8 HBO Shows That Still Hold Up Surprisingly Well

HBO has produced many iconic series, and several still feel fresh years after their premieres. Spanning drama, comedy, and true crime back to 1999, these eight shows hold up against newer offerings and are available to stream on HBO Max. The Sopranos (1999–2007) plays like a movie in episodic form, following Mafia boss Tony Soprano as he balances crime, family life, and therapy.

The Wire (2002–2008) examines how the criminal justice system intersects with government, schools, media, and the drug trade, built from the experiences of a former police reporter and a former homicide detective. Six Feet Under (2001–2005) centers on a funeral-home family and its navigation of death, relationships, and grief, and is often noted for its cast and series finale.

The Newsroom (2012–2014) pulls back the curtain on a fictional news channel, probing trust, bias, and fairness in coverage. Silicon Valley (2014–2019) skewers the tech world through a young programmer's struggles amid incubators, corporate power plays, and eccentric billionaires.

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