I’m a sucker for a long-running show, because I am a binge-watcher at heart. So what’s better for that than something with five or six seasons and a bunch of episodes? From binge-worthy thrillers to twisty, philosophical sci-fi shows, there are just so many options to choose from nowadays. So many series that can occupy weeks or months of your time, and given the state of the world, it’s a valid way to unwind as well.
But what about when your time is rather limited, or you’re just not feeling up to making a substantial watching commitment? Well, luckily, that’s when a succinct little miniseries becomes must-see viewing. Sometimes used interchangeably with “limited series,” these shorter shows usually have a determined endpoint. And some of the best ones can be found on HBO Max, which actually has a surprising number of miniseries that can be binged in one sitting.
Chernobyl
A devastating historical drama
There’s just something about marrying historical events to a miniseries that results in high-quality content, and Chernobyl is no exception to this. Focusing on the 1986 nuclear power plant disaster, Chernobyl does an excellent job of centering on the humans involved in trying to fix things, and also those who wish to cover it up. It’s not exactly one-hundred percent historically accurate, but it still does a fantastic job of highlighting a disastrous moment in human history.
But Chernobyl isn’t just a by-the-numbers historical series. Creator Craig Mazin expertly subverts standard biodoc tropes with his sharp, emotive writing. It also helps that actors Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgård, and Emily Watson bring their absolute A-game here. There’s a reason that Chernobyl won so many Emmys, and it’s easily one of the best miniseries in recent memory.
Chernobyl
Release Date
2019 – 2019
Network
HBO
Jared Harris
Valery Legasov
Stellan Skarsgård
Boris Shcherbina
Emily Watson
Ulana Khomyuk
Paul Ritter
Anatoly Dyatlov
The Night Of
A chilling murder mystery
I enjoy silly, cozy murder mysteries because they feel very detached from the real world, and they’re easy to watch. The Night Of is anything but cozy. It’s a brutal, grim series that’s not just a simple murder mystery. After Nasir (Riz Ahmed) is accused of murder, he must work alongside his lawyer, John Stone (John Turturro), to prove his innocence.
While this sounds like a fairly typical set-up, The Night Of does a fantastic job of diving into the criminal justice system, flaws and all. Is Nasir being treated fairly? Did he actually commit the murder? We are given clues, but rarely ever concrete answers. Only our instincts and what the characters tell us can guide the way. It’s almost like watching a chilling crime documentary, but fictional. Ahmed and Turturro give some of the best performances of their career, and the deliberate pacing does a nice job of building tension. The Night Of is what a high-quality miniseries should be.
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The Night Of
Release Date
2016 – 2016-00-00
Network
HBO Max
Mare of Easttown
Murder and an engaging lead performance
Kate Winslet is truly one of the best actors around, and Mare of Easttown is the proof in the pudding, so to speak. Yes, the murder mystery elements are very trope-heavy, but creator Brad Ingelsby finds ways to subvert them just enough to keep everything interesting. And Winslet’s performance as Mare is truly a once-in-a-lifetime kind of performance.
Beyond the murder mystery aspect, which is actually interesting and heartbreaking, what makes Mare of Easttown work is the way it focuses on the everyday aspects of life. The tragedies we all face, and how we deal with it. It’s not a light-hearted affair, but I found that the seven episodes just sort of flew by anyway. That, for me, is the mark of excellence, and that’s exactly what this show is.
Mare of Easttown
Release Date
2021 – 2021-00-00
Network
HBO
Kate Winslet
Marianne ‘Mare’ Sheehan
Julianne Nicholson
Lori Ross
Angourie Rice
Siobhan Sheehan
We Own This City
It’s like an updated, more cynical version of The Wire
Writer David Simon is probably best-known for creating The Wire, which is often cited as one of the best shows of all time, and for good reason. But where that show explored the lives of very flawed cops who were generally trying to do the right thing, We Own This City is Simon’s rebuttal to his own work.
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Corruption runs rampant in this factual-based show centered around Baltimore police officers who thought themselves to be untouchable. If you know the actual story going in, you know how it all turns out. But even if you do, We Own This City is an eye-opening look at how absolute power corrupts absolutely, and it’s pretty cynical stuff. Which really works for me, as a fairly pessimistic person in general. And if that’s not enough to convince, stick around for Jon Bernthal’s terrifying performance as Wayne Jenkins, the ringleader of the corrupt force of officers.
We Own This City
Release Date
2022 – 2022-00-00
Network
HBO Max
Jon Bernthal
Sgt. Wayne Jenkins
Wunmi Mosaku
Nicole Steele
Jamie Hector
Sean M. Suiter
Josh Charles
Daniel Hersl
May the miniseries never die
I truly hope that the miniseries never goes out of style. They can rebrand it as a limited series if they want, but it’s such a staple of good, succinct storytelling that’s still long enough to get the point across. HBO Max has become something of a master at crafting these types of shows, and these are just a taste of what they have to offer.
