Summer TV Season Picks

May 22, 2015

We’ve come to end of another television season. Some of our favorite shows have left us on the edge of our seats until the next season. Some we’ve bid a sad farewell too (prematurely for some of them too….I’m looking at you, NBC, you never gave Constantine a fair chance). But what do we do in the meantime? Lets take a look at some of my pics from the network summer offerings.

Returning Shows

Masterchef (FOX): I love cooking competition shows. And while some (like Hells Kitchen) have grown stale and repetitive, there are some like Masterchef that are still fun and exciting. I have an impossible dream of being on this show one day, but until that miracle happens, I content myself with rooting for my faves and trying to figure out how to make what they’re making. The show returned this past Wednesday with a new host and an exciting new group of Masterchef hopefuls.

Penny Dreadful (SHOWTIME): While the new season started on May 3rd, there is still plenty of time to catch up on this intense show. I loved season 1, and while it wasn’t perfect, it was excellent to watch. Season 2 is going to delve into the past of many of the characters, so look for some shocks and surprises along the way. Airs Sunday nights at 10pm.

Americas Got Talent (NBC): The new season kicks off on May 26th. I have a love/hate relationship with this show. I’m fascinated by many of the acts, but I find myself annoyed by the judges much of the time. Definitely one I DVR so I can watch the acts and fast forward through everything else.

Hannibal (NBC): I came to the party late on this show and I’m slowly catching up on eps, but I love it so far. Its definitely worth watching. Returns June 4th.

Under The Dome (CBS): I struggled to stay with the show through the past season, but it was worth sticking with it in the end. We’ve been promised some twists, turns, and shocks in the new season. Returns June 25th.

Face-Off (SyFy): I have watched every season of this show religiously. I am always amazed and blown away but the level of creativity, imagination, and craftsmanship the contestants show. If you’re a fan of movie make-up and effects, definitely one to catch. Returns July 28th.

The Strain (FX): Season 1 was a huge hit. While it strayed a bit from the books (if you haven’t read the series, pick it up for a summer read, its worth it), and reports are following seasons will continue to do so, its still a worthwhile watch. Guillermo del Toro has a winner with this series. Reported to return July 12th.

True Detective (HBO): Season 1 was brilliant. Look for season 2 to be as dark and gritty as the first. Returns June 21st.

New Shows/Movies

Wayward Pines (Fox): The first 2 eps have aired already, but you can catch up via on-demand. With a talented cast and an intriguing storyline about a small town with strange characters and strange behavior, it looks to be a hit of the summer.

The Briefcase (CBS): When I first saw the trailer, I wasn’t sure if this was a reality show or a fictional drama. But its definitely a reality show, and while there are a glut of them on tv, this one seems interesting and is promoted as a social experiment. In each ep, 2 families will each be given a briefcase containing $100,000. Both are families struggling financially and they will each learn about each others hardships over 72 hours and then decide to share the money with the other family or keep it for themselves. The catch? Neither family knows the other was given money like they were. Premiers May 27th.

BattleBots (ABC): I used to love this show when it was on SyFy years ago. I still want to build and compete with my own robot. While we admire the skill and technical know-how the builders have, lets admit it….we watch the show to see how badly the robots get destroyed. Premiers June 21st.

Texas Rising (History): With an all-star cast (Bill Paxton, Brendan Fraser, Ray Liotta, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, etc), this mini-series about the birth of the Texas Rangers should be a fantastic watch. The 5 night event starts on Memorial Day May 25th.

Zoo (CBS): Based on James Patterson’s novel, the story is about a worldwide pandemic of sudden animal attacks that get more brutal and cunning as they continue. I’m excited for this one, the previews have looked pretty good. Premiers June 30th.

Sharknado 3 (SyFy): Admit it…you watched the first 2 even though you deny it and you’ll be watching this one. Yeah, its low budget, the acting and effects are bad. But its one of those movies that they are so bad, they are good just for the comedic value. Airs July 22nd.

Fear The Walking Dead (AMC): Of all the new shows coming this summer, this is the one that a lot of people are eagerly anticipating. Built off the world we’ve come to know in its parent series, we’re going to journey to the west coast just before the zombie apocalypse happens. With all new characters and stories, we’ll see the how the beginning of the end happened (something fans of Walking Dead have wanted to learn about for a long time). No premier date has been announced other than it will air this summer.

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