HBO conveyed an upbeat message at the Television Critics Press Association tour in Los Angeles. Good shows are coming in the next two months, programmers told TV critics, and fresh pilots are on the way.

"We have an embarrassment of riches, really," said Richard Plepler, HBO's co-president.

That was supposed to happen sooner, said Michael Lombardo, the network's programming president. Summer Sundays were supposed to be filled by the return of "Entourage" and the start of "True Blood," the impressive series from "Six Feet Under" creator Alan Ball.

Then came the 14-week writers' strike. Now both shows will arrive Sept. 7; other shows and pilots will be pushed back.

Still, the network people say, there's a lot on the way.

"Real Time With Bill Maher" returns Aug. 29 and continues weekly through the elections.

Another big night arrives Sept. 7, when "Entourage" finally returns and "True Blood" debuts. Set in rural Louisiana, the latter is comic, dramatic, sexual and sometimes creepy.

Chris Rock debuts a 90-minute special on Sept. 27. The next night has the animated "The Life and Times of Tim," plus "Little Britain, USA," which has the same people who made the British version a cult favorite. Comedy imports "Summer Heights High" (Australian) and a stand-up special from "The Office" creator Ricky Gervais (British) debut in November.

"Flight of the Conchords" (New Zealand) returns sometime next year, along with more favorites, including "Big Love" and "In Treatment."