HBO/Showtime Hit Their Stride: Cable Comedies Beat Networks

House of Lies

Here we have the kind of series that didn't blow the roof off its competition in ratings, but deservedly earned its forthcoming second season with whip-smart writing and spot-on performances. Don Cheadle and Kristen Bell lead the cast of management consultants willing to lie, cheat and backstab their way to a closed case. No, not a one of these cutthroat businesspeople is necessarily likable, but that's what makes watching them so funny -- we're laughing at them, not with them. Oh, and make sure you have a bar of soap handy, because you may want to wash your own mouth out after a couple episodes.