3 HBO shows that changed the world

EntertainmentStreaming3 HBO shows that changed the worldBefore Apple, it was HBO leading the way with event television – here are three shows that changed TV foreverWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

Before Apple, it was HBO leading the way with event television – here are three shows that changed TV forever

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: HBO)

Band of Brothers

(Image credit: HBO)

At a time when TV was nothing more than the usual band of steady but predictable cop shows and sitcoms, HBO came in like an absolute wrecking ball.

Starting in the 1970s, the US cable TV network really began to hit its stride a couple of decades later, forming a reputation for grown-up, fearless, and often shocking original programming. Without HBO we may never have got shows likeSex and the City,The Sopranos,True DetectiveandCurb Your Enthusiasm, for example.

And to think none of those even made into onto our list here just shows you how much quality the network has pushed over the years.Streaming services, such asApple TV+, have definitely caught up in recent times, but these three series truly set the standard.

You can watch them on Max in the US and Sky / Now in the UK.

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The Wire Trailer HBO - YouTubeWatch On

The Wire Trailer HBO - YouTube

The Wire

The Wirealso featured a cast of now household names at the early stages of their careers, including Idris Elba and Dominic West, and sported some of the sharpest dialogue written for screen. Indeed, after its debut in 2002, it has grown to be considered as one of the greatest television shows ever made.

Those expecting explosions, car chases and shootouts will be left disappointed, but the rest of us can revel in masterful, often brutal storytelling.

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Band of Brothers - Trailer - Official HBO UK - YouTubeWatch On

Band of Brothers - Trailer - Official HBO UK - YouTube

Band of Brothers

After showing us a rare glimpse at the brutality of war inSaving Private Ryan, Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks teamed once more for this bold dramatisation of the 101st Airborne regiment and their journey through WW2.

Again focusing on the personal and their experiences during the conflict,Band Of Brotherswas an absolute stand-out show. It changed how action scenes would be depicted and filmed from then on.

We follow our protagonists through the war, their sacrifices, their survival (or not), and due to the level of writing and direction, we feel every second.

Band Of Brotherschanged how we look at war on the small screen, just asSaving Private Ryandid in the cinema, and without it we wouldn’t have had follow-upsThe Pacificnor Apple’sMasters of the Air.

GAME OF THRONES - SEASON 1- TRAILER - YouTubeWatch On

GAME OF THRONES - SEASON 1- TRAILER - YouTube

Game of Thrones

Game Of Thronesblasted onto HBO in 2011 and forever changed how the average television audience saw the fantasy genre. No longer simply a domain for geekyDungeons & Dragonsnerds, this was lavish, exciting, violent, and sexy.

Game of Thrones was (and still is) refreshing and amazingly popular from its very first episode. It was the ultimate “water cooler” show of its time, and became a key part of the cultural zeitgeist.

It’s a shame about the final season… but you can’t get everything right all the time.

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