The Summer U.S. TV Season is almost upon us!
Returning shows I will be watching:
Burn Notice - June 3, USA
Top Chef - June 16 Bravo
Leverage - June 20, TNT
Warehouse 13 - July 6, Syfy
Eureka - July 9 Syfy
White Collar - July 13, USA
Psych - July 21, USA (I still need to finish the last season, though.)
Dark Blue - August 4, TNT
Am I forgetting any good returning shows?
New Summer Shows I may check out:
Persons Unknown (June 7, NBC)
one-hour mystery drama in which a group of strangers must come together to solve the puzzle of their lives.
(Generic blah sounding description, but could be good.)
The Good Guys (June 7, FOX)
an action-packed and comedic look at what happens when a washed-up, old-school cop (Bradley Whitford, "The West Wing") and a by-the-book, modern-day detective (Colin Hanks, "Mad Men") try to expose the big picture of small crime.
(Good actors. Could be a good "odd couple" buddy show.)
Huge (Jun 28, ABC Family)
drama that focuses on seven teens from different backgrounds attending a weight loss camp as they embark on their individual journeys of self discovery. The series will follow the emotional journey of the campers as they deal with issues including self-esteem, friendship, rivalry, romance and body image. Nikki Blonsky ("Hairspray") is set to star as Willamina, aka Will, an opinionated, sardonic non-conformist who is not happy that her parents sent her to Camp Victory, a weight loss camp run by Dr. Rand, played by Gina Torres.
(This premise makes me very, very nervous...but Gina Torres & Nikki Blonsky!)
Rizzoli & Isles (July 12, TNT)
starring Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander, is based on Tess Gerritsen's popular mystery novels.
(Not much of a description, but it seems to be a mystery/crime-solving show starring 2 women as the main characters. I look forward to the femslash vids.)
The Glades (July 13, A & E)
a character driven police procedural set in the fictional town of Palm Glade, Florida
(Eh, again, not too excited about more cop shows, but at least the setting is interesting.)
Big Lake (Aug 3, Comedy Central)
the story of a young man (played by Chris Gethard) who won't let anything get in the way of his big dreams, even if it means losing his job and having to move back in with his parents and sleep on their couch. With the help of his friends, an ex-convict, played by Horatio Sanz ("Saturday Night Live") and a burned-out high-school teacher played by Chris Parnell ("30 Rock"), the trio plan a myriad of well-intentioned schemes to save their hometown, Big Lake. Invariably these plans don't come to fruition and the gang is forced to go back to the drawing board.
(Could be funny, could be unfunny.)
Memphis Beat (used to be called Delta Blues) (June 22, TNT)
an offbeat series starring Jason Lee and Alfre Woodard, comes to TNT from George Clooney and Grant Heslov's Smokehouse Pictures and Warner Horizon Television. The pilot for DELTA BLUES was directed by Emmy nominee Clark Johnson
(I have no idea what it's about, but I love the people.)
Covert Affairs (July 13, USA)
USA's newest original series, we meet Annie Walker (Piper Perabo), a young CIA trainee who is suddenly thrust into the inner sanctum of the agency after being promoted to field operative. While it appears that she has been hand-picked for her exceptional linguistic skills, it may be something from her past that her CIA bosses are really after. Christopher Gorham plays Auggie Anderson, a CIA military intelligence agent, blinded while on assignment, and Annie's guide in this world of bureaucracy, excitement and intrigue. Peter Gallagher is Arthur Campbell, the formidable director of Clandestine Services for the CIA. Sendhil Ramamurthy plays Jai Wilcox, an agent with a rich family history within the walls of the CIA. Anne Dudek plays Danielle, a married mother of two and Annie's older sister who knows nothing of Annie's life as a spy. Kari Matchett plays Joan, head of the CIA's Domestic Protection Division...and Arthur's wife.
(Alias 2.0! I am so looking forward to this that I've already posted about it & given it its own tag. *g*)
Rookie Blue (June 24, ABC)
A fun, fresh, high-stakes drama with a twist of danger follows the lives of five young, ambitious cops right out of the Academy. From their very first day on the job, these rookies are plunged into the world of big city policing, a world where even the smallest mistake can have life-or-death consequences and serious emotional fall-out. The soul of this close-knit group is 26-year-old perfectionist Andy McNally (Missy Peregrym). Honest to a fault, all Andy has ever wanted to be is "good police." Her father was a cop, and while he wasn't the best cop -- or the best father - Andy knows she'll never find this sense of family, loyalty and excitement in any other job. The series explores the trials, triumphs, competition and camaraderie of Andy and her rookie family -- boyfriends, best friends, mentors and competitors -- who are about to learn that no amount of training can prepare them for life.
(Another cop show. ANOTHER ONE. But again, could have something interesting about it. IDK.)
Mary Knows Best (July 15, Syfy)
a docu-soap reality series following Mary Occhino, a successful radio host, psychic intuitive and mother of three, who gives a whole new meaning to the term "mother is always right". Her children, Jackie, Chris and Carl are a mismatched group of siblings consisting of a skeptic, a paranormal investigator and a reluctant psychic. In each episode viewers will meet a humorous and unforgettable cast of family characters including Mary's outspoken older brother Charles and two adorable grandchildren.
(I will be tuning in just to find out what the hell a "docu-soap reality series" is.)
Haven (July 9, Syfy)
one-hour drama series Haven, starring Emily Rose (Jericho, Brothers and Sisters), commenced production on April 20 in Halifax, Nova Scotia and its surrounding area. Based on the novella The Colorado Kid from author renowned Stephen King, the series follows the shrewd and confident FBI agent Audrey Parker (Rose) with a lost past who arrives in the small town of Haven, Maine on a routine case. Before long, her natural curiosity lands her in the epicenter of activity in this curious enclave, which turns out to be a longtime refuge for people that are affected by a range of supernatural afflictions. As the townspeople's dormant abilities begin to express themselves, Audrey helps keep these forces at bay while discovering the many secrets of Haven - including one surrounding her own surprising connections to this extraordinary place. Among the citizens who cross Audrey's path along the way are local cop Nathan Wuornos (Lucas Bryant), who eventually becomes Audrey's partner, and the mysterious and charming Duke Crocker (Eric Balfour).
(Sounds cool!)
Scoundrels (June 20, ABC)
a one-hour comedy/drama series produced by ABC Studios that focuses on a family of small-time criminals who try to go straight after the father is sent to prison. Virginia Madsen, Independent Spirit Award winner as well as an Academy Award and Golden Globe nominee ("Sideways," "The Astronaut Farmer"), will play Cheryl West, the mother who must take charge and try to keep her kids on the straight and narrow.
(I have nothing to say about this.)
The Gates (June 20, ABC)
Nestled inside a private mountain community are The Gates. The image of perpetual suburban bliss, each street is lined with perfectly manicured homes protected by the massive iron gates, but a dark and delicious secret is buried just beneath the surface of this picturesque neighborhood. Like most families that settle inside The Gates, the Monahans are unmoored from a complicated life they abandoned in Chicago. Named the new police chief of The Gates, Nick Monahan is expecting a change of pace in this quiet suburb. [...]Nick is about to be tangled up in a mystery where he will begin to piece together the dark truth about their new home, and the supernatural elements that lurk behind the shadows of The Gates
(This looks REALLY CHEESY in the promos. It could be full of lulz. It looks like Desperate Housewives with vampires.)
Rubicon (Aug 1, AMC)
a conspiracy thriller set in a NYC-based government intelligence agency, API, where nothing is what it seems. The series focuses on a beleaguered analyst, Will Travers, who, faced with a shocking tragedy, begins to uncover clues that point to a complex and sinister conspiracy.
(Ooooooooooooooh. If Covert Affairs is Alias 2.0, this must be boy!Alias. Sounds good.)
Unnatural History (June 13, Cartoon Network)
Cartoon Network's first live-action mystery series delivers a new case of cinematic, action-packed comedic adventure each week. Unnatural History centers on Henry Griffin (Kevin G. Schmidt), a teenager with exceptional skills acquired through years of globetrotting with his anthropologist parents. When his parents think it's time for him to lead a normal high school life, they pack him off to live with his Uncle Bryan (Martin Donovan) and cousin Jasper (Jordan Gavaris) in Washington D.C. But this isn't just any high school; it's located on the grounds of The National Museum Complex. And as Henry, Jasper and their friend Maggie (Italia Ricci) soon learn, this museum is chock full of mysteries that will put Henry's worldly skills to the test.
(I don't know why I included this. Curiosity?)
Flist, what will you be watching? Anything else new I should know about? This is just the U.S. summer season. What new, upcoming shows from other countries look good? I've been meaning to check out Luther (Idris Elba! Indira Varma! Paul McGann!). Not that I need more shows to try to keep up with...
Mmmm, new tv season.
Burn Notice - June 3, USA
Top Chef - June 16 Bravo
Leverage - June 20, TNT
Warehouse 13 - July 6, Syfy
Eureka - July 9 Syfy
White Collar - July 13, USA
Psych - July 21, USA (I still need to finish the last season, though.)
Dark Blue - August 4, TNT
Am I forgetting any good returning shows?
New Summer Shows I may check out:
Persons Unknown (June 7, NBC)
one-hour mystery drama in which a group of strangers must come together to solve the puzzle of their lives.
(Generic blah sounding description, but could be good.)
The Good Guys (June 7, FOX)
an action-packed and comedic look at what happens when a washed-up, old-school cop (Bradley Whitford, "The West Wing") and a by-the-book, modern-day detective (Colin Hanks, "Mad Men") try to expose the big picture of small crime.
(Good actors. Could be a good "odd couple" buddy show.)
Huge (Jun 28, ABC Family)
drama that focuses on seven teens from different backgrounds attending a weight loss camp as they embark on their individual journeys of self discovery. The series will follow the emotional journey of the campers as they deal with issues including self-esteem, friendship, rivalry, romance and body image. Nikki Blonsky ("Hairspray") is set to star as Willamina, aka Will, an opinionated, sardonic non-conformist who is not happy that her parents sent her to Camp Victory, a weight loss camp run by Dr. Rand, played by Gina Torres.
(This premise makes me very, very nervous...but Gina Torres & Nikki Blonsky!)
Rizzoli & Isles (July 12, TNT)
starring Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander, is based on Tess Gerritsen's popular mystery novels.
(Not much of a description, but it seems to be a mystery/crime-solving show starring 2 women as the main characters. I look forward to the femslash vids.)
The Glades (July 13, A & E)
a character driven police procedural set in the fictional town of Palm Glade, Florida
(Eh, again, not too excited about more cop shows, but at least the setting is interesting.)
Big Lake (Aug 3, Comedy Central)
the story of a young man (played by Chris Gethard) who won't let anything get in the way of his big dreams, even if it means losing his job and having to move back in with his parents and sleep on their couch. With the help of his friends, an ex-convict, played by Horatio Sanz ("Saturday Night Live") and a burned-out high-school teacher played by Chris Parnell ("30 Rock"), the trio plan a myriad of well-intentioned schemes to save their hometown, Big Lake. Invariably these plans don't come to fruition and the gang is forced to go back to the drawing board.
(Could be funny, could be unfunny.)
Memphis Beat (used to be called Delta Blues) (June 22, TNT)
an offbeat series starring Jason Lee and Alfre Woodard, comes to TNT from George Clooney and Grant Heslov's Smokehouse Pictures and Warner Horizon Television. The pilot for DELTA BLUES was directed by Emmy nominee Clark Johnson
(I have no idea what it's about, but I love the people.)
Covert Affairs (July 13, USA)
USA's newest original series, we meet Annie Walker (Piper Perabo), a young CIA trainee who is suddenly thrust into the inner sanctum of the agency after being promoted to field operative. While it appears that she has been hand-picked for her exceptional linguistic skills, it may be something from her past that her CIA bosses are really after. Christopher Gorham plays Auggie Anderson, a CIA military intelligence agent, blinded while on assignment, and Annie's guide in this world of bureaucracy, excitement and intrigue. Peter Gallagher is Arthur Campbell, the formidable director of Clandestine Services for the CIA. Sendhil Ramamurthy plays Jai Wilcox, an agent with a rich family history within the walls of the CIA. Anne Dudek plays Danielle, a married mother of two and Annie's older sister who knows nothing of Annie's life as a spy. Kari Matchett plays Joan, head of the CIA's Domestic Protection Division...and Arthur's wife.
(Alias 2.0! I am so looking forward to this that I've already posted about it & given it its own tag. *g*)
Rookie Blue (June 24, ABC)
A fun, fresh, high-stakes drama with a twist of danger follows the lives of five young, ambitious cops right out of the Academy. From their very first day on the job, these rookies are plunged into the world of big city policing, a world where even the smallest mistake can have life-or-death consequences and serious emotional fall-out. The soul of this close-knit group is 26-year-old perfectionist Andy McNally (Missy Peregrym). Honest to a fault, all Andy has ever wanted to be is "good police." Her father was a cop, and while he wasn't the best cop -- or the best father - Andy knows she'll never find this sense of family, loyalty and excitement in any other job. The series explores the trials, triumphs, competition and camaraderie of Andy and her rookie family -- boyfriends, best friends, mentors and competitors -- who are about to learn that no amount of training can prepare them for life.
(Another cop show. ANOTHER ONE. But again, could have something interesting about it. IDK.)
Mary Knows Best (July 15, Syfy)
a docu-soap reality series following Mary Occhino, a successful radio host, psychic intuitive and mother of three, who gives a whole new meaning to the term "mother is always right". Her children, Jackie, Chris and Carl are a mismatched group of siblings consisting of a skeptic, a paranormal investigator and a reluctant psychic. In each episode viewers will meet a humorous and unforgettable cast of family characters including Mary's outspoken older brother Charles and two adorable grandchildren.
(I will be tuning in just to find out what the hell a "docu-soap reality series" is.)
Haven (July 9, Syfy)
one-hour drama series Haven, starring Emily Rose (Jericho, Brothers and Sisters), commenced production on April 20 in Halifax, Nova Scotia and its surrounding area. Based on the novella The Colorado Kid from author renowned Stephen King, the series follows the shrewd and confident FBI agent Audrey Parker (Rose) with a lost past who arrives in the small town of Haven, Maine on a routine case. Before long, her natural curiosity lands her in the epicenter of activity in this curious enclave, which turns out to be a longtime refuge for people that are affected by a range of supernatural afflictions. As the townspeople's dormant abilities begin to express themselves, Audrey helps keep these forces at bay while discovering the many secrets of Haven - including one surrounding her own surprising connections to this extraordinary place. Among the citizens who cross Audrey's path along the way are local cop Nathan Wuornos (Lucas Bryant), who eventually becomes Audrey's partner, and the mysterious and charming Duke Crocker (Eric Balfour).
(Sounds cool!)
Scoundrels (June 20, ABC)
a one-hour comedy/drama series produced by ABC Studios that focuses on a family of small-time criminals who try to go straight after the father is sent to prison. Virginia Madsen, Independent Spirit Award winner as well as an Academy Award and Golden Globe nominee ("Sideways," "The Astronaut Farmer"), will play Cheryl West, the mother who must take charge and try to keep her kids on the straight and narrow.
(I have nothing to say about this.)
The Gates (June 20, ABC)
Nestled inside a private mountain community are The Gates. The image of perpetual suburban bliss, each street is lined with perfectly manicured homes protected by the massive iron gates, but a dark and delicious secret is buried just beneath the surface of this picturesque neighborhood. Like most families that settle inside The Gates, the Monahans are unmoored from a complicated life they abandoned in Chicago. Named the new police chief of The Gates, Nick Monahan is expecting a change of pace in this quiet suburb. [...]Nick is about to be tangled up in a mystery where he will begin to piece together the dark truth about their new home, and the supernatural elements that lurk behind the shadows of The Gates
(This looks REALLY CHEESY in the promos. It could be full of lulz. It looks like Desperate Housewives with vampires.)
Rubicon (Aug 1, AMC)
a conspiracy thriller set in a NYC-based government intelligence agency, API, where nothing is what it seems. The series focuses on a beleaguered analyst, Will Travers, who, faced with a shocking tragedy, begins to uncover clues that point to a complex and sinister conspiracy.
(Ooooooooooooooh. If Covert Affairs is Alias 2.0, this must be boy!Alias. Sounds good.)
Unnatural History (June 13, Cartoon Network)
Cartoon Network's first live-action mystery series delivers a new case of cinematic, action-packed comedic adventure each week. Unnatural History centers on Henry Griffin (Kevin G. Schmidt), a teenager with exceptional skills acquired through years of globetrotting with his anthropologist parents. When his parents think it's time for him to lead a normal high school life, they pack him off to live with his Uncle Bryan (Martin Donovan) and cousin Jasper (Jordan Gavaris) in Washington D.C. But this isn't just any high school; it's located on the grounds of The National Museum Complex. And as Henry, Jasper and their friend Maggie (Italia Ricci) soon learn, this museum is chock full of mysteries that will put Henry's worldly skills to the test.
(I don't know why I included this. Curiosity?)
Flist, what will you be watching? Anything else new I should know about? This is just the U.S. summer season. What new, upcoming shows from other countries look good? I've been meaning to check out Luther (Idris Elba! Indira Varma! Paul McGann!). Not that I need more shows to try to keep up with...
Mmmm, new tv season.