SUMMER TV - BEST BETS

Summer is no longer the vast wasteland of little to no quality TV programming. There are shows that have recently launched or about to launch that I couldn't be more excited about.  Here are a few to consider - 

ALREADY WATCHING:

FARGO - Just brilliant.  The writing, the acting...everything.  A perfect show.

PENNY DREADFUL - Though the previews looked promising, I was unsure about this one at first.  It can be a little on the gory side (if you have a problem with that - I don't), but I have thoroughly enjoyed it so far. And that scene between Josh Hartnett's Ethan Chandler and Reeve Carney's Dorian Gray?  Hot!

ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK - Have only caught the first episode of the new season, but I can tell it will be as riveting and fun as the first season. It's fun to watch Piper continue her descent down the dark, dark hole of her own making.

FROM DUSK TILL DAWN: THE SERIES - Based on Robert Rodriquez 1996 movie, starring George Clooney and Quentin Tarrantino as the infamous, bank-robbing, vampire-killing Gecko brothers, this is a helluva fun ride.  Warning: Gore factor is off the charts.  But Don Johnson is awesome! Who knew?

GANG RELATED - A cross between two shows I loved - THE SHIELD and SOUTHLAND, but with an interesting twist.

ORPHAN BLACK - Tatiana Maslany rules and if you are not watching this show, you are an idiot.  Nuff said.

Honorable mention: SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE - I cry at least once every episode. So sue me.  

COMING UP:

THE STRAIN - Can't wait! The book by Chuck Hogan and Guillermo del Toro was terrific and read like a fast paced movie. Yes...more vampires. But so good and the previews look just as creepy as the book.

THE LEFTOVERS - I have heard good things about this show from reviewers and previews look enticing. Rapture anyone?

TRUE BLOOD - FINAL SEASON - Yes it has gone off the rails the last couple of season's, but you know they will end it with a bang. And Pam should get her own spin off.  Am I right?

OUTLANDER - Sucker for a time travel romance? This is for you!  And the book series on which the show is based has a rabid legion of fans, so where there's smoke...

THE INTRUDERS - Maybe its the fact that BBC America's teasers are so unsettling and so - unrevealing, that I am so curious about this one.  Might be be a bomb, might be genius. Will report back!

EXTANT - I have been a Sci-Fi fan since birth, and this one has me intrigued. Pros?  Halle Berry, space travel and alien babies. Con? It's on CBS.

Honorable mention: ALMOST ROYAL. If the show is half as hilarious as the previews, this one is going to be a lot of fun.  Remember DAISY DOES AMERICA?

Happy watching!