HBO has long been the gold standard for prestige television, from the epic fantasy of Game of Thrones to the crime drama masterpiece The Sopranos. But the network's vault is packed with lesser-known treasures that didn't get the hype they deserved at launch. These shows may have flown under the radar, but they've aged remarkably well—like a fine wine that only gets better with time.
'Years and Years' (2019)
Some apocalypses don't happen overnight—they creep in over years. Set between 2019 and 2034, Years and Years follows the Lyons family, ordinary Britons navigating a slow-motion collapse of politics, economics, and technology. They're not heroes or revolutionaries; just working-class people trying to survive. As society frays, technology becomes both escape and crutch, while the powerful weaponize fear. The scariest part? It all feels terrifyingly real.
'The Night Of' (2016)
A wild night takes a murderous turn in The Night Of. Pakistani-American college student Nasir "Naz" Khan (Riz Ahmed) takes his father's cab to a party, meets a mysterious woman, and wakes up to find her brutally murdered. With no memory of the night, he becomes the prime suspect in a case where the legal system fails him at every turn. This gripping miniseries proves that justice isn't guaranteed—perception often trumps truth.
'Vice Principals' (2016)
It's a battle of the VPs—not Vice Presidents, but Vice Principals. At North Jackson High, Neal Gamby (Danny McBride) and Lee Russell (Walton Goggins) both expect to become principal, but the school hires an outsider instead. The two rivals team up to sabotage her, and the result is comedy gold. Think Abbott Elementary without the heart and with plenty of inappropriate vulgarity. The insane chemistry between McBride and Goggins makes this dark comedy a must-watch. For more overlooked gems, check out our list of forgotten 2000s sitcoms that only got better with time.
'I May Destroy You' (2020)
Recognized as one of television's greatest masterpieces, I May Destroy You is essential viewing in the era of #MeToo. Arabella (Michaela Coel) is a London writer who wakes up disoriented after a night out, realizing she's been sexually assaulted. The show doesn't focus solely on the assault, but on her fragmented journey to process trauma. Her healing is anything but linear—she's a walking contradiction, channeling her pain into various outlets. It's a raw, unflinching look at consent and recovery.
'Perry Mason' (2020–2023)
Decades before The Lincoln Lawyer, there was Perry Mason (Matthew Rhys). Set in 1932 Los Angeles, this noir drama follows the flawed attorney-slash-private investigator as he navigates corruption in the aftermath of the Great Depression. Mason is no hero—he's a struggling alcoholic grappling with WWI trauma, his marriage in shambles. Yet he becomes the face of justice in a world where the system is rigged. For more underrated series, see our roundup of forgotten Netflix miniseries that deserve a rewatch.
These shows may not have dominated the charts, but they've earned their place in the pantheon of great television. Whether you're in the mood for a dark comedy, a gripping legal drama, or a thought-provoking miniseries, these forgotten HBO gems are worth your time. And if you're looking for more hidden treasures, don't miss our list of forgotten hard sci-fi shows that deserve a second look.
