Sunday is a good night for HBO. That's the night that three of its best shows air. These shows, True Blood, Hung, and Entourage occupy a two hour block of programming that night. Today, HBO announced that all three shows have been renewed for another season, an announcement that was expected but still lauded.
I actually just watched True Blood for the first time last Sunday (I'm way behind, I know), and while I was slightly confused, I found the show very intriguing and dark, and I'll probably be playing catch-up very soon with season one and what I've missed of season two. True Blood is currently HBO's #1 original show, and the most-watched since The Sopranos. And it's no wonder, considering it is created and run by Alan Ball, creator of Six Feet Under, another popular HBO series.
Next up on the block is HBO's series Hung, starring Thomas Jane. Jane, who was recently seen in the Stephen King adaptation The Mist, plays Ray Drecker, a history teacher who makes ends meet by being a male prostitute. Jane Adams is lovely and endearing as his "pimp," Tanya. The first season, which will consist of ten episodes, has aired four episodes already. I've seen all but the first episode of the series, and although I thought I wouldn't, I actually liked it a lot. A second season is welcome, and I'll definitely be one of the viewers.
And then comes the show that's the whole reason I watch HBO on Sunday nights: Entourage. While many speculated that due to the characters beginning to separate over the course of this season, the show would be ending soon, HBO quickly signed off on another year of the hilarious dramady, even though only three episodes of the sixth and current have aired. The show is still a favorite, especially due to the absolutely riotous Jeremy Piven (who plays Vinny's foulmouthed agent, Ari Gold) and the quietly comedic Rex Lee (who plays Lloyd, Ari's much put-upon assistant), both fun and talented actors (pictured above). It's a fun show, and I'm happy that I'll get yet another year to watch one of my favorites. The show is evolving well and continuing to stay fresh, one of the many things I love about it.
All and all, I'm happy that these three shows have been renewed. All three are wonderful and fresh pieces of television that take the bore out of summer television, and I hope they remain together on one wonderful block. I'll happily tune in on Sunday nights for the rest of this season and the next. If you don't already do so, I suggest you do. It's worth it.
