Created by David Milch and Kem Nunn, John From Cincinnati was a short-lived HBO drama about a dysfunctional surfing family's encounter with a mysterious stranger named John.

The show was largely panned by critics, who found its obtuseness and spiritual metaphors frustrating. Washington Post critic Tom Shales wrote, "Shows like John From Cincinnati are why the good Lord made remote-control clickers."

The show, partly based on Kem Nunn's "surf noir" novels, was layered with overt references to symbols such as the "Monad", a Pythagorean term for God, the first being or the totality of beings.

The show was also notable for its use of real life surfers in acting roles, like Keala Kennelly and Brock Little, and its opening titles, which featured Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros' song "Johnny Appleseed."

• HBO: John From Cincinnati store