Ranking Every HBO Drama Series From Worst To Best
10. Carnivale
A strong contender for HBO’s all time most underrated show, this bizarre story of mysticism and mystery in a Great Depression-era travelling circus was never built to last. It was too weird, too oblique, moving too much at its own stately, confident pace. Get onto its wavelength, though, and it’s an unforgettable bit of TV.
The ambitious storytelling builds up to a battle between good and evil - a young man (Nick Stahl) and a twisted preacher (Clancy Brown) each imbued with supernatural powers and on a collision course that may shape the very future of humanity.
While it can’t live up to this standard, it has the vibe of Twin Peaks (not least due to the presence of diminutive performer Michael J. Anderson), and similarly dwells entirely within its own universe - you vibe with it or you don’t, it’s uncompromisingly confident and bizarre.
The two seasons picked up a cult following but the low viewership couldn’t keep the pricey show on air. It’s continued to win fans since, and will most likely keep doing so long into the future.