While the summer TV season used to be for repeats and throwaway series, it’s now become something to look forward to on both broadcast networks and cable. NBC just released all the premiere dates for their summer series, which is a nice mixture of shows new and old, with a couple of debuting comedies that will hopefully raise the bar for the network’s lack of laugh-friendly series.
Here’s what their summer schedule will look like.
New Comedy Series
Mr. Robinson. Premiering Wednesday, August 5, at 9:00 p.m. ET. Inspired by the musical teaching career of The Office’s Craig Robinson, Mr. Robinson centers on Craig, the lead singer and keyboardist for the funk band Nasty Delicious, who takes a job as a substitute music teacher at a local high school, where he’s at odds with the strict principal (Peri Gilpin) and at evens with the good-looking English teacher (Meagan Good). Written by Mark and Robb Cullen, Mr. Robinson will teach Craig how to straddle the line between his own success and those of his students.
The Carmichael Show. Premiering Wednesday, August 5, at 9:30 p.m. ET. Created by Neighbors director Nick Stoller and comedian Jerrod Carmichael, The Carmichael Show is inspired by Carmichael’s unique relationships with his comedian father (played by David Alan Grier), his amateur therapist girlfriend, his conniving brother and his devout mother (played by Loretta Devine).
Returning Comedy Series
Welcome to Sweden. Premiering Sunday, July 19 at 8:00 and 8:30 p.m. ET. Created by and starring Greg Poehler and executive produced by his sister Amy Poehler, Welcome to Sweden tells the story of Bruce Evans, who moves to his girlfriend Emma Wiik’s hometown of Stockholm, Sweden, where he realizes that he’s completely in over his head without much of a clue of how to handle a job search, finding friends, different customs and Emma’s relatives.
New Reality Series
The Island. Premiering Monday, May 25, at 10 p.m. ET. A U.S. import of the U.K. series of the same name, The Island will follow 14 everyday men who are left alone on a deserted island with only their clothes and a few tools. Capturing all of the footage themselves, the men must figure out how to get water, food, shelter and more in order to survive.
I Can Do That. Premiering Tuesday, May 26, at 10 p.m. ET. Hosted and produced by Marlon Wayans, each episode of I Can Do That will pull together a group of celebrities who show off different talents they have when challenged by one another. And without judges or prizes on the line, it’s all about the bragging rights.
Returning Reality Series
Food Fighters. Premiering Thursday, July 2 at 8 p.m. ET. Fronted by former Man vs. Food host Adam Richman, Season 2 of Food Fighters pits amateur chefs against a series of professional chefs on the way to a final round where a celebrity chef is challenged.
Last Comic Standing: Premiering Wednesday, July 22 at 9 p.m. ET, with future shows airing at 10 p.m. ET. Going into its ninth season, Last Comic Standing Is the funniest reality show out there, as it pits a group of stand-up comics against each other in an elimination format where the winner will take home $250,000.
Hollywood Game Night. Premiering Tuesday, July 7, at 10 p.m. ET. Hosted by Jane Lynch, Season 3 of Hollywood Game Night pits normal contestants with celebrities in a series of party games, such as Lil’ Picassos and Snack Round, for a chance to win $25,000.
Running Wild with Bear Grylls. Premiering Monday, July 13, at 10 p.m. ET. Season 2 of Running Wild with Bear Grylls will again pair the adventurer with a survivalist and a celebrity on a trek to remote locations around the world for a two-day journey.
These shows join the already announced summer series such as Hannibal, Aquarius, America’s Got Talent and American Ninja Warrior.
