The list below ranks the premium networks drama series from the worst to best.
They arealmostall top tier (I didn’t loveOlive Kitteridge).
As forThe Night Of, it’s staying in the miniseries category.
So much hype, so much pedigree, so much waste.
But its examination of surf culture and its lofty philosophical ideas werent conveyed well, and were mostly half-baked.
Adding insult to injury, its ending provided no resolution for those who stuck with it.
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Though it inspired a following at the time, it ultimately remains an enigma.
Still, if you want to get what you pay for with HBO …
17.
While it started off fairly grounded for a vampire show it went crazy off the rails fairly quickly.
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ButTrue Bloodwas always entertaining, even when its cartoonish sensibilities went too far.
The series was engrossing, and a great acting showcase.
When hints were dropped at interesting things, you had to wait until their next session to experience more.
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It was infuriating but also engrossing, and the ambition of the shows format has remained unparalleled.
(Looking back now, it might make for a great binge-watch).
But if it’s not, man, it is an interminable slog.
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It also was one of the first in a growing trend of movie stars coming to TV.
It was historical but also deeply emotional, action-packed, and full of intrigue.
Some took advantage of that, some were swallowed up by it, but resilience defined the series.
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True Detective
Aired: 2014 - ?
HBOs former programming president has actuallyapologized for rushing Season 2into production (though who can blame him?).
Because it was cancelled after two seasons, it frustratingly ended before its many mystical threads came together.
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ButThe Sopranosis still considered, among all TV, the creme de la creme.
Its a rare series featuring mostly black actors that mostly white people watch.
No series in HBOs arsenal of dramas has ever been more relevant, more sincere, or more real.
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