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Because we love an underdog, we are endeavoring to shine the spotlight on a handful of noteworthy HBO series that we think deserve greater acclaim. Some of the showsoutlined below surely have a fanbase, but none of them seem to resonate as widely as the network’s most celebrated efforts. With that in mind, we now present to you seven HBO series nobody talks about.
1) The Leftovers
The Leftovers was a major hit with critics but it didn’t catch on quite as quickly with HBO subscribers. Many of those who have experienced the program take care to praise the performances, the writing, and the unflinching, nuanced depictions of grief contained within. This isn’t the type of show you put on to unwind and relax, but it is widely considered top-tier TV.
The show unfolds three years after the sudden and unexplained disappearance of 140 million people, roughly 2% of the global population. The series, which is based on the Tom Perrotta novel of the same name, has little interest in explaining the particulars behind the mass exodus, instead it focuses on the aftermath and on the profound impact the unknown has on those who still remain.
2) Flight of the Concords
Flight of the Concords series co-creator and costar Jemaine Clement has since gone on to establish himself as a household name, yet the show that helped skyrocket Clement to prominence somehow remains largely underrated. With that said, the show has a small but dedicated fanbase. The inducted have nothing but love for it. Fans connect with the show’s writing and comedic sensibilities. Not to mention, people love the way Clement and Bret McKenzie bring the hilarious lead characters to life.
The central duo play fictionalized versions of themselves, which allows each to personalize their character as well as blur the line between narrative fiction and reality. Each episode sees the duo playing music that’s as catchy as it is comical. Unlike their real-life counterparts, the characters rarely experience any lasting success, a dynamic that lends itself to plenty of self-deprecating setups.
3) Hung
This crass comedy series blends snarky humor with social commentary on the economic strife and uncertainty many of us face. The program follows school teacher Ray Drecker (Thomas Jane) as he takes on a side hustle as a sex worker to make ends meet.
Though the show enjoyed some success early on, ratings dwindled over time, leading to eventual cancellation following the conclusion of the third season. Though lead actor Jane doesn’t get a lot of opportunity to flex his comedic chops, he always does so impressively when called upon. Hung is no exception. Here, he is witty, charming, and likable. Not to mention, he leans into the inherent awkwardness of the setup with aplomb, often striking gold in the process.
4) Los Espookys
Los Espookys is beloved by those who have endeavored to experience the program, yet the show’s status as a Spanish language show made for a US audience likely kept some viewers from connecting. If you’ve overlooked this charming and quirky effort based on an aversion to subtitles, we implore you to give this surreal effort a chance.
The show is charming, quirky, and relatable. It has the potential to appeal to just about anyone, however, horror fans should be the first to take note. The show demonstrates a reverence for the genre, with the proceedings revolving around a core group of friends who turn their passion for horror cinema into a profession, crafting elaborate and unnervingly immersive experiences for the right audience. Viewers seem to relate to the way program blends comedy and horror, frequently delving into surreal thematic elements. During the show’s two-year run, it developed an enthusiastic, albeit small fanbase.
