Summer television is usually a nonevent.
Usually.
This season, however, an eclectic mix of new shows are coming to the tube–ranging from tried-and-true comedies to reality series to Mafia movies–giving audiences a reason to watch for the next three months. NBC and TNT lead the way with several rookies of their own, but ABC, CBS and Cartoon Network are firing back with inventive programming of their own.
Here’s a month-by-month breakdown of this summer’s TV highlights.
June Highlights
“Freakylinks”
FOX
Fridays, 9 p.m. EST
Fox gives this series dedicated to the investigation of paranormal activities a second chance, resurrecting episodes originally intended to air in fall 2000. Debuts Friday, June 1.
“Sex and the City”
HBO
Sundays, 9 p.m. EST
The series’ fourth season kicks off Sunday, June 3, with back-to-back episodes.
“Six Feet Under”
HBO
Sundays, 10 p.m. EST
A skewed look at a dysfunctional family that owns a funeral home in California. Created by American Beauty screenwriter Alan Ball. Debuts Sunday, June 3.
“Boss of Bosses”
TNT
Sunday, June 3, 8 p.m. EST
Chazz Palminteri stars as real-life mobster Paul Castellano, whose feud with Mafia boss John Gotti made headlines across the country.
“Kristen”
NBC
Tuesdays, 9:30 p.m. EST
Though the series premieres Tuesday, June 5, at 8:30 p.m. EST, it shifts to 9:30 p.m. EST starting June 19. Stars Kristin Chenoweth as a small-town girl attempting to survive in big-city Manhattan, pursuing her dream to become a Broadway sensation.
“Time Squad”
Cartoon Network
Fridays, 9 p.m. EST
This half-hour series follows the adventures of a group of “history-enforcement” specialists who must travel into the past to correct various glitches in the space-time continuum. Debuts Friday, June 8.
“Fear Factor”
NBC
Mondays, 8 p.m. EST
Twelve contestants are forced to face their worst fears–ranging from fear of heights to fear of skydiving–in this elimination “game show” which awards the strongest player with a cash prize. Debuts Monday, June 11.
“AFI’s 100 Years … 100 Thrills”
CBS
Tuesday, June 12, 8 p.m. EST
The American Film Institute counts down the top 100 action/adventure/thriller movies of all time. Hosted by Harrison Ford.
“Witchblade”
TNT
Tuesdays, 9 p.m. EST
Yancy Butler stars as a New York detective who fights crime with a mysterious, ancient weapon-the Witchblade–that has the power to eradicate evil. Debuts Tuesday, June 12.
“Go Fish”
NBC
Tuesdays, 8 p.m. EST
Kieran Culkin stars in this coming-of-age comedy about a boy striving to achieve coolness–and failing miserably. Debuts Tuesday, June 19.
“Wimbledon 2001”
TNT
Friday, June 29 through Sunday, July 8
Defending champs Pete Sampras and Venus Williams return to the All England Tennis Club as the world’s most respected tennis tournament kicks off.
“On the Edge”
Showtime
Friday, June 29, times TBD
Directors Anne Heche, Helen Mirren and Mary Stuart Masterson present a sci-fi trilogy about the trials and tribulations of a group of ordinary people making extraordinary discoveries about themselves.
“The Beast”
ABC
Day/time TBD
Frank Langella stars as a media mogul who owns a 24-hour cable news organization that features a vibrant group of investigative reporters with troubles of their own. Originally intended as a mid-season winter replacement.
“Big Brother 2”
CBS
Day/time TBD
Though CBS has not released its summer lineup of programming, the network has confirmed that the voyeuristic series will return in the early summer months, poised to reward one houseguest with a $500,000 prize.
July Highlights
“Spy TV”
NBC
Tuesdays 8 p.m. EST
Everyday people are forced to react to bizarre situations as a camera records their every action. Debuts Tuesday, July 10.
“The Mists of Avalon”
TNT
July 15 (part one) and July 16 (part two), 8 p.m. EST
Based on the best-selling book of the same name, this feminine twist on the Arthurian legend stars Julianna Margulies and Anjelica Huston.
“Leap Years”
Showtime
Day/time TBD
Five New Yorkers from various ethnic groups struggle with work, sex and everyday existence. Their travails are depicted in three different eras in their lives: 1993, 2001 and 2008.
“3 A.M.”
Showtime
Day/time TBD
In this Showtime original film, three New York taxi drivers trudge through life in a run-down section of town. Produced by Spike Lee and starring Danny Glover.
August Highlights
“James Dean”
TNT
Sunday Aug. 5, 8 p.m. EST
This biopic examines the actor’s rise to fame, brief stint in Hollywood and eventual death 45 years ago. Newcomer James Franco portrays the brooding rebel.
“Wild Iris”
Showtime
Day/time TBD
An all-star cast, including Gena Rowlands, Laura Linney and Fred Ward, stars in this Showtime original picture about a feuding mother and daughter forced to live together after a family tragedy.
