TRUE BLOOD, THE NEWSROOM, GAME OF THRONES, GIRLS and More Set for HBO/Cinemax's 2012-13 Programming

HBO/CINEMAX 2012-2013 PROGRAMMING OVERVIEW:

DRAMA SERIES

TRUE BLOOD: Based on the popular Sookie Stackhouse books by Charlaine Harris, this Emmy(R)-nominated hit drama series was created by Alan Ball, creator of HBO's Emmy(R)-winning series "Six Feet Under." The show follows waitress and part-faerie Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin), who can hear people's thoughts, vampire Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer) and vampire Eric Northman (Alexander Skarsgard). The fifth season concludes Aug. 26.

THE NEWSROOM: This new series centers on a cable news anchor (Jeff Daniels), his new executive producer (Emily Mortimer), his newsroom staff (John Gallagher, Jr., Alison Pill , Thomas Sadoski , Dev Patel , Olivia Munn ) and their boss (Sam Waterston ). Together they set out on a patriotic and quixotic mission to do the news well in the face of corporate and commercial obstacles and their own personal relationships. Aaron Sorkin created the series and executive produces along with Scott Rudin and Alan Poul . The first season concludes Aug. 26.

BOARDWALK EMPIRE: Set in the 1920s during Prohibition, this Emmy(R)- and Golden Globe-winning series chronicles the life and times of "Nucky" Thompson, the undisputed leader of Atlantic City. Steve Buscemi stars as Thompson; other cast members include Kelly Macdonald, Michael Shannon, Shea Whigham, Jack Huston, Stephen Graham, Michael Stuhlbarg, Vincent Piazza, Paul Sparks, Michael Kenneth Williams , Gretchen Mol and Bobby Cannavale . The series was created by Terence Winter , who also serves as executive producer with Martin Scorsese , Stephen Levi nson, Mark Wahlberg and Tim Van Patten. The 12-episode third season begins Sept. 16.

TREME: From David Simon, creator of "The Wire" and "Generation Kill," and Eric Overmyer, writer-producer of "Homicide: Life on the Street," this HBO series explores a unique American culture rebuilding after historic devastation, chronicling the life of New Orleans residents in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Cast members include Wendell Pierce, Khandi Alexander, Clarke Peters, Rob Brown, Steve Zahn, Kim Dickens, Melissa Leo, Michiel Huisman, Lucia Micarelli, Jon Seda, David Morse, India Ennenga and Chris Coy. The ten-episode third season begins Sept. 23.

GAME OF THRONES: Based on the popular book series "A Song of Ice and Fire," by George R.R. Martin, this hit Emmy(R)-winning fantasy series chronicles an epic struggle for power in a vast and violent kingdom. Among the returning members of the ensemble cast for the second season are Emmy(R) and Golden Globe winner Peter Dinklage, Michelle Fairley, Lena Headey, Emilia Clarke, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Kit Harington. Executive produced and created by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, the ten-episode third season begins March 31, 2013.

COMEDY SERIES

GIRLS: Created by and starring Lena Dunham ("Tiny Furniture"), this Emmy(R)-nominated series is a comic look at the assorted humiliations and rare triumphs of a group of girls in their early 20s. Dunham executive produces along with Judd Apatow and Jenni Konner. The cast also includes Jemima Kirke, Allison Williams, Zosia Mamet, Adam Drive r and Alex Karpovsky. The ten-episode second season begins in Jan. 2013.

ENLIGHTENED: This Golden Globe-winning show focuses on a self-destructive woman (Laura Dern) who has a spiritual awakening after a meltdown. Determined to live a more enlightened existence, the former executive's new lifestyle wreaks havoc both at home and at work. Luke Wilson and Diane Ladd also star; the cast also includes series writer-director Mike White. White and Dern are executive producers. The ten-episode second season begins in Jan. 2013.

VEEP: Created by Armando Iannucci (Oscar(R) nominee for co-writing "In the Loop"), this Emmy(R)-nominated series stars Emmy(R) winner Julia Louis-Dreyfus as former Senator Selina Meyer, who becomes vice president, only to discover the job is nothing like she expected, but everything she was warned about. The show also stars Tony Hale, Anna Chlumsky, Matt Walsh, Reid Scott, Timothy C. Simons and Sufe Bradshaw. Iannucci executive produces along with Frank Rich and Christopher Godsick. The ten-episode second season begins in 2013.

EASTBOUND & DOWN: Starring Danny McBride and executive produced by Will Ferrell, Adam McKay, Chris Henchy, Jody Hill and Danny McBride, this comedy series tells the story of a star pitcher whose self-destructive behavior knocks him out of major league baseball, leaving him broke, delusional and desperate to regain his former glory. The fourth season begins in 2013.

OTHER SERIES

REAL TIME WITH Bill Maher: Now in its tenth season, Maher's live weekly show is devoted to news and comedy, allowing him to offer his unique perspective on contemporary issues. The Emmy(R)-nominated show returns from hiatus Aug. 17, with new editions debuting Fridays at 10:00 p.m. (ET/PT).

HBO FILMS

THE GIRL: Starring Toby Jones and Sienna Mille r, this film tells the story of Alfred Hitchcock's obsessive relationship with his leading lady, Tippi Hedren, during the making of the "The Birds" and "Marnie." A complex tale of power, obsession and the price exacted for stardom, the drama is directed by Julian Jarrold from a script by Gwyneth Hughes. Imelda Staunton and Penelope Wilton co-star. Amanda Jenks produces; Leanne Klein executive produces. Based on the book "Spellbound by Beauty," by Donald Spoto. Debuts Oct. 20.

BEHIND THE CANDELABRA: Starring Academy Award(R) winners Michael Douglas and Matt Damon, this drama takes a behind-the-scenes look at the tempestuous relationship between legendary entertainer Liberace and Scott Thorson, his younger live-in lover. Directed by Academy Award(R) winner Steven Soderbergh from a script by Oscar(R) nominee Richard LaGravenese, the film is executive produced by Emmy(R) winner Jerry Weintraub, and produced by Gregory Jacobs, Susan Ekins, and Michael Polaire. Debuts in 2013.

Phil Spector: Written and directed by David Mamet, the film explores the client-attorney relationship between legendary music producer Phil Spector (Al Pacino) and defense attorney Linda Kenney Baden (Helen Mirren), who represented Spector during his first trial for murder. Mamet also serves as executive producer with Barry Levinson. The cast also includes Jeffrey Tambor and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Debuts in 2013.

MARY AND MARTHA: Hilary Swank and Brenda Blethyn star in this HBO Films drama, which follows the epic journey of two mothers who bond over the mutual loss of their sons to malaria. Directed by Phillip Noyce from a screenplay written by Richard Curtis. Debuts in 2013.

HBO DOCUMENTARIES

DON'T DIVORCE ME! KIDS' RULES FOR PARENTS ON DIVORCE: This family documentary spotlights children ranging in age from five to ten who have met the confusing, often-painful challenge of their parents' divorce. Combining candid interviews, drawings, songs and photos, this insightful film gives kids a chance to share poignant stories of how divorce has impacted their lives - and offer helpful advice to their parents. Executive produced by Rosie O'Donnell, this heartfelt, upbeat documentary shows how children comprehend and cope with the separation of their cptfc parents, suggesting ways adults can make this difficult transition easier for their kids. Directed by Emmy(R) winner Amy Schatz. Debuts Sept. 20.

THE LATINO LIST: VOLUME 2: A remarkable group of Latino notables share candid personal stories in intimate interviews with NPR correspondent Maria Hinojosa, offering a unique glimpse into the vibrant and burgeoning culture of Hispanic America. Directed by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, the film spotlights individuals from a variety of backgrounds and professions who have richly contributed to the fabric of contemporary society. Debuts Sept. 24.

ETHEL: This documentary celebrates the remarkable life of Ethel Kennedy, the wife of Robert F. Kennedy, highlighted by revealing and little-known anecdotes from those who know her best: her family. Directed by Emmy(R)-winning daughter Rory Kennedy, this personal portrait is the first film made about the Kennedys from within the family. The film features candid interviews with Ethel - her first extended interview in more than two decades - and her children Kathleen, Joe, Bobby, Courtney, Kerry, Chris and Max, spanning her political awakening, the life she shared with Robert Kennedy, and the years following his death, when she raised their 11 children. Debuts Oct. 18.

THE BIG PICTURE: RETHINKING DYSLEXIA: This 2012 Sundance Film Festival selection tells the moving story of four young people who strive to overcome dyslexia and surpass society's low expectations. Inspired by the cptfc challenges facing his son Dylan, who was diagnosed as dyslexic after being functionally illiterate in the fourth grade, filmmaker James Redford includes appearances from such notable dyslexics as Sir Richard Branson, Charles Schwab, Gavin Newsom and David Boies, all of whom confirm what children, experts and families suggest: Dyslexia is as much a gift as a challenge. Debuts Oct. 29.

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