The streaming era has brought forth a golden age of television, with online platforms such as HBO and Hulu leading the charge for quality original content. With the increasing popularity of streaming services, clever television programming is no longer limited to broadcast television.
HBO, once known for its feature-length films, has made a name for itself with its thought-provoking series. Its success began in 1997 with “Oz,” a drama set inside the fictional Oswald State Correctional Facility. “Sex and the City” followed, and then came “The Sopranos,” “Six Feet Under,” and “The Wire,” among others. “The Sopranos” was especially influential in redefining television, in that it was one of the first dramas to place anti-heroes front and center, with all their flaws and vices intact. The series’ odyssey of a middle-aged angst-ridden mobster is still thought of as one of the greatest shows of all time.
Hulu, meanwhile, has made impressive strides in the realm of comedy, with such standout hits as “PEN15,” “Shrill,” and “The Great.” “The Handmaid’s Tale,” an adaptation of the Margaret Atwood novel of the same name, has been a standout drama for the platform, winning numerous awards for its timely storytelling and nuanced performances.
Of course, HBO and Hulu are not the only streaming services producing quality shows. Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, and others all have their successful series. But what makes HBO and Hulu stand out is their ability to take risks, to push boundaries, and to offer something original and fresh.
One of HBO’s latest successes is “Watchmen,” a sequel to the celebrated comic book series of the same name. The show takes place in an alternate present-day where masked vigilantes are outlawed, and racial tensions have spiked considerably. It is a show that deals with timely issues but is not afraid to mix in some wacky supernatural elements. It’s a testament to the writer Damon Lindelof, who has also worked on “Lost” and “The Leftovers,” that he is able to weave together such disparate elements into something coherent and entertaining.
On Hulu, “Little Fires Everywhere” showcased a powerful story about the intersections of motherhood, race, class, and privilege. Based on the bestselling novel by Celeste Ng, the series was a critical and commercial hit, thanks in no small part to the leading performances of the cast. “Ramy,” another Hulu series, has also been hailed for its honest portrayal of a first-generation Muslim American struggling to reconcile his cultural and religious background with his modern life.
There will always be debate about what constitutes the best original series of the streaming era. But whether it’s the visceral violence of “Game of Thrones” or the wry humor of “PEN15,” we can all agree that we live in an era where the television landscape is more exciting and diverse than ever before.
