The Best HBO Series of the 1990s
These are the best 1990s HBO series, ranked from best to worst by user votes. Throughout the 1990s, HBO released award-winning programs for a variety of audiences... including a few shows that would go on to be some of the greatest TV shows of all time. Some of the best 1990s HBO series were unforgettable dramas and some other top 1990s HBO shows were fringe-comedies. The point is, HBO had a little something for everybody in the 90s. So, what are the greatest 90s HBO series? Vote up your favorites!
What are some of the shows that appear on this best 1990s HBO series list? The Sopranos is one of the all-time greats. As soon as this good 90s HBO show premiered in 1999, it was clear that it was going to be a hit. The Sopranos took home over 20 Emmy Awards during its six-season run. Oz was another good show that aired on HBO during the 1990s.
In 1998, America fell in love with Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw in the HBO hit Sex and the City. Other great shows that are featured on this top 1990s HBO shows list include The Larry Sanders Show, The Adventures of Tintin and Arliss.
Do you have a favorite HBO show from the 1990s? Take a look at this list and vote up your favorites!- 1James Gandolfini, Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco
- Premiered: January 10, 1999
- Genres: Crime,Drama
The Sopranos burst onto the scene in 1999, staking its claim as one of the most popular and groundbreaking shows of the decade. With a powerhouse cast led by James Gandolfini as the troubled mob boss, Tony Soprano, the show explored the intricate dynamics of the criminal underworld combined with the complexities of family life. Making an indelible impact on television history, the series introduced audiences to a compelling, flawed anti-hero who struggled with balancing the various aspects of his professional and personal life. As a result, The Sopranos is remembered as a master class in character-driven storytelling.
- 2John Kassir, Kirk Douglas
- Premiered: June 10, 1989
- Genres: Drama,Fantasy,Horror
Tales from the Crypt, a chillingly delightful series that aired from 1989 to 1996, featured the infamous Crypt Keeper introducing each episode with spine-tingling humor. A talented array of guest stars and directors, including Arnold Schwarzenegger and Tom Hanks, contributed their skills to this twisted anthology show, displaying macabre stories designed to entertain and terrify. Drawing from a rich comic book source material, Tales from the Crypt remains a beloved entry in the pantheon of anthology television.
- 3Ernie Hudson, Terry Kinney, Harold Perrineau
- Premiered: July 12, 1997
- Genres: Drama
As one of the first gritty and intense dramas to air on HBO, Oz set a high standard when it premiered in 1997. The show followed the lives of inmates and staff at the fictional Oswald State Penitentiary, uncensored and raw. Boasting a cast boasting such talents as Eamonn Walker and J.K. Simmons, Oz had a distinct cast of characters and taut, unpredictable storylines that kept viewers on the edge of their seats. A groundbreaking series, Oz undeniably paved the way for future television dramas.
- 4Susan Block, Barbara Carrellas, Annie Sprinkle
- Premiered: 2009
- Genres: Documentary
Real Sex, HBO's documentary series, provided a candid and fascinating look into the multifaceted landscape of human sexuality between 1990 and 2009. Each episode took viewers into the various subcultures, practices, and preferences that explore different aspects of adult intimacy. With its non-judgmental approach to sensitive topics, the show left a lasting impact on the way society discusses and regards the subject of sex.
- 5Brian Benben, Chris Demetral, Denny Dillon
- Premiered: 1996
- Genres: Sitcom, Comedy
Dream On, which aired from 1990 to 1996, offered a unique blend of sitcom antics and innovative storytelling as it followed the life of Martin Tupper, a book editor played by Brian Benben. Interspersed throughout the episodes were clips from black-and-white films and TV shows that added an extra layer of humor and creativity for viewers to savor. The show's adept handling of mining cultural nostalgia for laughs secured its spot as one of HBO's more memorable series.
- 6Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis
- Premiered: June 7, 1998
- Genres: Comedy
Sex and the City, premiering in 1998, followed the lives of four women—Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda, and Samantha—navigating New York City and all its messiness, love, and heartache. With memorable performances by Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon, and Kim Cattrall, the show became known for its unabashed exploration of female sexuality, frank discussions, and breathtaking fashion. A cultural phenomenon, Sex and the City spawned two movies and remains a beloved gem in the HBO legacy.
