HBO Digitals

I love HBO Go, absolutely love it. Since I installed it in my iPhone, I have watched the entire runs of "Big Love," "Deadwood," and "Oz," all awesome television in their own right. Recently, while exploring HBO Go, I found a section hidden off in the Comedy category called HBO Digitals. These are mini-shows, could-have-beens I guess. There are four, and they are really something special. I would almost want to watch these mini-series than some of the real stuff that does make it to 'real' TV.

"Garfunkel and Oates"

If you've seen this terrific musical comedy duo, you know what to expect. I love them. They are sly and funny, and even better in their own three to five minute mini-episodes. The episodes are more or less frameworks for their songs, but still, damn funny. Oh, and sooo not work or family safe.


"The Boring Life of Jacqueline"

The opening episode is a test in cringe - how long will you hold out? Yes, when they say boring, they mean boooring. It is almost like a dare gone too far, or a staring contest. If you get past the first episode, it's worth it. The show does kick in eventually and becomes a rather disturbing picture of a lonely but pitiful, and suicidal sociopath. Jaclyn Jonet plays an out of work actress obsessed with the building maintenance man. Don't let the description or first episode scare you off, this is wonderful and subtle brilliance from Mike White, and deserves a spot on HBO's regular line-up.

"Brody Stevens: Enjoy It"

This one is about BS, a comedian, manic depressive, compulsive Twitterer, performance artist, stalker, baseball player, and god knows what else. You might know him from "Chelsea Lately," or the Hangover movies. I don't really know what this program is about, besides Brody Stevens wrecking his life, even after a half-dozen episodes, and I like that about it. He's abrasive, specializes again in cringe humor, has animation, and always surprises. Co-produced, co-written, and co-starring Zach Galifianakis. It's fun, not for everyone, but fun.

"Single Long"

At first this seemed like a failed hipster/slacker sitcom about a dating site, but eventually it turns into a sweet love story between two reluctant friends. Like "Jacqueline," it takes a while to kick in, but it's well worth it. The show is fully saved by the charisma of spunky Sarra Jahedi. I just can't get enough of her. All great finds on the iPhone with HBO Go.