HBO renews comedies ‘Conchords,’ ‘Entourage’

LOS ANGELES - HBO has renewed its Sunday comedies, bringing the rookie “Flight of the Conchords” back for a second season and handing out a fifth-season pickup to “Entourage.”

Both shows are slated to return with original episodes in 2008.

While the renewal of the Hollywood-centered “Entourage” — one of HBO’s most popular series — was widely expected, things weren’t that certain for “Conchords,” a quirky half-hour show about two New Zealand musicians struggling to make it in New York.

The show starring the music-comedy duo of Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie quickly developed a cult following but came up short of the broader appeal of “Entourage.”

The pickups follow HBO’s recent decision to cancel David Milch’s new drama “John From Cincinnati” after one season and renew “Big Love” for a third cycle.

Next for the premium cable channel is the return of critics’ favorites “Curb Your Enthusiasm” (Sept. 9) and “The Wire,” the debuts of “In Treatment” and “12 Miles of Bad Road” and the controversial “Tell Me You Love Me.”

“Entourage” will compete for four Emmys next month — best comedy series, supporting actor for both last year’s winner, Jeremy Piven, and Kevin Dillon, and guest actor for Martin Landau.

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