Yes…I know summer is about enjoying the outdoors, soaking up some sun, having bbq’s, drinking on patios, and spending time away from you TV. But don’t forget, you will also need something to do on those rainy days, or when you’re recovering from sun stroke, hangovers, or food poisoning from your neighbour’s bbq. That’s where good TV comes in. This summer’s viewing schedule is full with brand new seasons of some tv fanatic faves, as well as brand new series that are worth checking out, and don’t forget the must-watch final seasons of Dexter and Breaking Bad. Read on for a quick preview of the one’s you’ll definitely need to put in your calendar!
Under The Dome
June 24th @ 10pm
CBS has been promoting the heck out of this 13-episode miniseries since the Superbowl. No word on if it will live up to the hype, but it’s been a while since a network has launched a new scripted show to launch in the summer. Typically the networks save their big guns until the fall when people tend to spend more time in front of their TV. ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX have lost out on a ton of summer viewership to cable channels like AMC, HBO and Showtime who have capitalized on the viewer’s becoming sick of boring reality television and endless reruns. CBS seems to have finally caught on and are putting their money and efforts towards Under The Dome in order to gain back some of the viewership. Will it pay off? Under The Dome is described as a sci-fi horror series which follows a small town that is, for reasons unknown, sealed off from the rest of the world under an impenetrable barrier that surrounds the town. As the town begins to tear itself apart through panic, a small group of people attempt to maintain peace and order while also trying to uncover the truth behind the barrier and how to escape from it. Sound like a rip off of The Simpsons Movie? It’s actually based on a bestselling Stephen King novel of the same name. The miniseries has a very strong cast with Dean Norris (Breaking Bad), Rachelle Lefevre (Twilight), and Mike Vogel (Bates Motel).
Dexter
June 30th @ 9pm
The final season for Dexter is almost upon us, and all of our are wondering what’s going to happen to our favourite serial killer. Will he die? Will he go to jail? Will he live happily ever after? In Season 8, his guilt ridden sister Deb begins to spiral out of control, not being able to handle what happened to LaGuerta. Charlotte Rampling will join this season as Dr. Evelyn Vogel, a new ally of Miami Metro. She is a nuero-psychiatrist that studies serial murderers, and if often referred to as a “psychopath whisperer.” Dexter is immediately suspicious of Dr. Vogel, but could this character be someone who helps Dexter overcome his dark passenger in the end? Kenny Johnson (Sons Of Anarchy, The Shield) has also joined Dexter’s final installment in a multi-episode arc playing U.S. Marshall Cooper. The Marshall is described as a no-nonsense and formidable lawman who is hired by P.I. Jacob Elway (recurring guest star Sean Patrick Flanery) to hunt down an infamous criminal. I don’t know about you, but as much as I love Dexter, the show needs to have a dramatic and bloody ending for the serial killer. Dexter lives by a code that every victim needs to be a killer and it’s especially important to hunt them down if they’re going to kill again. Will Dexter realize that he himself fits the code and ultimately take his own life?
Ray Donovan
June 30th @ 10pm
Set in the sprawling mecca of the rich and famous, Ray Donovan does the dirty work for LA’s top power players. The new one-hour series stars Liev Schreiber in his first lead television role as the go-to guy who makes the problems of the city’s celebrities, superstar athletes, and business moguls disappear. This powerful drama unfolds when his father Mickey, played by Jon Voight, is unexpectedly released from prison, setting off a chain of events that shakes the Donovan family to its core. The family is from Boston but Ray took them all to Los Angelas to get away from their criminal father. Elsewhere in the family, his wife Abby (Paula Malcomson) is desperately trying to be a part of the life that Ray leads but still does not fully understand who he works for, and adding to that strained relationship is Ray’s constant infidelity. Ray’s two brothers are also struggling with their new lives in LA, Terry (Eddie Marsan) is a former boxer now dealing with Parkinson’s disease and Bunchy (Dash Mihok), is dealing with addiction and depression caused by childhood demons. The Hollywood Reporter’s review said Ray Donovan was “the most testosterone-fueled, rough and intelligent drama in ages.” I’m excited about this one, and could be writing about it more in the future!
The Bridge
July 10th @ 9pm
The Bridge (based on the critically acclaimed Danish/Swedish drama “Bron”) is a present-day crime thriller exploring the tensions on the U.S.-Mexico border. When an American judge known for her anti-immigration views is found dead on the bridge connecting El Paso and Juarez, Sonya Cross (Diane Kruger) from El Paso PD must work with her Mexican counterpart from Chihuahua State Police, Marco Ruiz (Demian Bichir), to catch a serial killer operating on both sides of the border. Marco understands the slippery politics of Mexican law enforcement, and while his police force slowly succumbs to the pressures and demands of the cartel, he’s one of the last good men in the department. He’s charming, but also cunning as he will do whatever it takes to get what he needs. This does not sit well with Sonya, who has Asperger’s and strictly follows rules as well as protocol. Her candid and off-putting personality fuels an unforgiving drive for truth. The case quickly pulls them into a string of murders on the border, a scene already consumed by illegal immigration, drug trafficking, violence and prostitution.
Orange Is the New Black
All episodes available on Netflix on July 11th
From the creator of “Weeds”, and based on the memoir of the same name by Piper Kerman. Orange Is The New Black is Netflix most recent original “dramedy” set in a women’s prison. Piper Chapman’s (played by Taylor Schilling) wild past involving a drug runner comes back to haunt her, resulting in her arrest and detention in a federal penitentiary. To pay her debt to society, Piper trades her comfortable New York life for an orange prison jumpsuit and finds unexpected conflict and camaraderie amidst an eccentric group of inmates. Also starring in the series are Jason Biggs, Laura Prepon, Natasha Lyonne, Taryn Manning and Weeds alums Michael Harney and Pablo Schreiber. “It’s just like the Hamptons, only fucking horrible.” I love it already. Warning: Trailer below is NSFW.
Breaking Bad
August 11th @ 9pm
OH MY GOD! How could I not mention Breaking Bad?? Only eight episodes stand between us and the end of one of the greatest shows in television history. Creator Vince Gilligan described the finale as “victorious” and “satisfying” and has also long promised that Walter White’s (Bryan Cranston) actions must have consequences. That means he’s totally going to die right? Little else has been said about the final installment but whatever happens, I know we will all be glued to our televisions for those final eight episodes. I’m going to start a support group once it’s over for those of us who will be going through Jesse Pinkman withdrawals. Hit me up if you’re interested in joining, bitch!
What will you be watching this summer?
I missed you. Welcome back:)
awww thank you!! i missed you guys too.
🙂
glAd you’re back!! And thanks for the heads up of what to look out for this summer. I am intrigued by under the dome and orange is the new black.
I sort of don’t want breaking bad to start because I don’t think I am ready for it to end. But I think Vince Gilligan and everyone involved with that show will give it a proper ending that will leave everyone in shambles. Best show.