Not many networks can take credit for shaping the contemporary television scene quite like HBO. Starting in the late 1990s, this premium cable channel played a pivotal role in establishing the notion of “prestige TV,” consistently delivering groundbreaking series that expanded viewers’ understanding of episodic storytelling. Although not every show they produced became a massive hit, the roster of programs now regarded as modern TV masterpieces is truly impressive, featuring titles like The Sopranos, Deadwood, and The Leftovers, among others.
Nowadays, the television scene has transformed significantly, and HBO is part of that change. Over the past few years, the network that played a key role in launching the prestige TV era has shifted its focus primarily to high-budget series derived from its parent company’s intellectual properties and spinoffs of its most beloved shows. Although they navigated the streaming boom of the 2010s, a lot of their original content is now bypassing HBO and going directly to Max. So, what does the future hold for HBO in the evolving TV landscape?
HBO’s Massive Influence
Considering HBO’s future, it’s important to reflect on the significant impact they’ve had on the entertainment landscape. In the past, television was often viewed as inferior to film, and major stars seldom committed to regular TV roles. Today, however, many top-tier actors, including Nicole Kidman, Cate Blanchett, and Harrison Ford, seamlessly blend their work in both television and film. This shift can largely be attributed to HBO’s groundbreaking success in demonstrating that a compelling TV role can elevate an actor’s career just as much as a hit movie.
HBO’s achievements encouraged other networks to embrace greater risks, resulting in one of television’s most vibrant creative periods during the late 2000s and early 2010s. AMC celebrated its own successes with shows like Mad Men and Breaking Bad, while FX series such as Atlanta and Fargo expanded the possibilities of what a single episode or an entire season could achieve. Even with the rise of streaming as the preferred entertainment choice for many, these networks demonstrated that traditional TV still had a significant impact.
Following significant corporate mergers, the landscape began to shift. For HBO, this transformation was marked by the Warner Bros Discovery merger, which occurred when AT&T separated Warner Media into its own entity, acquiring Discovery’s assets and merging the two companies into what we see today.
Under the leadership of CEO David Zaslav, Warner Bros Discovery has gained a reputation for being tough on creators, scrapping nearly finished projects like Batgirl and Coyote vs. Acme for tax benefits. They’ve also removed several animated series from streaming platforms with minimal notice, often leaving creators in the dark. Since the merger wrapped up in 2022, HBO’s programming has seen significant changes.
HBO’s Present and Future
HBO today presents a stark contrast to what it was just a few years back, showcasing the challenges faced by the entertainment industry in a world recovering from the pandemic. In 2024, many of its top original series are adaptations of Warner’s established intellectual properties, such as The Penguin and Dune: Prophecy, or are spinoffs from earlier successes like House of the Dragon. While some long-standing series from HBO’s golden era, like The Righteous Gemstones and True Detective, still manage to thrive, there has been a noticeable lack of fresh series to take the place of those that have ended.
As we look ahead to 2025, it appears that this trend is on the rise. HBO’s upcoming lineup for 2025 features another spinoff from Game of Thrones titled A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, along with a series based in the IT universe called IT: Welcome to Derry. Additionally, there are exciting announcements for a new Harry Potter series and more adventures in James Gunn’s DCU. On the comedy front, there’s some optimism with projects like The Chair Company from Tim Robinson and Zach Kanin, as well as an untitled venture from Rachel Sennott. However, it seems that scripted dramas may take a backseat in the near future.
This doesn’t mean that these new series won’t meet the high standards that viewers expect from HBO. In fact, shows like 2019’s Watchmen demonstrate that established intellectual properties can thrive when handled by the right creators. However, it appears that the network is now more cautious about investing in projects without an existing fan base compared to how they operated in the past.
HBO isn’t the only player in this shift. Streaming giants like Netflix, which used to thrive on venture capital and take risks on innovative projects, have also adopted a more conservative approach in recent times. As they navigate the tough waters of profitability, these platforms that once transformed the entertainment landscape are now acting more like conventional media companies, raising subscription costs and leaning more on ad revenue than in the past.
Only time will tell if this approach is the new path for HBO or simply a short-term dip as they work on their financial recovery. Still, a few ongoing series have managed to shine and provide some hope. Last Week Tonight is still at the forefront of political comedy, and Julio Torres’ Fantasmas brings a truly original perspective. Here’s hoping that these pioneering series don’t become increasingly rare.