Staying home doesn’t have to mean running out of entertainment! From gripping family dramas to hilarious comedies and supernatural mysteries, HBO GO offered an exciting collection of series for audiences looking for their next binge-watch during the 2020 quarantine.
When the world slowed down in 2020, our television screens became an unexpected source of comfort, entertainment, and escape.
With families spending more time indoors during the COVID-19 lockdowns, streaming services helped make long days at home a little more enjoyable.
HBO GO joined the movement by offering viewers in Asia free access to the first seasons of 15 selected shows in April 2020, giving audiences an opportunity to discover acclaimed HBO Originals and Asian productions.
Whether you preferred suspense, comedy, family drama, or supernatural horror, there was something for almost every mood.
Here are some of the HBO shows that made staying home more entertaining.
1. Succession: Family Drama at Its Most Intense
Genre: Drama, Satire
If complicated family relationships and corporate power struggles sound entertaining, Succession delivers both.
The critically acclaimed HBO drama follows the wealthy Roy family, whose members compete for influence and control of their father’s global media empire.
Starring Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook, Kieran Culkin, and Matthew Macfadyen, the series explores ambition, betrayal, loyalty, and the complicated relationships between parents and children.
Its sharp dialogue and unpredictable characters make it particularly compelling for viewers who enjoy emotionally intense dramas.
2. Barry: A Hitman With an Unexpected Dream
Genre: Dark Comedy, Crime
What happens when a professional assassin suddenly discovers a passion for acting?
That’s the unusual premise of Barry, starring Bill Hader as a hitman who travels to Los Angeles for an assignment and unexpectedly becomes interested in the theater.
As Barry attempts to leave his violent past behind, he discovers that starting a new life isn’t quite as simple as he imagined.
The series combines dark humor, crime, and emotional storytelling, creating an entertaining experience filled with unexpected turns.
3. Silicon Valley: Big Dreams and Bigger Problems
Genre: Comedy, Technology
For something lighter, Silicon Valley offered plenty of laughs.
The comedy follows a group of aspiring technology entrepreneurs attempting to build a successful startup in the competitive world of Silicon Valley.
From awkward business meetings to disastrous product launches, the characters face hilarious challenges while trying to turn their ideas into something extraordinary.
Starring Thomas Middleditch, Kumail Nanjiani, Martin Starr, and Zach Woods, the show combines workplace comedy with a playful look at the technology industry.
4. Veep: Political Comedy With Plenty of Chaos
Genre: Political Satire, Comedy
Julia Louis-Dreyfus stars as Selina Meyer in Veep, a comedy about the unpredictable world of American politics.
As vice president, Selina attempts to maintain her political influence while navigating embarrassing situations, difficult colleagues, and increasingly chaotic decisions.
With its clever dialogue and outrageous characters, the series offers a humorous look at ambition and power.
It’s an entertaining choice for viewers who appreciate sharp, fast-paced comedy.
5. Miss Sherlock: A Fresh Take on a Familiar Detective
Genre: Mystery, Crime
Fans of detective stories could explore Miss Sherlock, a Japanese reimagining of Arthur Conan Doyle’s celebrated character.
The series stars Yuko Takeuchi as Sherlock and Shihori Kanjiya as Dr. Wato Tachibana.
Together, they investigate mysterious crimes while navigating their contrasting personalities.
Set in modern-day Tokyo, the show brings a distinctive perspective to the classic detective formula.
With clever investigations and intriguing characters, it’s a great option for mystery enthusiasts.
6. Folklore: Asian Horror Stories Come to Life
Genre: Horror, Supernatural
For viewers looking for something frightening, Folklore brings together supernatural stories inspired by Asian traditions and legends.
The HBO Asia anthology explores terrifying creatures, mysterious encounters, and cultural superstitions from different countries.
Each episode presents a different story, allowing audiences to discover the frightening myths and beliefs that have been passed down through generations.
Its combination of local culture and horror makes Folklore especially interesting for viewers who enjoy supernatural storytelling.
Just don’t expect every episode to be easy to watch before bedtime.
7. The World Between Us: A Powerful Taiwanese Drama
Genre: Social Drama
Not every compelling television series needs action or supernatural elements.
The World Between Us explores the emotional consequences of a mass shooting and how the tragedy affects victims, families, journalists, and other individuals connected to the incident.
The Taiwanese drama examines grief, responsibility, public judgment, and the complicated search for understanding.
Its thoughtful storytelling offers an emotionally powerful viewing experience.
For audiences who appreciate realistic dramas with meaningful social themes, this series is worth discovering.
8. Invisible Stories: Everyday Lives, Extraordinary Struggles
Genre: Drama, Anthology
Another standout Asian production is Invisible Stories, an HBO Asia anthology set in a fictional Singaporean housing neighborhood.
Across six episodes, the series explores the lives of people whose personal struggles often go unnoticed.
The stories address family relationships, financial difficulties, social pressures, and the search for acceptance.
By focusing on ordinary individuals, the show reveals how even seemingly simple lives can contain extraordinary challenges.
It’s a meaningful choice for viewers who enjoy character-driven storytelling.
HBO GO Offered Free Shows During the 2020 Quarantine
In April 2020, HBO GO Asia announced that viewers could watch the first seasons of 15 selected series without a subscription or registration.
The initiative gave audiences an opportunity to discover shows they might not otherwise have explored.
Titles such as Barry, Succession, Silicon Valley, Veep, Miss Sherlock, Folklore, The World Between Us, and Invisible Stories were among the featured productions.
While additional seasons generally required a subscription, the promotion provided a convenient introduction to HBO’s entertainment library.
The offer was particularly timely as movie theaters and other entertainment venues faced restrictions during the pandemic.
Why HBO Shows Became Great Quarantine Companions
During the lockdown, television became more than a way to pass the time.
It gave viewers opportunities to discover stories, explore different cultures, and connect with characters whose experiences reflected both familiar and unfamiliar situations.
Comedies offered moments of laughter, dramas encouraged reflection, and suspenseful mysteries provided a welcome distraction from everyday worries.
For some families, watching a series together became part of their daily routine.
For others, binge-watching offered a chance to finally catch up on shows they had been meaning to start.
Looking Back at HBO’s Quarantine Entertainment
The quarantine period changed the way many people discovered and enjoyed entertainment.
HBO GO’s free first-season initiative helped bring acclaimed shows to viewers looking for quality storytelling while staying at home.
From the sharp family conflicts of Succession to the dark humor of Barry and the supernatural mysteries of Folklore, the lineup demonstrated the variety of stories available through HBO.
Whether you’re revisiting a favorite series or discovering one for the first time, great storytelling remains one of the best ways to turn an ordinary evening into something memorable.
This article looks back at HBO GO’s 2020 quarantine promotion. The free-access offer has ended, and current streaming availability may vary by country.