It has been over two decades since an underrated gem in television history concluded, and now is the perfect time to binge it. For many fans, this six-season show helped usher in HBO's golden age, paving the way for hits like The Wire, The Sopranos, and Six Feet Under. For any TV connoisseur, it is essentially a must-watch.
The Show in Question: Oz
The series is Oz, a US prison drama that aired from 1997 to 2003. Set inside Oswald Maximum Security Prison, specifically in a unit called Emerald City, the show focuses on prisoner rehabilitation over public retribution. It is packed with warring factions, explosive action sequences, and shocking twists that keep viewers on the edge of their seats, all while maintaining a thread of hope.
The cast, created by Tom Fontana, includes television legends such as JK Simmons, Rita Moreno, Ernie Hudson, and Harold Perrineau. Even 23 years after its finale, Oz remains a fan favorite, with many urging new generations to discover this highly rated classic.
Fan Reactions
On Reddit, user EntertainmentOK1861 wrote: 'There's no other show quite like Oz (prison or not), and it's my pick for the most underrated show ever made.' Fellow user ilovelights commented: 'One of my favourite shows. JK Simmons is fantastic,' though they warned that the show goes off the rails slightly in later seasons.
SkyDaddy8585 shared: 'It's definitely the top 3 best prison series out there still.' Thodgson reflected: 'It's haunting, interesting, and thought-provoking. It made me realise that I never want to go to jail or prison…ever.' Eligius4917 declared: 'Oz is the best prison series ever made.'
Critical Acclaim
The show received glowing reviews during its original run. The Sydney Morning Herald called it 'great TV' and added: 'If you're looking for an excuse to get cable TV, this could be it.' The Montreal Gazette promised: 'Viewers will find themselves completely engrossed in the power politics and elaborate rituals of penitentiary life.' People magazine noted: 'Some viewers may be repelled by the sheer concentration of ugliness… But you won't escape easily from this drama's grip.'
Legacy and Availability
Speaking about its legacy in 2017, Tom Fontana told Esquire: 'We were really in uncharted territory, because HBO had never done a drama series before.' Actor Dean Winters said of his experience: 'Oz was such a gift. But it's tough because it's like flying private for your first flight and then having to fly commercial for the rest of your life. Nothing has even remotely come close to it.'
Oz is available to stream on Paramount Plus now.
