HBO as we know it was still in its infancy during the 2000s. At this time (and in the decades since its creation), the then-premium cable channel mainly focused on accessible films or longer series that viewers could follow along with for numerous seasons. Somewhere along the way, they incorporated short-form storytelling that lasted for one season; storylines were constrained yet profound with what little time they were given.
Interestingly, the majority of HBO miniseries during this decade focused on historical fiction, telling stories about prominent figures and events. Additionally, there was a surge in war genre content, which proved successful for HBO in both critical acclaim and viewership. Some miniseries consist of conventional episodes lasting only one season, while others are broken up into two, three, or four parts of a longer length. Yet, they all managed to tell a compelling narrative in what little time they were given. From Angels in America to Band of Brothers, these are the greatest HBO miniseries of the 2000s, ranked.
10
‘The Passion’ (2008)
Created by Frank Deasy
The Chosen is a recent success story revolving around the life of Jesus Christ, told through historical fiction. But decades before that, HBO released a miniseries about the religious figure that garnered just as much interest. The four-part serial follows Jesus Christ (Joseph Mawle) in his final weeks as told through religious text.
Each part focuses on one story from the Bible, concluding with a dramatic depiction of his crucifixion and resurrection. Audiences are familiar with the story of Jesus Christ; it’s the story that makes The Passion so captivating. Filming took place in Morocco to replicate a Middle Eastern setting, and it would ultimately reach nearly 4.9 million viewers upon its release in 2008.
9
‘Tsunami: The Aftermath’ (2006)
Created by Abi Morgan
Movies and TV shows about natural disasters never fail to engage with audiences. Unlike other projects on the subject, Tsunami: The Aftermath is not based on real people who endured the event. It’s a fictional tale inspired by the tragic event, one that many were still struggling to fathom and the devastation it caused. Tsunami: The Aftermath was a two-part miniseries released in 2006 – just two years after the devastating disaster.
The story follows those navigating the aftermath of the tsunami, specifically foreign travelers vacationing on the island. As such, their lives seemingly intersect as they attempt to survive and reunite. Despite a relatively positive reception – and many accolades at awards ceremonies – Tsunami: The Aftermath was met with controversy; the miniseries was filmed in the very same locations affected by the tsunami, and failed to incorporate stories from Thai natives. For example, 2011’s The Impossible considered the experience of locals and allowed some time for victims to heal. It provided a much more nuanced depiction of the earthquake and subsequent tsunami. Regardless, this 2000s HBO miniseries is one to watch.
8
‘House of Saddam’ (2008)
Created by Alex Holmes and Stephen Butchard
Another miniseries in partnership with the BBC, House of Saddam, focuses on just that: notorious Iraqi politician, Saddam Hussein (Yigal Naor). While it was directly connected to the timely Iraqi War, House of Saddam goes beyond that by examining his rise to power beginning in the 1970s following a coup he led. House of Saddam is not entirely a documentary, but rather an origin story for the political figure-turned-dictator.
This is where the miniseries starts and continues through four 60-minute episodes. During that time, Hussein married, had sons, and shifted relationships with his family as he took on more authoritarian control; this twisted family dynamic is often compared to The Sopranos (though the two are wholly different). House of Saddam concludes with the then-ongoing Iraq War and the eventual fall of Hussein and his regime.
7
‘Summer Heights High’ (2007)
Created by Chris Lilley
Summer Heights High is an early aughts cult classic starring the brilliantly hilarious Chris Lilley. Not only did the talented comedian write the show, but he also stars as all three main characters. Lilley utilized his ability to transform into various characters: popular high schooler Ja’mie King, mischievous schoolboy John Takalua, and 37-year-old teacher Mr. G. They each played an essential role at the titular Summer Heights High School.
While this might seem like a daunting challenge, the worldbuilding in Summer Heights High transcended its cringeworthy mockumentary format and fostered deeper coming-of-age themes. Two spinoffs resulted from the show’s success: Ja’mie: Private School Girl and Jonah from Tonga. Although it’s an Australian show, HBO purchased the rights to the series, allowing it to air within the United States. This would not be the first (or last) time that the streaming service partnered with other production studios to expand their discography to diversify content and audience reach. In the case of Summer Heights High, this proved beneficial.
6
‘Elizabeth I’ (2005)
Created by Nigel Williams
Elizabeth I has been the subject of many movies, TV shows, and documentaries. She lived a fascinating life worthy of attention. The HBO miniseries is one of the best depictions of Elizabeth I (played by Helen Mirren) – an impressive title considering its vast competition as each takes their creative liberties worthy of respect and admiration for the long-reigning monarch. The Channel 4 series made its way to HBO after its original release and did just as well in the United States, suggesting a long-standing interest in the subject matter.
As the story goes, Elizabeth I reigned during a tumultuous time in England and Europe, marked by significant religious and political upheaval. Elizabeth I focuses on this, as well as her romantic relationships along the way. Additionally, Elizabeth I is known for never producing an heir, ending the Tudor dynasty. It’s a depiction of the queen’s latter years told over two parts. Interestingly, the monarch is often depicted with dramatic powdered white makeup – something that the miniseries did not do. It’s a more existential story that won Mirren – and the series – numerous Emmy Awards that year.
5
‘Generation Kill’ (2008)
Created by David Simon, Ed Burns, and Evan Wright
HBO’s Generation Kill is one of many shows on the streaming service depicting war. This time, it focused on a topic that was still fresh in the minds of Americans – the (then-ongoing) Iraq War. Based on journalist Evan Wright’s 2004 book of the same name, Generation Kill is a piece of narrative fiction following the U.S. Marine Corps’ 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, which Wright reported; characters were based on their likeness and his experiences.
With a strong main and supporting cast, and a setting mimicking Iraq, Generation Kill was applauded for its ability to showcase the emotional and physical toll of the war on both U.S. soldiers and the people of Iraq. Overall, the seven-part miniseries tackles the United States’ presence in Iraq with humility, allowing for a more authentic depiction of the events that took place. Generation Kill served as an important piece of American history early in the 21st century.
4
‘John Adams’ (2008)
Created by Kirk Ellis
Long before Hamilton came a historical fiction piece about another U.S. Founding Father: John Adams (Paul Giamatti). There have been many biopics about American presidents, but this HBO miniseries allowed for a more in-depth exploration of Adams’ life throughout its seven episodes. John was more than just a Founding Father, as the miniseries explores. It serializes his life during the Boston Massacre of 1770 and continues until he died in 1826.
It’s not that Adams lived in the shadow of his presidential predecessor (George Washington); his many accomplishments are just more widespread, as is his prevalence in the formation of the United States. This is well-documented throughout history, making the accuracy of the miniseries all the more compelling. But John Adams didn’t just go into the historical figure’s role in politics and international affairs; he was a family man with a dutiful wife and children. The series is based on David McCullough‘s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel and went on to receive its accolades at the 2008 Emmy Awards.
3
‘Angels in America’ (2003)
Created by Tony Kushner
Mike Nichols‘ 1991 Pulitzer Prize-winning play laid the foundation for a topic often considered taboo at the time, acknowledging the ongoing AIDS crisis on stage for one of the first times. There have been numerous adaptations since 1991, including an opera performance and an on-stage revival (starring Andrew Garfield). But it’s HBO’s version of Angels in America that truly captured Nichols’ intentions. It’s long enough to tell a succinct story without compromising unnecessary exposition.
Angels in America covers very real, often difficult topics, including sex, gender, politics, and race. But it does so with humility and honor. It’s a lot like Rent in that way, following the lives of New Yorkers during the 1980s AIDS epidemic. They are all loosely connected in some way, affected by the disease and its lasting effects, signifying the reality of this era through various perspectives.
2
‘The Corner’ (2000)
Created by David Simon and David Mills
Consider The Corner as a prequel to The Wire. In many ways, it can be said that the former inspired HBO’s beloved series. Indeed, HBO often employs the same roster of actors in their many shows – the same goes for directors. As such, both The Corner and The Wire were created by Baltimore-based journalist David Simon; they share many similarities, depicting life in Baltimore and the surrounding issues related to drugs and poverty.
The 2000 HBO miniseries, however, differs from The Wire in that it takes direct stories from Simon’s novel of the same name, incorporating real people and events into the show’s six episodes. The Corner focuses on one family and their direct relation to the drug war happening in Baltimore at the time. The miniseries also taps into themes of love, support, and redemption. The Corner is not an easy watch, but it is worth recognizing, particularly for fans of The Wire.
1
‘Band of Brothers’ (2001)
Created by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg
Band of Brothers is often considered one of HBO’s greatest miniseries of all time – and the best war TV show altogether. It certainly earned that title. Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg were not done telling the stories of soldiers during WWII following their Oscar-winning 1998 movie, Saving Private Ryan. Although Band of Brothers is not a sequel, the two do share connections that suggest they occur within the same world. The miniseries even draws connections to characters from the movie. At its core, Band of Brothers is a character study of one battalion’s bond during World War II.
It’s a piece of historical fiction based on the real-life Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. The miniseries is full of empowering moments of anticipation as the group goes through training, followed by the harshness of battle. A major reason for Band of Brothers‘ reception is its respect for historical accuracy. This is a series that required extensive research. The miniseries boasts high ratings on IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes, and won both an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Television Miniseries in 2002.
Band of Brothers
- Release Date
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2001 – 2001
- Network
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HBO
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Donnie Wahlberg
C. Carwood Lipton
