it's showtime!

For much of its history, the US premium cable network Showtime has seemed to be in the shadows of its biggest rival, HBO.  But over the last decade its investment in original programming has produced some of the best television around.  Here is our pick of seven of Showtime's finest.

Shameless. An awesome remake.

Weeds.  The Drug fueled comedy/drama has run for eight, mostly great seasons.

Huff (2004-2006) Hank Azaria starred as a Psychiatrist in this short lived, but brilliant series.

Homeland. An awesome series that kinda pulled its punches in its season finale.

The Big C. A darkly comic series that tackles terminal illness, without being mawkish.

A historical romp, in every way...

Whether it ever reaches the creative heights of Season 4 again, this has been one of the finest television shows of recent years.