HBO vs. Showtime: Which Has the Better Original Programming?

I've pondered on this question various times, and it struck me that it might make for an interesting topic (assuming it doesn't already exist, which I think it doesn't, but I may be wrong.) So, HBO and Showtime have both received critical and commercial fame for their original programming over the past decade plus, including blockbuster series like: Oz (HBO), Six Feet Under (HBO), Dream On (HBO), Queer As Folk (Showtime), Soul Food (Showtime), Rome (HBO), Brotherhood (Showtime), Big Love (HBO), Californication (Showtime), The Sopranos (HBO), True Blood (HBO) and Weeds (Showtime), etc.

Which network would you say more consistently produces the original series that you enjoy the most? I figure this is a pretty inclusive topic in this age of DVDs, and other methods of watching television episodes which shall remain nameless.

I wouldn't know because we cut out HBO years ago, and we never really had Showtime, we had it but it was always the static and snow and gray lines between everything so you couldn't really see anything...when we had those channels it was more of a comparison between HBO and Cinemax...and on one hand, both had great movies, about 20 years ago Cinemax was showing The Blob with Steve McQueen and other great older movies. Then, about 10 years back in the daytime they could be counted on for the more current movies that were good, and then usually at night it went into the sex programs, and I remember with those, Cinemax was usually the better choice because it showed more than HBO would, LOL.

It's a close call but I give the nod to HBO.

At one time I would have said HBO, but it Showtime hands down right now.

I always thought HBO's original programming was more highbrow than Showtime's, which by contrasts has traditionally been more quirky and light. Right now, though, there isn't a single show I watch on either. I'm waiting for the fourth season of True Blood.

HBO usually has the best programming. Right now I am watching a series on Showtime "Shameless"

Never been all that impressed by Showtime shows really....I can't think of any I ever watched more than once. Like with movies, HBO has it all over them in quality.

Tony Marino wrote:HBO usually has the best programming. Right now I am watching a series on Showtime "Shameless"

You're into that too, Tony? LOL, I think we knoe where Frank Gallagher stands on the Canada vs U.S. question

i would say HBO, sex and the city and sopranos are CLASSICS.. i watch enterouge every now an then..

only showtime show i ever watched was soul food