The Television Chronicles

Since getting DirecTV, I've been exposed to television series I hadn't had access to prior. Here's a rundown:

1. The United States of Tara - While I wasn't overly impressed with Diablo Cody's Juno, I found this show engrossingly addictive from the get-go. It's an acting tour de force for Toni Collette who portrays a woman with multiple personalities but it certainly doesn't hurt that hottie John Corbett is on board playing Tara's long-suffering husband, Max. (Anyone else think Carrie made a HUGE mistake dumping Aidan in favor of Big?)

2. Mad Men - I have a number of friends who are really into this show. I'm not there yet. I'm sure it doesn't help that I'm coming into things midway through Season two, but it hasn't hooked me like USoT.

3. Damages - I watched the season two finale. It took a bit of getting into, but Glenn Close is exceptionally watchable.

4. The Real Housewives of New York - I know a lot of people count this as a guilty pleasure. I won't be one of them.

5. What Not to Wear - Speaking of guilty pleasures, I can totally understand why this show has a cult following. I wouldn't put it on the DVR schedule, but if it were on while I was flipping through the channels, I'd watch it.

6. The Tudors - I saw season one of this slightly different take on the life and loves of Henry the VIII. I missed season two which chronicled the rise, fall and death of Anne Boleyn--but that's the story that's most been told. It's still very watchable--mostly for the eye candy of set design and costumes. Gorgeous!

7. Cupid - This is network, but I had to catch this updated version of a show that definitely deserved a second chance. The original Cupid starred fast-talking Jeremy Piven and series-killer Paula Marshall. The reboot stars a doltish Bobby Cannavale and series-killer Sarah Paulson. I doubt this one will last even as long as the original and I'm sure I won't be as sorry to see it go.