Game of Thrones, The Last of Us, and the 15 best HBO shows ever, ranked

1. Six Feet Under

Without a doubt, Six Feet Under is my favorite show of all time. The drama series was created by Alan Ball, who later went on to make True Blood for HBO, and debuted in 2001. The show takes place in Los Angeles following the Fisher family, who run a funeral, and are mourning the loss of their father. Each episode begins with a death, which typically connects with the ongoing themes explored, as we watch the family members navigate their professional and personal lives.

As the family deals with death on the daily, they’re faced with existential questions about their own lives and purpose. While the series deals with sensitive topics, it blends dark comedy into the tone, making for a watch that had the viewer feeling all the emotions. The characters are so well-developed and likable, even when they’re making mistakes, and throughout their journeys onscreen it’s so easy to empathize with them.

Six Feet Under does a great job of portraying nuanced and realistic relationships, including the highs, the lows, and the vulnerabilities that come from them.

In its five-season run, Six Feet Under took home nine Emmy Awards — but it deserved more! This show holds such a special place in my heart and the final episode is absolutely wonderful. It’s no surprise the show is widely regarded for having one of the best series finales ever.

All 17 series mentioned in our ranking can be streamed on Max.