It's not TV … it's HBO

It is quite safe to say that I have become a junkie for HBO television. While others may be intrigued by the wonders of regular network TV, i.e. rich programs such as "Desperate Housewives," "The O.C," or "Dancing with the Stars," my drug of choice are the brilliant series currently on the HBO line-up. \nThis is not to say I don't enjoy watching some regular TV (after all I do not actually have cable and generally have to get my fix from the beauty of television on DVD.) I continue to argue that Fox's "Arrested Development" is one of the most interesting and well-written comedies since "Seinfeld," and lately, thanks to some friends, I have fallen victim to the allure that is the elegance of Peter Gallagher's eyebrows on "The O.C." (In all honesty I've only seen one or two full episodes, so don't start up with the O.C. trivia just quite yet.) \nThis said however, I believe that nothing can truly beat the raw, fascinating shows that HBO has on its repertoire. In many ways the shows feature episodes that surpass most films being released in Hollywood. However, with the departure of the megahit "Sex and the City" and the future finale of "Six Feet Under" and probably "The Sopranos," the future of HBO is not certain. \nTelevision on HBO only makes sense. Here's a network that does not fall under the ligeance of the FCC, has free range on most issues, language, violence and sex, and has the strongest subscription rate compared to its competitors, Showtime and Starz. The channel still broadcasts hit movies and high-profile sporting events, such as boxing; however its the recent wave of original series that has changed the network's image from being merely a cable movie channel to having cutting edge, Emmy-winning shows (HBO recently received a total of 109 nominations, topping NBC's 77.)\nIf you look at HBO's current line-up they seem to have something for all sorts of audiences. I'm sure Scorsese fans drool at the mouth for the newest "Sopranos" season, "Sex in the City" caught the attention of most single women as well as high school and college female students who will have whole DVD marathons (I have friends who can attest to this,) "Six Feet Under" took the television drama genre to a whole new level thanks to the scribe of "American Beauty," and the show's creator Alan Ball, and fans of regular network crime shows like "CSI," "Law & Order" etc. would be fascinated by the intricate yet beautifully told "Homicide"esque series "The Wire," (if only people would give its complicated storyline a chance.)\nNow while these four shows mentioned have a very strong following, "The Wire" excluded, HBO also has its share of niche audience series. "Deadwood" and "Carnivále" both take actual historical events and characters and transform them all into captivating television dramas. People tired of the American sitcom have escaped to HBO through series like "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "Da Ali G Show" and the recent hit "Entourage." \nNow with a collection of unique shows, like the ones mentioned, sweeping the Emmys and gaining tons of critical support, why does it seem like HBO may be in trouble very soon? \nLike I stated before, the three major powerhouses ("SITC," "Sopranos," & "SFU") are either leaving or already gone, which may turn audiences away from that extra $20 subscription fee on their cable bill. \nNow while this doesn't mean these shows won't still exist ("SITC" has a quite popular edited run on regular cable through TBS, while there is talk of Bravo picking up "The Sopranos" for toned-down syndication), it does mean there will be some interesting, possibly unique changes in the networks future. \nAn example of one of HBO's latest, possibly risky, moves is the series "Rome," which will be premiering at the end of August, right after "Six Feet Under" raps up its fifth and final season. This show will follow in the footsteps of "Deadwood" as an accurate and harsh look at ancient Rome. Will it succeed? Could this be the next mega hit? I know I'm interested to find out. \nIn all honesty there really is nothing yet to fill the shoes of those three shows that transformed television. "The Wire" continues to receive critical support but asks a lot from the viewer and needs a patient audience. "Carnivále" is actually getting canned after its second season due to lack of an audience all together, and "Curb Your Enthusiasm" (about to enter a fifth season) will have to retire eventually, if anything for Larry David's sanity. \nReally "Deadwood" and "Entourage" are the two shows that do have promise right now. "Deadwood" features rich characters, a dark storyline and fascinating dialogue, whereas the lighter "Entourage" has a gained quite a large following and is only in its second season. \nWith all this said, I am very curious to see what happens. Will there every be something to top the family mob epic that is "The Sopranos?" Will Sunday night continue to be "the night of HBO?" I suppose only time will tell.