I have been watching all of the major HBO series on DVD. Renting them is much better than seeing them on TV; you don’t have to worry about missing an episode, you can see as many as you want in a row, and - this is especially nice - you don’t have to waste time at the video store wondering what to rent next. So far I’ve seen all the Sex and the City, some of Band of Brothers, all of The Sopranos, and are currently watching Six Feet Under. They are all excellent.

But Six Feet Under is that “something amazing” I’ve just discovered. I’m very hooked. It’s about two undertaker brothers, which may sound bizarre, but it’s an extremely entertaining series. I highly recommend it. It’s not only intelligent, but witty and often surreal (intelligently surreal, not Ally McBeal surreal), beautifully shot (you’ll know what I mean when you see the gorgeous opening credits). It’s hilarious, yet touching, the characters have depth and are wonderfully cast and acted.

As to how it compares with the other major HBO series, it’s more consistently entertaining and far less predictable than Sex and the City (but in fairness I’ve only seen eight episodes of SFU so far), it’s easier to watch than (the truly excellent and also beautifully shot) Band of Brothers, and it’s also more sustained, easier to watch and easier to follow than the Sopranos.

I hope you soon discover it too. Rent the first DVD (three episodes) and give it a try.