HBO Max shows generally have an excellent reputation, but while some TV shows have to recapture the interest of an audience after a mediocre pilot, others set a high standard from their first episode. The HBO network has a reputation for making masterpieces , pushing boundaries without compromising on excellent storytelling. This strategy includes well-known series, as well as HBO's best hidden gem shows .

Many HBO shows are great from start to finish , but an excellent pilot can define a show, even becoming the best episode of the entire series. There are many ways to make a memorable pilot episode, but they all must generally follow two rules: they must set up a significant plot or character, while leaving enough mystery that we need to know what happens next.

Deadwood (2004-20

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