The 10 Best HBO Series

The network HBO was originally conceived as a pay-service for showing feature films to a cable audience. Beginning in the mid-nineties, however, HBO became as well known for its original programing (television series, movies, and features) as for its original purpose. In fact, if you ask most people, they'd agree that some of the best series on television have been on HBO. Here are the ten best original television series to air on HBO:

10. True Blood (2008-present) Admittedly, True Blood isn't exactly a great show, but it is a great guilty pleasure, and has definitely made its mark on the culture. Whether it will still be relevant after the current vampire craze has gone by the wayside is yet to be seen, but as it stands now, True Blood is a fun and delightfully trashy diversion.

9. Carnivàle (2003-2005) Though it never really reached wide audiences, Carnivàle is known for its rabid fanbase. This little-seen show focused on a traveling circus during the Great Depression and the Dustbowl. The series thematic focus on the nature of good and evil left many critics torn, but those who loved Carnivàle were incredibly dedicated to the series.

8. Sex and the City (1998-2004) Whether you can't get enough of Sex and the City or you absolutely hate it, you have to admit that the show became a cultural force at the turn of the last century. Sex and the City has spawned a movie and its upcoming sequel, and has become cultural shorthand. For that reason alone, it would be difficult to argue with its inclusion on any list of HBO's best series.

7. Mr. Show (1995-1998) Sketch comedy typically has a difficult time reaching wide audiences, and many networks balk at airing sketch comedy shows. Thankfully HBO took a chance on Mr. Show, which starred Bob Odenkirk and David Cross. Many comedy fans rank Mr. Show among the greatest sketch comedy shows, right up there with Monty Python, The Kids in the Hall, and SNL.

6. Deadwood (2004-2006) Perhaps better known for its often, um, colorful language for anything else, Deadwood merged historical fact and fiction to create a memorable HBO series. Critics counted the show's writing, unique dialog, and acting among its notable strengths.

5. Six Feet Under (2001-2005) Following the lives of various members of the Fisher family, who are the proprietors of a Los Angeles funeral home, Six Feet Under has been lauded by critics since its first episode in 2001. Not only was Six Feet Under a critical darling, it also drew in a huge audience.

4. Flight of the Conchords (2007-2009) Flight of the Conchords is a testament to the gambles HBO has been willing to take with its television series. Though I've yet to meet anyone who doesn't love the show, which focuses on the often mundane activities of New Zealand's fourth most popular novelty folk duo, it can't have been an easy sale. Critics and audiences responded to Flight of the Conchords with nearly unanimous praise.

3. The Sopranos (1999-2007) Though HBO had plenty of original series before The Sopranos (see numbers 2, 7, & 8 on this list, for example), it was this show that really gave HBO its reputation for quality original series. The Sopranos is so ingrained into our culture that even people who've never seen the show can probably name several of the main characters. Many critics attribute the elevation of television drama to art to this HBO series.

2. The Larry Sanders Show (1992-1998) One of the few sitcoms to routinely make critics' "best television series of all time" lists, The Larry Sanders Show is notable both for its use of guest stars, normally in self-deprecating roles, and the way in which it was filmed. Many contemporary sitcoms (Arrested Development, 30 Rock, The Office to name a few) have been influenced by The Larry Sanders Show's use of a single-camera set-up and lack of laugh track.

1. The Wire (2002-2008) Not only do television snobs and respected critics alike agree that The Wire is the best HBO series, many people consider it to be the best television series, period. Known for its hyper-realistic portrayal of drug and crime culture in Baltimore, The Wire is harrowing and often hilarious. The Wire definitely earns top spot on any list of the best HBO series.