TELEVISION is finally growing up, with big-screen Hollywood stars in small-screen exploits. But without the right equipment, you could miss out on the finer details. TELEVISION is finally growing up, with big-screen Hollywood stars in small-screen exploits, and epic productions unprecedented in scale.
But without the right equipment, you could miss out on the finer details of its rising score, skip a vital line of dialogue or, more likely, be publicly embarrassed by a surprisingly adult punchline delivered to your colleagues, parents, or sensitive housemates.
Noise-cancelling headphones are now increasingly rescuing these TV viewers, letting fans enjoy risque comedy without judgment, and delivering a surround sound-like experience even on noisy public transport. It’s an important addition, given Telstra estimates video streaming during popular commute times rose 40 per cent in Australia last year.
Below are five suggestions to get the best out of this audio technology and television’s new maturity (though it can’t muffle your laughter). Curb Your Enthusiasm
Larry David has granted fans their wish, resurrecting cult comedy Curb Your Enthusiasm for a ninth season. Watch him nitpick, meddle, give and take offence in equal doses with longtime manager, Jeff (Jeff Garlin). Curb is laden with elegant profanities and insults that you probably don’t want the kids to learn, so pop the headphones on for this one.
Curb Your Enthusiasm, from October 2, The Comedy Channel . Ray Donovan
Handsome Hollywood ‘fixer’ Ray Donovan (Liev Schreiber) is feeling contemplative as he returns for a fifth season, with new faces including Susan Sarandon. Wife Abby (Paula Malcolmson) is battling cancer, and his always difficult relationship with dad Mickey (Jon Voigt) plays on Ray’s vulnerable side. Plenty of intense dialogue you’ll need to follow closely.
Ray Donovan, season five, Tuesdays, 8.30pm on showcase. The Deuce
Get excited for The Deuce, a series with impeccable pedigree. From the makers of The Wire, it stars Hollywood renegade James Franco and Maggie Gyllenhaal. A gritty look at the rise of the porn industry in 1970s New York, Franco plays well-connected bartender Vincent and his twin brother, Frankie. Gyllenhaal is a self-made sex worker with big ideas. Airs express from the US at 11am but it’s definitely not safe for work-viewing, so if you’re sneaking a peak during the day, keep it under wraps.
The Deuce, from September 11 on showcase.Outlander
Finding love is hard enough but Claire (Caitriona Balfe) faces greater obstacles than most … continents and centuries. She has returned to her first husband in 1948, pregnant with Jaime’s child (now that’s an awkward conversation). Meanwhile Jamie (Sam Heughan) is stuck in the 18th century with a broken heart and fallout from the battle of Culloden. History tells us they are unlikely to stay put. A steamy series with plenty of raunch and romance, one to watch quietly if your housemates embarrass easily.
Outlander, season three, from September 11 on showcase. Get Krack!n
From the ladies who brought you The Katering Show comes brekkie TV spoof, Get Krack!n. Sweary, lairy, and at times a bit scary, nice short episodes are perfect for a quiet titter on the train ride home as Kate McLennan (she’s the blonde one) and Kate McCartney (yin to McLennan’s hyperactive yang) navigate the murky waters of 3am starts and underprepared segments designed to make viewers feel inadequate.