When I first heard about Entourage, it was through finding out that Deadwood had been cancelled. Deadwood was my favourite show, and I was not happy. I decided to download an episode of Entourage to see what my beautiful western had been cancelled for. And it turns out, it's something almost worth it.
Entourage is all about a fictional up and coming movie star, Vincent Chase, played by Adrian Grenier, and his group of friends - his entourage. This group includes his manager and best friend Eric (Kevin Connolly), driver Turtle (Jerry Fararra),and chef Johnny "Drama" Chase (Kevin Dillon). The real star of the show though is the foul-mouthed agent Ari (played by the amazing Jeremy Piven), who consistently delivers memorable one liners, as well as quoteable monologues - if Ari can't make you laugh, you don't have a soul.
The numerous guest stars and real life Hollywood stars making cameo appearances (including Scarlett Johanson and James Cameron) are also a real treat, and really makes you believe you are watching Hollywood life the way it actually is, and you will be green with envy. Each episode is only half an hour long, but has incredible replay value - this isn't a box set you'll buy and want to sell on eBay after the first viewing.
Each episode, Vince and co attend film premieres, parties, assess possible future projects, and generally live the Hollywood dream. On paper, it doesn't sound like much, but in practice, Entourage scores a perfect ten in every way - it's a perfect comedy - no hideous audience track, this is a comedy with a difference - it is HBO after all. Season 3 aired in America recently, and it's still just as good, perhaps even better. All I can say is I hope, unlike other HBO series, this one stays around for a long, long time.