The HBO network has been a leader in producing some of the most creative, interesting, and popular series for many years. In recent years, HBO has been a powerhouse of comedy, including some of the most beloved and acclaimed comedy series of all time.
These include classics such as The Larry Sanders Show and Curb Your Enthusiasm, but more recent additions, such as the satire Silicon Valley and the quirky Barry, have also made their marks.
There’s no shortage of tremendous original comedy on HBO, and with most streaming services now, you can find all of these shows easily. Here’s a look at the best HBO comedy series, both old and new.
- Veep
Veep is an American political satire comedy series created by Armando Iannucci. Julia Louis-Dreyfus stars as the ambitious and foul-mouthed Selina Meyer, who occupies the office of the Vice President of the United States.
The show is known for its sharp writing and witty takes on U.S. politics and bureaucracy. Veep won 10 Emmy Awards and produced 7 seasons from 2012 to 2019. It’s certainly one of the best comedy series of all time and must-watch for comedy-lovers.
- Barry
Barry is an American dark comedy series created by Alec Berg and Bill Hader for HBO. The show focuses on Barry Block, the titular character played by Hader, a former Marine turned hitman-for-hire who discovers a passion for acting.
The series beautifully shows Barry’s inner turmoil as he struggles to make sense of his violent act, and the show also stars a great cast that also includes Stephen Root, Sarah Goldberg, and Henry Winkler.
The show has been critically acclaimed since its premiere, with Hader and Winkler winning Emmys for their performances. Barry has aired two critically acclaimed seasons on HBO, with a third season scheduled for early 2021.
- Silicon Valley
Silicon Valley is an American sitcom created by Mike Judge and John Altschuler. The show stars Thomas Middleditch as Richard Hendricks, a programmer who gets his start in the tech world, and follows him and his startup company Pied Piper.
The show is heavily focused on the humor of the tech industry and startups, and smartly critiques the Silicon Valley culture. Silicon Valley has won multiple Emmy’s for its funny and smart writing and has been nominated for many more.
The series ended after six seasons in 2019, and was named a “certified classic” by the show’s creators.
- Curb Your Enthusiasm
Curb Your Enthusiasm is an American comedy series created by Larry David. The show stars David as a fictionalized version of himself and follows him through his life and various life crises.
The series is known for its awkward and often cringe-worthy moments, and its large ensemble cast features some of the best comedic talent of the last two decades, including Susie Essman, JB Smoove, Jeff Garlin and Richard Lewis.
The show ran for nine seasons and has earned numerous Emmy nominations. It’s widely considered to be one of the best comedy series of all time and is still widely beloved and popular today.
- The Larry Sanders Show
The Larry Sanders Show is an American sitcom created by Garry Shakman and Dennis Klein, and it stars the late great Garry Shandling. The show follows the exploits of its namesake, a fictional late night talk show host.
The show featured an impressive list of guest stars, from rip-roaring comics such as Jon Lovitz, to A-list celebrities such as Winona Ryder, and was immensely popular in its time.
The show won multiple Emmy Awards for its writing and direction, but most of the credit has to go to Shandling, who brilliantly portrayed his role as Larry Sanders. The series ran for six seasons and has become a true classic.
HBO has been a leader in producing some of the highest-quality content for over a decade, and comedy is no exception. The network has an impressive lineup of comedy series, both old and new, that are sure to please any comedy lover.
This list is a great selection of some of the best original comedy series on HBO, and there are plenty more to explore. So, if you’re in the mood for a great laugh, be sure to check out any of these classic shows.
