On one hand, I can count the number of television shows that have made me laugh since Seinfeld went off the air.

Larry David has given us Curb Your Enthusiasm, or as I like to call it, Seinfeld with swearing. Arrested Development pulled a James Dean and died long before its time. The only decent comedy on network television is The Office, whose premise is slowly beginning to lose its touch.

Then we have HBOs Entourage. Who knew that a pilot based loosely on the life of Mark Wahlberg would become so damn funny?

Premiering during the summer of 2004, Entourage follows the day-to-day activities of the newest Hollywood icon Vincent Chase and his group of childhood buddies. From pool parties at the Playboy Mansion to the Sundance Film Festival, theyre living the dream that every aspiring actor has when he moves out to the City of Angels.

The four friends have amazing chemistry together. Enough cant be said about the performance of Kevin Dillon as Johnny Drama, Vinnys older brother. Drama is the kind of actor who says that he has been, Working steadily for the past 12 years, minus the last three.

Despite the likeability of the four kids from Queens, the show obviously belongs to Jeremy Piven, who plays Vinnys neurotic and impassioned agent Ari Gold. Based off of real-life super agent Ari Emanuel, Piven creates one of the best characters of recent memory. His intense rants and seeming hatred of everyone hides the fact that he actually does care for Vinny like a younger brother.

Although appealing on a pure comedy level, Entourage also does a great job of exploring the business side of stardom. The show has a clear message regarding the line between easy money and artistic integrity, and it is never afraid to call out Hollywood elite on the wrong side of that line.

Entourage has also become culturally relevant based on the fact that a lot of big names approach the producers wanting to make an appearance on the show.

Plot-lines have involved some huge names, such as James Cameron, Jessica Alba and Malcolm McDowell.

Almost every episode also contains a cameo that is usually good for a few laughs. Some of the best have included Pauly Shore (as himself, of course), and a barely recognizable Val Kilmer as a Sherpa.

After a nearly eight-month hiatus, Entourage is back on air. The first half of the third season ended on a cliffhanger, with Vinny giving the boot to his agent, Ari Gold. The second half of the season resumed on April 8, and new episodes will continue every Sunday night at 9 p.m.

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