21 September 2021
7 of the best HBO shows ranked
With Succession S3 now landing in weekly episodes on Showmax, express from the US (new episodes every Monday!), we’ve rounded up the top-rated HBO series in South Africa – from classics like The Wire and The Sopranos to the pop-culture phenomenon that is Game of Thrones and the Emmy darling Chernobyl.
They’re all ready to binge-watch, from the very beginning, on Showmax.
IMDB rating: 8.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 86%
What is it about?
Two Roman soldiers are caught up in the bloody end of Julius Caesar’s rule in this sumptuous BBC/HBO drama. The series shows in brilliant detail the lives of the most ordinary and the wealthiest citizens.
What do the critics say?
The Guardian: “This hearty, meaty dish is nicely seasoned with humour.”
IMDB rating: 8.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 78%
What is it about?
The anthology series covers a different grisly murder investigation in each season, with an all-star cast in each, from Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey in Season 1, Vince Vaughn and Rachel McAdams in Season 2, and Mahershala Ali in Season 3.
What do the critics say?
RogerEbert.com: “this is engaging, dark, complex material, anchored by a great performance from Ali.”
For real-life true crime, try:
IMDB rating: 9.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 92%
What is it about?
Tony Soprano has recently inherited his father’s ruthless and influential crime family, and will have to do whatever it takes to protect its wealth, power and security for the rest of his reign. But he’s also got personal problems – in his relationships with his wife, his children and his mother – that threaten to overburden him.
What do the critics say?
The Ringer: “The Sopranos came up with an ending just as murky and disorienting as the 85 hours that led up to it. Rather than betray its ethos by bowing to convention, The Sopranos went out on its own terms.”
IMDB rating: 9.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 89%
What is it about?
The medieval fantasy epic is based on the George RR Martin series of novels called A Song of Ice and Fire. Two opposing families and their allies vie for control of the Iron Throne and to rule the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros.
What do the critics say?
TIME: “With its shocking plot twists, dark themes and giant budget, Thrones became a phenomenon and a cultural touchpoint.”
Watch these documentaries about the series:
- Game of Thrones: Behind the Scenes
- Game of Thrones: The Last Watch
- Game of Thrones Reunion Hosted by Conan O’Brien
IMDB rating: 9.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 94%
What is it about?
Step into the streets of Baltimore, where gritty cops and clever drug dealers square off in this brilliant crime thriller where right and wrong is never black or white.
What do the critics say?
Globe and Mail: “The series is beautifully detailed, rich in humour, and filled with full, rounded characters.”
Look out for Michael K Williams as the show’s most entertaining anti-hero, Omar.
IMDB rating: 9.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 96%
What is it about?
Starring Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgård and Emily Watson, this highly acclaimed miniseries dramatises the catastrophic event that rocked Europe in 1986: the explosion of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant.
What do critics say?
Vox: “It’s always compelling and often terrifying.”
Also watch HBO’s critically acclaimed documentary about the aftermath of the disaster, Chernobyl Heart.
IMDB rating: 9.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 97%
What is it about?
In 1942, a disparate group of young men begin voluntary training to become members of one of America’s newest military regiments. Under the harsh leadership, members become elite soldiers. Starring Sean Penn, Damien Lewis, Donnie Wahlberg and more.
What do critics say?
New York Post: “After watching the 10-hour “Band of Brothers,” I’m so drained by the intensity of what I have just beheld that I’m ready to declare this World War II miniseries the finest piece of work ever produced for television.”
Also watch We Stand Alone Together: The Men of Easy Company, the documentary about the story depicted in Band of Brothers.
More highly rated series to stream
What about HBO Max in South Africa?
HBO Max isn’t currently available in South Africa but Showmax and DStv online offer some of the best HBO Max Originals to stream.
