T.V. On DVD

The major television networks are getting ready to delve deep into their fall line up of shows. New shows will debut alongside new seasons of popular favorites. Instead of gambling on a new series, why not take a look at some lesser-known shows that have made their own marks in seasons past. These series have proven themselves well worth people's time to follow, and all are available on DVD for repeated enjoyment.

Let's begin with a network known for pushing envelopes of mature content and subject matter: ShowTime. Most will be familiar with the escapades of the now- ended Sopranos series, but one show is well past its fourth season on the network and demands its spot in the sun. Penn and Teller, the famous magicians and skeptics, created a show aimed at skeptics. The program is called Penn & Teller: Bullsh*t! and has covered a vast amount of questionable material over the years. Everything from scripture, alien abductions, and natural cures are put to the test via hidden camera projects, basic psychology, interviews, or an entertaining combination of the three. Many social issues often run for entire episodes. The rights of prostitutes is one worth noting, and the ways in which organizations (P.E.T.A.) can be misleading raises many questions. School programs that encourage abstinence while not disclosing the truths of safe sex to minors, miracle products, the false history of landmarks - these and many more hot-button issues are discussed in very memorable, educated, and entertaining ways. There is a tendency for bias in many of the programs; though the opposition gets its share of screen time, the commentary of Penn Gillette often involves very colorful language to hammer home a point against that opposition. For those not easily offended, and for the skeptic in everyone, pick up the DVD sets of Penn & Teller: Bullsh*t! and be sure to tune in for new season five episodes airing now on ShowTime.

If you enjoy animated programs, look no further than Cartoon Network's The Boondocks. The comic strip has been in national print for years now, and creator Aaron McGruder finally received the funding to put his culturally relevant strip to life on late night television. For those not familiar with the comic strip, it follows two boys, Huey and Riley Freeman, as well as their Grandad, and addresses cultural and political happenings with grace and humor. The show in its first season seemed to branch out even further then its written origins; the style is in a toned-down anime world, and the messages and stories not only make the viewer both laugh and think about race and its misgivings. Great voice work and characters made the first thirteen episodes well worth watching, and are available on DVD. I strongly recommend watching the second season of The Boondocks when it airs on October eighth.

How many readers would agree that a show that won the Emmy award for best comedy series only a few years ago should still be on primetime? Unfortunately, the late, great, and Emmy winning Arrested Development was cancelled from the Fox network after only three seasons. The basic summary of the show is of a man trying to balance his work and his family. The catch is his family is possibly the most dysfunctional one ever broadcast on television. The show starred Jason Bateman as Michael Bluth, the son and off-and-on CEO of the Bluth real estate firm. His family is very well off, but when unexpected events set them all on edge the characters really come through as a desperate, hilarious hodgepodge. The show is very hard to describe and is best understood upon viewing. It is presented in a documentary camera style, with co-producer Ron Howard himself narrating the misadventures of the family. The episodes did have continuing story lines as the season went along, as well as references to past shows and seasons; often it felt like its own inside joke, but in the best way possible. No matter your tastes for comedy, every viewer will find a different Bluth member to love, either for their charm or lack thereof. The writing was top-notch and even small sub-plots and guest stars kept the family fresh and funny. If you love to laugh, all three hilarious seasons are now on sale as DVD sets, and every single episode of Arrested Development is worth re-watching again and again.

While you are busy catching up with old favorite shows this fall, don't' forget that great television isn't always advertised. Do yourself a very big favor and buy the sets of these shows, and don't forget to watch new episodes of Penn & Teller: Bullsh*t! and The Boondocks over the upcoming months.