Many of the best TV shows streaming on Max are original HBO series that have cemented the iconic network as one of the best television producers. Known for pushing boundaries on television and giving writers and showrunners creative license to experiment with content and form, it's not surprising that so many series with no bad seasons are housed by HBO. Though there are many exciting contemporary shows currently on the air that could be following this trajectory, like The Last of Us, all of these projects completed their runs with no missteps.

There are many fantasy and sci-fi TV shows that never had a bad season, but regardless of genre, HBO has brought stories to life that touch audiences of all kinds. Today, it's expected that more explicit language and content will be seen in a typical TV show, but HBO was initially on the cutting edge of portraying taboo subjects onscreen. This has allowed the network to take on shows that are well ahead of their time and deal with themes that are capable of remaining relevant well into the modern day.

8 The Leftovers (2014–2017)

An interrogative supernatural drama that tackles life's deepest questions

At the start of The Leftovers, the bleak story can be difficult to watch, even though the quality of the writing and performances is astounding. However, as The Leftovers progresses, the larger meaning of the series comes through, helping the viewer understand and grapple with the tragedies of the show. Each of The Leftovers' three seasons teaches the characters and the audience a new lesson about the story's world. Carrie Coon and Justin Theroux play Nora and Kevin, two of the series' most interesting characters.

Deeply entrenched in discussions of grief and loss, The Leftovers never shies away from the despair of its characters but encourages them to find meaning in the lack of answers within the narrative.

The Leftovers is a fantasy show that never had a bad season, though it's easy to forget that there are supernatural elements within the character-driven drama. Deeply entrenched in discussions of grief and loss, The Leftovers never shies away from the despair of its characters but encourages them to find meaning in the lack of answers within the narrative. Though The Leftovers is sometimes overlooked when it comes to iconic HBO series, it's a strong addition to the network's catalog.

7 The Wire (2002–2008)

This crime drama broke barriers and changed the way the genre is viewed today

The Wire brilliantly tackles each of its subjects and issues introduced in every season, deftly interweaving past plot points and details with new elements of the story. Considered one of the greatest crime dramas of all time, The Wire follows the stories of Baltimore police officers, criminals, lawmakers, lawyers, and everyday citizens, demonstrating how every aspect of the city's gears work together to affect the characters' lives. Boasting an incredible ensemble cast, there's little about The Wire that doesn't work in complete harmony.

Praised for the realism of not only the stories but the characters portrayed onscreen, The Wire was unlike anything audiences had seen up to that point. Many crime dramas have tried to emulate the winning formula of The Wire, but what made the show so successful was the fact that there was no formula. In recent years, the adoration for and notoriety of The Wire have increased, cementing it as a series never to be forgotten.

6 Barry (2018–2023)

Oscillating between dark comedy and pure drama, Barry never disappoints

The comedy series Barry started with a dark premise but quickly dived headfirst into the most dramatic and violent parts of its premise. Starring Bill Hader as the titular character, Barry follows a hitman trying to pivot to an acting career in Los Angeles, which quickly goes off the rails. The final season of Barry was somewhat controversial, but the series' quality and intrigue never faltered. It remained relevant and interesting to the last moments of the series finale, even if it wasn't much of a comedy anymore.

The series is in conversation with the archetype of the antihero and uses Barry's dark past and violent tendencies to juxtapose his desperation to change his life.

Even season 1, which could be considered weaker compared to the later installments, is hilarious and the perfect entrance into the world of Barry. The series is in conversation with the archetype of the antihero and uses Barry's dark past and violent tendencies to juxtapose his desperation to change his life. Since its conclusion, Barry has been cited as one of the best TV shows of the 21st century many times over.

5 Insecure (2016–2021)

Issa Rae cements herself as a singular voice in comedy with Insecure

The star and visionary behind Insecure, Issa Rae, first rose to prominence for her web series Awkward Black Girl, which eventually served as a jumping-off point for Insecure​​​​​​. Rae plays the lead, Issa, with Yvonne Orji co-starring as her best friend, Molly. The characters navigate Los Angeles, their careers, and their love lives, touching upon the racial and social issues that the women face. Consistently breaking stereotypes and mining its premise for comedy, Insecure was hilarious and heartfelt throughout all five seasons.

As the characters gain confidence and find their footing in the world, so does Insecure, changing with the women as they enter new phases of their lives while staying true to the original premise. Insecure sees its characters break away from the problems that hold them back and attempt to make them as uncertain as the series' title, giving them strength and confidence in all aspects of life. Rae's writing and performance were vital parts of what made Insecure so timeless.

4 Girls (2012–2017)

Timely, witty, and subversive, Girls has touched the lives of many viewers

Sharp, witty, and self-aware until its final moments, Girls is largely discussed as a spiritual successor to another iconic HBO comedy, Sex and the City. However, it's a very different exploration of womanhood in the 2010s, as Girls is a series closely connected to its period and to the millennial experience. In conversation with themes of sexuality, coming-of-age, and the privilege of its characters, Girls is both emotionally raw and realistic while being hilariously self-reflexive and over-the-top.

As much about their friendship as it is about these women's emerging identities, Girls has had a resurgence in recent years as a new generation connects with its narrative.

One of the best TV shows set in New York City, Girls sees its characters age out of the romanticism of the city and grow into very different people by the series finale. While each season sees the four central women fall victim to their patterns and failings, they manifest in new ways, and the characters are never stagnant. As much about their friendship as it is about these women's emerging identities, Girls has had a resurgence in recent years as a new generation connects with its narrative.

3 Succession (2018–2023)

The impact of Succession will be felt for decades to come

Not only have the stars of Succession all been heralded as some of the greatest actors of their generation, but the series itself marked a shift in HBO's contemporary identity as a production company. Though HBO has consistently put out some of the most ground-breaking TV of our time, the conversation that Succession sparked and its undeniable popularity were a reminder of HBO's power as a network. Succession is considered the pinnacle of modern series that touches upon the evils of the rich and powerful.

Though the characters in Succession are all despicable, it's enormously fun to watch them stab each other in the back and make fools of themselves as they strive for recognition and notoriety. As the series progressed, Succession managed to shock the audience at every turn, ensuring that the story was impossible to predict until the very end. While it's still easy to wish that there were more seasons of Succession, the spell-binding conclusion was a satisfying finale and demonstrated the writing and themes that make the show so good.

2 Veep (2012–2019)

A political satire that adapted to the changing cultural climate of the real world

Julia Louis-Dreyfus gives an all-time great performance in Veep as Selina Meyer, the fictional Vice President. Throughout its run, Veep was frequently hailed as one of the most accurate portrayals of the ins and outs and pure chaos of American politics. It was never afraid to go too far and touch upon inflammatory subjects. Veep is just as hilarious and relevant today as it was when it first came out in 2012. However, the series became something entirely new throughout the seasons.

The first and second halves of Veep​​​​​'s seasons mark a significant shift in the tone and style of the series, but neither half is better than the other, just different. Throughout the series, Veep was sharp and remained both politically and culturally relevant, weaving contemporary issues into its story and building Selina's character. Though the avalanche of nominations and awards that Veep accrued every season speaks for itself, watching Veep is the best way to understand the show's impact.

1 The Sopranos (1999–2007)

The crime genre was never the same after The Sopranos premiered

The Sopranos might have changed a lot from the beginning to the end of the ground-breaking series, but it never lost its sense of self or attention-grabbing storylines. Anchored by James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano, The Sopranos focuses on the last vestiges of a dynasty of organized crime as Tony and his allies attempt to salvage a way of life that's fading with time. Often considered the preeminent anti-hero, Tony is a cruel and terrifying character, but we can't stop watching him.

When TV critics talk about peak TV and prestige television, it's rare for The Sopranos not to be brought up as part of the conversation. The initial subversion of the crime genre that set The Sopranos apart was the fact that it begins with Tony's decision to start seeing a therapist, Dr. Melfi (Lorraine Bracco), and the dichotomy between this personal work and his violent career as a crime boss. From there, The Sopranos takes its premise and pushes it to its limits, creating some of the best episodes of television in history.