Summer TV
Oh, the summer TV season. Not exactly the silver screen’s best; it’s mostly re-runs, bad reality, and questionable scripted shows which rarely (but sometimes) make it into September. It’s also the time I watch the most TV. I’m done with work at 5:30, and as I’m not in classes I have little to do in the evenings. I’m in search of a good summer show to relax with in the evenings.
I watch reruns of Bones almost nightly– a discovery during last summer’s empty evenings with little to watch. I tried watching some reality TV, but shows like The Real Housewives of New Jersey with their contrived drama and self-absorbed narration just makes me angry. So I’m hoping to find some luck with the scripted drama. I’m intrigued by two comedic police shows: The Good Guys, with Colin Hanks, and Memphis Beat, with Jason Lee. I’m interested in your recommendations too. Is there a show you like that’s on this summer? What’s worth watching?
I’m waiting for Warehouse 13 to start again and I’m in my glory because Top Chef started last night!
And ROYAL PAINS, of course!
A new show is starting on TVLand this week. It’s called Hot in Cleveland, about three “older” women from LA whose plane to Paris has to stop in Ohio. They find that they are “in demand” in Cleveland when they were losing ground in CA; so they decide to stay. Betty White is the caretaker of the residence they move into. The three are played by Wendy Malik, Valerie Bertinelli and Jane Leaves. I plan to watch the first few episodes to see if I like it.
Another new show that looks interesting is Covert Affair(s) on USA. It’s about a female recruit in the CIA. It starts mid-July. Also on USA, Law and Order: Criminal Intent is still having new episodes.
Kay
Top Chef of course!
Thanks for all the recommendations! Sounds like there are some good shows on this summer after all. I’m not sure I want to jump into a show that’s been on for a while, but Flashpoint sounds really good, Tinabelle. I might see if I can figure out the backstory on that one.
My obsession with True Blood knows no bounds. But if that isn’t your cup of tea, there are many, many options on cable that take advantage of network TV’s haitus to air their good stuff.
Besides the Closer which I’ll also recommend, I really enjoy TNT’s Leverage. Each week is a different caper and they always nicely balance the serious with humor. I love all the characters.
I am also looking forward to My Boys on TBS. I believe it’s supposed to be back this summer but haven’t heard of a specific date. It’s a really cute half hour comedy about PJ, a Chicago sportwriter, and her group of guy friends.
I also recently started watching Drop Dead Diva on Lifetime and while it’s distinctly female friendly and obviously Lifetime branded, I find it frothy fun. The main actress is terrific.
While network is satisfied with dumping their reality shows and the scripted stuff they couldn’t fit into the regular schedule, cable (basic and premium) really bring their A game during the summer.
Some of my faves -Burn Notice, True Blood, and The Closer- have already been mentioned.
I’ve also just recently started watching Lie to Me (I’m partway through the first season on Netflix, my DVR is picking up new episodes for when I run out). And if you have a taste for geeky humor Comedy Central is starting new episodes of Futurama next week.
On SyFy, I really enjoy Eureka, about a town of geniuses who work for “Global Dynamics,” a mostly government funded corporation; Jack Carter, a former US Marshall (or FBI agent), solves crimes and crises, without being in the genius category; the interpersonal “dynamics” as well as the stories really work for me. I also plan to try out the new series Haven, about a spooky town in New England, based on a Stephen King story.
On TNT, I am also looking forward to checking out Memphis Beat, but the best show there, IMO, is The Closer. Again, the crime solving is central, but the ensemble cast and characters make you believe that the writers’ creations are real. Kyra Sedgewick plays Brenda Lee Jackson, whose concentration on her work usually creates havoc in her personal life.
Happy viewing,
Kay
If you like police dramas, you might try Flashpoint – CBS, Fridays. Stories feature a team of hostage negotiators. The characters are interesting and the stories are emotional and don’t always have a happy ending which adds realism.
True Blood just started so I’m really excited about that. Also I know Mad Men is starting up again in mid to late July so that should be AMAZING.
I’m looking forward to Memphis Beat, too. The ‘Southern gentleman’ synopsis got me interested and anything with Alfre Woodard seems to be a quality production. We’ll see.
After seeing one-half of an episode of ‘Jerseylicious’ I need something to give me faith in tv.
Burn Notice on USA just started another season – GREAT show! Psych starts up again on July 14, another one of my favorites.