The summer season can be a really slow time for TV. Most of us are eagerly anticipating the return of our favorite series and looking forward to seeing what new shows will premiere this fall. In the meantime, we’re left to make do with whatever summer programming the networks have to offer. If not for a few select series, I’m not sure I’d bother watching TV at all during the summer.
I’m an indoor person. During the summer when I’m not spending time with the family or friends, I prefer the comforts of air conditioning and relaxing in my “comfy clothes.” Unfortunately, the networks tend to limit their quality programming during the summer months.
Many people might say that there’s nothing worth watching over the summer but that’s not entirely true. You just have to dig for it. The selection may be somewhat limited but there are some above average summertime series out there. Here’s what I’ve been watching this summer:
‘Rescue Me’ (Wednesdays on FX)
Synopsis: Tommy Gavin (played by Denis Leary) is a fireman. The premise of the show when it first premiered was the life of firemen in the post-9/11 years. Gavin is a currently-recovering alcoholic trying to juggle his family, his still present (though definitely faded) grief from 9/11, the loss of his son and father and his grueling work as a fireman.
This show can be moderately depressing at times. The lives of most of the characters are a mess. Tommy Gavin, his crew and his family all seem to be constantly surrounded by tragedy yet there are still plenty of laugh-out-loud moments in the show.
‘Big Brother’ (Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays on CBS)
Synopsis: 14 people move into a house where they are filmed 24/7. The live feeds are available to watch online. They’re cut off from the outside world, which means no phones, internet, mail or anything. Each week there are challenges and on Thursdays during the live show, one person is voted out of the house. The winner wins half a million dollars.
Years ago I accepted the fact that I’m a ‘Big Brother’ addict. I get hooked on it almost every summer. Between the internet feeds and the three episodes per week, its easy to get caught up in the drama in the ‘BB’ house. This season, the drama between Dick and Jen is definitely what makes the show worth watching for me.
‘Hell’s Kitchen’ (Mondays on Fox)
Synopsis: A group of cooks and chefs compete each week in the hopes of winning the grand prize of running a restaurant. Gordon Ramsey is the judge and he spends most of his time berating the contestants, which is always entertaining.
This is the first season I’ve ever watched of this show but I’m totally hooked. The big finale is about a week away and my money is on Rock to win.
‘Entourage’ (Sundays on HBO)
Synopsis: The show focuses on fictional actor Vince Chase and his three best friends. While Vince isn’t working (which is most of the time), the guys spend their time partying, spending Vince’s money and scamming for girls.
The plot of the show is fairly slow moving but that’s not why I watch it. I think the most entertaining aspect of this series is the interaction between the Vince, Turtle, Eric, Drama, Ari and Lloyd. For a serial comedy, I spend less time caring about what is going to happen and more time just enjoying each episode as it is.
‘Damages’ (Tuesdays on FX)
Synopsis: A young attorney named Ellen begins working for a successful, yet manipulating attorney, Patty Hewes (Glenn Close). At first Ellen is honored to be working for Hewes but it’s only a matter of time before she realizes what she’s gotten herself into.
Only a couple of episodes have aired but I’m really enjoying what I’ve seen so far. Normally, legal dramas don’t interest me that much but ‘Damages’ is a lot more intense than your typical law-based TV show. I’m anxious to see how the story plays out.
‘Greek’ (Mondays on ABC Family)
Synopsis: Rusty is attending the same university as his sister Casey. While Casey is a popular girl and holds a high position in her sorority, Rusty is a bit of a nerd. He decides that instead of following the same path he’s been on forever, he’ll rush a fraternity. He is now trying to manage keeping his grades up and pledging the Kappa Taus.
This is a total feel-good show and each week I find myself more and more in love with it. I’m assuming it’s mainly supposed to appeal to a younger audience but I can’t help it – it’s a funny show. As I get older I find my tolerance in young-people shows diminishing but ‘Greek’ is a definite exception. The show consists of about half drama and half comedy. Just when things start to get too serious and touchy-feely, there are lighter and occasionally very witty moments that bring the show back to reality.
So that’s about it. There are some other shows I watch. I’ve gotten very into ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ this year and I’ll catch the occasional episode of ‘Burn Notice,’ ‘Monk’ or ‘Psych’ every now and then as well. I tend to TiVo those shows and watch them later in the week if I can. Summer is a busy time so I guess the fact that the number of must-see shows is somewhat minimal works out. I’ve found that there are just enough quality shows to keep my TV addiction at bay and not so many that I’ll forget to get out and enjoy the weather every once in a while.
Big Brother (CBS) 8:00 pm
(New!) Last week’s episode ended with an endurance challenge. In this episode you’ll find out who won and who they decided to nominate.
Entourage (HBO) 10:00 pm
Gary’s Desk - (New!) Vince tries to get an antique desk for Eric. Last week’s previews showed Ari talking about Mary J. Blige coming into the agency. They should’ve titled this episode “No More Drama.” Get it? Because… Drama’s a guys in the show… and Mary J. Blige… no? Nevermind.
’Hell’s Kitchen’ (Fox) 9:00 pm
(new!) – It’s down to Rock and Bonnie but this isn’t the grand finale episode. This week both chefs will design their restaurant in preparation for the big finale.
’Greek’ (ABC Family) 9:00 pm
Liquid Courage (New!) – Once again, Rusty’s braininess comes in handy a Kappa Tau party. Casey meets Evan’s parents and Rebecca shows up.
’Mission: Man Band’ (VH1) 10:00 pm
Mission: Man Band (Premiere!) – Four former boy-band members attempt to make a comeback in this new reality TV show.
’America’s Got Talent’ (NBC) 8:00 pm
Performance Episode (part 4) - (new!) – The top 10 finalists are cut down to 8.
’Big Brother 8’ (CBS) 9:00 pm
(new!) – The two nominees (feed-watchers know who they are!) have the chance to play for the Veto along with three other randomly selected houseguests. Will the Veto be used to save someone and if so, who will go up in their place?
’Damages’ (FX) 10:00 pm
And My Paralyzing Fear of Death (New!) – Patty has to deal with a threat that arrives at the office and puts the case in jeopardy. Tom digs up some interesting dirt on Katie.
So You Think You Can Dance(FOX) 8:00 pm
(New!) – The final 6 dancers perform. At this point, I’m rooting for Danny and Sabra with Lacey as a close third. Strangely enough, there doesn’t appear to be a results show this week. Fox has football scheduled for Thursday night.
Last Comic Standing(NBC) 9:00 pm
(New!) – The final 8 performers have play the role of jesters as a medieval tournament.
’Big Brother 8’ (CBS) 8:00 pm
Live Episode (new!) – One of the houseguests is evicted and a new Head of Household is crowned.
Monk(USA) 9:00 pm
Mr. Monk and the Birds and the Bees (New!) – Monk helps Julie sort out her love life… and works on a murder investigation.
Psych(USA) 10:00 pm
And Down The Stretch Comes Murder (New!) – Gus and Shawn help an old childhood nemesis who is now a jockey and needs to figure out why all of his horses keep losing.
The Fugitive (TNT) 8:00 pm
The one-armed man did it! The great Harrison Ford plays a guy accused of murder and on the run, trying to prove his innocence.
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