HBO has long been a powerhouse in prestige television, consistently delivering series that have redefined small-screen storytelling. Even within HBO’s impressive catalog, some titles rise above the rest, earning not just praise from fans, but near-unanimous approval from critics as well. Rotten Tomatoes, with its aggregate scoring system, offers a clear look at which series have truly captivated reviewers. Earning a 90% or higher on the platform is no easy feat, especially in an era crowded with exceptional TV.
HBO’s top-rated shows span genres and decades, showcasing the network’s versatility and enduring influence on the television landscape. Whether these stories are dark and unique dramas or razor-sharp satires, the network has produced projects that have stood the test of time and have set the gold standard for quality. The best HBO series with nearly-perfect Rotten Tomatoes scores can be appreciated by fans just discovering them for the first time or those revisiting their favorite stories over and over again.
9
‘In Treatment’ (2008–2021)
Tomatometer Score: 91%
Uzo Aduba with fancy earrings and nice clothes looking at someone off-screen on In Treatment.Image via HBO
In Treatment is a character-driven drama that follows psychotherapist Dr. Paul Weston (Gabriel Byrne) as he conducts intimate, often emotionally charged therapy sessions with a rotating group of patients, while also confronting his own personal and professional struggles. Each episode centers on a different patient, with Paul’s supervisory or personal therapy sessions providing insight into his inner life, including his relationship with his former mentor, psychotherapist Gina Toll (Dianne Wiest). The 2021 series reboot stars Uzo Aduba.
In Treatment‘s Rotten Tomatoes score is well-earned, since it’s an intense, minimalist character study driven almost entirely by dialogue and performances. The show’s therapy-session structure strips storytelling down to its essentials by following two people talking in a room. This creates a level of emotional tension and psychological insight rarely seen on TV. The series handles trauma, relationships, identity, and mental health with nuance and realism, avoiding sensationalism and inviting viewers to empathize deeply with every character.
8
‘Deadwood’ (2004–2006)
Tomatometer Score: 92%
Timothy Olyphant as Seth Bullock in a hat and tie with an angry expression in Deadwood.Image via HBO
Deadwood is a Western drama set in the fictional gold-rush camp of Deadwood, South Dakota, in the 1870s. The series blends historical figures with fictional characters, and follows the town’s chaotic evolution from a rough mining outpost into a community struggling with greed and corruption. Deadwood specifically follows Seth Bullock (Timothy Olyphant), a former Sheriff, and Al Swearengen (Ian McShane), a saloon owner who frequently finds himself in trouble with the law.
Deadwood‘s Tomatometer score makes sense, since it’s one of HBO’s most epic series. Rather than romanticizing the Old West, the series portrays the brutal, messy process of building a new civilization, and what a violent process this was. Every character in Deadwood feels fully realized, with believable motivations, contradictions, and growth. These characters constantly navigate murky ethical territory, which makes them easy to invest in.
7
‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ (2000–2024)
Tomatometer Score: 92%
Larry David talking with his hands up in Curb Your Enthusiasm.Image via HBO
Curb Your Enthusiasm is an improvisational comedy series created by and starring Larry David as an exaggerated version of himself. The series is shot in a loose, documentary-like style and follows Larry as he clashes with friends, strangers, and celebrities over minor grievances, misunderstandings, and unspoken social rules. Curb Your Enthusiasm offers hilarious insight into the rules of modern etiquette and presents a character who always has a bone to pick with somebody or something.
Because Curb Your Enthusiasm had such a long tenure, it was always in a unique position to comment on how society has evolved, especially in recent years. It’s high score on Rotten Tomatoes indicates that it has made a cultural impact and remains relevant. Curb Your Enthusiasm‘s willingness to poke fun at show business adds to its sharpness and appeal. The series’ long-term relevance makes it stand out as one of HBO’s most innovative projects.
6
‘Boardwalk Empire’ (2010–2014)
Tomatometer Score: 92%
Steve Buscemi as Nucky Thompson in ‘Boardwalk Empire’Image via HBO
Boardwalk Empire is a crime drama set in Prohibition-era Atlantic City. The series specifically follows the life and career of Enoch “Nucky” Thompson (Steve Buscemi), one of Atlantic County’s most important political figures. As the 1920s unfold, Boardwalk Empire sees Thompson navigate shifting alliances with other power brokers while balancing his public image as a civic leader with his secret life as a kingpin. The series also ties in with the stories of real historical figures like Al Capone (Stephen Graham), Lucky Luciano (Vincent Piazza), and Arnold Rothstein (Michael Stuhlbarg).
Boardwalk Empire is one of HBO’s best series that’s earned a fantastic Tomatometer rating because it combines powerful performances, historical authenticity, and sophisticated storytelling. Its storytelling is slow-burn, dense, and ultimately pays off, which makes it worth the investment. Boardwalk Empire‘s commentary on the American Dream, especially the corrupt, violent version, is a major reason viewers and critics still regard it as prestige television. Ultimately, this series presents a compelling vision of the violence that characterized American society at this time, and the people who took advantage of this period of nearly unrestrained societal growth.
5
‘Veep’ (2012–2019)
Tomatometer Score: 93%
Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Selina Meyer looking stressed while talking on the phone in Veep.Image via HBO
Veep is a sharp political satire that introduces Selina Meyer (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), a self-absorbed and perpetually flustered U.S. vice president, and later president, whose ambitions far exceed her competence. Surrounded by an equally inept and dysfunctional staff, Selina navigates political crises, public gaffes, and endless backstabbing while striving to secure power and legacy in Washington, D.C. At its core, Veep is a commentary on the American political system, and those who take advantage of it to further their own interests and consolidate power regardless of what the consequences might be for ordinary citizens.
Veep stands out as one of HBO’s greatest series of all time and deserves its Rotten Tomatoes score since it’s uncomfortably true to real life. Although exaggerated, the series still feels alarmingly realistic, especially as real-world politics grow more absurd. Throughout its run, Veep never shied away from using humor to tell frankly devastating stories about characters who are happy to take advantage of a flawed system for their own gain more often than not.
4
‘The Sopranos’ (1999–2007)
Tomatometer Score: 92%
James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano sitting in a chair in The Sopranos episode From Where to Eternity.Image via HBO
The Sopranos introduces Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), a New Jersey mob boss struggling to balance the demands of his criminal empire with the challenges of his personal and family life. The series specifically looks at Tony’s journey through his relationship with his psychiatrist Dr. Jennifer Melfi (Lorraine Bracco) as he seeks help for the panic attacks he experiences. The Sopranos contrasts Tony’s violent line of work with the challenges he faces at home.
It makes sense that The Sopranos would have one of the highest scores among HBO series because it changed the TV landscape and set a new standard for what these shows could be. Tony Soprano is a deeply nuanced character who’s easy to cheer for even when he’s at his most flawed. This layered depiction set the standard for complex antiheroes on TV. The series is also a unique exploration of complex topics like mental health, trauma, masculinity, and self-deception, which also makes it unforgettable.
3
‘Band of Brothers’ (2001)
Tomatometer Score: 94%
Richard Winters wearing a helmet at night and staring off-camera in Band of Brothers.Image via HBO
Band of Brothers is a series about World War II that follows the experiences of Easy Company, an American Marine unit. The series chronicles their experiences in World War II, beginning with their training at Camp Toccoa. The series then follows these Marines as they experience some of the most intense battles of the European theater, including D-Day, Operation Market Garden, the Battle of the Bulge, and the eventual capture of Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest. Band of Brothers is mainly told from the perspective of Major Richard “Dick” Winters (Damian Lewis), who does his best to keep the men under his command safe in the face of extraordinary circumstances.
Band of Brothers is one of HBO’s greatest series because it combines exceptional historical authenticity with emotional storytelling to create one of the most respected portrayals of World War II ever put on screen. The series is grounded in real interviews, diaries, and extensive research from Stephen E. Ambrose‘s book on which it’s based. Band of Brothers earns its nearly perfect Tomatometer score because it’s a timeless tribute to the sacrifices American veterans made in World War II as they fought for freedom in Europe and beyond.
2
‘Succession’ (2018–2023)
Tomatometer Score: 95%
Succession follows the power struggles within the ultra-wealthy Roy family, owners of the global media empire Waystar Royco. When aging patriarch Logan Roy’s (Brian Cox) health becomes uncertain, his four children, Kendall (Jeremy Strong), Shiv (Sarah Snook), Roman (Kieran Culkin), and Connor (Alan Ruck) vie for control of the company and their father’s approval. Succession chronicles the Roy family as they confront their personal demons while doing their best to consolidate power.
Succession is one of HBO’s greatest series because it remains a cultural milestone. Jesse Armstrong‘s razor-sharp scripts blend high-stakes corporate drama with biting satire, creating dialogue that’s as darkly hilarious as it is emotionally devastating. The cast delivers powerhouse performances bringing nuance and unpredictability to a family locked in a perpetual power struggle. The show also offers a compelling critique of wealth, media influence, and modern oligarchy, reflecting real-world anxieties with terrifying accuracy.
1
‘The Wire’ (2002–2008)
Tomatometer Score: 95%
Idris Elba leans over a podium and holds a coffee mug, looking intently in front of him in The Wire.Image via HBO
The Wire is a crime drama that examines the city of Baltimore through the interconnected worlds of law enforcement, drug dealers, politicians, schools, and the media. Each season highlights a different institution, and delves into how systemic dysfunction, corruption, and neglect shape life for those within and around them. The Wire explores the complexities of power, poverty, and survival by telling deeply human stories about those whose lives are upended by systemic failure.
It makes sense that The Wire holds the distinction of being HBO’s highest-rated series on Rotten Tomatoes because it delivers an authentic portrayal of urban American life. The show transcends the conventions of crime drama by examining how the failures of entire institutions on which people rely have real-world consequences. The writing is meticulous, the performances deeply authentic, and the themes The Wire explores remain profoundly relevant.
The Wire
Release Date
2002 – 2008-00-00
Network
HBO
Directors
Ernest R. Dickerson, Ed Bianchi, Steve Shill, Clark Johnson, Daniel Attias, Agnieszka Holland, Tim Van Patten, Alex Zakrzewski, Anthony Hemingway, Brad Anderson, Clement Virgo, Elodie Keene, Peter Medak, Rob Bailey, Seith Mann, Christine Moore, David Platt, Dominic West, Gloria Muzio, Jim McKay, Leslie Libman, Milcho Manchevski, Robert F. Colesberry, Thomas J. Wright
