Let’s say it all together through tears: HBO shows have never, ever been happier — or bleaker. While the mega-network makes ratings history and dominates the Emmys with juggernaut series like “The White Lotus,” “Euphoria,” and “Succession,” the platform has helped usher in an era of “peak bleak” TV. “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” co-creators Patrick McKay and JD Payne revealed that HBO’s “Succession” and “Game of Thrones” directly influenced the tone of their upcoming Amazon Prime Video prequel series.