Shapster11 I borrowed the lawyer's joke to make a point about Arliss, the agent. Devoid of real consistent ethics Arli$$ Michaels is the epitome of the complex character who treads equally on the honorable side and the ethically challenged. Mix in a bit of conscience with a dash of capitalistic greed and that describes Arli$$ and the AMM Management team.As for the players they are (were) first rate. Robert Wuhl is phenomenal as the namesake character Arliss Michaels. Combining terrific story lines with a real sense of what and how an agent thinks this comedian turned actor hits a bullseye. The show was, after all, his idea and creation. Jim Turner is ideal as the former jock, first round draft pick and first Arli$$ client, playboy burnout Kirby Carlisle. Michael Boatman is superb as Stanley Babson, the erstwhile V.P. of Finance who often attempts to induce some morality and class into the organization. Occasionally Stanley is faced with the perplexing situation of doing what is right or what is best for the client?, AMM?, or Stanley? Finally there is Sandra Oh as Rita Wu, Arli$$' long suffering secretary. Forever loyal Rita is underpaid, under-appreciated, and under-minded by Arli$$ and almost always Kirby. Rita has her dilemma's of conscience as well but she is insightful yet gullible and always longing to meet Mr. Right so she can quit her job which she really loves. Sound confusing? It is because the show displayed all the nuances of good character development and story lines.Mix this all in with great guest stars from sports and entertainment and you get a rapid, fast paced 1/2 hour show never wanting for a good laugh or a tear. Arliss has been gone since 2002 and is now a regular late night entry onto ESPN Classic's repertoire. The only problem is this show, like many made for cable, does not have points at which commercial breaks are accounted for and language is censored thereby lessening the fun for those of us fans. Yet, for the newcomer, a whole new generation can enjoy the comic timing and plot lines. Some of the athletes are now dated in time but it is easy to follow. A highly recommended show!!!

cleverscreename1 This is possibly the worst show on television. With great shows like "Sex and the City", "Curb your enthusiasm", "The Sopranos" and "Oz" I don't know why HBO still has this garbage.Mostly I don't know why it's still on the air. It's terribly not funny. The actor who plays Arliss annoys me to no end. It's the kind of show that sneaks up on you after a show you enjoy is over and you're too tired to get the remote. And then you lye there...in agony...It's terribly, horribly, wretchedly, grossly, stupendously, extremely, bad.

Evil_Fonzie HBO is responsible for some of the most groundbreaking programming to grace the medium of television in the past decade, that is why I am amazed that they continue to broadcast this show. It is just not funny, it is almost as if Robert Wuhl took the "ruthless sports agent" idea from Jerry Maguire and decided to make it not funny or amusing in any way. This show is a waste of time.

fattony Arliss is one of the best shows around, especially if you are in to sports. The cameos by notable sports figures make this show a hilarious and notable standout! It is a great venue for some very unique and talented actors such as Michael Boatman (Stanley) and Sandra Oh (Rita).Check it out when you can, you won't be disappointed.