It’s that time of the year again when everything the last couple of months have built up to is about to come to a close in a packed-full period of spring finals. No, I am not talking about college finals, but in fact, the end of the spring TV season.
The weeks of spring season finales are an exciting time, as we get finally get answers to questions like whom Barney’s wife will be on “How I Met Your Mother” and find out the winner of reality competitions such as “The Voice” or “The Amazing Race.” It is also a time of mourning and frustration, as we have to wait months before seeing our favorite characters again or getting the answers to gut-wrenching cliffhangers. For the most part, though, season finales give us a sense of conclusion (except “The Killing” in season one) and eager anticipation for the fall TV season. The only problem is, with most shows off for the summer, what is there to watch?
Since most of the best shows take place in the fall and spring, it can be hard to find shows to watch that can adequately replace the TV-lineup void caused by the spring season ending. However, if you look closely, you can usually find a few gems hidden in the summer lineup, and I’m here to help. Here are some of my suggestions of shows worth watching in the summer.
“Common Law” (Season premiere May 11 on USA)
A new buddy cop comedy-drama on USA Network, “Common Law” is about two LAPD homicide detectives, a methodical ex-lawyer and a former petty criminal who can’t stand each other to the point their constant bickering forces their commanding officer to send them to couples therapy. A silly premise, for sure, and the whole “two detective partners working together with opposite methods and personalities” isn’t exactly groundbreaking material, but USA Network has a proven track record with comedy-dramas from shows like “Psych,” “Monk,” and “Royal Pains,” making “Common Law” at least worth a view.
“America’s Got Talent” (Season premiere May 14 on NBC)
“America’s Got Talent” is the perfect show for all you reality television addicts out there needing a summer fix, as it’s the only competition to feature acts ranging from singing to black light performers to an on-stage stunt bike rider. It’s not as captivating as “The Voice,” and the auditions aren’t as comical as “American Idol,” but whether it’s the ranting of judge Sharon Osbourne, the comedic reactions of host Nick Cannon, or the continuously diverse batch of auditions, the show has something for everyone to enjoy.
“Saving Hope” (Season premiere June 7 on NBC)
A medical and supernatural drama starring Michael Shanks, best known for his role as Dr. Daniel Jackson in “Stargate SG-1,” as Chief of Surgery Charlie Harris, who ends up in a coma after a devastating car crash. The twist is that while he is in a coma, he can roam around in spirit form at the hospital. At the same time, his fiancée and fellow surgeon Alex Reid, portrayed by Erica Durance from the show “Smallville,” tries to keep the day-to-day operations of the hospital going, all the while attempting to keep Harris alive. It is an intriguing and unique show that puts an interesting spin on the standard hospital-procedure show. It will be interesting to see if the writers can sustain this idea effectively over the course of the season, but I can’t wait to see them try.
“Falling Skies” (Season premiere June 17 on TNT)
“Falling Skies” is an epic alien invasion post-apocalyptic type show that not only has amazing visual effects and a compelling storyline, but an outstanding cast led by Noah Wyle from “ER.” It is aliens versus humans at its finest, and a show that “Walking Dead” or “Battlestar Galactica” fans are sure to enjoy. And to top it off, the one and only Steven Speilberg produced the show. It’s definitely a must-watch show when it comes back for its second season.
