j123vt_99

Every time I flip on TNT, I see commercials for The Closer and they always hype it as the most viewed cable show ever and last week was the biggest premiere ever. I've never even heard anyone mention the show. I'm not doubting it is good or not, but is it really the most watched show ever? Are they playing with the numbers? Is it the most watched show on Thursday's between 8-9 on cable during the month of May?

Groucho

I disagree with your assessment that this is the best cable show ever. Good day, sir.

Decker

Perhaps you mean "Basic Cable"? It's a good show and while I'd argue for The Shield, I'd hear you out.

But better than The Sopranos? Better than Six Feet Under? Sex And The City? Deadwood? Curb Your Enthusiasm? Big Love?
No way on earth.

Red Dog

Most viewed doesn't equal best, unless you believe that American Idol is the best show on television, and if you do, you are either an idiot or 12.

hardercore

According to Wikipedia, The Sopranos got 14 million viewers for one of it's season premieres. If I recall correctly, The Closer got just shy of 9 million. So it's not the best Cable show ever with regard to the ratings, and I'm pretty sure its not critically received as well as shows like The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, or Deadwood, either.

So I call bullshit.

stingermck

Numbers have to be based on basic cable, not premium cable like HBO-Sopranos.

I do watch the show, and enjoy it. I like JK Simmons character, and some of the others.

TGM

The Shield > The Closer
Rescue Me > The Closer

Jimmy James

JK Simmons is a part of the cast? I may have to check this show out.

DJariya

Very good show and I love Kyra Sedgwick, but IMO the best cable show is by far The Shield. The Closer obviously has more money going into it, but what makes The Shield so good is they are able to pull off so much with the writing and having an extremely limited budget.

onebyone

I wouldn't say it is the best ever, because there have been so many great ones. I think it is a fantastic show though, and it seems to just improve and improve. I personally like it a lot more than some shows mentioned in this thread.

Those numbers for "most watched" are for basic cable.

das Monkey

The Closer is not only the best cable show ever, but the best show in the history of television.

das

j123vt_99

Am I the only one who sees all the commericals on TNT for this and the ways they are hyping it? Of course i don;t think it is the best ever

Red Dog

A network hyping something? Surely you jest. I am fully convinced that TNT knows drama.

stingermck

And GW Bailey! There is life after Police Academy!

Groucho

You're just enamored with the theme song, lovingly composed by Nine Inch Nails.

whotony

i dont think the show is that big a deal.

ordinary in fact.

every crime is solved typical run of the mill cop tv show style.
this could be any cop show on tv.

very generic.

Jimmy James

That may be, but I've heard that FX has the movies.

MechanicalMan

Were you trying to mention every HBO show other than The Wire?
The Wire is the best show on cable!

Ayre

When my X-wife was giving birth to our baby, I was at home watching The Closer.

nateman

I agree with whotony, very average crime drama. I've seen way better.

I like G.W. Baily from M*A*S*H, St. Elsewhere & from the Police Academy movies but those were all good shows/movies.

hardercore

This is funny. "Do you guys reckon I should believe TV advertising hype? I'm on the fence"

Charlie Goose

All I see when I look at him is Luther Rizzo.
"Would ya'll like some hep with that case?"

Even Monk > The Closer

rfduncan

DING! DING! DING! DING!

...and The Blue Oyster Bar.

The show is quite good. It gets points for having a strong female lead character - missing from most television drama right now. However, TNT isn't stupid. There's a reason the show airs when nothing else new is really on. Give it a try. You don't have to know much of a continuing storyline except that this season the LAPD has budget issues.

Still The Shield blows it out of the water.

Groucho

For me, it gets points for having a female lead character who doesn't talk to the dead or have other supernatural powers.

DVDMagic

Been getting into TV on DVD lately and in particualr all shows Criem related so I've put this on my Netflix list.