Rome

Rome wasn't built in a day, and from the looks of it, neither was the $100 million set simulating the erstwhile empire that HBO slapped together, giving movie studios serious codpiece envy. But unlike Jim Rome, the cable network's epic isn't just pomp with no substance. The show explores the struggle for political position between aristocratic spokesman Pompey and plebeian hero Julius Caesar, while an Olive Garden lunch buffet worth of supporting characters pick sides. Duplicity may be the only honest trade in 52 B.C., and sycophancy is more common than full frontal nudity—but don't worry, there's some of both! If you enjoy your drama ultraviolent, then the savage sword battles should satisfy your bloodlust. (If not, can we interest you in a cow's-blood shower?) The cast appears plucked from Hollywood's Summerset Retirement Community for Unknown Actors, wielding character names that are easium to forgetius. Thankfully, the show holds your hand through its layered plotlines and politically charged backstabbing to suck you back in for each new episode. HBO's recent track record for original programming has been nearly spotless and its newest dramatic series, along with our lack of creative writing skill, makes it easy to say, there's no place like Rome.