HBO is doing a cool thing this weekend. To encourage people to stay at home, HBO is offering free series and documentaries to anyone. You do not need a subscription. HBO Now is a good investment. I would make a case that you need more subscriptions than ever. With not spending money at the bars and other places, why not add something else to the mix? With free HBO and a host of shows, you’ll probably want options and not be confused. I’m here to help you figure it out.

who's got two thumbs and is finally starting SUCCESSION this weekend pic.twitter.com/LfplPdoR5h

— Jason Bailey (@jasondashbailey) April 2, 2020

My advice here is not a list of ‘best’ shows, rather, what makes the most sense from a practical perspective. What shows can you get through in a weekend versus trying to knock out seven seasons of something in three days? If you’re a professional binge-watch person, maybe you can knock it out.

1. Succession – This is the easy number one choice here. Succession is fantastic. The first couple of shows are a little slow but things pick up QUICKLY. The bachelor party episode in season one is an all-time episode. Season two is incredible from start to finish. It is probably my favorite season of television in the last year. You’ll understand what ‘Boar on the floor’ means and cringe harder than ever before.

2. Barry – I started Barry this winter. People talk a lot about Barry and it wins plenty of awards. You can see why. Barry is a weird mix of funny, dramatic, and intense. Bill Hader is fantastic in his role. Henry Winkler aka The Fonz does a great job too. The premise is a bit weird, but the storytelling is very good with this one.

3. The Wire – Hand up, I haven’t seen The Wire. Look, I get it and trying to work on it. Breaking Bad is on my watch list right now (I know, I know, shut up). Then it’s probably going to The Wire. Friend of the program Murph speaks very highly to The Wire. Five seasons, all an hour-long is a tough weekend binge, but you can do it.

4. The Sopranos – If these were free for a month, The Sopranos would be number one. This could not have been a better show. There are a few dated moments especially early on in the show, but other than that, it is excellent television. Tony Soprano played by James Gandolfini is among the Mount Rushmore of television characters. You become friends with all of Tony’s buddies as the show goes on.

5. Silicon Valley – Look, Silicon Valley is funny for the first four seasons then five was pretty shitty. Then sixth season fucking sucked. I completely quit on Silicon Valley in its final season. But it is an easy watch because it’s 30 minutes long. And there are some truly funny moments in those first four seasons.

Charlie.