Years ago, when “Six Feet Under” was airing live on TV, I was hooked. I would watch an episode and as soon as it ended I would be jonesing for next week when the next episode was scheduled to air. I was addicted and totally wrapped up in it. And I loved every minute of it.

Fast forward 10 years later. SFU is long gone (and one of the best series finales I’ve ever seen). And since I’m busier more than ever these days, I’m very selective about the television programs that I watch. But the funny thing is I’ve never discovered a series that captivated me as much as the Fisher family did. “Downton Abbey” comes close (never in a million years did I think I’d be watching a soap opera period piece). And I really dug HBO’s “Hung”, “Enlightened”, and “Bored To Death” (but they were either cancelled or just put on hiatus). Whenever I set a series recording, it seems to be the kiss of death for whatever I choose.

I didn’t even run out to subscribe to Netflix in order to watch the new “Arrested Development” episodes, even though it would have been minimal effort on my part. I loved the original series, and maybe in the back of my mind I didn’t want to taint it (I’m reminded of that saying, “You can never go home” i.e. nothing is as good as you remember it to be). And as much as I love “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” the fact that I have unwatched episodes on my PVR from 9 months ago is perhaps an indication that I’m finding the gang’s misadventures a bit repetitive at this point.

But the other day I was searching around HBO and I saw a description for a show called “Family Tree.” From the description I thought it was interesting and thought it might have been a documentary series. I’m glad I decided to tape it on a whim. I watched the pilot episode and loved it. Quirky, quiet comedy with a bite. And when it was over I was surprised by the writer/director/creator credits: Christopher Guest. Ah, it all makes sense! From the brilliant mind of “Best in Show” and “Waiting for Guffman”. Genius. I can ‘t wait to watch the rest as they record.

But it’s still no “Six Feet Under.” Oh well. I’ll keep looking but family dramas centered around death might just remain at the top of my memory list for favourite TV memories. For the time being at least.