If you’ve been toying with the idea of getting Showtime, you’ll have a chance to preview the channel this weekend as the network is set to go free for a few days, just in time for the premieres of Californication and two very promising looking new series!
As a paying Showtime subscriber, I’m more of a fan of their original programming than I am of the movies. There’s only so much Twilight a girl can take (I’m sure some would argue with me there). While their movie selection is, in my opinion, just OK for the most part, Showtime has some of the best programming on TV right now and it’s only about to get better when Californication picks up for Season 4, and Episodes and Shameless premiere this Sunday night.
Showtime’s free preview begins Friday, January 7th and runs through Monday, January 10th. Among the movies featured are Twilight, The Twilight Saga: New Moon, The Road, Push, Fanboys, Knowing, and The Reader. I’m a bit disappointed that Showtime isn’t running some Season 1 episodes of Dexter, Weeds and Nurse Jackie for viewers who have yet to discover these excellent shows.* But they are giving viewers a chance to see some of their new series as well as the season premiere of Californication. On Sunday night, Californication will kick off its fourth season at 9:00 p.m., after which Episodes premieres, followed by Shameless at 10:00 p.m.
Episodes follows two successful British TV writers (who also happen to be married to each other), who are invited to Los Angeles to adapt their British TV show for American television. Considering how often that’s happening these days, it makes sense that someone would find a funny take on it and turn it into a comedy series. Matt LeBlanc plays himself, mirroring reality (only somewhat) as he attempts to make a comeback in television by starring in the adapted TV show.
And speaking of U.S. series adapted from popular British shows, also set to premiere on Sunday night is Shameless, which follows a dysfunctional, financially struggling family, headed up by an alcoholic played by William H. Macy.
CLICK HERE to view Showtime's full Free Preview Weekend schedule.
*Showtime's site mentions On Demand also being available this weekend, which may include previous seasons of series that aren't on the preview schedule (Dexter, Weeds, etc.). Netflix subscribers: Weeds and Dexter’s earlier seasons are available on Netflix Watch Instantly.
