Best HBO Original Series

HBO has established itself as one of the leaders in broadcasting quality original programming. From "The Sopranos" to the recent success of "True Blood," they always seem to be pushing the boundaries, showing us the bounds to which we can take art. If you are looking for a great way to liven up an afternoon, try one of these shows, which are the best original programming produced by HBO.

The Sopranos

This show, which follows a gangster and his family, is one of the most successful series to have graced this network. Widely praised (and sometimes criticized) for its unflinching depiction of violence and its complicated characters, this show does not flinch from showing us the darkness that is very much a part of our current cultural moment. Although it is now off the air, it remains one of the best series that HBO has ever produced.

Rome

If you want to plunge yourself in into the fascinating world of ancient Rome, then you are definitely going to want to watch this show, which tells of the last days of the Roman Republic and the first of the Roman Empire under the rule of the Emperor Augustus. Known for its depiction of the violence, bloodshed, and sex that was such a part of the Roman world, it was remarkably true to history (as far as any fictional series can be, at any rate). The production values are excellent, the action riveting, and the characters riveting. This is definitely one of the finest series produced by HBO.

True Blood

This show, which follows the adventures of a telepathic waitress named Sookie Stackhouse, has taken HBO by storm as one of its most popular series ever. With the smoldering sexual tension between Sookie and vampires Bill and Eric, to say nothing of the numerous secondary characters (many of whom are quite interesting in themselves) this is one show that proves that vampires are as popular now as they have ever been, if not more so. With sex, blood, and violence, what's not to love about this show? If you're in the mood for some good vampire fun, then be sure to watch this HBO series.

Angels in America

This miniseries, which is an immensely well-done production of a very popular stage play, follows the story of several individuals dealing with the emotional complexities of dealing with AIDS. The combination of an enormously powerful story, along with the phenomenal acting talents of giants like Al Pacino, Meryl Streep, and numerous others makes this an HBO series worth remembering.

If you are looking for the finest in programming on HBO, then you will definitely want to watch some of these shows, past and present. They are a great way to spend an evening or an afternoon.