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Sunday Nights: HBO Versus Showtime

Email|Link|Comments (2) Posted by Matthew Gilbert October 31, 2008 06:02 AM

I have to hand it to Showtime for bringing “Brotherhood” back for a third season on Sunday night at 8. This powerful, dark drama -- about thug Michael Caffee and politician Tommy Caffee of Rhode Island (Jason Clarke, above) -- has not been a ratings hit or a buzz show for the pay-cable channel. Still, it’s a beautifully acted series (here are my two reviews), with a remarkably strong sense of realism about local politics (here's today's Wilkerson story). With "Brotherhood" back, followed by "Dexter" and "Californication" (a review of both), Showtime now has a steller Sunday night lineup.

So what do you think? Who's winning the HBO-Showtime competition? HBO's Sunday lineup isn't shabby, either, with the funny-bizzarre "True Blood," the cute but waning "Entourage," and the intermittently hysterical "Little Britain USA."

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2 comments so far...

Showtime! I just got Showtime last month, after catching up with Californication and Dexter on DVD. I've also seen season 1 of Weeds on DVD and hope to catch up with that too. I kept HBO to watch Flight of the Conchords in 2009 and True Blood now. Showtime also had This American Life

True Blood is a disappointment and I'm not sure I'm going to keep up with it. I've read all the books, and I think most of the characters were miscast, the vampire makeup is a poorly done amateur looking chalky white, and I don't like the dramatic liberties they've taken with Sookie's brother Jason. *sigh*

Posted by tracey October 31, 08 12:42 PM

Showtime or HBO,...hmmmmmmm ..Thank goodness for "OnDemand." The Brotherhood is the best show out there by far! Dexter, Weeds, Californication, and Tudors are excellent as well, I'll have to say Showtime!
HBO I miss Deadwood and Rome, !!!!!!!!!

Posted by MisserOfDeadwood November 3, 08 12:00 PM