Oh, cable. Is there anything you can’t do?
On Sunday, two of the most buzzed-about non-network shows on TV — AMC’s “Mad Men” and HBO’s “True Blood” — will go toe-to-toe for pop culture dominance. The former rides into its Season 3 premiere on a raft of Emmy nominations and critical acclaim, while the latter continues in its regular slot after netting its highest ratings ever last week (4.4 million). So which TV drama reigns supreme? That, ladies and gentlemen, is the reason we have RedEye’s Faceoff!
Read all over
MAD MEN: The New York Times Magazine. Vanity Fair. RedEye. Is there anyone in the media who isn’t obsessed with this show?
TRUE BLOOD: TV critics are in love with this one too, but the show’s plot isn’t what gets the most attention (more on that later).
Sex appeal
MAD MEN: Generally, it’s understood that star Jon Hamm is sex.
TRUE BLOOD: Everyone is talking about co-stars Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer, who are engaged in real life!
Writing chops
MAD MEN: “The Sopranos” vet Matthew Weiner has gained a reputation for his fanatical attention to detail as the show runner for “Mad Men.”
TRUE BLOOD: Creator Alan Ball’s last big hit? “Six Feet Under.”
Characters
MAD MEN: You know how Jon Hamm is sex? So is the character he plays: hard-drinking, lady-loving ad exec Don Draper.
TRUE BLOOD: Not only can Sookie Stackhouse hear thoughts, half the time she’s naked!
Questionable historical content
MAD MEN: Not all dudes in the ’60s were chauvinist jerks, were they?
TRUE BLOOD: Everyone knows vampires went extinct, like, 30 years ago.
WINNER
Maybe we’ve been drinking too many martinis at lunch, but is this even a question? Clearly, “Mad Men” is the better TV show.
