There used to be several shows I'd watch over the course of a week.

In the last two years, I've gotten...erm....less tolerant, I suppose.

I'll watch the food channel in order to spend time with hubby, but other than that, the only shows I NEED to see aren't ones on the major channels anymore.

However, as I have also discovered in the past year, HBO and Showtime have alot of really, really awesome programming going on.

#1 On Kirsten's lovelist (not suitable for young audiences or my parents, probably)

True Blood

You can rib me all you want about vampires and romance and all that. It won't change the fact that this show ROCKS because of the characters. It's definitely not something I'd let my children watch, but boy oh boy am I excited the second season is resuming TONIGHT!

#2 On Kirsten's lovelist (not suitable for young audiences or my parents, probably. My brother might like it.)

Dexter, starring an alumni from Earlham I worked for backstage during my college years. Dexter is sick, and gross, and utterly compelling. It's visually and viscerally disturbing, and it stays with you into the daylight hours. But I. Can't. Stop. Watching.

#3 on Kirsten's lovelist (suitable for all audiences and recommended for all three of my parents)

The no. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. If you haven't read the books, you should read those, too. If you haven't seen this show, you are definitely missing out. Not only do you get Botswana culture, history, and fabulous characters, but its a peek into a world not often seen in US tv. I'm fascinated and puzzled by it in equal terms.

But still you feel your heart melting like butter at poignant scenes.


Well, off I go to make sure my DVR is going to tape tonight's second season premiere of True Blood....