Roush on Brotherhood, Dexter and Six Feet Under
Question: I just recently got into Showtime's
Brotherhood and I have to say, I am totally loving it. The whole cast is great, the stories are interesting, and I'm glad Showtime had faith to keep it going after subpar viewership. I should be caught up soon to start Season 2. In another recent addition to my list, I found
Dexter this summer and was equally blown away. Michael C. Hall has found another terrific drama after
Six Feet Under; I can't wait for what's in store for Dex this year. Add in the sexy yet funny
Californication (and hopefully
The Tudors, which is next on my list) and Showtime is really on a roll. Do you think Showtime is surpassing HBO in terms of quality and "buzz" programs, now that
The Sopranos and other flagship series are gone? And what new projects are currently in development for Showtime? 'Cause I know I will be watching. Thanks.
— Stephen
Matt Roush: And you left out
Weeds, which has been pretty sensational again this season. Yes, I think it's fair to say that Showtime is enjoying great buzz (which doesn't always translate to great ratings, though Showtime's numbers do seem to be generally improving). HBO is still a powerful force in the industry, though, so don't write it off. The industry certainly doesn't — although is anyone talking about the emotionally exhausting
Tell Me You Love Me with the same fervor you get from
Dexter,
Brotherhood or
Weeds enthusiasts? Hardly. Even
Curb Your Enthusiasm, which got off to a great start this season (and peaked with the "Ida Funkhouser Roadside Memorial" episode), has been a little spotty and strident lately. HBO definitely has some catching up to do. As for new Showtime projects, the first one that comes to mind is last summer's announcement about
The United States of Tara, a half-hour comedy about a woman with multiple personalities. Sounds like she'd fit right in alongside
Weeds'
Nancy Botwin and
Californication's Hank Moody.
