15 greatest HBO series of all time

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Image: HBO

11. Deadwood

Deadwood is a historical Western series set in and revolving around the residents of Deadwood, South Dakota in the 1870s.

During its three seasons, this HBO series covered the annexation of South Dakota and incorporated a lot of historical characters into its narrative, blending an authentic historical tone with fictionalized elements.

Writer/creator David Milch’s dedication to authenticity and Ian McShane’s performance as Al Swearengen helped to cement the series as one of the greatest of all time — which is a rare success for a Western these days.

While the show has been off the air for 12 years, there has been much empty talk about a Deadwood movie. The recent news is looking hopeful as David Milch has a script and HBO is looking to start production in the fall.

Image: HBO

10. Game of Thrones

There’s no doubt that Game of Thrones is a cultural phenomenon. It’s the most watched show on HBO ever and everyone I know is practically obsessed with it.

I understand why people love it. There’s magic, intrigue, sex, blood, conspiracies, dragons and war. It’s everything must watch TV is supposed to be in a genre-friendly package.

Some people see greatness. I see a political drama with dragons, neither of which I’m crazy about.

At the same time, the series is populated with fantastically talented and charismatic actors and the writers have certainly not pulled any punches when it comes to sensational and shocking material.

I think this is largely why people remain so entranced by the series — the promise of intrigue and disturbing surprises. Viewers can’t wait to see how dark and how wrong the show can go — the “what will they think of next” factor.

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