HBO

With all the winding mysteries in Big Little Lies‘ first season needing a neat finale to wrap everything up, viewers simply couldn’t have asked for more. How were the Monterey Five drawn together to begin with? What was the inciting incident that began all this chaotic conflict? How will Celeste (Nicole Kidman) react when she learns of her sons’ guilt? There is so much at stake in Big Little Lies‘ first season finale, “You Get What You Need.”

Packed with powerhouse performances from the show’s stacked ensemble, the gravitas needed to land every shocking emotional punch is delivered with aplomb by the veteran cast. Kidman is particularly impressive as Celeste in this episode, pulling the strings on a magnificent career to deliver one of her best single-episode television performances ever. A fan-favorite outing for a show that has aged like fine wine, “You Get What You Need” deserves its 100% rating.

“International Assassin”

‘The Leftovers’, Season 2, Episode 8

Image via HBO

Season 2 of The Leftovers is widely considered the best from within the fandom. After the series made a bold and profound impact on audiences with its debut outing, the second season managed to trim the fat whilst also becoming more experimental, with that creative freedom explored nowhere better than in Season 2, Episode 8, “International Assassin.”

The Leftovers is a series that, due to its very nature, boasts enormous highs and, sadly, some disappointing lows. “International Assassin” is perhaps the highest high of the lot, with Kevin’s (Scott Glenn) haunting at the hands of Patti’s (Ann Dowd) ghost, culminating in a trippy journey through an ethereal realm as he looks to rid the ghost from his mind. In a complete stylistic departure from the rest of the series, “International Assassin” proves The Leftovers isn’t afraid to be both bold and brave, and does so with such emotional integrity that it never loses sight of the heart of the show.

“This Is Not for Tears”

‘Succession’, Season 2, Episode 10

Image via HBO

Succession is a whirlwind series that packs as much dramatic content into every beat. Need proof? Check out Season 2, Episode 10, “This Is Not for Tears,” the finale of a chaotic second season of the hit HBO series. With the Roys desperate to keep familial politics out of business despite its seeming impossibility, a particularly high-profile scandal sees the family stuck on how to respond and looking for a sacrifice, with the fury of the public eye waiting to rip apart their next move.

“This Is Not for Tears” might not be the best episode in the entire show, but it is certainly up there with the best. Beyond the anxiety-inducing camerawork and brilliantly indulgent dialogue, it is Jeremy Strong who stands out as the highlight of Season 2, Episode 10, delivering one of his best performances in the entire show and waltzing his way to an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. This genius then culminates in one of the most shocking plot twists of the entire show, with Kendall admitting his father knew about the crimes at Waystar the entire time.

“The Rains of Castamere”

‘Game of Thrones’, Season 3, Episode 9

Although the other entries in this list are considered some of the best work in their respective shows, Game of Thrones Season 3, Episode 9, “The Rains of Castamere,” is simply considered one of the best episodes of television ever put to screen. With Robb’s (Richard Madden) army arriving to celebrate the wedding of his uncle, Edmure Tully (Tobias Menzies), to Roslin Frey (Alexandra Dowling), there is an air of respect that builds with reparation in the Stark-Frey alliance. However, impending doom strikes in this atmospheric masterclass, and a bloodbath dawns.

Commonly referred to as the Red Wedding, it is the climax of “The Rains of Castamere” that solidifies it as some of television’s finest work. With carnage and violence turning ever more ugly as seconds pass like minutes, it is simply impossible to take one’s eyes away from the screen. This is thanks in no small part to a collection of incredibly immersive performances and utterly pitch-perfect direction by David Nutter. With desolation and tragedy sweeping the series and taking absolutely every viewer by surprise, it was this moment that the world knew Game of Thrones would never disappoint… or so they thought.