January 30, 2025 | Jane O'Shea

HBO Shows Worth Rewatching


Rewind And Revisit

Remember that show you caught late one night? HBO's vault holds countless stories that slipped through the cracks of memory. Well, the following shows might have stepped out of the spotlight, but their impact indeed stays on.

Hbo's Archives

Room 104 (2017–2020)

Room 104 is an American anthology show created by Mark and Jay Duplass. It aired on HBO from July 28, 2017, to October 9, 2020. The show is set in a single room of an American roadside motel and features different stories that explore various characters and situations.

Room 104Room 104 - Official Trailer - Official HBO UK by HBO UK

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Room 104 (2017–2020) (Cont.)

This series consists of four seasons with a total of 48 episodes. The first season premiered in 2017, followed by the second season in late 2018, the third season in September 2019, and the fourth and final season in July 2020.

Room 104 (2017–2020)Room 104 - Official Trailer - Official HBO UK by HBO UK

The Ricky Gervais Show (2010–2012)

This one was put together by Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant, and Karl Pilkington. The Ricky Gervais Show is an animated comedy series based on popular audio podcasts featuring the above three, who engage in humorous discussions about various topics.

The Ricky Gervais ShowRicky Gervais Show Series 1 Episode 1: Space Monkey by CLASSIC COMEDY VAULT

The Ricky Gervais Show (2010–2012) (Cont.)

It rightly combines fun animations with the audio from the original podcasts and showcases the trio's chats in a funny and sometimes totally over-the-top way. The animation vibes are kind of like those classic Hanna-Barbera cartoons.

The Ricky Gervais Show (2010–2012)Ricky Gervais Show Series 1 Episode 1: Space Monkey by CLASSIC COMEDY VAULT

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Eastbound & Down (2009–2013)

After losing his career due to obnoxious behavior, Kenny Powers moves back to Shelby County, North Carolina. He takes a job as a physical education teacher at his old middle school. Here, he struggles with his new life while trying to make a comeback in baseball. 

Eastbound & DownFXBG Baseball History Minute: Danny McBride plays Kenny Powers in Eastbound & Down by GermannaCC

Eastbound & Down (2009–2013) (Cont.)

Alongside McBride, the cast is made up of John Hawkes, Katy Mixon, and Andrew Daly. The show has four seasons with 29 episodes and has garnered Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music.

Eastbound & Down (2009–2013)FXBG Baseball History Minute: Danny McBride plays Kenny Powers in Eastbound & Down by GermannaCC

In Treatment (2008–2010, 2021)

In Treatment is a popular HBO drama that began on January 28, 2008. It revolves around the therapy sessions of Paul Weston, a psychotherapist played by Gabriel Byrne. Throughout the series, he deals with the ups and downs of his patient's lives.

In TreatmentIn Treatment Trailer Season 4 Episode 5 (4x05) HBO Max by Series Spotlights

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In Treatment (2008–2010, 2021) (Cont.)

At the same time, he is also shown to be facing his own personal struggles. In each episode, we get to see a different patient in therapy with Weston. The series also shows the protagonist’s own therapy sessions with his mentor, Dr. Gina Toll (Dianne Wiest).

In Treatment (2008–2010, 2021)In Treatment Season 4: Talking Treatment - The Importance of Therapy | HBO by HBO

Divorce (2016–2019)

Featuring Sarah Jessica Parker as Frances and Thomas Haden Church as Robert, the series begins with Frances and Robert contemplating their marriage's state after a dramatic party. Divorce served the audience with three seasons having 24 episodes in all.

DivorceDivorce (HBO) Trailer HD by TV Promos

Divorce (2016–2019) (Cont.)

One would say that the series takes a lighthearted yet meaningful look at themes like change, finding yourself, and the challenges of starting over after a big life event. Each season follows the two main characters as they attempt to move on with their lives.

Divorce (2016–2019)Divorce (HBO) Trailer HD by TV Promos

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Ballers (2015–2020)

This HBO series stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as Spencer Strasmore, a former NFL player who becomes a financial manager for current and former football players. It delves into the intersection of sports and business, underlining the financial pressures athletes face.

BallersBallers: Season 4 Finale | Official Trailer | HBO by HBO

Ballers (2015–2020) (Cont.)

The show was made by Stephen Levinson, who also worked on Entourage. It has a lot of the same vibes, especially with all the celebrity culture stuff. According to Goggler, the series focused more on character dynamics than football, making it relatable even for non-sports fans.

Ballers (2015–2020)Ballers: Season 4 | Official Trailer | HBO by HBO

The Leftovers (2014–2017)

This thought-provoking HBO drama series, which was available from 15th June 2014 to 4th June 2017, was crafted by Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta. Three years after the “Sudden Departure," it tracks the lives of those left behind in the small town of Mapleton.

The LeftoversTHE LEFTOVERS - New HBO Series | TRAILER #2 | HD by Series Trailer MP

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The Leftovers (2014–2017) (Cont.)

So, "Sudden Departure” is a mysterious event during which 2% of the world's population inexplicably disappears. Each season shifts its focus and location, with Season 2 moving to Texas and Season 3 concluding in Australia. The show reportedly bagged a Peabody Award.

The Leftovers (2014–2017)THE LEFTOVERS - New HBO Series | TRAILER #2 | HD by Series Trailer MP

The Night Of (2016)

The Night Of is a critically acclaimed American crime drama miniseries that premiered on July 10, 2016, with the first episode that was available on-demand from June 24, 2016. It’s made up of eight episodes, each one digging into different parts of a murder case.

The Night OfThe Night Of - Trailer - Official HBO UK by HBO UK

The Night Of (2016) (Cont.)

It also showed us how it affected everyone's lives who got caught up in the case. The story is mainly about Nasir Khan (Riz Ahmed), a Pakistani-American college student who becomes the main suspect in the murder of a young woman named Andrea. 

The Night Of (2016)The Night Of - Trailer - Official HBO UK by HBO UK

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2 Dope Queens (2018–2019)

This comedy series is based on the popular podcast of the same name hosted by Jessica Williams and Phoebe Robinson. It brought to us a blend of stand-up comedy, storytelling, and guest appearances from different comedians and celebrities.

2 Dope Queens'Get Out There, Go!' ft. Keegan-Michael Key | 2 Dope Queens | Season 2 by HBO

2 Dope Queens (2018–2019) (Cont.)

2 Dope Queens was shot live at Union Hall in Brooklyn, capturing the buzz of having a live crowd. Well-known personalities like Jon Stewart, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Uzo Aduba were seen as guests on the show. The first season was directed by Tig Notaro. 

2 Dope Queens (2018–2019)'You Have To Accept The Good' ft. Sarah Jessica Parker | 2 Dope Queens | HBO by Reeta Geeta

The Comeback (2005–2006, 2014)

Valerie Cherish is trying to get back into the spotlight by joining a reality show that shows her struggles in life and her career. The series pokes fun at the entertainment world and what it means to be a celebrity, showing Valerie's awkward efforts to stay in the limelight.

The ComebackThe Comeback - Season 1: Trailer - Official HBO UK by HBO UK

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The Comeback (2005–2006, 2014) (Cont.)

Lisa Kudrow plays the character Valerie Cherish and was also the one who created The Comeback along with Michael Patrick King. Guest appearances by the beloved Andy Cohen and Seth Rogen were also made. The revival season premiered on November 9, 2014.

The Comeback (2005–2006, 2014)The Comeback - Season 1: Trailer - Official HBO UK by HBO UK

Flight Of The Conchords (2007–2009)

Flight of the Conchords is a funny show that ran on HBO from 2007 to 2009. It was started by and stars the Kiwi comedy duo Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement. The show surrounds their fictional lives as they attempt to achieve success in New York City.

Flight Of The ConchordsThink About It - Flight of the Conchords (2007) by Fans of the Conchords

Flight Of The Conchords (2007–2009) (Cont.)

This show received several accolades, which included a 2008 Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album for their album titled The Distant Future. According to The New York TimesFlight of the Conchords is described as "a gentle, absurdist comedy”.

Flight Of The Conchords (2007–2009)Think About It - Flight of the Conchords (2007) by Fans of the Conchords

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Enlightened (2011–2013)

Mike White devised this television series, which stars Laura Dern and tells the tale of Amy Jellicoe. She is a corporate executive who destroys herself and then has a spiritual epiphany following a public breakdown. The show premiered on HBO on October 10, 2011.

EnlightenedEnlightened (HBO) by Previamente

Enlightened (2011–2013) (Cont.)

Laura Dern even won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series—Musical or Comedy for her role in this one. Vox noted it as a brilliant series that showcases what might be Dern's finest performance across 2 seasons, having a total of 18 episodes.

Enlightened (2011–2013)Enlightened (HBO) by Previamente

Camping (2018)

Camping centers around Kathryn, who meticulously organizes a camping trip for her husband Walt's 45th birthday. However, the weekend quickly devolves into chaos due to uninvited guests and personal tensions among the group, testing relationships and friendships.

CampingCamping (2018) Teaser Trailer ft. Jennifer Garner | HBO by HBO

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Camping (2018) (Cont.)

Basically, this show is a U.S. adaptation of a British series of the same name that aired in 2016. The show has a really creative team led by Lena Dunham and Jenni Konner, who bring their signature style of humor and character-driven storytelling to it.

Camping (2018)Camping (HBO) Trailer HD - Jennifer Garner, David Tennant comedy series by TV Promos

John Adams (2008)

The series tells the tale of John Adams, one of the Founding Fathers of America, and underlines his important contributions during the country's early days. We get to see Paul Giamatti as John Adams, Laura Linney as Abigail Adams, and Tom Wilkinson as Benjamin Franklin.

John AdamsJohn Adams HBO (2008) - Unofficial Trailer - Assassin's Creed III OST by Flying Dutchman

John Adams (2008) (Cont.)

Based on David McCullough's biography, it holds an IMDb rating of 8.4/10, indicating strong viewer appreciation. After all, John Adams bagged 13 Emmy Awards, making it one of the most awarded miniseries in Emmy history. It also picked up 4 Golden Globe Awards.

John Adams (2008)John Adams HBO (2008) - Unofficial Trailer - Assassin's Creed III OST by Flying Dutchman

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Rome (2005–2007)

Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo, two Roman soldiers, are the main focus of the series as they negotiate the political intrigue and bloodshed of their day. Their tales converge with those of historical personalities like Mark Antony, Pompey the Great, and Julius Caesar.

RomeRome (HBO) - First Scene by BayA

Rome (2005–2007) (Cont.)

The New York Times has praised it as “a lavish production that captures the grit and glory of ancient Rome”. It was available for viewing on HBO from 2005 to 2007, with a reported substantial budget estimated to be around $100–110 million for the entire series.

Rome (2005–2007)Rome (HBO) - First Scene by BayA

Carnivàle (2003–2005)

Carnivàle was originally conceived as a trilogy of paired seasons, but it was canceled after two seasons due to low ratings. However, on IMDb, it currently has a rating of 8.4/10. The show, which Daniel Knauf established, is set during the Great Depression.

CarnivàleRemember Carnivàle (2003-2005)? by JoBlo Horror Originals

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Carnivàle (2003–2005) (Cont.)

This one is about Ben Hawkins, played by Nick Stahl, who has crazy healing powers. He hops on board a traveling carnival that's run by Samson (Michael J. Anderson). The carnival is filled with all sorts of interesting characters, like a tarot card reader and conjoined twins.

Carnivàle (2003–2005)Remember Carnivàle (2003-2005)? by JoBlo Horror Originals

Hung (2009–2011)

After a fire damages his home, Ray Drecker (Thomas Jane), a failing high school basketball coach in suburban Detroit, finds himself in financial trouble. Ray chooses to use his superior physical attributes to become a gigolo in order to better his situation.

HungHung Trailer - Hung Season 1 Trailer by BlockbusterUK

Hung (2009–2011) (Cont.)

So, here we see how the central character attempts to balance this new career with his responsibilities as a father and the challenges of maintaining relationships with others. Interestingly, the opening theme for Hung is “I'll Be Your Man” by The Black Keys from their debut album.

Hung (2009–2011)Hung Trailer - Hung Season 1 Trailer by BlockbusterUK

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Deadwood (2004–2007)

Set in the lawless town of Deadwood, South Dakota, this show is often regarded as one of HBO's greatest dramas. Critics have lauded its character development, writing, and performances. It looks into power, morality, and survival through its complex characters.

DeadwoodDeadwood (2004 - 2006) HBO Series trailer by spyroreviews

Deadwood (2004–2007) (Cont.)

According to The Hollywood Reporter, it is known to be “brutal, passionate, heroic, and tragic”. Its key characters include Seth Bullock (Timothy Olyphant), Al Swearengen (Ian McShane), and Wild Bill Hickok (Keith Carradine), and it has won about eight Emmy Awards.

Deadwood (2004–2007)Deadwood (2004 - 2006) HBO Series trailer by spyroreviews

Six Feet Under (2001–2005)

This drama series made it to HBO on June 1, 2001, and gave us a total of 5 seasons with 63 episodes. It centers around the Fisher family, who run the Fisher & Sons Funeral Home in Los Angeles. Each episode starts with a vignette of a demise that ties into the main plot.

Six Feet UnderHBO's Six Feet Under Trailer by Namaste

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Six Feet Under (2001–2005) (Cont.)

On IMDb, Six Feet Under stands with a rating of 8.7/10. The performances of the cast, particularly Frances Conroy (Ruth Fisher) and Peter Krause (Nate Fisher), have received massive praise. One IMDb user even described the last episode as "the greatest experience”.

Six Feet Under (2001–2005)Oral History of HBO's 'Six Feet Under' with Alan Ball, Peter Krause & More | Entertainment Weekly by Entertainment Weekly

Togetherness (2015–2016)

Togetherness, started by Mark and Jay Duplass, explores the complexities of relationships and personal aspirations through the lives of four adults living under one roof. We have Brett Pierson (Mark Duplass), Michelle Pierson (Melanie Lynskey), Alex (Steve Zissis), and Tina (Amanda Peet).

TogethernessTOGETHERNESS Season 1 TRAILER | New HBO Series | HD by Series Trailer MP

Togetherness (2015–2016) (Cont.)

Despite its critical success, Togetherness was canceled after two seasons due to low viewership. Basically, the series follows Brett and Michelle struggling to rekindle their relationship. When Brett's friend Alex and Michelle's sister Tina move in with them, their lives become intertwined.

Togetherness (2015–2016)TOGETHERNESS Season 1 TRAILER | New HBO Series | HD by Series Trailer MP

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Getting On (2013–2015)

Getting On is based on the British series created by Jo Brand, which also focuses on the issues faced by healthcare workers. The series got a bunch of nominations, and people really liked the writing and performances, especially Laurie Metcalf and Niecy Nash.

Getting OnGetting On | The Mystery Christmas Card Photo | HBO Max by Max

Getting On (2013–2015) (Cont.)

It is set in the Billy Barnes Extended Care Unit of Mount Palms Memorial Hospital in Long Beach, California. Here, we will get to see Dr. Jenna James, played by Laurie Metcalf, the uptight director of medicine who often prioritizes her research over patient care.

Getting On (2013–2015)Getting On | The Mystery Christmas Card Photo | HBO Max by Max

Treme (2010–2013)

Happening just a few months after Hurricane Katrina, Treme revolves around different characters, like Mardi Gras Indians, musicians, and chefs, as they try to get their lives back on track. It shows us their struggles with keeping their culture alive and rebuilding their communities.

TremeTreme - Season 4 Trailer - Official HBO UK by HBO UK

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Treme (2010–2013) (Cont.)

The New York Times has called it “a rich tapestry of life,” while IMDb has issued it a solid rating of 8.3/10. The series is named after the Tremé neighborhood in New Orleans, which is one of the oldest African-American areas in the country with a vibrant culture.

Treme (2010–2013)Treme - Season 4 Trailer - Official HBO UK by HBO UK


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