The Best Summer TV Shows (Or, Why God Invented Sunless Tanner)

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I love summer TV. It always seems riskier and quirkier than the fall line-up, and for that summer TV, my heart belongs to you. Here are some shows I'm gonna be looking out for this summer, what you are you thinking about introducing into your DVR rotation?

Mad Men

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One of the hottest (literally— talk about ‘dangerous curves ahead,’) shows to come out of the summer line-up, Don Draper and co. are a must-see come July. Watch Mad Men here.

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by susie  06/10/2009

I haven’t gotten into this show yet but have heard amazing things. I might have to rent the DVDs and start from the beginning.

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by elisa  06/10/2009

I was a late comer to this show as well—there’s always time to catch up!

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by alexis  06/13/2009

oh the stories…

Pushing Daisies

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At first I thought this show was sort of weird, and then its quirky charm began to grow on me, which only made it harder when I found out execs decided to send it to the big pie hole in the sky. But before Daisies bid adieu, the last few episodes will air.

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by susie  06/10/2009

Sooo sad this show is ending :( But excited for the last few episodes. Maybe, just maybe, there’s a tiny bit of hope left??

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by elisa  06/10/2009

I think there’s still some room left for hope :)

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by elisa  06/11/2009

I have a feeling that Lee Pace won’t be outta work for long :)

True Blood

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And America’s fascination with sexy vampires continues…

Burn Notice

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I got hooked on this show last summer when I watched like 4 hours of it during a Burn Notice marathon. And I have to say, I was pretty impressed, it manages to be funny and sexy without having to try too hard.

Raising the Bar

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My sister turned me onto this show last summer, and to tell you truth it’s pretty good (and yes that is Zack Morris, and don’t worry he’s cut his hair for second season).

In Plain Sight

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I can’t really put my finger on it, but for some reason I really liked this show last summer. Maybe it’s because Mary is a kick-ass U.S. Marshall or maybe it’s because I identify with her commitment issues… Either way, not a bad way to spend a Sunday night.

Wipeout

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So you can’t really watch this show for more than about 15 minutes (watching people complete the same course over and over gets old fast), but for those first 15 minutes this show is actually pretty entertaining.

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by the_mean_...  06/15/2009

Watching people bounce of those gigantic balls never fails to amuse me.

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by elisa  06/15/2009

It’s ridiculous, yet somehow it manages to be funny.

 

Dating in the Dark

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How awful does this show sound??? SO awful, that it’s a sure-thing I’ll be watching. I love bad reality television, especially of the dating variety. This show has people going on dates with the lights out. Wow ABC, wow.

added by Susie 06/10/2009
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by elisa  06/10/2009

I’ve heard about this and it does sound pretty crazy— sounds more like a research study than a show! Here’s hoping this one doesn’t go down the MTV dating show route (that would be the trashy route).

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by susie  06/10/2009

Right! I mean, it could be an interesting, good show. They are pairing the couples up by personality/compatibility so maybe it will tell us some interesting things about what we look for when we date!

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by susie  06/15/2009

I don’t think it’s started yet, but I’m definitely going to figure out when it starts and set my DVR! Could be interesting…

Entourage

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Entourage and summer are pretty much synonymous now— there’s no way I could bare the scorching LA heat without a dose of Jeremy Piven.

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by susie  06/14/2009

Is this worth watching?? I’m being forced to watch this new season, so I’m wondering if I should go back and watch all the old ones too??

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by elisa  06/14/2009

Might be a good idea, although I don’t think you have to—the plot isn’t that intricate :)

Weeds

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Things got pretty hairy at the end of the last season, and I have a feeling Nancy’s not quite in the clear just yet, which should make for a pretty interesting summer, to say the least.

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by hi_liner  06/12/2009

Where’s Shane in this picture?

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by elisa  06/13/2009

Under the sand?

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by hi_liner  06/13/2009

He seems like the most likely one of the whole lot to build a sand castle. Or maybe Doug while he’s stoned. Or maybe Andy while he’s stoned. On second thought this picture doesn’t need Shane at all.

Nurse Jackie

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If you’re still mourning the loss of the Sopranos, then you might feel a little better knowing that Edie Falco has made her way back to cable TV as a foul-mouthed nurse with a heart of gold. Watch the first episode here.

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by the_mean_...  06/15/2009

Hm….i’m a little bored with Dr. shows, not gonna lie.

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by elisa  06/15/2009
I guess it’s meant to be different because she’s a nurse, but it’s a FINE line.

Royal Pains

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I just watched the pilot for this the other day and I think I have a crush on Dr. Hank. The show was a little corny at times, but it had some pretty funny lines. Sigh, I’m SUCH a sucker for doctor shows.

Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood

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I’m embarrassed to say that I’ve watched this show and somewhat enjoyed it. But what can I say, I’m addicted to celebrity voyeurism (I blame it SOLELY on our society).

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by hi_liner  06/12/2009

Dean is sporting some awesome hair.

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by elisa  06/13/2009

It’s either James Dean-esque or vampire-esque— I can’t really decide which.

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About The Author

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elisa Rss 

"The Valley"
Favorite Food: Japanese; Favorite Drink: Pyramid Apricot Ale; Favorite Music: KCRW; Favorite Book: Middlesex; Favorite TV Show: 30 Rock; Favorite Movie: Amelie; Favorite Golden Girl: Blanche

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