The concept of a miniseries originated in the 1970s but gained popularity a decade later. In that, a show that takes place over a limited period of time is typically released in a single season. As a result, these shows must be tightly conceptualized to tell the most concise yet compelling narratives. However, we are seeing more and more shows of this format thanks to streaming services, which offer easy-to-view, bingeable content.
Often based on works of literature and historical events, miniseries highlight specific moments in time rather than serialized plotlines. They captivate audiences with what they accomplish in a short amount of time. This is where the fun part comes in, as series creators must get creative in their approach. This is demonstrated through original storytelling, profound characterization, and innovative filmmaking techniques. From revolutionary firsts like Roots to critically acclaimed masterpieces comparable to a blockbuster (Band of Brothers), these are the most original miniseries of all time, ranked.
10
‘Pride and Prejudice’ (1995)
Everyone is familiar with Pride and Prejudice by now. While other iterations adopt the premise and make it their own, 1995’s Pride and Prejudice sticks to the source material with accuracy and respect. Oftentimes, the 1995 BBC miniseries gets overshadowed by the 2005 adaptation, which came out a decade later. But that shouldn’t be the case.
Pride and Prejudice is one of many miniseries adapted from the page and reworked for the small screen. And it does this classic tale justice. The medium enables a more intimate, character-driven exploration of Elizabeth Bennet (Jennifer Ehle) and Mr. Darcy’s (Colin Firth) lives during the Regency era. Between the set design, wardrobe, and dialogue, the miniseries truly captures Jane Austen’s vision. All with a budget just under $10 million.
9
‘Roots’ (1977)
Roots is a semi-biographical miniseries based on author Alex Haley‘s semi-autobiographical novel, but infused with its own fictional elements. The 1970s show is a multi-generational epic of the African American experience from, as the trailer proclaims, “Primitive Africa to the Old South.” Namely, the show depicted slavery from the enslaved person’s perspective — the first to do so on mainstream American television. And it did so through careful depiction of characters that went beyond predisposed representation. It’s this presentation that, in part, lent to the show’s critical acclaim.
Households around the country tuned in for eight consecutive nights and, according to Vulture, had the most-watched finale of all time with 100 million viewers tuning in from around the country (until M*A*S*H earned top spot the following decade). Roots swept the 1977 Emmy Awards with an astounding 37 nominations and nine wins. The miniseries inspired two sequels in the following years (Roots: The Next Generation and Roots: The Gift), along with a remake in 2016.
8
‘Lonesome Dove’ (1989)
Lonesome Dove is a beloved 1989 miniseries that, although short-lived, had a profound impact. Told in five parts — a total of 384 minutes — the show followed two former Texas Rangers on a journey towards uncharted territory during the 1870s. Lonesome Dove offers an authentic depiction of life in the Wild West, focusing on the relationship between the Rangers, their pursuit of freedom and prosperity, and the people they encounter along the way.
Western TV shows were frequently released on American television throughout the 20th century, undoubtedly inspired by the boom in Western movies during the 1950s and 1960s. However, in most cases, these shows were on the air for many seasons, allowing for more complex plots and side stories. Somehow, Lonesome Dove did just the same in the limited time it was on air — earning 7 Emmys, 2 Golden Globes, and a 98% on Rotten Tomatoes along the way.
7
‘Angels in America’ (2003)
Angels in America was a 2003 HBO limited miniseries. As such, an on-screen production of Angels in America had to be carefully constructed. Through this format, the show effectively highlighted the fantastical elements that fans of the story celebrated along with the complexities of race, sexuality, and the (then ongoing) AIDS crisis. It features an ensemble cast with A-list actors, including Al Pacino, Meryl Streep, and Emma Thompson; they adopted their characters so well that these big names made no difference.
Angels in America’s legacy remains a feat of storytelling, captured through emotional arcs and a setting that serves as a character in its own right. A conventional movie would leave too little time to explore the core of the narrative, but an entire series might have been too drawn out. Thus, a miniseries was the way to go. Tony Kushner‘s stage production was created with a record-breaking $3 million budget. In comparison, the miniseries had a budget of $60 million, which is the standard for most shows of the format. It worked to the show’s benefit, allowing production to take place on location throughout New York City and other locations crucial to the award-winning miniseries.
6
‘Years and Years’ (2019)
HBO never misses when it comes to their miniseries. Years and Years is no different. Set in modern-day UK, this underrated six-part miniseries follows the relatively normal extended Lyons family. Most notably, the show is guided by a set timeline, in which the characters find themselves at the mercy of a changing world over the course of fifteen years. Years and Years is driven by the dynamic progression and regression of politics, the economy, and social norms, a narrative that can be described as a subtle sci-fi dystopia.
As Daniel Lyons (Russell Tovey) asks in the gripping opening monologue, “What would the world look like [for you] in 30 years… ten years… five years?” That’s precisely what Years and Years seeks to answer. Additionally, you can’t appreciate Years and Years without its stunning, haunting soundtrack. The recurring song heightens the intensity of what the characters—and the world—endure.
5
‘Generation Kill’ (2008)
One of many war shows, Generation Kill is on par with the best of the genre. It follows one Marine Corps battalion during its first weeks on the ground in Iraq in 2003. As the show is based on the book by Rolling Stone reporter Evan Wright, Generation Kill presents an examination of the war almost from an outside perspective. In doing so, there is a broader focus on humanizing the soldiers and their experiences, rather than the war itself.
It’s important to note that the show was created and released during the ongoing Iraq War. This made for a greater impact, both on the subjects of the miniseries and for American audiences. Generation Kill differs from others, however, in its intended message. Yes, it celebrates those who fought, but it also examines the political consequences and the bureaucratic faults that led to such tragedies.
4
‘WandaVision’ (2021)
Disney+’s first Marvel TV show, WandaVision, exceeded expectations as fans wondered how the franchise could translate to the small screen. The miniseries incorporated more visual effects, creating a toned-down expression rooted in emotional exploration and even nostalgia, as each episode takes us through various time periods, tropes, and satirical situations. It’s all so clever.
WandaVision was released in 2021, just two years after Avengers: Endgame. The events of the final phase of the MCU were still on fans’ minds. Additionally, it has thematic ties to post-pandemic life, exploring themes of grief and a sense of entrapment. The series was created with a total budget of around $225 million. While considered steeper than other miniseries, it paled in comparison to major Marvel productions. Thanks to the success of WandaVision, which received a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an average of 1.6 million viewers, Disney+ has since expanded its catalog of Marvel shows, cleverly weaving them into the expanding MCU.
3
‘The Queen’s Gambit’ (2020)
The Queen’s Gambit possesses elements of what we expect from a miniseries. It’s based on a book, is a period drama piece drama, and focuses on a specific event or topic. But it’s something different all the same. Anya Taylor-Joy stars in the 2020 Netflix drama as Beth Harmon, an orphaned girl in the 1950s who picks up chess as a hobby. As she rises through the ranks towards the championship, Beth develops a struggle with addiction due to the pressures and must face her path there.
The 2020 miniseries took the internet by storm — for good reason. Who knew that a show about chess could be so… exhilarating? According to CNN, sales of chess sets increased by 87% and resources for the game rose by 603% in the weeks following the show’s debut. And yes, The Queen’s Gambit is most certainly a show about chess. But it’s also more than that. It’s an exploration of 1950s culture and politics, particularly from the female perspective.
2
‘Band of Brothers’ (2001)
Band of Brothers is highly regarded as one of HBO’s best miniseries, and perhaps one of the best miniseries of all time. Frequent collaborators Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks teamed up again, following the success of Saving Private Ryan, to produce this 2001 miniseries, unlike anything seen on television before. In brief, Band of Brothers is a semi-fictional World War II drama that highlights one army division from training to the European battlegrounds and the experiences they went through.
Band of Brothers extends beyond the screen, as the duo brought on many crew members who were also involved in Saving Private Ryan. Band of Brothers was produced on a budget of $125 million (with an additional $15 million allocated for promotional materials), significantly greater than that of any other series or miniseries. However, this is Spielberg; he ultimately created a blockbuster that is accessible to home audiences. Band of Brothers won both the Emmy and Golden Globe for Outstanding Miniseries and Best Miniseries or Television Film, respectively.
1
‘Chernobyl’ (2019)
HBO’s historical drama, Chernobyl, is a raw depiction of the events of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear reactor disaster. This was an incident solely perpetrated by humans, and the show explores the effect it had on those affected and those watching around the world. What events led to the disaster? What was the aftermath? This is an event that happened not too long ago, in context. Just five episodes long, Chernobyl remains a standout in modern television storytelling.
Audiences remain captivated by disaster media. Whether that be in the form of natural or otherworldly, the threat of impending doom is hard to look away from. That’s precisely what makes Chernobyl such a fan-favorite and a master of television. Since filming could not actually take place at the Chernobyl site (due to radiation), production utilized similar locations in Lithuania and other parts of Ukraine. And while numbers and accolades are no ultimate measure of success, Chernobyl does boast quite a few: a 95% Rotten Tomatoes score, 9.3 on IMDb, along with numerous Emmy and Golden Globes (among others).
Chernobyl
- Release Date
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2019 – 2019
- Network
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HBO
