One Question Has HBO Fans Arguing about the Best Show to Watch Beyond ‘Game of Thrones’
Every now and then, a question is posed on social media that causes a stir, and that’s exactly what happened on January 14th. This time, the question is centered on the TV world, and specifically, the legendary HBO network.
Over the years, HBO has released some award-winning shows that have captivated millions and shifted television culture forever. At the turn of the century, there was the mob-inspired drama The Sopranosand the criminally overlooked The Wire, and believe it or not, the iconic Game of Thrones first premiered in 2011. These popular and critically-acclaimed programs are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to HBO’s prolific catalog, which makes the following question from a social media user even more difficult to answer.
On X (formerly Twitter), user Cinesthetic took to the platform and posed the question, “What’s an HBO series (that’s not The Wire, The Sopranos or GOT) that y’all would recommend?” This inquiry has sparked quite the dialogue, eliciting thousands of responses.
What’s an HBO series (that’s not The Wire, The Sopranos or GOT) that y’all would recommend?
— cinesthetic. (@TheCinesthetic) January 14, 2026
HBO Fans Weigh In
HBO
'Succession' Gains a Groundswell of Support
The responses to the single question vary, and understandably so. However, one title that appears quite frequently is Succession. The Emmy-winning drama was cleverly written and contained brilliant performances from the cast, as a story unfolded of how one man essentially pitted his grown children against one another to see who would succeed him in running his media empire. Outside of the three juggernaut shows mentioned, it’s easy to see why Succession is at the top of many people’s recommendation lists.
Succession. Forever.
— JAMES WEBB (@jameswebb_nasa) January 14, 2026
there is only one right answer, Succesion pic.twitter.com/qmn7mRArGb
— Freak ⛳️ (@ThatNFTGawd) January 14, 2026
'Boardwalk Empire' Shouldn’t Be Forgotten
Again, HBO has a unique relationship with crime dramas, so beyond The Wire and The Sopranos, fans have been advocating for Boardwalk Empire. The period series reflects the Prohibition era of the 1920s and the growing mobster influence in Atlantic City, New Jersey. What’s particularly alluring about the drama is the fact that there are fictionalized depictions of real-life gangsters like Lucky Luciano, Al Capone, and Dean O'Banion.
Boardwalk Empire IYKYK pic.twitter.com/qX80Evsgs1
— James Hanzimanolis (@HyperSalesman) January 14, 2026
'Industry' and 'Euphoria' Have Some Loyal Fans
Two shows that are actively rolling out new episodes on HBO and have large fanbases among fans are Industry and Euphoria. They zero in on young adults and the “darker” problems they may face. Industry Season 4 is “Certified Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes with a 96% score, and Euphoria is arguably the most provocative series HBO has ever released.
Industry.
— Boshi (@BAYCBoshi) January 14, 2026
euphoria.
— glinda (@glindaupland) January 14, 2026
What HBO Show Would You Recommend?
With all of that being said, what do you think? If you were to recommend an HBO show outside of The Wire, The Sopranos, and Game of Thrones, what would it be? As for me, I’d recommend comedies like Veep and Curb Your Enthusiasm. I'd also recommend The Pitt, but technically speaking, that's an HBO Max production.