Californication

There are more reasons I shouldn't like this show: the gratuitous and obscene sex scenes, the offensive language, the masochism, the chain smoking and Hank's constant self-serving depression. Yet underlying all of these misgivings, offenses and crudities is the heartwarming story of one man trying to win his family back. Set in sunny Los Angeles, "Californication" centers on Hank, a successful yet currently flailing author whose edgy bestselling novel was just adapted into a cheesy chic-flick. In retaliation, he has a dalliance with the director's wife, and because of his indiscretion, Hank loses the love of his life and with her his teenage daughter.

The impending engagement of Karen, his ex-girlfriend and mother of his child, to a straightedge architect leaves Hank heartbroken. Realizing he made a mistake letting Karen go, Hank wholeheartedly commits his life to winning her back. His agent, Charlie Runkle (played by "Sex and the City's" Evan Handler), encourages Hank's determined pursuit of Karen if it will result in any sort of manuscript. But Runkle has his own problems with his hot, young, sadistic secretary who likes to keep things exciting both in and out of the office. Throughout the season, Hank edges his way closer and closer to Karen and the possibility of reuniting with his family. Along the way, he transforms from a self-involved egotist into the semblance of a respectable man and father.

Hank's vices and all the obscenities that make up "Californication" notwithstanding, it's possibly the most endearing and heartwarming show on TV today, other than ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." It is a simple plot - a man tries to win his family back - that has you cheering for Hank from the first episode, despite his imperfections. Though there are many reasons why I shouldn't like this show, I can't help but watch it. "Californication" is a modern-day romance that has no sugarcoating.

As the tagline for the series says: "Hank Moody ... No man is more committed to a midlife crisis."