Join a lively discussion as hosts rank HBO shows with humor and personal anecdotes. Discover their thoughts on 'Westworld's' decline compared to the critical success of 'The Leftovers.' The conversation dives into the lasting impact of 'Game of Thrones' and its cultural significance, while navigating viewer frustrations with incomplete series. They reflect on the richness of narratives in both television and literature, making for an insightful and entertaining exploration of beloved shows.
The ranking of HBO shows emphasizes that strong initial seasons can be undermined by poor quality in later episodes.
The conclusion of a series plays a crucial role in its overall ranking, illustrating the importance of satisfying resolutions in storytelling.
Deep dives
Ranking HBO Shows
A discussion about rating HBO shows is featured, with participants using a tier maker to assess various series. Shows like 'Westworld' are initially praised for their engaging first seasons but criticized for losing quality over time. The 'Leftovers' is unanimously ranked as an S tier due to its strong acting and unique concept, likened to HBO's version of 'Lost'. Various shows are ranked on a scale from S to D, drawing from both the guests' experiences and their cultural impact.
Impact of Show Quality
The conversation highlights how the quality of a series can affect rewatchability and cultural significance. 'True Detective' is noted for its strong first season, but the inconsistency in later seasons leads to a B ranking. The 'Sopranos' is debated, ultimately being classified as an A tier show, though its slow pacing and the long gaps between seasons are seen as drawbacks. In contrast, the 'Wire' is deemed as one of the best, with strong character development that holds up well over time.
The Challenge of Concluding Series
The participants express that a series' conclusion significantly influences its overall ranking. 'Game of Thrones' receives a mixed review due to its disappointing final episodes, resulting in an A ranking instead of S. There's also a conversation about the challenges of long-running fantasy series, where unfinished narratives can lead to audience frustration. The importance of providing satisfying conclusions in serialized narratives is emphasized through comparisons to both completed classics and ongoing series.
A special bonus episode from a post-show Tiermaker. We were doing this for video so sorry in advance if it's not totally clear on audio. You can watch on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8IIvZtrrzs
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