The summer TV season has only just begun and while it is always exciting to see what new offerings networks are providing (see what new shows I am most excited for here), some of the shows I most look forward to every summer are the returning shows. What am I most excited for though? Find out:
Returning shows I’m most excited about:
So You Think You Can Dance- 
I can never say enough about this show, which projects such a love and appreciation of dance and art. I cannot think of another competition show that feels so supportive in all aspects. The alumni come back in any and every capacity they can—as choreographers, mentors, all star dancers, judges, even just as audience members. Every time they are on screen, you can seen how much they love and appreciate the show. The choreographers are some of the best, moving viewers to tears time and again with evocative, emotional pieces covering everything from cancer to drugs to betrayal to love. Additionally, Cat Deeley is the most underrated and under appreciated host on TV. She’s fun, interactive, supportive, and not afraid to shove back at the judges when it is needed.
Suits-Season three of this legal drama was filled with big twists, but perhaps the biggest was Mike’s choice to leave Pearson Spector in favor of becoming an investment banker at the end of the season. No longer a lawyer, Mike no longer has to worry about being caught or reigning himself in so as not to draw attention to himself. One of the most challenging parts of his new job is that he finds himself as Harvey’s sometimes client, sometimes opponent. Can Harvey outsmart his former protege or has Mike learned too much of Harvey’s process? There’s a lot to look forward to in this season, including Jessica’s love life finally (finally!) kicking in, Mike and Harvey’s power struggles, Rachel being caught in the middle as Harvey’s new Associate, Mike and Rachel’s relationship being further complicated by a former romantic entanglement, anything related to Donna, and more.
Rizzoli & Isles- 
Rizzoli & Isles is not typical fare for my TV watch list. Though I watch a few crime shows, they typically have some sort of distinctive feature that keeps it from being a straight crime show (Castle has a mystery writer helping the police, for example). Something about this show, and particularly the dynamic of the cast, has got me hooked. Jane Rizzoli and Maura Isles are the perfect odd couple. Maura is motherly and affectionate in a way that Jane could never be and Jane is protective, fiercely loyal, and no-nonsense when Maura needs tough love. I am also interested in seeing how the show handles the suicide of Lee Thompson. How the writers handle such an expected tragedy will test their writing skills and I think the Rizzolli & Isles writers are up for the challenge.
Rookie Blue- 
I loved Stick It. Not because it was a quality movie with deep morals and surprise endings, but because it was SO FUN. A distinct thought I remember having back then was how much more expressive Missy Peregrym was as an actress than any of the cast of similar movies like Bring It On and Mean Girls. (As a Joss Whedon/Buffy fan, I love Eliza Dushku, but her character Missy Pantone was nothing to write home about.) I was excited to see Peregrym in a TV role (I did not particularly care for Reaper, but that was more Tyler Labine). Rookie Blue has been surprisingly compelling in its dealing of a number of different character story lines and issues. I’m continually waiting on the edge of my seat for the next episode and I am never disappointed by the results.
True Blood– 
After six seasons, it is finally time for this supernatural blood-and-sex fest to come to an end, but here’s to hoping that True Blood gives one of its biggest series a proper send-off. Last season most of our favorite vampires spent their time in captivity?the U.S. Government detained vampires to study them and ultimately introduce Hep-V, a virus, into the vampire population to destroy it. Though their deaths seemed like the most likely outcome, Billith (aka a combination of Bill Compton and Lillith, the first vampire whose blood Bill drank) found a way to save them. He gave them his blood, which temporarily protected them from being burned alive by the sun, but eliminated his god-like abilities. This season finds Sam as mayor of Bon-Temps, Hep-B vampires rampaging through the country, and Pam searching high and low for her maker, Eric, who might have died in last season’s finale.
Teen Wolf– 
After a harrowing season three where one of the main cast members was killed off (read more about that on my Best Episodes of the Year List), it is hard to predict where the next season of this surprisingly solid MTV series might go. They have already introduced werewolves, banshees, nogitsune, kanima, oni, and a number of other supernatural beings?many of which have not found their way into similar series like The Originals, The Vampire Diaries, and True Blood?so other unknown creatures are not out of the question. But I am more looking forward to the follow up from last season’s finale. Kate Argent is alive! And kidnaps Derrick! Allison is dead! (So is Aiden.) The crew has some new faces, which should make for a good change in dynamics.
Which returning shows are you most looking forward to? Which ones are past their prime? See the next page for your guide to rest of the new and returning shows of this summer.
NEXT: Expanded Summer TV Guide
SHARE:
