Boardwalk Empire

HBO just launched its new flagship program, Boardwalk Empire. It comes from the minds of Academy Award-winning director Martin Scorsese and Emmy Award-winning writer Terence Winter (The Sopranos). Mark Wahlberg also serves as an executive producer on the show. Boardwalk Empire takes place in the 1920s and follows businessman Nucky Thompson (Steve Buscemi) as he navigates the treacherous waters of Prohibition-era Atlantic City.

In a world where networks churn out turkey after turkey, HBO consistently provides quality programming for its viewers. The premium cable network rules Sunday nights and its shows speak for themselves. Boardwalk Empire is the next Sopranos (which is widely accepted as the best TV show ever made). It even got picked up for a second season after the first episode, which is unheard of these days. Granted, the first episode was the most expensive pilot ever made (a staggering $20 million!) This cost includes the boardwalk they built which will be used in all future episodes. Scorsese directed the pilot and will act as executive producer for the rest of the series.

Boardwalk Empire is extremely cinematic in its approach – the first two episodes look like mini-movies. The period also lends itself to great fashion and décor. The costume and set designer must be having a blast working on the show. However, my favorite part of the program is the opening credits. In an homage to Belgian surrealist painter Rene Magritte, the credits center around Nucky in a bowler hat and black overcoat walking across the boardwalk on a cloudy afternoon.

While most networks are trying to cut costs, HBO is flouring and spending money right and left. With almost 30 million subscribers at $10 a month, it’s not hard to see how the cable network is able to spend so much on its programming. Boardwalk Empire, Sunday night, 9 pm, HBO, watch it.