July on HBO

HUNG: This new comedy series tells the story of a well-endowed former high school legend turned struggling middle-aged high school teacher and basketball coach, who figures out a way to use his best asset. The series stars Thomas Jane, Jane Adams, Anne Heche, Sianoa Smit-McPhee and Charlie Saxton. (Created by Dmitry Lipkin and Colette Burson; executive producers, Colette Burson, Dmitry Lipkin, Alexander Payne, Michael Rosenberg, John Morayniss and Noreen Halpern; co-executive producers, Scott Stephens and Emily Kapnek.)

– Episode 02: “Great Sausage” or “Can I Call You Dick?”: In an effort to market Ray as a high-end “happiness consultant,” Tanya tracks down a former law-firm colleague named Lenore, who agrees to take Ray for a test ride in exchange for the names and numbers of wealthy women. Meanwhile, Jessica’s obsessive behavior grates on her kids, who push Ray to fix his fire-damaged house, but money mismanagement leaves Ray strapped for cash. (Directed by Craig Zisk; written by Colette Burson & Dmitry Lipkin.) (TVMA) [AC, AL, possible N] ESP Playdates: 12, 14, 16, 17 and 23

– Episode 03: “Strange Friends” or “The Truth Is, You’re Sexy”: Ray’s fortunes sink further when his nosy neighbor accuses him of public indecency. Fed up with Jessica’s maternal meddling, Damon and Darby yearn to go back to their dad’s, but progress on Ray’s home-repair front remains stalled. Likewise, Ray and Tanya’s frayed partnership seems to be dead in the water – until a last-minute proposal resurrects their dreams. (Directed by Scott Ellis; written by Colette Burson & Dmitry Lipkin.) (TVMA) [AC, AL, possible N] ESP Playdates: 19, 21, 23 and 24

– Episode 04: “The Pickle Jar”: West Lakefield students choose Coach Ray as the recipient of their fall fundraising efforts, but Ray sees their pickle-jar donation as an embarrassing metaphor for his downward spiral. Tanya has a couple of leads that could jump-start Ray’s new career, but she is uncertain about his follow-through. Meanwhile, Damon is shattered when he rushes to his sister’s defense during drive-in family night, only to learn that Darby doesn’t want his help. (Directed by David Petrarca; written by Colette Burson & Dmitry Lipkin.) (TVMA) [AC, AL, possible N] ESP Playdates: 26, 28, 30 and 31

TRUE BLOOD: Based on the popular Sookie Stackhouse books by Charlaine Harris, this hit drama series was created by Alan Ball, creator of HBO’s Emmy®-winning series “Six Feet Under.” The show takes place in the not-too-distant future, when vampires have come out of the coffin, thanks to the invention of mass-produced synthetic blood that means they no longer need humans for nutrition. Deadly new twists threaten Sookie Stackhouse (played by Anna Paquin), her vampire boyfriend Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer) and the town of Bon Temps. (Created by Alan Ball; based on the Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris; executive producers, Alan Ball and Gregg Fienberg; producer, Mark McNair and Raelle Tucker; co-executive producers, Brian Buckner and Nancy Oliver; supervising producer, Alexander Woo; associate producer, Christina Jokanovich.)

– Episode 16: “Let’s Take a Trip Together”: With Jessica in tow, Bill and Sookie head to Dallas to carry out Eric’s vampire-reconnaissance mission – but a surprise awaits them at the airport. At the Light of Day Institute, Jason falls victim to a practical joke, but has the last laugh when the Newlins anoint him for a higher calling. Maryann throws a birthday party for Tara, attracting much of Bon Temps to its Bacchanalian revelry. Sam postpones his departure from town to attend the bash, connecting with Daphne in the process. (Written by Alan Ball; directed by Michael Lehmann.) (TVMA) [AC, AL, V, N] ESP Playdates: 12, 14, 15 and 18

– Episode 17: “Never Let Me Go”: In Dallas, Sookie connects with one of her own, then joins Bill and Eric for a strategic summit at the lair of the missing vampire, Godric, attended by his lieutenants, Stan and Isabel. Meanwhile, Jason shows his mettle at a Light of Day boot camp, and is rewarded for his hard work with a gift from Sarah. Rebuffed by Tara in her relocation efforts, Maryann decides to cast her spell on the Merlotte’s staff, softening Tara up towards her new “family.” Eric shares a little-known secret about his past with Bill, and Sookie makes a decision that might solve the Godric mystery – or get herself killed. (Written by Nancy Oliver; directed by John Dahl.) (TVMA) [AC, AL, GV, N, SC] ESP Playdates: 19, 21, 22 and 25

– Episode 18: “Friend Is a Four Letter Word”: Accompanied by Isabel’s human boyfriend Hugo, Sookie embarks on a dangerous mission to locate Godric. Meanwhile, Bill is shocked when a vampire from his distant, more violent past resurfaces in Dallas. In Bon Temps, Daphne presses Sam to get comfortable in his own skin(s); Hoyt continues his unlikely courtship of Jessica; and Tara and Eggs take a detour while on a road trip for supplies. At the Light of Day camp, Jason finds himself faced with difficult emotional and physical choices. (Written by Brian Buckner; directed by Michael Lehmann.) (TVMA) [AC, AL, GV, N] ESP Playdates: 26, 28 and 29

– Encore playdates: Episode 13: “Nothing But The Blood”: 5; Episode 14: “Keep This Party Going”: 5; Episode 15: “Scratches”: 1, 4 and 5

ENTOURAGE: From executive producers Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson, Doug Ellin, Rob Weiss and Denis Biggs, the hit series returns for its sixth season. After weathering a series of professional stumbling blocks, Vince (played by Adrian Grenier) has bounced back after the opening of his new Martin Scorsese film. Meanwhile, Eric (Kevin Connelly) is considering leaving the group nest for his own place, Turtle (Jerry Ferrara) is in a serious relationship with Jamie-Lynn Sigler, and Johnny Drama still looks to grab a share of his brother’s limelight. Ari Gold (three-time Emmy® winner Jeremy Piven) frenetically helms his new agency, while Lloyd (Rex Lee), his long suffering assistant, eyes a promotion. Perry Reeves co-stars as Mrs. Ari.

– Episode 67: “Drive”: Vince is back in the fast lane, preparing for both his driving test and an appearance with Jay Leno to promote the premiere of “Gatsby,” his new movie directed by Martin Scorsese. Meanwhile, with a nudge from Sloan, Eric considers moving into his own house, but worries about the impact on Vince and the gang. Looking for career advancement, Lloyd confronts Ari with an ultimatum, and Ari counters with a proposition of his own. (Written by Doug Ellin; directed by Mark Mylod.). (TVMA) [AC, AL, N] ESP Playdates: 12, 14, 15, 16 and 23

– Episode 68: “Amongst Friends”: Eric invites Sloan to Vince’s premiere, but just “as friends.” Ari arranges a friend date between Mrs. Ari and Andrew’s wife, but his new partner’s actions threaten to foil Ari’s plans. Meanwhile, Lloyd goes on a crash diet per Ari’s demand. And Turtle makes his red-carpet debut with Jamie-Lynn Sigler on his arm. (Written by Ally Musika; directed by Mark Mylod.). (TVMA) [TBD] ESP Playdates: 19, 21, 22, 23 and 30

– Episode 69: “One Car, Two Car, Red Car, Blue Car”: After receiving extravagant birthday gifts from Vince and Jamie-Lynn, Turtle contemplates his future career path, and seeks out Ari for advice. Meanwhile, Eric gets nervous about Charlie’s pilot after getting some unsolicited feedback from his new fling. (Written by Doug Ellin; directed by Mark Mylod.). (TVMA) [TBD] ESP Playdates: 26, 28, 29 and 30

OTHER:

TEDDY: IN HIS OWN WORDS: This documentary explores the life and 46-year Senate career of Ted Kennedy through his own words, from his childhood up through his speech at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. The film includes archival material and never-before-seen home movies. (Produced by Peter Kunhardt.) (NR) ESP Playdates: 13, 19, 21, 25 and 29

PROM NIGHT IN MISSISSIPPI: This official selection of the 2009 Sundance Film Festival follows the students, teachers and parents of Charleston, Miss. as they prepare for the first integrated prom at Charleston High. Even though the students share classes and every other aspect of school life, the town of Charleston had a tradition of holding two proms, one white, one black. In 1997, Oscar® winner Morgan Freeman, who resides in Charleston, made an historic offer to his hometown high school: he would foot the bill for the school’s senior prom — on the condition that both black and white students be allowed to attend. Freeman’s offer was ignored, but in 2008, he made it again. This time, the school accepted and history was made, but not without significant opposition. (Directed by Paul Saltzman.) (TV14) [AC] ESP Playdates: 20, 23, 26, 28 and 30

THE YES MEN FIX THE WORLD: An official selection of the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, this documentary follows two professional tricksters as they infiltrate the world of big business and pull off outrageous pranks in an effort to highlight the human toll of corporate greed and profiteering. This lively documentary focuses on the efforts of Andy Bichlbaum and Mike Bonanno, frontmen for the Yes Men, to champion worthy causes – and battle the excesses of today’s free-market economy – through high-profile, politically charged hoaxes. (Directed by Andy Bichlbaum & Mike Bonanno.) (NR) Playdate: 27

REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER: This live, weekly series stars the outspoken comedian/social commentator as he discusses the topics and personalities of the moment in an edgy, uncensored forum. Devoted primarily to news and comedy, the show’s format includes an opening monologue, roundtable discussions with special guests, and interviews with guests appearing live or via satellite. (Executive producer/host, Bill Maher; executive producers, Scott Carter, Sheila Griffiths, Brad Grey, Marc Gurvitz and Billy Martin.) (TV-MA) [AC, AL] Playdates: Edition #160: 17, 19, 20 and 22; Edition #161: 24, 26, 27 and 29; Edition #162: 31

TED WILLIAMS: HBO Sports explores the life of Boston Red Sox slugger Ted Williams, one of baseball’s most enduring icons, in this documentary, marking the 70th anniversary of his rookie season. (TVPG) Playdates: 15, 18, 20, 24, 26 and 31

REAL SPORTS WITH BRYANT GUMBEL: Hosted by Bryant Gumbel, this all-new, one-hour edition of the exclusive, Emmy Award®-winning HBO Sports® magazine show looks at the world of contemporary sports, going behind the box scores and statistics to tackle timely subjects in the world of sports. (Executive producers, Ross Greenburg and Rick Bernstein.) (TV-PG) ESP Playdates: Edition #148: 21, 23, 25, 28 and 31