Episode 13-9: HBO

Episode 13-9: HBO

From Battle of the Network Shows by Rick Brooks and Mike Cowgill

January 1, 2026 · 1h 6m · Season 13 · Episode 9

About this episode

This episode explores the early days of HBO and its evolution in the cable TV industry.

This week, we take a special look at the early days of Home Box Office, better known as HBO. Long before The Sopranos, The Wire, Game of Thrones, and all those other shows, Home Box Office started as a gamble during the fledgling days of the cable TV industry with a smattering of movies, hockey, basketball, comedy specials, concerts, and polka competitions. As it expanded, the movies got better, boxing and Wimbledon became their go-to sports, the comedians and concerts grew bigger, and polka danced away. We follow the timeline to around 1985 and give special attention to HBO originals like Not Necessarily the News, HBO Magazine, and Yesteryear, as well as the documentary Some Called them Freaks. Read full show notes and more at https://www.battleofthenetworkshows.com/ Join our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/371670863237699 Support the show by buying merch at http://tee.pub/lic/FM0uOqq3xzE #podcast #tv #retrotv #seventies #eighties #hbo #homeboxoffice

People in this episode

Hosts: Rick Brooks, Mike Cowgill

Topics covered

  • HBO history
  • cable TV
  • original programming
  • sports broadcasting
  • comedy specials

Keywords

  • HBO
  • Home Box Office
  • cable TV
  • original programming
  • 1980s

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Home Box Office

Books & works: The Sopranos, The Wire, Game of Thrones, Not Necessarily the News, HBO Magazine, Yesteryear, Some Called them Freaks

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