Bill and Sookie, the vampire-human couple at the center of "True Blood."
1) True Blood (Premiering June 14; HBO)
Season 2 of the sexy, scary, and brilliant Southern vampire-fantasy drama returns this Sunday, on June 14th, for a 12-episode run. It follows up on the cliffhangers presented in last fall’s finale. Sookie struggles to keep her relationship with Bill going because of his maker responsibilities to Jessica, the wild vampire girl he turned as punishment for murdering a vampire to protect Sookie. The mysterious Maryanne furthers her grasp on the people of Bon Temps, and her backstory with Sam is revealed. Jason. Meanwhile, gets further involved in the Fellowship of the Sun, the anti-vampire church. Overall, this is HBO’s biggest hit in a long time, and it’s unlike anything else you’ll see on television.
Try it if you’re a fan of: Twilight, The Vampire Diaries, Buffy the Vampire Slayer
2) So You Think You Can Dance (Wednesdays at 8 pm, Thursdays at 9 pm, FOX)
Season 5 of this summer reality show has already begun, but on Wednesday the most intense part of the competition begins as the top 20 perform. Here’s to hoping the brilliant Wade Robson returns after stepping out of Season 4 to choreograph Chris Angel’s Vegas show. I’m sure this season will be even better than last; Brandon, who is probably my favorite dancer I’ve ever seen perform on that show, has finally made the top 20! Now only if Mia Michaels and Lil C would shut up. The only downer about this season could be the endless onslaught of female lyrical-contemporary-jazz dancers who’ve scored no screentime so far, thus they could be bland both on and off the stage.
Try it if you’re a fan of: American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, America’s Best Dance Crew
3) Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List (Premiering June 8, BRAVO)
Some people don’t click with her outgoing personality, but I love this show more than the other-docu-trash shows like the Real Housewives franchise. Her relationship with her wino mother and three entourage members make for lots of laughs, as do her encounters with other celebrities, as she navigates her life. This show is consistently hilarious, and sometimes heartbreakingly poignant. I like it more than any other comedy on television, and more than her own comedy specials. Plus, I hear there’s more celebs this season!
Try it if you’re a fan of: The Real Housewives of New Jersey, The Office, The Soup
4) Mad Men (Sometime in August; AMC)
The long wait is almost over, and Season 3 was given the greenlight. Spoilers remain sparse, but Betty is having Don’s baby despite her affair. That’s all know, but is there any doubt that this 1960s office drama is going to be cinematic, brooding, and superb?
Try it if you’re a fan of: Breaking Bad, In Treatment, Big Love
5) (tie) Project Runway (Premiering August 20; Lifetime)
Entourage (Premiering July 12, HBO)
These shows need to fix themselves if they’re going to retain their status as hit summer shows. Entourage has fallen into the same routine, and it needs to freshen up to continue. Project Ruunway has been off the air for awhile, and it was strating to get stale before it took its break. Here’s to hoping that L.A. will fix it, but I’m concerned about the whole Lifetime thing. Lifetime does not equal quality reality programming in my book.
Try Entourage if you’re a fan of: 30 Rock, Rescue Me, Breaking Bad
Try Project Runway if you’re a fan of: The Fashion Show, What Not to Wear, Top Chef
