Top 10 HBO Shows

Let's get one thing clear.  I feel like Oz would be on this list if I was strong enough to get past season two.  That show is emotionally taxing and I just can't get through it now.  Because of that, here are 10 HBO shows I've actually seen every episode of, sometimes multiple times!

Hello Ladies.gif

Show/Rank:
#10-
Hello Ladies (2013)

Best Reason to Watch:
Sue me!  I saw this show before I met my wife, Pauline.  I was feeling like a version of Stuart at the time and I just locked in.  Add to that my complete adoration for The Office and Extras and you've created a must watch for me.  The show has some genuinely funny moments and tries to explore what it's like navigating friendship and romance.
 

The Leftovers.gif

Show/Rank:
#9-
The Leftovers (2014)

Best Reason to Watch:
I didn't watch Lost so I guess I jumped on watching The Leftovers so I wasn't left out of another TV phenomenon.  I've always stated that I don't know why people should watch this show I just know I love it.  The fact that the show initially didn't concern itself with uncovering a mystery was actually a plus for me.  Something mysterious happens in the first scene of the show and it was just entertaining and hypnotic being able to watch how everyone interurprted that myterious event.

Flight of the Conchords.gif

Show/Rank:
#8-
Flight of the Conchords (2007)

Best Reason to Watch:
If you're a fan of Filmakers then you know the general idea was what if we did Flight of the Conchords but with short films instead of songs.  So yeah, this show was always going to show up on this list, it had a serious influence on what I find funny and how I want to create comedy.  The best reason to watch the show, though, is that the Brett and Jemaine are just great guys to hang out with.  Plus Murray kills every scene he's in.

Curb Your Enthusiasm.gif

Show/Rank:
#7-
Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000)

Best Reason to Watch:
I was initially put off by this show because I just didn't like Seinfeld.  I was also put off by the clips I saw where Larry would get so indignant when met with opposition.  Luckily fellow Filmakers creator/Sick,Wicked&Nasty member and all around great guy, Joel, told me to watch season six with the Blacks.  I was won over.  I love that Larry sticks up for what he thinks is right or just doesn't do things he doesn't want to do.  I wish I could be Larry sometimes and that's the best reason to watch.

Game of Thrones.gif

Show/Rank:
#6-
Game of Thrones (2011)

Best Reason to Watch:
I'm constantly trying to come up with the best reason for Pauline to watch Game of Thrones.  If it isn't so you can tune into my discussions with Aidan after each episode it's gotta be so you can watch all the power plays, alliance forming, and dope battles.  People who don't like Game of Thrones always cite dragons as the biggest drawback.  I would argue that you don't even get into the real dragon stuff till season 5 or 6 and by that point you're already in.

Veep.gif

Show/Rank:
#5-
Veep (2012)

Best Reason to Watch:
In terms of laughs per minute I don't think you can do much better than Veep.  It's great to re watch these episodes since you probably laughed over jokes during the first viewing.  It is definitely a mean spirited show but I'm ok with that.  I also think it has one of the strongest cast of supporting characters for a comedy.  Everyone has their bag of tricks and nail it every time they get a chance.  I guess what I'm saying is, the best reason to watch is to pick up new ways to insult people in addition to some great cringe humour set in the arena of world politics.

Boardwalk Empire.gif

Show/Rank:
#4-
Boardwalk Empire (2010)

Best Reason to Watch:
I'm a big fan of shows that give you people to root for on both sides of an issue.  Boardwalk Empire definitely delivers.  The mix of fictional characters and real life gangsters was impeccable to say nothing of the acting clinics put on week to week!  So there's your reason to watch.  Some might say that the  time period covered in this show getting the Martin Scorcese, and an alum from the following entry, treatment make this a no brainer.   But,  I'd say the Chalky White storylines are what gave the show the extra bit of intrigue and kept the show feeling fresh.

The Sopranos.gif

Show/Rank:
#3-
The Sopranos (1999)

Best Reason to Watch:
Yeah it took me sometime to get over the fact that this wasn't going to play out like Goodfellas the TV show.  Even though most actors were in both, this show, that constantly flirted with comedy, was more a deep dive into the mind of a gangster.  Realistically, it shouldn't have taken me so long to get on board but here we are.  There are some great cameos on this show, including one from Lin-Manuel Miranda!  But that's not why you should watch.  That's just a testament to the drawing power of the show.  What will keep you watching is the fact that  Tony is sometimes more worried about  threats from family members, like his mother, than legitimate mobsters!

Deadwood.gif

Show/Rank:
#2-
Deadwood (2004)

Best Reason to Watch:
There is something about this show that comes off as Shakespearean.  It's mostly because you know that they're not speaking like everyday people but it's ridiculously entertaining.  Not just the abundance of swearing, it's how dramatic and descriptive people can get with their swearing and non swearing words.  I could tell you to watch for the character development, especially when it comes to Ian McShane's Al and Timothy Olyphant's Seth.  The truth, however, is that it's the dialogue that makes this show so special.

The Wire.gif

Show/Rank:
#1-
The Wire (2002)

Best Reason to Watch:
The best reason to watch this show is because everyone likes this show!  Don't come to me with "meh I didn't like this episode..."  Just watch it.  Watch all 5 seasons then tell me you don't think it's one of the best TV shows ever made.  There is something for everyone in this show and it pulls off the someone to root for on both sides trick so well.  The Wire sports a DEEEEEP bench of characters for people to love or love to hate and the story of Baltimore's streets, docks, politics, schools, and media will have you going back for multiple viewings of each season.

-YG