So I recently was given a pretty sweet deal from DirecTV for all the movies channels that I previously did not receive (HBO, Showtime, Starz and Cinemax).
While I mainly did this to get caught up on Game of Thrones (possibly the best series I have ever seen), I also noticed that there are a lot of new original programming series that I want to check out.
So before I sink many hours into them, which of the following are good, decent or dreck to be avoided?
For the record, I have seen and watch all the AMC stuff so my question is limited to the premium movie channels (also have seen Dexter and Weeds which were very good).
DaVinci’s Demons
Shameless
The Borgia’s
Homeland
Veep
True Detective
Ray Donovan
House of Lies
Boss
I got bored with Boss before the season ended – really, I started eye-rolling at it, then I got bored. I live in the Chicago area which should have provided more of a hook but I just couldn’t be bothered with it.
Homeland is very good, once you get past the quivering chin.
Veep is excellent comedy, and JLD won an Emmy this year for her title role.
True Detective is moody, broody and philosophical, but well done for all that.
I enjoyed Boss. Kelsey Grammar was great as a ruthless politician hiding a secret or twelve.
I tired of Ray Donovan soon after they introduced Jon Voight and he began eating all the scenery in sight in every scene he appeared in. The show went from intriguing to boring in short order.
I didn’t like The Borgias, and I really tried. But I detest Jeremy Irons and couldn’t get past that in the end.
I’ve seen every episode of every show listed in the OP. My ranking of the series, from best to worst:
True Detective
Veep
Homeland
Ray Donovan
Shameless
The Borgias
Boss
House of Lies
DaVinci’s Demons
The blank lines signify a precipitous drop in quality. True Detectives is the only truly great show of the lot, on par with Deadwood.
EDIT: Someone mentioned Episodes, which isn’t in the OP. Episodes is my favorite show on television.