Six Feet Under, a comedy drama about a family running a funeral parlour, is now in its third successful series in the US.

Written by Alan Ball, who wrote the Oscar-winning American Beauty, the first series has arrived in the UK courtesy of Channel 4.

"It has the expensive and gorgeously-filmed look of American Beauty. Like that film it presents characters who are strange yet instead of being outlandish they somehow seem to be the more real for their exaggerations," wrote the BBC's William Gallagher.

But what do you think?

This debate is now closed. You can read a selection of your comments below.

After the initial interest, the show will probably go on to have a dedicated cult following like that of Twin Peaks. I'm impressed with the USA for creating something that's devilishly funny, outrageous and ironic! Can't wait for the next episode.
Jason, London, UK

I live in American Samoa but I am British. I have been watching Six Feet Under on HBO on Sundays for the last month and am completely addicted. I think the humour is clever, and will be appreciated by UK audiences as it has been in the US. It is clever, alternative, and an example of great TV. A breath of fresh air.
Julie, American Samoa

I like this show... Once again HBO comes up with the goods.... And thanks to Channel 4 for bringing this type of show to a UK viewing audience.

Basically if you're into The Sopranos or Sex And The City then you'll like Six Feet Under as well.
Stephen, UK

After labouring through shows like Friends and The Gilmore Girls, Six Feet Under is a breath of fresh air for American entertainment import. I give it five stars!
Shadab, Australia

Possibly the best TV drama ever to come out the the USA.
Geoff Wood, NZ

I live in the US and am a massive fan. It's intelligent and droll so of course we'll like it.

The question is when will the UK finally pull off something on the epic scale of this or the Sopranos - it's been a very long itme.
Dan, UK

It is a great show - we really enjoy it in New Zealand. It demystifies death and and is also quite poignant at the same time. Very enjoyable.
Ruth Hawkins, New Zealand

Excellent! One of the best TV programmes ever. UK you are in for a treat. Witty but with solid character development and plots. My only complaint - too many episodes. It should have been a limited series, instead of becoming a soap. But don't miss it!
Brian, Australia

From a fellow Brit living in the US. I have grown addicted to this show since living here. If you didn't like the first episode, stick with it. It is funny, endearing, sad, scary - the whole range. The central family are so dysfunctional. It's great!
Tony, USA

I thought the first episode was great. Quirky, amusing, touching and well acted. I look forward to more. The spoof ads for death products are superb.
Neil, UK

In my opinion this is absolutely the best show on US television. HBO consistently produce fantastic and innovative shows like The Sopranos, and Sex in the City, because they don't have to pander to commercial interests like the networks do.

As a Brit living in the US, I miss British TV so much - but this is right up my street so I think as my tastes are probably typical British, it should be a hit over the pond too.
Kate, USA

Too early to tell whether or not it's going to be good, don't think it fits the sitcom category just yet, almost trying too hard to be funny. All the topics are ace, the insecure son, the homosexual son, the junky daughter, the mad mortician... has all the makings of a great series!!

Not sure about the ghostly father though, hope we've seen the last of him, could get a bit boring. Certainly beats the usual "too much of the same thing" that we usually get from the States.
Martin, England

Really good show, loved the darkness and the different and very real chracters ... why can't television in this country be that good we end up with ever over-dramatic cop shows or costume drama rubbish.
erik, England

One of the most original show on US TV. Each episode is well written and full of surprises.
T Finn, USA

I watched Six Feet Under on the premise of it having amazing reviews, and, coming from the writer of the astonishing American Beauty, I had to watch it. The pilot episode of this series made me laugh, cry and my stomach churn - the dad dies, and his family's ways of coping are fascinating.

I am really looking forward to the next episode, already aired in the US, and I encourage anyone to watch the most original and controversial series on Channel 4 yet.
Dave, UK

..a surefire winner in this house but why did Channel 4 take the title literally and bury it in the schedule?
David Spence, UK

Bizarre setting, and some bizarre people, but well-made and intriguing. Very interesting to see a strong and positive character who is both black and gay - AND he met his boyfriend at church! Isn't this getting dangerously close to real life?
Stephen James, London, UK

While I only know a handful of Brits, I cannot say I understand British tastes. However, Alan Ball is unusually good at writing characters that are not only good in themselves, but resemble someone we all know.
G.C. Jordahl, USA

What a fantastic show. Undertaking is just a job like any other, after all! Alan Ball - "putting the fun into funeral!"
Ray Koh, UK

This series is extremely captivating, with complex relationship issues, intrigue and compassion. The series has many twists and turns and is a fixture in my Sunday evening viewing. Don't miss it!
Keith (ex-pat, British) USA

Best thing to come on TV in the UK for a long time! Way overdue .....! Nice one HBO!
Naz, Canada

I saw the entire first season in America about a year ago when it was first run there. It is absolute genius. A real "thinking person's" TV show. I missed the second season since I moved to the UK, but I will enjoy re-watching old episodes as they are released here. Culturally, I don't think it is any more American-specific than any of the other U.S. shows played here. Whether its dark and brooding humour and disturbing scenes will appeal to a UK audience, well, we shall see.
Steve Berry, UK

I think the new series Six Feet Under is excellent, I watched it for the first time the other night and it was brill, we need more American imports, British television is awful at the minute.
Jude, UK

Without a doubt, the best thing on British TV at the moment. The writing and direction compares with The West Wing and The Sopranos. A cult hit in the making - but, as with all the good stuff on C4, PLEASE can we have it on at a more civilised time?
Nina, UK

Finally - a series an American can be proud to share with you! AMEN - It's about time!
Stacy, USA

Based on the first episode, a seriously overrated show moving to the small screen, a subject that has been portrayed nicely by some films in the past. I think most of the hype is related to its link with American Beauty, but that seems to miss the point that the film owes its originality mostly to Sam Mendes and Kevin Spacey.
Carlos, UK

Loved this show, but Channel 4 obviously believe that because it is funeral-related it must be shown at a graveyard hour. How about showing it at 10pm please.
Paula, UK

Fantastic - the only American programme I think I have ever laughed out loud at!! More more and even more American funereal humour please!
Neil Moules, UK

I caught the first few episodes whilst in Australia in February, and got hooked on the quirkiness of it all. I was so glad when I returned to the UK on Friday to see that C4 where showing it, though like other comments I am saddened that they are burying it in the schedules at such a late time. It deserves to get the following of The Sopranos or Sex in the City, I only hope that it does get an audience and that we will get to see future seasons too.
Ian, UK

I totally love it. I am also now very hooked. I only wish it was on more times a week. I love all the characters especially David and Keith. The plots are great. It's black comedy at its best. And I can't think of one bad thing to say about it!
Susan Fisher, England