Summer 2010 Television Shows Worth Watching

Summer used to be a complete wasteland when it came to television, but in recent years television shows premiering in summer have become as must-see as their fall counterparts. Summer television shows tend to be less substantial than regular season series (with some exceptions), and that makes them perfect for those searching for some light and fun entertainment. Here are the summer shows worth watching in 2010:

2010 Summer Shows worth Watching: True Blood

Premieres June 13^th on HBO

The third season of True Blood will be debuting in June (though HBO will be running "minisodes" after season two's reruns starting in May), and many fans can't wait to see how last season's cliff-hangers unfold. Not only will season three be introducing several new characters (fan-favorite Alcide among them), but many established favorites will be getting extended story-lines as well.

2010 Summer Shows worth Watching: Mad Men

Premieres July 25^th on AMC

Mad Men is a huge exception to the rule that summer shows are insubstantial. Mad Men may arguably be the best series on television right now, and you'll definitely not want to miss the fourth season when it debuts in July. Creator Matt Weiner has recently announced that Mad Men will stop airing after season six, so now's the perfect time to catch this amazing summer series.

2010 Summer Shows worth Watching: Psych

Premieres in July on USA

Psych may just be the perfect summer show: it's fun, hilarious, smart, and it requires no real commitment. Anyone can watch an episode and not have to worry about backstory or continuity. If you love serial mystery novels (and relentless pop-culture references) you're bound to love this show, which will be entering its fifth season in July. Psych stars James Roday, Dulé Hill, Maggie Lawson, and Timothy Omundson.

2010 Summer Shows worth Watching: Futurama

Premieres June 24^th on Comedy Central

Fans of Futurama are probably already well aware that the show will be returning to television this summer with new half-hour episodes. In fact, I'd imagine that quite a few are counting down the days as I write this. With the original voice actors returning and the most of the original writers returning, Futurama will surely be a must-see for many of us.

2010 Summer Shows worth Watching: Burn Notice

Premieres June 3^rd on USA

USA network seems to have a monopoly on fun, action-filled summer entertainment, and Burn Notice is one of the network's biggest draws. The fourth season of this show, about a former spy who has been abandoned by the government, will be premiering in June. Burn Notice stars Jeffrey Donovan, Gabrielle Anwar, and Bruce Campbell.

2010 Summer Shows worth Watching: The Good Guys

Preview Episode: May 19^th, Premieres June 7^th on FOX

Unlike the other shows on this list, FOX's The Good Guys is a new series. The premise (and the stellar cast) makes this series perfect for summer watching, though. The Good Guys is a comedy-drama, buddy-cop-type show which is slated to star Bradley Whitford and Colin Hanks. This is one series that appears to be worth a look.

2010 Summer Shows worth Watching: Lie to Me

Premieres June 7^th on FOX

For those of you anxiously waiting for the return of season two of FOX's Lie to Me (which stars Tim Roth as a body-language expert who aids law enforcement in investigations), you'll have to hold out until June. Lie to Me is a wonderful way to spend your summer evenings.

Sources:

USA Network

HBO

FOX

AMC

Comedy Central