HBO is trying something that they've never attempted before. While most of the serials on HBO involve dark, gritty storylines, such as those found in the mafia hit The Sopranos or the life-on-the-inside prison drama Oz, they've decided to take a step in another direction. Lucky Louie recently premiered on the station, and it's HBO's attempt at landing the sitcom crowd. Starring Louis CK, a semi-famous stand up comic as the man of the house, the show also features Pamela Adlon playing his wife and 5 year old Kelly Gould playing his daughter. The chemistry of the cast is excellent, with fresh and savvy dialogue that you'd expect from a Hollywood comedy writing team. Lucky Louie follows the life of a standard American family, but with some notable HBO exceptions. Gone are all the standards of decency that you would come to expect from a show that revolves around a family. The dialogue is straight-from-the-gut, and it will leave you holding your own belly from laughter. Touching on topics ranging from child rearing to sex after marriage, the show consistently provides punch-lines that will leave you in stitches. While the show has had quite the powerful start, there's only been two episodes aired thus far.



The pilot episode of Lucky Louie showed that although it's a sitcom, they won't be pulling any punches. Amongst other taboos that are smashed throughout the episode, Louis' nasty habit of masturbating in the closet comes to light and, when asked by his daughter why things are the way they are, he simply replies with "Because God is dead and we are alone." That's the kind of comedy you can expect from this show - an almost altogether too-honest look inside of the quirks of the average American family. It's a breath of fresh air to see a true-to-life sitcom that offers no apologies, and no subject is taboo. It's also filmed in front of a live studio audience, which provides welcome refreshment from the canned laughter you can find on most TV shows. If you're looking for your standard, stereotypically portrayed TV family, look elsewhere. If you're part of a fed-up middle class working family with a good sense of humor, however, this show may be right up your alley. Lucky Louie is rated X for its strong language and simulated sex, and can be seen on HBO with new episodes every Sunday night at 10:30 PM.