Fall TV is back! Who’s excited? Depends who you ask. While the networks roll out the red carpet and bring back their supposed must-watch TV, it’s basic and premium cable that have been getting my attention for the last few seasons. The Neilson ratings system must hate me, because I never even come close to their average hourly television intake per day. For the most part, mine would be averaged in minutes, unless my Chicago Blackhawks are on.
That said, a friend recently turned me on to “Dexter,” which I had previously heard good things about, but am not a Showtime subscriber so I hadn’t seen it. He lent me the first three seasons, which I finished in just a couple of weeks. It’s that addicting. And apparently I’m not alone, as it seems like the show has been a Twitter trending topic each Sunday night since it came back on the air, suprisingly coming out on top of the much-anticipated “Curb Your Enthusiam” season that’s featuring an actual “Seinfeld” reunion within a story arc about a “Seinfeld” reunion.
My friends constantly talk about “Mad Men,” which I have to admit I’ve never gotten around to watching, so I can never provide much input on the show, but I did happen to check out the new HBO series “Bored to Death” waiting for the “Curb” premiere. It stars Jason Schwartzman of “Rushmore” and Phantom Planet fame along with newly famous funnyman Zach Galifianakis and Ted Danson. Schwartzman plays a heartbroken writer turned unlicensed private detective and chronicles his cases through Brooklyn. I thought it’s a decent show, but apparently it’s a hot-button issue with everyone I know and seems like it’s going to be one of those either love it or hate it shows — not unlike how “True Blood” started out (count me in the “love it!” category for that one). It’ll be interesting to see how it pans out.
But aside from “Curb,” I’m spending my TV time watching that lovable serial killer Dexter Morgan this season, although likely on the DVRs of friends or through (close your eyes, FCC) torrents. Cable TV needs to figure out a way to give users access to in-season shows without having to subscribe to an entire channel.
Jason Schwartzman (left), Ted Danson and Zach Galifianakis in HBO's 'Bored to Death.'