During the awesome 1990s, HBO unleashed a wave of mind-blowing programs that captivated all kinds of audiences. These shows skyrocketed to legendary status and became the stuff of TV dreams. Brace yourself for unforgettable dramas and offbeat comedies that ruled over the best HBO series of the 90s. HBO was the ultimate entertainment destination for everyone in that rad decade. So, which shows stole the spotlight?
Prepare to dive into a world of pure television magic with these iconic 90s HBO series. At the top of the list is the one and only, The Sopranos. This masterpiece hit the scene in 1999 and took the world by storm. With over 20 Emmy Awards in its pocket during its epic six-season journey, The Sopranos redefined television excellence. Another gem from that era was Oz, a show that left a lasting mark on viewers’ hearts.
In 1998, the incredible Sarah Jessica Parker enchanted audiences as the fabulous Carrie Bradshaw in the HBO sensation, Sex and the City. This show stole hearts and became a cultural phenomenon. The list of top 1990s HBO shows also includes The Larry Sanders Show, The Adventures of Tintin, and Arliss, all of which brought their own unique flavors to the table.
Do you have a personal favorite HBO show from the 1990s? Brace yourself for a trip down memory lane and discover the wonders of this list. Dive in and relive the magic of these unforgettable shows!
1. The Sopranos
The Sopranos made its debut in 1999 and quickly became a sensation, standing out as one of the most popular and groundbreaking shows of its time. Led by the talented James Gandolfini, the series delved into the complex world of organized crime, while also exploring the challenges of family life. It left a lasting impression on television, introducing viewers to a compelling and flawed anti-hero, Tony Soprano, who grappled with the demands of his work and personal life. The show is widely regarded as a prime example of character-driven storytelling.
Premiered: January 10, 1999
Actors: James Gandolfini, Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco
2. Tales from the Crypt
Tales from the Crypt was an incredibly captivating series that ran from 1989 to 1996. It had the notorious Crypt Keeper as the host, who would kick off each episode with a perfect blend of bone-chilling humor. The show boasted an impressive lineup of guest stars and directors, with the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Tom Hanks lending their talents to this twisted anthology. Brace yourself for a dose of entertainment and terror as Tales from the Crypt brought to life macabre stories that were sure to leave you both entertained and scared. With its roots in the rich source material of comic books, this show has rightfully earned its place in the hearts of anthology television lovers.
Premiered: June 10, 1989
Actors: John Kassir, Kirk Douglas
3. Oz
Oz was one of the first gritty and intense dramas to hit HBO back in 1997. It set the bar pretty high right from the start. This show took us inside the fictional Oswald State Penitentiary, giving us a raw and uncensored look at the lives of the inmates and staff. With a talented cast that included Eamonn Walker and J.K. Simmons, Oz had a unique group of characters and gripping storylines that always kept us guessing. It was truly groundbreaking and opened the door for future TV dramas.
Premiered: July 12, 1997
Actors: Ernie Hudson, Terry Kinney, Harold Perrineau
4. Real Sex
The HBO documentary series, Real Sex, was a captivating exploration of human sexuality from 1990 to 2009. It delved into the diverse world of adult intimacy, shedding light on various subcultures, practices, and preferences. The show’s non-judgmental approach towards sensitive topics made it truly fascinating and left a lasting impact on how society talks about and perceives sex.
Premiered: 2009
Actors: Susan Block, Barbara Carrellas, Annie Sprinkle
5. Dream On
Dream On, a TV series that ran from 1990 to 1996, was a special mix of sitcom entertainment and inventive storytelling. It revolved around the experiences of Martin Tupper, portrayed by Brian Benben, who played the role of a book editor. What made the show stand out was its clever use of black-and-white film and TV show clips, which brought an additional element of humor and creativity. This unique approach gave viewers something extra to enjoy. Dream On’s skillful incorporation of cultural nostalgia for comedic effect made it a series that HBO viewers will always remember.
Premiered: 1996
Actors: Brian Benben, Chris Demetral, Denny Dillon
6. Sex and the City
Sex and the City premiered in 1998 and took us on a journey through the lives of four women – Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda, and Samantha – as they navigated the messy world of New York City, with all its love and heartache. The show featured amazing performances by Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon, and Kim Cattrall, and it quickly became famous for its honest exploration of female sexuality, open discussions, and jaw-dropping fashion. It became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring two movies and leaving a lasting imprint on HBO’s legacy.
Premiered: June 7, 1998
Actors: Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis
7. The Kids in the Hall
The Kids in the Hall had this self-titled sketch comedy show that ran from 1989 to 1995. They had this quirky and irreverent way of looking at everyday life that really caught people’s attention. The show had a bunch of talented folks like Dave Foley, Bruce McCulloch, Kevin McDonald, Mark McKinney, and Scott Thompson. Their absurdist humor and unforgettable characters really made fans fall in love with them. It was a breath of fresh air in the world of sketch comedy.
Premiered: October 16, 1988
Dave Foley, Bruce McCulloch, Kevin McDonald
8. Taxicab Confessions
Taxicab Confessions, a captivating series that blended the intrigue of true-crime documentaries with the gritty authenticity of New York City, graced our screens from 1995 to 2006. This show allowed us to indulge in a voyeuristic pleasure, as hidden cameras clandestinely recorded genuine conversations between taxi drivers and their passengers. The emotions evoked throughout were a rollercoaster ride, ranging from heart-wrenching to hilarious, and always unfiltered. Taxicab Confessions truly stands as an iconic representation of the immersive “fly-on-the-wall” documentary style.
Premiered: January 1, 1995
Actors: Chris Moriarty, Rita Scott, Eddie Ramey
9. The Chris Rock Show
The Chris Rock Show burst onto the scene in 1997, introducing audiences to the exceptional talent and one-of-a-kind viewpoint of stand-up comedian Chris Rock. With its sharp monologues, captivating interviews, and skits that effortlessly straddled the line between uproarious and politically charged, the show quickly established itself as a platform for shedding light on significant matters while delivering ample laughter. It’s safe to say that The Chris Rock Show made a lasting impression, solidifying its place as one of HBO’s standout comedy programs.
Premiered: February 7, 1997
Actors: Chris Rock, Grandmaster Flash, Monteria Ivey
10. Def Comedy Jam
From 1992 to 1997, Def Comedy Jam caused quite a stir. It was a platform that featured a bunch of incredibly talented stand-up comedians, a lot of whom ended up becoming major players in the industry. Martin Lawrence was the original host, and then D.L. Hughley took over. The show was crucial in giving minority comedians a chance to showcase their unique comedic styles. Def Comedy Jam had this special mix of humor and boundary-pushing jokes that really made a mark on the comedy scene. It played a big role in shaping the careers of big names like Bernie Mac, Chris Tucker, and Dave Chappelle.
Premiered: 1992
Actors: Kid Capri, D.L. Hughley, Adele Givens
11. The Larry Sanders Show
The Larry Sanders Show ran from 1992 to 1998 and offered a fictionalized and satirical peek into the world of late-night talk shows. With Garry Shandling, Jeffrey Tambor, and Rip Torn in the lead roles, the show’s sharp humor and memorable catchphrases made a lasting impression on its dedicated viewers. It received high praise for its innovative comedic style, which paved the way for future mockumentary-style TV shows.
Premiered: June 12, 1992
Actors: Garry Shandling, Jeffrey Tambor, Rip Torn
