Summer TV Preview

Personally, I won't be enjoying this summer's new TV, since I'll be off in the Maine wilderness for the next two months. Fear not though -- I'll still be posting sporadically and hopefully getting some help from the disembodied head of Daniel. More on that tomorrow, though.

Really, the summer is when you should be catching up on old shows. Breaking Bad just finished its third season, and I maintain that it's the best show on TV right now. If you have time to watch 30 episodes of something this summer, that's where you should start. If you need more, you could always see what all the fuss was about with LOST or start watching Dexter in preparation for this fall's Season 5. But if you're looking for new TV options this summer now that all the regular shows have ended, here are a few to consider:

Hell's Kitchen: As I detailed in last week's post, Hell's Kitchen has consistently been one of the best summer shows of the best few years. Shows like Top Chef have a mix of likable and unlikable contestants, most of who can really cook. Hell's Kitchen really only has unlikable contestants, and you'd be lucky to find three chefs each season who can cook at a high level -- which makes it that much better when Gordon Ramsay spends roughly three-quarters of each episode profanely berating them. If you enjoy dumb people being yelled at, this show's for you.

Deadliest Catch: Yes, this season of Deadliest Catch has been airing since April, but it's scheduled to run until sometime in July. Basically, you watch from the comfort of your own living room as Alaskan crab fisherman brave rough seas and freezing temperatures, and you feel very happy that you don't do anything like that. If you watch long enough to get to know the characters, the show is even better -- but even if you don't, it's still entertaining television.

Last Comic Standing: The comedians aren't always hilarious -- you're reminded often that yes, this is amateur hour. But each show is going to give you a few gems that are good for some serious laughs. And really, on a sweltering Monday night in the middle of July, a few laughs are always welcome. Personally, my favorite episodes are the audition ones at the beginning of the season -- you know, the ones that are airing right now.

Entourage: Ever wonder what it's like to be a giant douche? Season 7 starts in less than two weeks.

The Tournament: Basically, it's The Bachelor -- with the one gigantic exception that Chad Ochocinco is the bachelor. No explanation can really do it justice. Just like a train wreck, it'll be impossible to turn away from.

Man v. Food: The crown jewel of this summer's TV schedule. Possibly the greatest show in the history of mankind and the impetus for a two-week road trip I took a little while back where a friend and I did eating challenges. Man v. Food sets the bar for all other food shows. If you've never watched it, you're missing out on a television masterpiece. It premieres tonight at 9PM on the Travel Channel.

So there you have it. Turn the AC up and enjoy yourselves. Also, remember to come back tomorrow for a brief State of The Couchwarmers address before I head off to moose country until mid-August.