"Six Feet Under" is an American television series created by Alan Ball. It aired on HBO from 2001 to 2005 and follows the lives of the Fisher family, who run a funeral home in Los Angeles.
The show explores themes such as mortality, grief, and family dynamics. Each episode begins with the death of a person, whose body is then prepared for burial by the Fisher family. The series features a talented ensemble cast, including Peter Krause, Michael C. Hall, and Frances Conroy.
The series received critical acclaim for its unique and unconventional approach to storytelling, as well as its ability to tackle difficult and sensitive topics with empathy and humor. It has been praised for its strong writing, powerful performances, and emotional depth. "Six Feet Under" remains a beloved and influential series that continues to resonate with viewers today.
A fictional British Royal finds he is in succession for the throne after his father King James III has died. The twenty four year old Richard IV who is played by Rupert Evans (Paradise Heights, Emma) finds himself being resented by his older sister, the Princess Eleanor (played by Sophie Winkleman from Red Dwarf, Love Live Long) because she has evidently been passed over in favor of her brother and she desperately wants that throne for herself. Princess Eleanor and Major Simon Brooks, played by David Harewood (Blood Diamond) who is her private secretary have devised a way to plot together in an attempt to discredit now King Richard and bad family blood may be shed before she gets her way. Richard's own secretary, Abigail Thomas (Zoe Telford) has plans on writing a "tell all" book about the goings on in the Royal Palace. Politics and corruption within the royalty of Britain is always interesting viewing and The Palace brings plenty of interesting half truths and while a dramatization it still provides some insight into how royalty live their lives.
The lives of Camelot, Guinevere, and King Arthur has been a popular subject for story telling for a long time now and it may be time for a reality check. The true story of Camelot and the lives and times affected by swords, magic, sex, betrayal, and the absolute monarchy of the times is played out on Starz television's Camelot. This time the story is told from a youthful perspective as Jamie Campbell Bower is a young and intrepid Arthur who is on his way to the throne. King Arthur himself is a complicated and complex character who came from humble beginnings to reach the seat of power. His lady Guinevere is the one bright and shining light in his life and the challenges faced by the man who would be King of England include moral issues, deception, and wars that never seem to end. The concept has long been put to film or play with many varying opinions on what kind of man Arthur actually was. The cast of characters, including Lancelot, Lady Guinevere, and Morgan, his overly ambitious half-sister make for intriguing viewing and this time around it seems more true to the facts than previous ventures.
Another reality television show that actually has merit is School Pride. The show is based on an actual restoration on Carver Elementary, a school in Compton, California seven years ago. The schools chosen on this program will receive around two million dollars worth of upgrades and repairs that were sorely needed plus plenty of exposure via the television program. Additionally the student participation helped with School Pride as they were a part of renovations and it is their family, volunteers, and neighbors that help organize the production. The premise is that schools in need of costly repairs can receive help when they showcase how much need there is for improvements and students participate by showing how much pride they have for their school. Somewhat based on the television program "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" the cameras follow students, teachers, and community members performing the renovations badly needed by a particular school. In seven days it's amazing how much can be done and camera crews will return a few months later to see just how much improvement has been made and how it affects the surrounding community.
Created by Josh Appelbaum, Happy Town depicts your typical small pleasant town full of average and friendly townsfolk until a series of kidnappings occur. Most of the residents assume the one called the "Magic Man" is responsible for the disappearance of seven who are never heard from again. The small sleepy town in Minnesota has been a Happy Town in which to live up until some of the local residents simply vanish in what apparently is a mystical way. The town's deputy, Tommy Conroy (Geoff Stults) can't figure out where the folks are going and residents Jay Paulson (as the deputy known as "Root Beer" Rogers, Rachel Conroy (actress Amy Acker), John Haplin played by Steven Weber), and Merritt Grieves (actor Sam Neill) can't help but worry who will be next to disappear. With the arrival of Henley Boone "Chloe" played by Lauren German the mystery gets deeper as she is determined to solve the intriguing case and find who is behind the disappearances once and for all. Set in a small town in Minnesota much of the show was filmed in and around Ontario, Canada.
Describing "Harry's Law," one summary says flatly, "A former patent lawyer brings together a group of misfit associates to form an unconventional law practice." How did the producers ever pitch that concept to the network? Oh, wait. It was NBC. Still, a patent lawyer? Misfit associates? Real exciting, right? Do not judge too quickly, because Kathy Bates applies her quirky charisma to her portrayal of Harriet "Harry" Korn, and she works some small screen magic. A mid-season replacement for one of NBC's cavalcade of epic failures, "Harry's Law" actually looks a lot like a real television drama"”real characters, real actors, real plots, and dialogue peppered with genuinely witty repartee. The premise and some of the best writing come from David E. Kelley, television's answer to John Grisham"”prolific and provocative. As The New York Times observes, "A hallmark of Mr. Kelley's shows is often the thinnest application of logic or reason in depictions of a world dedicated to logic and reason." The settings and courtroom dramas seldom resemble anything in real life, but they tend to recreate the audience's imagination of the legal system and "crusading" criminal attorneys. Close enough. In eight episodes, "Harry's Law" has established a loyal following in a timeslot long dominated by ABC's "Castle." Vegas betting parlours probably will give you odds on "Harry's Law" returning in the fall, and it might be worth risking a dollar or so.
With the plethora of "reality" programming seen everywhere today it is refreshing to see a show like The L Word which deals with a group of people involved with being lesbian, transgender, or who are bisexual. All the ongoing stress and controversy that must be dealt with on a daily basis plays out in and around West Hollywood, in sunny Los Angeles, California. Some powerful writing is provided by Guinevere Turner (American Psycho) and Rose Troche (Six Feet Under) and others. Starring in the L Word are some well known names such as Jennifer Beals (as Betty Porter), Pam Grier (as Kate Porter), and Laurel Holloman (as Tina Kennard). The coded language for lesbian has long been "the L Word" but today simply calling oneself a lesbian is more preferred and common for these women have "come out" proudly. This controversial show deals with same sex marriage and the desire to have a baby. Alcohol and drugs effect lives and ongoing relationships are often threatened by affairs and sexual transgender issues.
If you watched "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" before you watched "The Sopranos," you would get the uneasy sensation art was imitating life just a little too closely. They are two versions of the same story: Wiseguys attempt to balance the strange demands of life in the suburbs with the everyday business of running a criminal empire. The problem with posing as a respectable businessman is that you sometimes must actually be respectable. It's almost funny in a painfully awkward sort of way, but nothing good could come from laughing out loud. "Ayy, fahget abowt it," Tony Soprano and his New Jersey mobsters would say. Are you genuinely surprised to discover that prom dresses and cement overcoats do not easily reconcile? Are you genuinely surprised to learn "The Sopranos" is cable television's greatest financial success? "The Sopranos," in fact, was the foundation of a major cultural phenomenon and marketing franchise, which supported books, videogames, soundtrack CDs, and more than a few critical blogs. Of course, the producers and cast had to hijack a semi-trailer to cart home all of their Emmys and Golden Globes.
