[dragonwriter]

> I find a lot of HBO (and other cable) shows start slow and improve once they find a rhythm. Perhaps because they don't need to immediately grab an audience.

I find that's true of most shows, including those on traditional networks. I don't think its really a cable (or premium cable) vs. traditional network issue.

[ojbyrne]

It is, but basic cable shows are more prone to pull the plug early. HBO, especially, seems to have much more patience. The canonical example would be "The Wire."