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HBO has picked up the Scorsese-produced "Boardwalk Empire" for 11 episodes.  The series will be set in 1920 at the dawn of prohibition and chronicles the life and times of Nucky Thompson (Steve Buscemi), the undisputed ruler of Atlantic City, who was equal parts politician and gangster. If this news doesn't make you say "fuck yes!", especially after reading that little plot synopsis, then you really,really suck. You can get the full details after the jump.

HBO has proven to be the greatest channel on TV over and over again (you're getting close though AMC). They love to work with creative people and they seem to allow them to do their own thing and it looks like this kind of relationship has worked out well on both ends.  Knowing that their latest recruit is Scorsese makes me want this series to come out as soon as possible.  I think it's safe to assume that this will be one of the greatest things on TV next year.  I'm also glad to see Steve Buscemi getting a chance to shine.  This modern age of TV has been kind to great character actors and I couldn't be happier.

"Boardwalk Empire" was created by "The Sopranos" writer, Terence Winter, and is set to begin production this fall for a 2010 premiere.  THR also reports that Scorsese has directed the pilot (another "fuck yes!") and that he will continue to serve as a hands-on exec producer on the series.  Apart from Buscemi, the cast already includes Michael Pitt, Kelly Macdonald, Michael Shannon, Shea Whigham, Dabney Coleman and Stephen Graham.  So, yeah, this is going to be pretty damn great.

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