" Lots of people don't have HBO, and never see "Sex In The City."
I make it a practice NOT to purchase HBO. No matter how they package or bundle it. I will NOT have HBO in my home.
I don't have HBO either. Personally, between basic cable programming (History Channel, A and E, Fox News, etc.) and the world of reading, news and entertainment online, I have all the viewing I can handle and still have a life away from my home theater with my laptop balanced on my knee as I recline in my easy-chair. Premium cable channels are a choice, of which there are many with programming of their own ala HBO's SITC. Two years ago, it was something else; two years from now SITC will be passe'.
What BRUNI refers to as "culture" is really FASHION. But then, that would be a typical mistake for a liberal to make.