Only the most successful television shows are aired for more than a couple of years. It is the aim of all directors to overcome what has become known as the second series syndrome, where the program fails to live up to the promise of the first series and is subsequently cut and resigned to daytime television. With 5 series since 2005 (the 6th due to air this year), it can be said with confidence that the series ‘Weeds’ has been a success. The show revolves around Nancy who was widowed and turned to selling drugs to make a living; the title of the show draws upon the slang term for the drug Cannabis. As the series has progressed she became embroiled in more and more criminal activities such as smuggling the drugs across borders.

Nancy is played by Mary Louise Parker who puts in an accomplished display as the grieving yet determined protagonist. Her excellent performances have won her a host of awards; a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy in 2006 and a Satellite Award for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy in 2005. She has also been nominated for a further 6 awards throughout the course of the show. The Golden Globe in particular was an exceptional achievement as she managed to beat off the other 4 nominations who were the leading actresses in the popular show Desperate Housewives; an achievement that managed to shock many of the critics at the awards ceremonies.