5 Greatest HBO Miniseries to Stream Right Now

Whether you’re interested in historical dramas, psychological thrillers, or true-crime documentaries, HBO’s miniseries lineup has something for every viewer.

These 5 shows, despite their differences, offer the viewers unforgettable experience, blending unique plot lines with stunning performances.

1. Chernobyl (2019)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Chernobyl has 95% from critics and 97% from viewers.
• On IMDb, Chernobyl has 9.3/10.

As the tragedy at the center of this dark series recently marked its 39th anniversary, it's time to revisit the haunting story of Chernobyl. This historical drama offers a harrowing recounting of the 1986 nuclear disaster that hit the Soviet Union and the world.

The miniseries carefully recreates the catastrophic event, focusing not only on the immediate aftermath, but also on the systemic corruption and human error that led to it.

The performances in the series are nothing short of extraordinary, with Jared Harris leading a stellar cast as Valery Legasov, a scientist who played a key role in uncovering the truth.

2. Band of Brothers (2001)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Band of Brothers has 94% from critics and 97% from viewers.
• On IMDb, Band of Brothers has 9.4/10.

Band of Brothers is one of the most iconic war dramas ever made. Produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, it chronicles the experiences of Easy Company, a group of soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division, from their initial training to the end of World War II.

It doesn’t just capture the brutality of war, but humanizes the soldiers, exploring their camaraderie, fears, and personal losses.

3. Sharp Objects (2018)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Sharp Objects has 92% from critics and 83% from viewers.
• On IMDb, Sharp Objects has 8/10.

Based on Gillian Flynn’s acclaimed novel, Sharp Objects is a deeply psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Amy Adams stars as Camille Preaker, a journalist investigating a series of brutal murders in her small hometown while grappling with her own traumatic past. The show is a slow burn, with a dark, unsettling atmosphere that lingers throughout its eight-episode run.

“Series like Sharp Objects is why I love HBO so much. They have a number of these one season, limited series that are just super high quality and interesting. I agree, the acting was high level, the vibe was well done, intense and interesting. And probably still the most memorable post-credit scenes in a TV show that I have seen,” Redditor LonesomeWulf said.

4. We Own This City (2022)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, We Own This City has 93% from critics and 78% from viewers.
• On IMDb, We Own This City has 7.6/10.

From the creator of The Wire, David Simon's We Own This City is a gripping six-part miniseries that dives deep into the world of police corruption in Baltimore. Based on the true story of the Gun Trace Task Force, the series reveals how a group of corrupt cops exploited the very system they were sworn to protect.

What sets the series apart is its unapologetic examination of systemic injustice. While it doesn't sugarcoat the actions of its characters, it also refuses to reduce them to mere villains. Instead, it paints a nuanced picture of a broken system in which personal ambition and institutional corruption collide with tragic consequences.

5. I'll Be Gone in the Dark (2020-2021)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, I'll Be Gone in the Dark has 96% from critics and 69% from viewers.
• On IMDb, I'll Be Gone in the Dark has 7.4/10.

Based on Michelle McNamara's posthumous book, I'll Be Gone in the Dark is a gritty, documentary-style miniseries that follows McNamara's relentless pursuit of the Golden State Killer, a serial predator who eluded capture for decades.

Blending true crime investigation with personal reflection, the series reveals McNamara's obsession with the case and her deep understanding of the psychological toll it has taken on her.