5 Old HBO Shows That Still Hold Up Insanely Well in 2023

For more than two decades, HBO has reigned as the king of prestige television, not just effortlessly competing with major streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime, but also maintaining dominance among other cable channels. While HBO's recent hits like Game of Thrones, Succession, and The Last of Us dominate current conversations, the network's extensive back catalog of iconic shows proves that older series can still captivate modern audiences.

Here are five vintage HBO shows that continue to impress today:

Deadwood

This iconic Western show remains fresh and original in 2023, thanks to the stellar performances of the main cast and a generous budget that enabled the producers to flawlessly recreate a quintessential Old West town. It's a must-see for all fans of Westerns and complex plots.

Oz

This graphic prison-based show was a significant shock to audiences in the late 1990s, and the series can still unsettle modern viewers as the writers never shied away from depicting violence as realistically as possible. A compelling performance by J. K. Simmons is another reason to give this show a shot.

The Wire

Arguably one of the best television series in the medium's history, the show follows a team of undercover Baltimore police officers. The intricate plotlines and multi-season story arcs make it hard to stop watching. Moreover, the show doesn't seem dated at all, as most of the issues it explores remain highly relevant today.

The Sopranos

Another iconic show, The Sopranos, focuses on the life and troubles of mob boss Tony Soprano, portrayed masterfully by the late James Gandolfini. You've likely heard much praise for The Sopranos, but take our word for it - the show is even better than you can imagine.

Six Feet Under

This dark comedy launched the career of Michael C. Hall, but that's not the only reason Six Feet Under deserves recognition from modern audiences. The ingeniously told story of a family that owns a funeral home not only gave rise to five fantastic seasons but also produced one of the best series finales ever.