HBO Has the Best Miniseries and This List Proves It
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
HBO is the king of the fantasy and science fiction genre thanks to popular series like Games of Thrones, The Last of Us, and Westworld. But I’d argue it’s also the king of miniseries too. And before you vehemently disagree and click out of this article, hear me out. I only bought HBO to watch House of the Dragon and Sex and the City reruns, but during my quarantine days, I looked into the network’s catalog, and boy did I find some good freakin’ shows.
Like, have you watched Chernobyl? IDK, if it’s the SGI or the spectacular screenwriting, but HBO turned a sad true tale about a nuclear explosion into an emotional, heart-gripping five-episode series. Same with I May Destroy You by comedy queen Michaela Coen. (Fun fact: Netflix actually missed out on this opp bc they rejected Michaela’s original pitch. Haha, Netflix). Most series and films focusing on sexual assault and abuse get it wrong with the few, very rare exceptions like Women Talking. But Michaela’s Coen series did what many survivors thought impossible and unrealistic: delivered a nuanced, personal experience of sexual assault and the survivor-hood that follows.
And get this: these are only two of the who-knows-how-many miniseries HBO has released in the past couple of years. I’m telling ya, HBO is a bonafide star at making miniseries. Just check out these nine best HBO miniseries list, if you still don’t believe the network is the reigning champ of miniseries.
This 2018 miniseries is based on a 2006 novel by Gillian Flynn and follows a crime reporter, played by the fabulous Amy Adams, and her investigation into two girls’ murders. Sharp Objects may seem like a regular crime show, but it’s really a dark and twisty tale about family trauma and mental illness subtly concealed by murders Adams is investigating.
Sharp Objects (2018)
This 2018 miniseries is based on a 2006 novel by Gillian Flynn and follows a crime reporter, played by the fabulous Amy Adams, and her investigation into two girls’ murders. Sharp Objects may seem like a regular crime show, but it’s really a dark and twisty tale about family trauma and mental illness subtly concealed by murders Adams is investigating.
Watchmen (2019)
I gotta include this one on my list because it’s a) ah-freaking-mazing, b) a new, much-needed different take on superheroes. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some Marvel shows, but Watchmen was a refreshing piece of content where viewers see more than the heroism and adoration of being a man in a cape. Plus, it stars Regina King, and who doesn’t love her?
I May Destroy You
Ain’t a best HBO miniseries list without this gem. Honestly, (and I might be biased, so fair warning), this dark comedy show might be one of the best shows of all time. Yes, the storylines and the characters are entertaining, but this 12-episode series ranks near Breaking Bad and Mad Men because it asks us to think about consent and not just through sexual lenses either. I’m not going to go in too much because *spoilers* but it’s a must-watch!!
Mare of Eastown
I’m telling you, HBO’s crime miniseries are something else. Similarly to Sharp Objects, this show initially follows a police detective named Mare who returns back to her hometown to solve a murder, all while battling with family issues from her son’s suicide to fighting a custody battle for her granddaughter. But of course, as viewers later find out, solving the murder was never simple.
Angels in America
HBO can’t get too much credit with this one, since it’s adapted from a Pultizer-prize-winning play of the same name. But it still makes this list because of the storytelling, direction, and overall performances from its stellar cast including the notable Meryl Streep and Emma Thompson. Bravo, HBO.
Band of Brothers
I rarely watch war shows because *trauma* but this miniseries is the only exception, which tells you how great it is. The Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks-created show is adapted from the 1992 novel of the same name and follows the “Easy Company,” a subsection of the U.S. Army, through World War II. Be prepared for tears because this series is equally heart-warming and it’s heartbreaking.
Olive Kitteridge
Unlike the other shows on this list, Olive Kitteridge has a pretty tame plot as it documents the life of a retired teacher named Olive and her experiences with depression and jealousy. Oh, and family problems. Very mundane but no less exciting!
Chernobyl
Grab some tissues, ok!! Just grab ‘em because this show will tear at your heartstrings with its characters’ helplessness, trauma, and tragedy. A true heart-breaker but a definite must-watch.
Big Little Lies
Technically, this isn’t a miniseries since HBO produced a second season, but that's neither here nor there. The spectacular cast, direction, and plot are what make this miniseries a big hit. I get why HBO renewed the show for a second season as fans (lol, me) couldn’t get enough of the small group of mothers taking over Monterey, California. From murders to marriage betrayals, this 2014-novel-turned miniseries will have you on the edge of your seat..couch…you get the saying.
HBO is the king of the drama series (Sopranos, anyone?) and the fantasy and science fiction genre (Games of Thrones, The Last of Us, and Westworld). But I’d argue it’s also the king of miniseries. And before you vehemently disagree and click out of this article, hear me out. I only bought HBO to watch House of the Dragon and Sex and the City reruns, but during my quarantine days, I looked into the network’s catalog, and boy did I find some good freakin’ shows.
Like, have you watched Chernobyl? Between the CGI and the spectacular screenwriting, HBO turned a story about a nuclear explosion into an emotional, heart-gripping five-episode series. Same with I May Destroy You by comedy queen Michaela Coel. Most series and films focusing on sexual assault and abuse get it wrong with the few, very rare exceptions like Women Talking. But Michaela’s Coel series did what many survivors thought impossible and unrealistic: delivered a nuanced, personal experience of sexual assault and the survivor-hood that follows.
And get this: these are only two of the who-knows-how-many miniseries HBO has released in the past couple of years. I’m telling ya, HBO is an expert at making miniseries. Just check out this list of the nine best HBO miniseries if you still don’t believe the network is the reigning champ.
Watchmen (2019)
I gotta include this one on my list because it’s a) ah-freaking-mazing, b) a new, much-needed different take on superheroes. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some Marvel shows, but Watchmen allowed viewers to see more than the heroism and adoration of being a man in a cape. Plus, it stars Regina King, and who doesn’t love her?
See the original post on Youtube
I May Destroy You (2020)
Ain’t a best HBO miniseries list without this gem. Honestly, (and I might be biased, so fair warning), this dark comedy show might be one of the best shows of all time. Yes, the storylines and the characters are entertaining, but this 12-episode series asks us to think about consent and not just through sexual lens either. I’m not going to go in too much because *spoilers* but it’s a must-watch!!
See the original post on Youtube
Angels in America (2003)
HBO can’t take all the credit with this one, since it’s adapted from a Pultizer-Prize-winning play of the same name. But it still makes this list because of the storytelling, direction, and overall performances from its stellar cast, including the notable Meryl Streep and Emma Thompson.
See the original post on Youtube
Band of Brothers (2001)
I rarely watch war shows because *trauma* but this miniseries is the only exception, which tells you how great it is. The Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks-created show is adapted from the 1992 novel of the same name and follows the “Easy Company,” a subsection of the U.S. Army, through World War II. Be prepared for tears because this series is equally heart-warming and heartbreaking.
See the original post on Youtube
Olive Kitteridge (2014)
Unlike the other shows on this list, Olive Kitteridge has a pretty tame plot as it documents the life of a retired teacher named Olive and her experiences with depression and jealousy. Oh, and family problems. Relatable, honestly.
See the original post on Youtube
Chernobyl (2019)
Grab some tissues. Just grab ‘em, because this show will tear at your heartstrings with its characters’ helplessness, trauma, and tragedy. A true heart-breaker but a definite must-watch.
See the original post on Youtube
Big Little Lies (2017)
Technically, this isn’t a miniseries since HBO produced a second season, but IMO, the second season doesn't exist. The spectacular cast, direction, and plot are what make this miniseries a big hit. I get why HBO renewed the show for a second season as fans (lol, me) couldn’t get enough of the small group of mothers taking over Monterey, California. From murders to marriage betrayals, this 2014-novel-turned miniseries will have you on the edge of your seat..couch…you get the saying.
See the original post on Youtube
You Might Also Like
