Before I get started on this Summer TV business, I just wanted to briefly mention something I will be DVRing tonight… Great Performances on PBS. This is usually when they film a Broadway show and air it on TV, so I’m automatically a fan. However, tonight’s episode is focusing on In The Heights, so I’m especially recommending EVERYONE watch this. It’s actually not a filming of the show, but as this Playbill article puts it, “‘In the Heights: Chasing Broadway Dreams,’ (is) a documentary about the Latino-steeped musical that won the 2008 Tony Award as Best Musical.” For those of you not in the NY area, I’m assuming there is a PBS by you, but I’m really not sure so I would check this site for details.
Okay, now that that business is taken care of… who’s ready for some Summer TV? Yeah, me too. Since E! has actual, real entertainment news blogs, they’ve put together a nice little (or really long & thorough) post that lists the Summer TV shows & their premiere dates… Enjoy!!
In case anyone is interested in what shows, of that list, take up space on my DVR (or another way to say, shows that I watch), I’ve listed them here, with their premiere date, to anyone who wants to join along…
So You Think You Can Dance- FOX- Already started on May 21st. The video below is an example of the awesomeness that is this show. For those unfamiliar, it’s a dance competition where they pair up dancers who perform choreographed dances in different styles each week. Contestants are gradually eliminated throughout the season and 1 dancer remains at the end. I love seeing all of the undiscovered talent and the dances, for the most part, are super entertaining… and a bunch of the contestants end up as professionals on Dancing with the Stars, so win-win-win/Pam.
Jon & Kate Plus 8- TLC- Already started on May 25th. I have to say; I hate the fact that it got it’s highest ratings this past week because of the stupid tabloid-ness ruining their lives right now. I just enjoy it because the kids are A-DORABLE and it was a fun show about an interesting family. I don’t want to stop watching because I enjoy them, but I don’t want to watch right now because drama & tension is not the reason to watch this show & I hate that message it gives off. Sigh. I would just recommend this show because it’s really interesting to me that the kids have been pretty much brought up the same exact way and yet, you can see definite distinct personalities in them… and they’re just balls of adorableness. P.S.- This is an older picture… the youngest are 5 now.
Maneater- Lifetime- Airs May 30th & 31st- This stars Sarah Chalke and might be extended to a full series if it does well in the ratings. It will also be getting it’s own little blog in a few days because I heart Sarah Chalke and I’m beyond excited she’s the star of her own show.
Pushing Daisies- ABC- The last 3 episodes start airing May 30th and I start crying the day it ends. Okay, so that was a tad overdramatic, but seriously- this is a prime example of a “brilliant, but canceled” show. If you have the time, I would totally recommend watching the last 3 episodes, if only to show ABC they should have kept this bad boy around. Bonus? You’ll totally love it.
The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien- NBC- Premieres June 1st. I can’t guarantee I’ll watch him every night, but I will most definitely be there for his first night of taking over primetime… woohoo!
Army Wives- Lifetime- Premieres June 7th. Interesting show about military families/friends but just a very good show in general. At times, it’s gotten pretty hard core (like when they killed off one of the lead’s children… yikes) and since it does revolve around military life, it’s definitely not all fun & games, like many shows I watch. Ultimately, I really enjoy this show, and have since the pilot.
Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List- Bravo- Premieres June 8th. The picture below pretty much describes Kathy & her show, haha. She’s willing to do whatever it takes to get in the press and it’s hilarious fun as we tag along for the ride. In the past, there have been serious issues addressed that have occurred (her father’s passing, her divorce, etc.) but really, those 2 Emmy awards this show has won are no mistake… it’s a well put together show. I would just warn you; try not to drink a lot while watching… it might be dangerous to your clothing and/or people around you. Laughing. There will be laughing.
Weeds- Showtime- Premieres June 8th. This show is insane. To further explain, I watch a LOT of TV. Clearly. Most shows are fairly predictable if you watch a lot of TV, so I can sort of see things coming. It doesn’t make it any less enjoyable for me, but it just occurs pretty frequently. Then, we have Weeds. This show is like, “Oh, what’s that? You think I’m going West? Well, what about if I… BAM! I just busted through your TV & punched you in the tooth!” Did you see that coming? No? Neither did I! That’s one of the things I love about this show. Mixed with those “holy crud, did that just happen?” moments are some scenes that I have to save to show people out of context just because they are so ridiculously funny and some very emotional scenes as well. The writing, acting… just the whole show is done so well. I fear I’m in danger of over-selling this thing, so I’ll stop here. I’m happy it’s back though because they left us with a SERIOUS cliffhanger. Oh yeah- and I picked this picture below because I felt it appropriately showed what is so great about this show. To me, I see the seriousness of a drug-dealing mom and what kinds of situations she would get herself in, mixed with the amazingness of Mary Louise Parker playing said mother.
(Possibly) Top Chef: Masters- Bravo- Premieres June 10th. I say possibly because I have to really see what my DVR is looking like before I commit to this. I’ll probably watch the first episode and decide from there. I mean, food is always a good thing, but I’m not sure if my favorite part about Top Chef is that they’re not masters… will this be as fun? I don’t know… but I’m willing to find out.
Entourage- HBO- Premieres July 12th. The boys are back… and while I always enjoy it when it’s on, I have to be honest. I do not remember what we’re up to storyline wise. Oh well… I’ll catch up before it starts… I have a few months.
Project Runway- Lifetime- Premieres August 20th. Note the network change… it’s not on Bravo anymore. Yikes.
I guess the Summer is also supposed to be a good time to get out and enjoy the weather. I don’t have a list yet of things to do outside…yet. I guess if I can think of or find anything, I’ll keep you updated. 
