Thread: Premium Channels: HBO and Showtime

Rather than making a thread for each of the many shows on those two channels, I figure I'll make one now and go from there.

Anyways, this thread is for discussion of the shows on HBO and Showtime. I'm not sure how many of you watch such programs, so I'll create individual threads in the future if the need arises.

Anyways, on to the actual topic of discussion.

I added HBO to my channel lineup this fall and the only thing I've watched since then has been Rome, which ended on Sunday. It was a very well-made show, with excellent performances all around. It had a huge flaw, however, and that was how the passage of time was handled. The entire show came off as rushed and jarring. Still, it's definitely worth watching.

I'm going to catch up on The Sopranos and The Wire soon.

I'm wondering if it's worth watching Carnivale, since I heard it was canceled on a cliffhanger. Anyone have any input? The same goes for Deadwood (minus the cliffhanger).

I actually watch more of Showtime's series than HBO's. I started with Brotherhood, which premiered last summer. It's a story about two brothers in Rhode Island, one of whom is a politician, the other a gangster. It's very interesting (albeit highly brutal) and well-worth seeing. The second season begins in this summer, and the first is currently out on DVD...I believe you can get it for around $27 at Best Buy.

Showtime's true masterpiece, though, is Dexter. It premiered last October and is easily my favorite show. It's about a Miami forensics expert (a blood-spatter analyst, to be precise) named Dexter Morgan. Dexter has a hobby on the side, however: he's a serial killer who kills other killers. It stars Michael C. Hall (from Six Feet Under) as Dexter, who delivers by far the best performance I have ever seen in a TV show. I would highly recommend this show...the first season concluded in December, and it's not out on DVD yet, but it can be downloaded, and the second season is due to begin in September.

In case anyone is interested, here's TV.com's Dexter page, which has quite a bit more information: http://www.tv.com/dexter/show/62683/...esults;title;0

HBO is GOD. Deadwood is a favourite show of mine... I wish it hadn't ended. Sex and the City is like my Bible, and I really enjoyed Six Feet Under. I've only seen a little of The Sopranos (fifth season) but it looks GREAT, and I'm really interested in seeing Rome - my teacher said it's good, and she taught the teacher who told me to see Sex and the City, sooooo....

Definitely watch Deadwood. It's a lot better than the basic summary implies, and if you can handle adult content... oh, forget that, great story with great actors and plot and all that. :3

Im considering watching The Tudors... Mr. Rhys-Meyer is a great actor but I dunno if I wanna invest the time to get into another tv show.

what happened to The barbershop(the series) and The weeds(series)?? both of these show were funny.
Also i think that they should make a Sleeper Cell season 3, this show was too good to end like that.
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About Soprano, Do you guys think that Tony will die?? I doubt the son will succeed him since he's a pansy or aint made for it.

Originally Posted by Digital_Eon

Definitely watch Deadwood. It's a lot better than the basic summary implies, and if you can handle adult content... oh, forget that, great story with great actors and plot and all that. :3

If I can handle the adult content? Eon, I'm insulted

Steal: I'm definitely going to watch it. After Dexter and Brotherhood, I have great faith in Showtime.

Dollar: The Barbershop? The Weeds? Lose the "the"s, it's almost as AnNoYiNg As TyPiNg LiKe ThIs! Barbershop was canceled, I believe, and Weeds lives on.

Sleeper Cell is gone.

Cooler, it was a general recommendation, not to you specifically. =P You read Berserk; you can handle Deadwood. Actually, tell me if you see any similarities - now that I think about it, those might be series that the same people like. Just maybe. Deadwood has more drama and less action, but...

I'm planning to download Dexter this weekend, it looks REALLY good and I even mentioned it in class today (serial killer skits FTW). Totally interested.

Yup Dexter is brilliant. Definitely one of the best series from last year.

Brotherhood? Good then?

I've heard a lot about Deadwood, never really been too sure about it. I guess I'll give it a try.

I don't got either on my Cable listings I think.

YAY for being deprived!

you think you've got it bad, i still only have basic. T_T

Originally Posted by Digital_Eon

Cooler, it was a general recommendation, not to you specifically. =P You read Berserk; you can handle Deadwood. Actually, tell me if you see any similarities - now that I think about it, those might be series that the same people like. Just maybe. Deadwood has more drama and less action, but...

I'm planning to download Dexter this weekend, it looks REALLY good and I even mentioned it in class today (serial killer skits FTW). Totally interested.

I'm going to check out Deadwood soon. I can't download it, because HBO has a nasty habit of sending out C&D's, but I'll get it from Netflix. Thanks.

Excellent...I really can't praise Dexter enough. It's a true masterpiece. The book it's based on isn't nearly as good as the series, unfortunately. The show, though...wow. I've never seen a TV show that even begins to compare.

For the record, to echo Eon's Deadwood warning, Dexter is...extremely mature. Graphic violence, sexuality, and strong language are pretty commonplace. Don't let that scare you off, though.

Originally Posted by Tetnubis

Yup Dexter is brilliant. Definitely one of the best series from last year.

Brotherhood? Good then?

Brotherhood is good. It grows on you. It's a really well-constructed series...not the sort of show I expected to enjoy, but I ended up loving it. Second season this summer, I can't wait.