Yardbarker
Yardbarker
x
The 20 best HBO miniseries
HBO

The 20 best HBO miniseries

HBO is the king of the jungle when it comes to the world of television. For years, the cable television network has brought viewers prestige television of the highest quality in dramatic and comedic forms. It has also found success in the world of streaming thanks to its subsidiary platform, Max. HBO has famously released many successful miniseries that leave a strong impact despite having only a minimal number of episodes. 

 
1 of 20

'Mare of Easttown'

'Mare of Easttown'
HBO

In Mare of Easttown , Kate Winslet stars as the titular Mare, a detective from a small town in Pennsylvania. While investigating a local murder, she tries to keep her dysfunctional life together and deal with grief over her son's recent death. Kate Winslet is completely stripped-back and raw as Mare, ditching any previous Hollywood glamor and giving one of the best performances of her career. The series also features Evan Peters, Jean Smart, and Guy Pearce.

 
2 of 20

'Chernobyl'

'Chernobyl'
HBO

Largely regarded as HBO’s best miniseries of all time, Chernobyl is a grim historical drama that tells the story of the devastating explosion at the Chernobyl Power Plant in 1986. It follows the many people who were involved and affected by the disaster, including power plant workers, scientists, military personnel, firefighters, and families. The show highlights the bravery of certain characters over a period of time and feels incredibly cinematic for a TV show. Chernobyl is both brilliant and terrifying.

 
3 of 20

'Sharp Objects'

'Sharp Objects'
HBO

Based on the novel by Gone Girl Author Gillian Flynn, Sharp Objects is another thrilling small-town mystery carried by a phenomenal lead performance by Amy Adams. Adams plays Camille, a reporter who has been treated for mental illness and returns to her hometown to solve the murder of two girls. Reuniting with her neurotic and cold mother and the delicate half-sister she barely knows, Camille is forced to face her own demons while solving the case.

 
4 of 20

'Watchmen'

'Watchmen'
HBO

DC’s Watchmen was brought to the big screen in 2009, and it got the TV treatment ten years later. In a world where masked vigilantes are treated as criminals, the vigilantes attempt to rebel, while others of their kind try to stop them. This iteration offers a fresh and gritty take on the DC property, exploring political themes and adding new depth to the world. The series won several Emmys, including acting wins for stars Regina King and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. 

 
5 of 20

'Band of Brothers'

'Band of Brothers'
HBO

If Chernobyl has competition for the title of HBO’s best miniseries, Band of Brothers is the contender. The epic war drama, created by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, follows the East Company of the U.S. Army’s 101st airborne division during World War II. The series is often hailed as one of the best depictions of war on screen, from immersive and realistic cinematography to character development and storytelling. It is also the fourth highest-rated show on IMDb. 

 
6 of 20

'I May Destroy You'

'I May Destroy You'
HBO

I May Destroy You is one of HBO’s most powerful and original series, thanks to the genius of Michaela Coel. Coel plays Arabella, who struggles to remember a night out with her friends. After she realizes she was drugged and assaulted, she is forced to reassess all aspects of her life. Coel is a real-life survivor of sexual assault, allowing for authentic and bold storytelling. The series can be difficult to watch, but it raises urgent discussions around consent and relationships.

 
7 of 20

'I Know This Much Is True'

'I Know This Much Is True'
HBO

In the heartbreaking drama I Know This Much Is True, viewers get two Mark Ruffalos for the price of one. Ruffalo plays twin brothers, Dominic and Thomas, with the latter suffering from schizophrenia. Dominic tries to support him and have him released, all while dealing with unresolved family trauma. Ruffalo’s dual performance is an acting masterclass, and he plays two very different characters so well that you forget that there are two Mark Ruffalos on screen. 

 
8 of 20

'The Pacific'

'The Pacific'
HBO

A companion piece to Band of Brothers , and also produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, The Pacific is another war drama that leaves an impact. The story follows three marines from different regiments during the battle between Japan and the U.S. in the Pacific during World War II. While Band of Brothers is the superior of the two shows, The Pacific is still a riveting piece of television that is both thrilling and touching. It stars Rami Malek, among others.

 
9 of 20

'The Undoing'

'The Undoing'
HBO

Megastars Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant joined forces for The Undoing, a thrilling whodunnit mystery. Kidman plays Grace, a wealthy and successful therapist whose life is turned upside down when her family becomes involved in a murder case. After learning her husband may be responsible, she does everything possible to protect her son. The Undoing manages to make the classic murder mystery fresh again with a commanding performance from Kidman and her many coats.

 
10 of 20

'The Outsider'

'The Outsider'
HBO

Based on the novel by horror legend Stephen King, The Outsider sees supernatural forces collide with a classic murder case. When Terry Maitland is accused of murdering his son, those investigating start to think that other unseen forces are at play, making them question everything they believe in. The Outsider contains the perfectly creepy vibes fans have come to expect from King stories and stars Jason Bateman, Ben Mendelsohn, and Cynthia Erivo.

 
11 of 20

'Angels in America'

'Angels in America'
HBO

Angels in America is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Tony Kushner. It follows multiple storylines and characters affected by the AIDS crisis in the mid-1980s. The series features many fantastical elements while also dealing with the real-life issue of AIDS and how it affected so many people in different ways. Prestigious filmmaker Mike Nichols directs the series, which stars Al Pacino, Meryl Streep, Emma Thomspon, Jeffery Wright, and Patrick Wilson.

 
12 of 20

'Olive Kitteridge'

'Olive Kitteridge'
HBO

Three-time Academy Award-winner Frances McDormand pivoted from film to television in 2014’s Olive Kitteridge. The series is set in Maine and follows a retired school teacher who tries to make her marriage work over the course of twenty-five years. Olive has a wicked sense of humor and a harsh demeanor that masks her troubled heart, making her a complex character. McDormand won an Emmy for her incredible performance, as did her co-stars Richard Jenkins and Bill Murray. 

 
13 of 20

'Show Me a Hero'

'Show Me a Hero'
HBO

Based on a true story, Show Me a Hero is a riveting political drama anchored by a soaring central performance from Oscar Isaac. Isaac plays Nick Wasicsko, who becomes the mayor of Yonkers in 1987 and is tasked with building public housing in the town's white and middle-class neighborhoods. This leads to conflict and divides the city, as citizens are fueled by fear and racism. Isaac makes Wasicsko a multidimensional character who is both compassionate and struggling. 

 
14 of 20

'Scenes From a Marriage'

'Scenes From a Marriage'
HBO

Scenes from a Marriage is an English-language remake of the 1974 Swedish miniseries directed by Ingmar Bergman. Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain play a long-time married couple who struggle to keep their relationship alive. Themes of love, monogamy, hatred, and, of course, marriage are examined through the lens of Isaac’s Jonathan and Chastain’s Mira. The story is just as powerful as it was all those years ago, and the chemistry between Isaac and Chastain is magnetic. 

 
15 of 20

'The Plot Against America'

'The Plot Against America'
HBO

The Plot Against America is a unique political drama set in an alternate reality. In this version of history, Franklin D. Roosevelt was defeated in the 1940 U.S. presidential election by Charles Lindbergh. He turns the nation towards fascism, and the story is seen through the eyes of a working-class Jewish family. While the series presents a fictional history, it is still very relevant to the real-life political climate and is elevated by some great acting performances. 

 
16 of 20

'The Night Of'

'The Night Of'
HBO

The Night Of is an addictive thriller that is also one of HBO’s most acclaimed miniseries ever. The plot follows a man who gives a lift to a mysterious woman, bringing her to a house party hosted by his friend. The following day, he wakes up to find her stabbed to death and must prove his innocence when he is charged with her murder. The Night Of is full of suspense and is brilliantly directed and acted, with a tour de force performance from Riz Ahmed in one of his breakout roles.

 
17 of 20

'The Staircase'

'The Staircase'
HBO

Based on a true crime story, The Staircase is a star-studded murder mystery brought to life by HBO’s sleek production. The show follows Michael Peterson, a crime novelist accused of killing his wife Kathleen, who was found at the bottom of a staircase in their home. It goes on to document the sixteen-year court trial that follows. The series portrays different probabilities of what may have happened and features Colin Firth, Toni Collette, Sophie Turner, and more. 

 
18 of 20

'The Young Pope'

'The Young Pope'
HBO

The Young Pope  is a drama with many satirical elements. It follows Lenny Belardo, who became the first American pope and the youngest at forty-seven years old. Instead of following tradition, he begins to change things and make reckless decisions, challenging the Church. The series has an original and unorthodox premise that makes for great dramatic and comedic moments. Jude Law also carries out an entertaining and multidimensional lead performance. 

 
19 of 20

'John Adams'

'John Adams'
HBO

John Adams sees Academy Award-nominee Paul Giamatti play the titular second President of the United States, chronicling his political life and role as one of the country’s founding fathers. It is a highly informative series that explores the U.S.’s first fifty years of development while featuring many other historical political figures such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Alexander Hamilton. Its lavish production and layered performances make for a great piece of television.

 
20 of 20

'Mildred Pierce'

'Mildred Pierce'
HBO

Adapted from the novel of the same name, Mildred Pierce is another hit HBO series featuring Kate Winslet and Guy Pearce. Winslet plays the titular character, a divorced single mother who opens a restaurant business to support her two daughters, the older one with whom she has a strained relationship. Winslet is as magnetic as ever, and the series is directed by acclaimed director Todd Haynes, who is responsible for films like Carol and May December.

Alyssa De Leo

Alyssa De Leo is a freelance writer based in Melbourne, Australia. She has studied both media and screenwriting, and has had her work screened at the Melbourne International Film Festival. She loves writing about film and television just as much as she loves creating her own projects and stories.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

TODAY'S BEST

Chicago Blackhawks at Risk of Losing First Round Pick as Other Teams Pitch Big-Money Offers
NHL

Chicago Blackhawks at Risk of Losing First Round Pick as Other Teams Pitch Big-Money Offers

Mason West is a talented prospect of the future for the Chicago Blackhawks, but it appears he may look to leave hockey for big opportunities in football. The Chicago Blackhawks landed Anton Frondell with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, but it was perhaps their second first-round pick that drew the most intrigue, as they drafted centre Mason West out of the USHL. That pick was intriguing for many reasons, with the 6-foot-6 centre having potential with his talent and his physicality, but now, the team may be in danger of losing the talented 17-year old. According to a report from The Athletic, the No. 29 overall pick has been drawing interest from several NCAA programs to join their team as a football player. Standing at 6-foot-6, the Minnesota native is a star in both hockey and football, tallying 49 points in 31 games at the high school level while also being a star Quarterback, and after putting up 9 points in 10 USHL games with the Fargo Force, the future is bright for him in both sports. Ultimately, at 17-years of age, the future is very bright whichever way West ends up going, but given that the Blackhawks used a first-round pick on him in this past seasons draft, they're clearly confident that they can not only keep him in hockey, but make a good NHLer out of him moving forward.

Oilers to Acquire a Top-Tier Goalie. An Official Trade Offer Is on the Table in a Blockbuster Deal
NHL

Oilers to Acquire a Top-Tier Goalie. An Official Trade Offer Is on the Table in a Blockbuster Deal

The Boston Bruins have been under pressure to retool after a disappointing season, and now a potential blockbuster move could shake the entire NHL. A major trade proposal has surfaced that could send a star goaltender to the Edmonton Oilers, a move that would give them the elite presence they've lacked in net while forcing Boston closer to a rebuild. The deal being floated by multiple outlets would send Edmonton's current starter, Stuart Skinner, along with Matthew Savoie, Beau Akey, and a 2028 first-round pick to Boston, while the Oilers land a goaltender capable of changing their Cup window overnight. Edmonton's push for a franchise goalie could reshape the Western Conference and challenge the Dallas Stars' path to the Cup If this trade goes through, the Oilers would instantly address one of their biggest weaknesses, setting up a showdown with teams like the Dallas Stars, who already see Edmonton as one of their toughest rivals. Boston, on the other hand, would fully commit to a rebuild, pairing Joonas Korpisalo with Skinner in what could be one of the NHL's weakest tandems, likely boosting their draft lottery odds in one of the most hyped draft classes in recent memory (NHL.com). An insider noted, "They weren't the only ones who had inquired about Swayman, but yes, I was told they poked around." That comment shows just how wide the interest is for this level of goalie talent (Heavy.com). I think this kind of trade would completely shift the balance of power in the West, making Edmonton even more dangerous for teams like Dallas, who could end up facing a vastly upgraded Oilers team in the playoffs. If Boston truly embraces a rebuild, moving their top goaltender could be the first domino in a massive roster overhaul, something that could shake the market for weeks.

Packers starter hits back at Matt LaFleur, calls for 'bus fine'
NFL

Packers starter hits back at Matt LaFleur, calls for 'bus fine'

Matt LaFleur is earning the ire of several of his Green Bay Packers players early in training camp. On Tuesday, LaFleur punished offensive tackle Rasheed Walker for his altercation with defensive end Kingsley Enagbare. However, the most interesting interaction of the day came between LaFleur and tight end Tucker Kraft. Per Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, LaFleur called out Kraft for two questionable fumbles during the first week of practice. Both "fumbles" came after the play was over or when the ball fell out of bounds. "Certainly, we all know what kind of player Tucker Kraft is and can be," LaFleur said. "He can’t allow Evan Williams to reach around and punch a ball out, so it is challenging everybody and hopefully that makes us that much better.” The third-year tight end took issue with LaFleur calling him out in front of the media and blamed the coaching staff for implementing practice rules that made it easy for offensive players to fumble. "I’d say a lot of the times — there’s certain rules you play with in practice, like just letting the defense punch repeatedly," Kraft said. "You’re not allowed to stiff-arm. I guess all I have are excuses. Yes, I am working on not fumbling the ball in practice." Schneidman said Kraft answered the question with a tone of sarcasm. Kraft was frustrated that he couldn't defend the ball by stiff-arming a defender trying to poke the ball from his undefended arm. Kraft acknowledged that during practice, he has to "play by the rules" LaFleur makes and is trying to work on having a "yes sir, no sir" attitude with his head coach. He then made a vague reference about a "bus fine" and accused LaFleur of throwing him under the bus in front of the media. Schneidman believes the tight end might actually be calling for Green Bay to fine LaFleur after his discouraging quote Tuesday morning. "So yes, the Packers’ third-year tight end might be calling for his head coach to be fined — not by the league, of course, but by the team — for what he perceived as throwing him under the bus," Schneidman wrote. "Is Kraft being serious about fining LaFleur? "Probably not. Is he peeved LaFleur called him out? It sure seems like it." LaFleur might do better to have a conversation with Kraft before dragging his name into news conferences with reporters. It's clear Tucker doesn't see eye-to-eye with LaFleur about fumbles. This is a good reminder to those getting overly excited or nervous reading practice reports that what happens at practice should be taken with a grain of salt. Most likely, Tucker is going to be fine.

Matt LaFleur has high praise for Packers' secret weapon
NFL

Matt LaFleur has high praise for Packers' secret weapon

When you think about what the Green Bay Packers can do on offense in 2025, it starts with quarterback Jordan Love and quickly pivots to star running back Josh Jacobs. Those two will be the fulcrum that allows the Packers offense to shine this upcoming season, especially if both remain healthy. From there, there are high expectations for tight end Tucker Kraft, while someone in the wide receiver group of Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks and rookie Matthew Golden has to step up to become a star — or at least as close to it as possible. Those weapons, plus an innovative offensive mind in head coach Matt LaFleur should keep Green Bay's offense humming among the best in the league all season, but there is one player who can put points on the board but is getting barely any attention nationally during training camp. And to be fair, kickers barely get any attention unless they're missing kicks, but kicker Brandon McManus is a game-winning secret weapon the Pack have in their back pockets as they head into this crucial season. If the Packers want to be a Super Bowl contender, they will need to win close games against good teams. Offense is exciting to watch and defense wins championships, but special teams is often the difference between winning and losing in the NFL. Luckily for the Packers, McManus is coming off a season in which he hit 20 of 21 field goals after being picked up to replace rookie Brayden Narveson. The Packers had high hopes for Narveson, but he missed five kicks in his first six games season. From a massive question mark at kicker to a veteran who is as consistent as they come, the Packers head into 2025 feeling extremely good about the kicking operation. "I don't even think about it," LaFleur said of McManus and the kicking operation on Monday at training camp, according to the team website. "It's great." McManus hasn't missed yet during training camp, and his leg already appears to be in midseason form. On Monday, he nailed three kicks from 45 yards and hit a long of 56. According to long-snapper Matt Orzech, McManus' secret is that he takes each kick as it comes and doesn't let anything get into his head. "It's kind of been that way ever since he got here," Orzech explained. "Even through all the crazy winter months with the wind, it's crazy on that practice field, but he handles it in stride. He never lets a miss of what he thought a line would do get to his head, and he just keeps taking each kick as it is." That's a mindset that won games for Green Bay in 2024, and McManus will be a weapon for the Packers in 2025 as long as he stays healthy and confident in his leg.