5 Best HBO Historical Dramas, Ranked
HBO has no shortage of amazing historical dramas, but these series manage to turn real life history into epic stories that rival the best fiction has to offer.
1. HBO's library of historical dramas is considered the best in the streaming world, featuring ongoing and limited series set in various historical periods. The network has told captivating stories about wars, politics, and significant events throughout history.
2. Some of HBO's most distinguished history-based series include "Band of Brothers," "Deadwood," "John Adams," "The Sympathizer," and "Gunpowder." Many of these period dramas have earned numerous awards, solidifying their status as standouts in the genre.
3. "Rome," a two-season series set during the final days of the Roman Republic, focuses on the brutal fall of Julius Caesar and the ensuing power struggles in the city and elsewhere. The show aired in 2005 and 2007, but HBO canceled it after two seasons due to the expensive budget not justifying a third season.
4. "The Gilded Age," an ongoing HBO series about wealthy New Yorkers in the 1800s, boasts gorgeous costumes and set designs. The drama brings together rich families, both old money and new, as they navigate a changing society and explore themes of class inequality and industrial advancements.
5. HBO's "Boardwalk Empire" is set in Prohibition-era Atlantic City and follows the political endeavors of Nucky Thompson, who balances public life with his under-the-radar criminal dealings. The series is praised for its complex characters, dazzling visual portrayal of the 1920s, and engaging narrative filled with twists and turns. The show won 20 Emmys during its run.
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