While the traditional happy-go-lucky sitcom approach to comedy is appealing to some audiences, recently audiences have been tuning in for darker comedies, and in record numbers. From regular television in network form to the latest premium series that have managed to revive entire networks, the dark comedy is definitely enjoying a serious moment of popularity in the world of television right now. But knowing where to start, whether you're tuning in on cable or on satellite TV, can get a little bit tricky. However, the can't-miss approach to dark comedies on television right now is to focus on the two big-hitters, Showtime and HBO, so that finding an uninterrupted and amazing approach to this fine art is more contained to a couple of channels, rather than searching in vain all over the dial.
Nurse Jackie - Edie Falco returns to premium television, only this time on Showtime. Taking the the helm and leading "Nurse Jackie," Falco has proven that she is a capable performer, and with writing that alternates between hilarious and gut-wrenching, this emergency-room dramedy is the best example of a black comedy on Showtime in ages.
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Dexter - In another instance of Showtime poaching great talent from a former HBO series, this story of a serial killer who kills only other serial killers has been making waves on satellite tv since it debuted a few seasons ago. Though the plot twists and turns have involved more conventional storylines, like marriage, the show has managed to retain its grit and continues to captivate and draw in new audience members with each new season.
The United States of Tara - Another serious hit for Showtime and one of the most hotly picked up shows on satellite tv right now, "The United States of Tara" might start to suffer from that sophomore slump in its second season, but so far, things seem to be working out for this colorful cast that manages to cover practically every dramatic angle imaginable. If this formula can continue without everything getting too ridiculous, then the show should continue to draw in viewers in droves.
The Life and Times of Tim - While a cartoon might not be your immediate impression as far as dark comedies go, laughing along with cartoon middleman Tim as he tries to not put his foot in his mouth for an entire day of his mundane Manhattan life is definitely a lot more different than with other dark comedies, but is still consistently hilarious. Definitely one of the more edgy sleeper hits to debut on HBO in the past couple of years, and one that shows the potential promise for future dark comedies in cartoon form.
Weeds - While "Weeds" seriously suffered recently with going a bit too zany for most audiences and critics' taste, the show got back on track with its surprisingly evenhanded series finale. Conceived of when a serious bumper crop of dark comedies were hitting satellite tv all at once, it is the only show still running after the all-star roster of "Six Feet Under" and beyond over on HBO.
Five of the Best Dark Comedies on Satellite TV NURSE JACKIE
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