For decades, HBO has fed us series that first become cultural phenomena and then... disappoint with their finales. But some shows made it from pilot to finale without a single misstep — like an Olympic champion who didn’t stumble at the final hurdle. Sorry, Game of Thrones, we'll get to you in another article.
Silicon Valley (2014–2019)
Creators: Mike Judge (director of Idiocracy, by the way).
Imagine: you wrote brilliant code, but the world around you is so absurd that even your 'non-compressible' technology turns into a parade of humiliations. Richard Hendricks is Icarus in a hoodie: his startup, Pied Piper, soars and crashes — every time because of human stupidity, not algorithmic bugs.
Why it’s awesome: — Ruthless humor. They’re not laughing at geeks here, they’re laughing at a system where even a genius is doomed to become a puppet in the hands of investors with the IQ of a houseplant. — Gilfoyle. Seriously, this cynical, satanist engineer (Martin Starr) could lecture in philosophy — if he didn’t consider humanity unworthy.
And yes, Silicon Valley is the only show where 'data compression' looks more epic than the battle for the Iron Throne.
Eastbound & Down (2009–2013)
Creators: Danny McBride, Jody Hill.
Yes, it premiered in 2009, but Kenny Powers (McBride) is so timeless that he says goodbye to social conventions like he does to an ex-wife: with swearing and a kick (which we do not condone!).
A former MLB pitcher turned gym teacher with a god complex, Kenny is like Training Day in the world of sports. He’s toxic, ridiculous, and... damn charming. The show doesn’t try to 'fix' him — it hands him a shotgun and a bottle of whiskey and watches what happens.
The best part: It’s like Rocky in reverse. Instead of rising, it's about falling. Instead of motivation, an endless stream of self-destruction. And still, by the finale, you’re screaming, "Go, Kenny!"
Barry (2018–2023)
Creators: Bill Hader, Alec Berg.
Barry Berkman is a hitman who suddenly wants to become an actor. The problem is, his 'method' isn’t Stanislavsky — it’s a 9mm pistol.
Yes, it’s a masterpiece, and here’s why: — A tone like Pulp Fiction. One scene is a comedy bit about acting classes, the next is a chilling moment with a body in the trunk. — Hader’s genius. His Barry is a child who accidentally picked up a grenade and now doesn’t know how to throw it away.
The most heartbreaking moment of the show: Barry crying as he remembers his first victim — and then killing again…
Succession (2018–2023)
Creator: Jesse Armstrong.
King Lear on steroids and corporate training sessions. The Roy family is a viper’s nest where everyone’s ready to slit each other’s throats for a share in the media empire.
Why it hooks you: — Dialogues like knives. Here, saying 'I love you' sounds like a threat. — Logan Roy. Brian Cox plays a patriarch who looks more dangerous in pajamas than some do in body armor.
If The Office is about hating coworkers, Succession is about hating family. Deeper. Pricier. With lawyers.
Veep (2012–2019)
Creator: Armando Iannucci.
Selina Meyer (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) is a ruthless, sharp-tongued politician whose ambition knows no bounds — and whose biggest obstacle is the endless incompetence of those around her.
Why you fall in love with the show: — The density of jokes. In Veep, punchlines fly like bullets in Bonnie and Clyde. Miss a line, and you’re an outsider. — Pure cynicism. No 'good politicians' — just rat races for approval ratings.
