Summer is Not for Reruns Anymore

Over the past few years, networks have really embraced fresh, new programming during the summer months. From what I can personally remember, it started with The WB, and their summer series Young Americans. Remember? Young Americans was the Dawson’s Creek spinoff starring Rodney Scott (American Dreams) as Will Krudski. Will, was Pacey‘s friend that accompanied Dawson and crew on Spring Breakto Aunt Gwen’s. After leaving Capeside, Will headed back home to attend a summer session at the prestigious New England prep school, Rawley Academy, where he was awarded a full scholarship. During his time at Rawley, Will had to adjust to his new life surrounded by privilege and power and his old life as a blue collar kid trying to make something of himself. Is it coming back to you? Well although Young Americans was short lived, it did introduce us to some young actors who we all know and love today.

So who were these then unknowns? Well this 8 episode series featured Kate Bosworth (Superman Returns), Ian Somerholder (Lost), Katherine Moenning (The L Word), Matt Czuchry (Gilmore Girls), and Michelle Monaghan (MI: III) to name a few. Not a bad cast for a summer show on The WB.

Since then, summer shows have introduced us to a characters who are now part of our beloved TV family. Don’t forget, The OC started as a summer series. It became such a hit Fox promoted it to a full series. And where would teeny boppers around the world be without Jesse McCartney, who started off in the summer show, Summerland? Yeah, I’m liking this trend of fresh programming during the summer months.

So what shows do we have to look forward to this summer? Oh there are many, and I couldn’t be more excited!! Here’s a quick look at what I’ll be watching this summer. Check back throughout the week for more info on each show.

First up is Windfall. Premiering this Thursday, Windfall follows the lives of twenty friends who share in a multimillion-dollar lottery jackpot, only to experience the problems of instant wealth. I was lucky enough to get an advanced screening, and let me just say that Luke Perry still looks good. Stay tuned this week for a full review of the pilot.

Entourage, my boys are back. Hot damn!! June 11th marks the return on Vince, Eric, Turtle, Johnny Drama, Shauna, and my beloved Ari. Ari is starting out on his own after being fired, and Vince is on the verge of megastardom with the premiere of “Aquaman”. You know what that means…more money, more sex, and more trouble. This is going to be good!! I’m actually looking forward to recapping this show each week.

One of the most powerful shows on TV, Rescue Me, premiered last week. After a too long hiatus, it’s good to know that the guys haven’t missed a beat. Comedian (and Boston hero) Denis Leary has never been better as the traumatized and tortured Tommy Gavin. I’m a bit perplexed as to why this show hasn’t had more recognition come Emmy time. It’s truly one of the best. Oh, and I have had a ton of emails asking that GMMR provide weekly recaps of the show. Well you’re in luck. Starting this week, GMMR recapper extrordinaire, Julie, will be taking on the weekly review of Rescue Me. Be sure to thank her!!

Sometimes I wish I were a gay man just so I could be considered one of Kathy Griffin’s “gays”. The Queen of the D List is back with a second season of her aptly titled reality show, My Life on the D List. Premiering June 6th, the show will follow Kathy as she pisses off A-listers all while trying her best to climb the ladder to C-List stardom. Kathy Griffin used to annoy the hell out of me, but over the past year or so I have come to adore her and her catty ways. If you ever get the chance to catch her stand-up special, “Kathy Griffin is….not Nicole Kidman” be prepared to laugh your ass off. Seriously, her take on Oprah, Seacrest, Clay Aiken, and Barbara Streisand, among others is brilliant.

There are a ton of other shows to be watching during the summer, including Project Runway (which I will be recapping as it’s one of my FAVES), Deadwood, Closer, The 4400 (which I will be getting you some great scoop on courtesy of a GMMR friend on the inside track), It’s Always Sunny in Philadephia, and Saved. If you are a fan of any of these shows and want to provide your two cents to GMMR, definitely let me know.

So a ton of fresh new TV to keep up going through the summer. Like I said, we’ll be talking more about these shows individually over the next week or so, so make sure you come back now…ya hear!