5 Modern HBO TV Series That Have Already Become Classics, Ranked by Rotten Tomatoes

HBO is rightfully considered the gold standard of quality television: The Sopranos, The Wire, and Boardwalk Empire are synonymous with premium drama.

In recent years the network has continued to set the bar by releasing projects that instantly become part of TV history.

5. 'Euphoria', 2019-2026

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 78%

The creators of Euphoria made wise casting choices and addressed pressing issues facing young people today, such as violence, self-acceptance, sexuality, body image, interpersonal relationships, and substance use.

Zendaya won an Emmy for Best Actress for her main role as Rue, which elevated her career.

17-year-old Rue Bennett had already been in rehab for drug problems. However, that didn't stop her, and she continued to self-destruct even after leaving the clinic. Newcomer Jules, who has her own difficult history, becomes a ray of hope for her.

4. 'The White Lotus', 2021-...

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%

Mike White's comedy-drama series premiered on HBO in 2021. It follows a group of tourists vacationing at an upscale Hawaiian resort and stars Jennifer Coolidge, Jake Lacy, Alexandra Daddario, and Sydney Sweeney.

The show received positive reviews, and Coolidge and Murray Bartlett received Golden Globe and Critics' Choice Award nominations. The series was also nominated for five Emmy Awards.

In the first season, a group of wealthy tourists arrives at White Lotus, a Hawaiian resort run by Armond, the manager. Armond tries to find common ground with all of them until he encounters Shane, the headstrong son of wealthy parents, who has come to celebrate his honeymoon with his wife, Rachel.

3. 'Industry', 2020-...

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%

Created by former bankers Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, the series steadfastly refuses to be viewer-friendly. For instance, the characters frequently employ language that only financiers understand.

The documentary feel is enhanced by the fact that certain plot lines are based on real events, including the tragic story of an intern who died from overwork.

Industry draws on several traditions, from the cynical capitalist theater of Succession to the frankness of Euphoria, but it also develops its own tone.

2. 'Chernobyl', 2019

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%

The miniseries Chernobyl generated a lot of buzz – the show was closely scrutinized, with viewers searching for the creators' shortcomings.

Fortunately, the project had few flaws and cultural gaffes: the screenwriter spent over two years researching documentary sources, poring over scientific and historical books, and speaking with people involved in the accident.

The result was positive reviews, high ratings, and ten Emmy Awards.

1. 'Succession', 2018-2023

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%

This is an example of a smart and risky project by HBO, rightfully considered one of the most intriguing on television and streaming today.

Succession is a wry drama about the spoiled children of a dying media mogul who are fighting for his company and multimillion-dollar legacy. Jeremy Strong, who played Kendall Roy, has received particular praise for his outstanding performance.

Media mogul Logan Roy's health is deteriorating, and he is about to be forced to hand over his company to one of his four children – the problem is that he doesn't see any of them as fit to be the next CEO. Having gotten a taste of power, however, the heirs cling to their father and the company with a death grip.