When we hear about hit television shows, most of us expect that they are on one of the four major networks of NBC, ABC, CBS, or FOX. However, some of today’s most popular shows are not found on those networks, but rather on cable channels. Home Box Office, or HBO, and Showtime are hosts to top-rated shows in America in addition to the networks we always hear about. HBO is the home of the critically acclaimed TV show “The Sopranos.” The show’s setting is in northern New Jersey, and focuses on the life of the lead character, Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), and his crime-based family. Tony witnessed his father’s illegal activities as a child and when his father died, Tony was left to take care of the family.
Edie Falco plays Tony’s wife Carmela. Their daughter Meadow is played by Jamie-Lynn DiScala and their son Anthony is played by Robert Iler. Other cast members include Lorraine Bracco, Tony Sirico, Michael Imperioli, and Dominic Chianese.
“The Sopranos” has taken home several awards since it has been on TV. At the 2003 Emmys, it led all HBO programs by winning four Emmy Awards. The show has also won five Golden Globe Awards. The first two seasons of the show have even been added to the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. “The Sopranos” returned to HBO for its fifth season in March.
HBO is also the home of the hit “Six Feet Under,” which is a comedic look at the Fisher family, who own and operate an independent funeral home in Los Angeles. Nate Fisher (Peter Krause) is the elder son who is struggling to balance his career as a co-owner of Fisher & Sons with a complicated family life. Ruth Fisher (Frances Conroy) is the family martriarch who is passionate in making sure she has close relationships with her children and grandchild. Michael C. Hall plays David Fisher, the younger son who has come out of the closet and now has moved in with his partner. Lauren Ambrose plays Claire Fisher, the teenaged daughter who is artistically gifted.
“Six Feet Under” has been described as “quirky, sometimes disturbing – but ultimately life-affirming.” The show was created, co-written, and executive produced by Alan Ball, who is also credited with writing the screenplay for the film “American Beauty,” which won a Golden Globe Award this past January. “Six Feet Under” is now in its third season.
Showtime also has its share of hit TV shows. The newest show is titled “The L Word,” and is about a group of women, both gay and straight, who live in Los Angeles.
Jenny Schecter (Mia Kirshner) is a young writer who just graduated college and moves to Los Angeles to start a new life with her boyfriend. They live in West Hollywood next door to Bette Porter (Jennifer Beals) and her partner Tina Kennard (Laurel Hollomon). Bette and Tina have been a couple for several years and are struggling with the issue of who would be a good sperm donor to begin their family.
Bette and Tina have several close friends. Shane McCutcheon (Katherine Moennig) is the resident heartthrob in the building. Dana Fairbanks (Erin Daniels) is a professional tennis player who is not yet out of the closet. Alice Pieszecki (Leisha Hailey) is a bisexual journalist, and Kit Porter (Pam Grier), Bette’s half-sister, is a musician and recovering alcoholic.
“The L Word” debuted this past January and has already been renewed by Showtime for a second season. It is scheduled to begin filming in June.
“Queer as Folk” is another hit that has brought major ratings in for Showtime. “Queer as Folk” is a show following the everyday lives of gay men and women, in Pittsburgh.
The show covers everything from the struggles of homosexuality and the constant fight to be accepted, to the joys of gay life and how it is celebrated. The characters of the show are a different, yet connected group of friends.
Brian Kinney (Gale Harold) is a wealthy, promiscuous advertising executive who seems to catch the eyes of all gay men, young or old. He and his best friend Michael Novotny (Hal Sparks) have been friends since the age of 14 Michael adores Brian and always is there for him regardless of what anyone else tells him to do. Debbie Novotny (Sharon Gless) is Michael’s over-the-top mother who everyone loves. She is a PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) mom always sporting her rainbow gear.
Justin Taylor (Randy Harrison) is a young artist who goes through the process of coming out to his family on the series. He falls in love with Brian and never lets peoples’ comments get to him despite their drastic age difference. Ben Bruckner (Robert Gant) is Michael’s HIV-positive boyfriend who strives to clear the many taboos of HIV.
Emmett Honeycutt (Peter Paige) is a quirky retail salesperson who dresses brightly and could care less what anyone thinks of him. Ted Schmidt (Scott Lowell) is a more quiet character who lacks self-esteem, but has a big heart. Lindsay Peterson (Thea Gill) and Melanie Marcus (Michelle Clunie) are a lesbian couple who have a child fathered by Brian.
“Queer as Folk” has won several GLAAD awards, and its fourth season begins on April 18.