5 Most Inspiring HBO Series of All Time (And For All Tastes)
Over the past several decades, HBO has produced some incredible television, becoming a leader in original cable TV series.
Nowadays, most people identify HBO with the likes of Game of Thrones and Westworld, not exactly what you’d call wholesome programming.
However, HBO has also produced some truly inspirational shows, the kind of stories that inspire you to action, whether that’s to push through life’s challenges, hone your craft, or dream big.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the most inspiring HBO series of all time. Each is diverse in both its subject matter and way it inspires, so there’s something for everyone.
What's so valuable about HBO is they tell stories. We learn from stories.– Gloria Steinem
1. The Comeback
The Comeback, starring Friends’ Lisa Kudrow, originally debuted in 2005 (just one year after the series finale of Friends). It follows Kudrow’s character Valerie as she attempts to make a comeback in her career as an actress.
It’s an interesting view into how Hollywood operates, especially for an aging actress trying to pave her way in a culture where execs treat woman over 30 as old and tired. The show serves as a great example of persistence and teaches you to never give up, no matter the adversity.
The show was canceled after just 13 episodes, however, it would come to be seen as far ahead of its time, predicting the ridiculousness of what reality TV would become years later. It was renewed for eight more episodes over nine years later in 2014.
2. Band of Brothers
Created by Steven Spielberg along with Tom Hanks and Erik Jendresen, Band of Brothers is based on the story of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division during WWII.
While unsurprisingly rough and emotional, Band of Brothers is also incredibly inspiring. At its heart, it’s a story about love and brotherhood, the power of leadership, standing up for yourself, and overcoming incredible adversity.
3. Treme
Treme is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. When it first came out, most people thought it would be like The Wire, however, audiences were both let down and pleasantly surprised all at the same time because of its originality.
And while Treme is most certainly grounded and realistic like The Wire, it turned out to be a much more mundane look at post-Katrina New Orleans -- not from the point of view of law enforcement and the associated crime it wrestled, but from the average person.
Treme is a show about people reeling from tragedy but also rising up amidst that adversity and maintaining strength, so it serves as an inspiration for anyone going through tough times.
4. Bored to Death
Bored to Death was never a huge hit, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a great show. Starring Jason Schwartzman, Zach Galifianakis, and Ted Danson, Bored to Death is about writer and part-time detective Jonathan Ames (played by Schwartzman) and the crazy adventures he and his buddies go on.
The show is both entertaining and inspiring for writers and storytellers, however, because the show centers around Ames’ crazy antics to spur his creativity and make his next novel a reality, it’s inspiring for anyone looking to make something happen with their life.
5. Enlightened
Starring Laura Dern as Amy Jellicoe, Enlightened is about a woman looking to reinvent herself and the challenges she encounters along the way to make that a reality. It’s funny and at times frustrating but always satisfying, especially if you’re looking for a great story that encompasses a wide range of human emotions.
Enlightened is about believing change is possible and making that change a reality. Not only personal change but also changing the world around us on a larger scale. The main character Amy has easily one of my favorite lines from any TV show ever, which serves as her mantra throughout the series. It’s, “You can be wise, and almost whole.”
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.