Remote Controlled
Popular shows should bring summer TV viewing to life
By Gerald M. Gay
ggay@azstarnet.com
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 05.15.2008
We may not be swimming in a sea of fan favorites from now until late August, but the summer months aren't the doldrums of television they used to be.
Quite a few programs, some critically acclaimed, are starting new seasons through mid-July.
Among the major networks and cable and premium channels, there will be a little something for everyone this summer season.
Some of our picks include:
"Last Comic Standing" (May 22 on NBC) — Despite up-and-down ratings, its cancellation and resurrection after the third season and blatant producer tampering, this embattled stand-up talent search has exposed us to some hilarious comedians over the years, including Rich Vos, Dave Mordal, Josh Blue and Gabriel Iglesias. It's also given us some stinkers (we're looking at you, Dat Phan).
"So You Think You Can Dance" (May 22 on Fox) — "American Idol" for the more physically active, "So You Think You Can Dance" is a fun, summer alternative to actual physical activity. The show comes with the same bells and whistles as "Idol" but without all the clunky, celebrity buffoonery of "Dancing With the Stars."
Morgan Spurlock's "30 Days" (June 3 on FX) — Spurlock, best known for his McDonald's-eating exploits in the feature film "Super Size Me," is back for a third season of walking a mile in other people's shoes. Past seasons put a Minuteman with an immigrant family and sent an outsourced office worker to India to see where his job went. This season, Spurlock will try working in a coal mine in West Virginia and living on an American Indian reservation.
"Ice Road Truckers" (June on History) — We didn't know Canadians were capable of saying the F-word until we saw "Ice Road Truckers." Like "Deadliest Catch" or "Ax Men," this series follows blue-collar, salt-of-the-earth truck drivers as they haul supplies up ice-covered rivers through the Northwest Territories.
Kathy Griffin's "My Life on the D-List" (June 12 on Bravo) — Comedian Griffin returns to her reality series, despite telling Caliente last July that she probably wouldn't continue after her father's death in February of 2007. Griffin is no longer dating Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, but he does apparently play a significant role in this season's shenanigans.
"The Closer" (July 14 on TNT) — "The Closer" spawned a new generation of dramas with strong women leads. It also served as a breakthrough series for TNT in terms of original material and paints Kyra Sedgwick as such a badass. What a treat!
"Weeds" (June 16 on Showtime) — It's true. Watching "Weeds" can lead to other, harder Showtime programs. This well-written half-hour series follows widow Nancy Botwin (Mary Louise-Parker) as she builds her pot empire in the California suburbs. This will be the fourth season of "Weeds."
Other shows debuting this summer:
May 21 — "Mind of Mencia" on Comedy Central.
June 1 — "In Plain Sight" on USA.
June 9 — "Nashville Star" on NBC.
June 16 — "The Secret Diary of a Call Girl" on Showtime.
June 17 — "America's Got Talent" on NBC.
July 14 — "Saving Grace" on TNT.
— Dates subject to change
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