It used to be that once the summer hiatus started, there were nothing but reruns on TV. That has changed over the past few years. I really don’t want to research the details, but I’m pretty sure TNT and USA were the first networks to offer original programming during the summer with shows like Monk, The Closer, Burn Notice and Psych.
Last year, amidst rumors that NBC was going to ax the under-performing Law and Order: Criminal Intent, USA gained the rights to show new episodes, which would then rerun on NBC when/if needed. I personally like CI, although I find that I prefer the episodes with Chris Noth and Julianne Nicholson, because Vincent D’Onofrio’s Goren has become a little too over-the-top for me.
New episodes started two weeks ago, and in a few short weeks, the new seasons of The Closer (July 14), Burn Notice (July 10), Monk (July 18) and Psych (July 18) premiere.
I like Monk, and it’s amusing and well-written and Tony Shalhoub deserves his Emmys, but honestly, I can only watch so much of the show before I get nervous.
My favorite would have to be a tie between The Closer and Burn Notice, although Burn Notice definitely has the edge in the OMG-he-is-so-hot category. Jeffrey Donovan is just…hot. I have to turn down the AC when watching, and that is only a slight exaggeration. (Plus the show is just awesomely fun. It’s like a non-cheesy MacGyver with a much, much hotter MacGyver.)
I never really paid much attention to Kyra Sedgwick before The Closer, but she is really remarkable as Brenda Lee Johnson, and I find that even after three seasons, the show is still fresh and I’m still anticipating where the new season leads us. Her supporting cast is excellent as well. I can see why The Closer remains cable’s highest-rated drama of all time.
Then there’s Psych. Wow, that show is quirky, charming and hilarious. James Roday is exceptional, and I never knew Dule Hill had such great comic timing.
