HBO is one of those cable networks that somehow manages to constantly stay in front of the curve. With shows that range from the controversial to the straight up hilarious, the Home Box Office network always seems to push the bar far enough to entertain on new levels without completely alienating a viewership. This could be for a number of reasons, but for what ever it is, HBO never disappoints. That’s why this weekend should be wasted in front of the television with a stack of DVD’s from the HBO heyday.

For The Historian – Deadwood (2004-2006)

Although Deadwood only lasted three full seasons and basically flew under the radar for most of it’s existence, the David Milch created series is an absolute gem.

Deadwood is the story of the last remaining American region without governmental control in 1876. The three driving forces throughout the series are the town’s sheriff Seth Bullock (played by Timothy Olyphant), the owner of the town’s saloon Al Swearengen (played wonderfully by Ian McShane) and the resident rich girl Alma Garret (played by Molly Parker). Although it wasn’t given a proper send-off, the show never lacked dramatic arc, comedy or even guest performances from the likes of Kristin Bell, Kieth Carradine and Brian Cox. Whether you’re in it for the bad guys, the good guys or just in it for a glimpse into the past, Deadwood is a great way to waste your weekend.

For The Wise Guy – Sopranos (1999-2007)

The Sopranos is one of television’s most successful shows of all time. During it’s eight-year run it won over eighty international television awards ranging from Golden Globes to Emmys. With credentials like that you shouldn’t have to think twice about picking it up for the weekend, but one of the reasons this show was so amazing was that it broke ground. Although the Sopranos followed the story of New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano and all of his personal problems, at it’s heart, Sopranos was about family. With themes like loyalty, old age and adjusting to change, Sopranos opened the eyes of the average viewer allowing them a glimpse into dark, yet extremely real life of a crime family. Although the Sopranos may not have ended with a finale that pleased everyone, we should appreciate the fact that it did in fact end and didn’t carry on for longer than it had to.

For The Dramatic – Six Feet Under (2001-2005)

When Alan Ball started writing for Grace Under Fire back in the early nineties, who would have guessed that he would eventually pen one of the most dramatic television shows to ever hit the airwaves? Six Feet Under is a great example of writing, acting and simply great television. With the perfect mix of drama, comedy, reality and fiction, the show about a family-based funeral home hit on all of the points that make television so amazing. Whether you’re looking for great performances from actors like Peter Krause or Michael C. Hall or amazing story lines like the one that follows the chain of funeral homes looking to take over the market, Six Feet Under really had everything. The strange part, the part that no other show has managed to emulate since, is that Six Feet Under didn’t have a style. It constantly shifted from sad to funny and frustrating to satisfying all without the viewer actually noticing. A show like Six Feet Under doesn’t come around very often so when it does, it’s worth borrowing the DVD sets.

For Your Consideration – Sex And The City, Curb Your Enthusiasm and Entourage

I would have loved to extend this list to include the likes of Sex and the City, Curb Your Enthusiasm and Entourage, but you would be wasting much more than a weekend. All three honorable mentions are great shows in their own right, but for great HBO television, start with the Deadwood, Sopranos and Six Feet Under.