Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881

The Daily Northwestern

35° Evanston, IL
Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881

The Daily Northwestern

Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881

The Daily Northwestern

Advertisement
Email Newsletter

Sign up to receive our email newsletter in your inbox.



Advertisement

Advertisement

Summer spotlight: New shows to catch this season

Summer television usually coincides perfectly with the weather. There is almost nothing to watch on TV, making it all the more apparent that you should be outside enjoying the sunshine. However, for those of you who still spend your nights curled up in front of the television, there are definitely some options, despite the fact that the major networks tend to only air a few reality shows and nothing else. Summertime is when cable networks are in the spotlight and get the chance to showcase new programs. While there are some classics that you should definitely be tuning into (“True Blood,” “Pretty Little Liars,” “The Closer,” etc.), here are some new shows gracing your screens this summer. “Men at Work” is probably not going to be voted the most unique new show of the summer. It’s a sitcom about four guys who work together at a magazine company. It’s yet another comedy about “bromantic” relationships and the art of balancing work with being a bro. However, the show has a great cast with the likes of Danny Masterson, Michael Cassidy and Adam Busch, so it will probably be charming despite its unoriginality. “Men at Work” premieres Thursday on TBS. “Dallas,” the soapy drama about oil tycoons in the heart of Texas, is back on television but with a surprising twist. Instead of remaking the show as would normally be expected, the plot is picking up exactly where it left off in the ’80s. Larry Hagman and Patrick Duffy are actually renewing the roles that they originated. Check out this show in order to see if it’s still a feasible drama or if it has lost its luster over time. “Dallas” premieres June 13 on TNT. “Snooki and Jwoww” is also premiering this summer if you need a change of pace from the procedural cop shows or reality dance competitions. These two “Jersey Shore” originals have decided to create their own spin-off, much in the style of Pauly D. However, because Snooki’s eggo is preggo, “Snooki and Jwoww” will mostly focus on her pregnancy and motherhood. Leave it to Snooki to shamelessly make money off of her child even before it’s born. Regardless, this will probably be the best comedy of the summer. Watch the premiere, June 21 on MTV. “The Newsroom” is definitely one of the most anticipated new shows of the summer. Created by the legendary Aaron Sorkin, this show will chronicle the behind-the-scenes action of a cable news station and its political agenda. The anchor, played by Jeff Daniels, is forced to find a new team after his co-anchor abandons him and takes the whole staff with him. Regardless of plot, this is undoubtedly going to be “The West Wing” meets “Sports Night.” Fans of Sorkin will rejoice at this latest addition to the diverse HBO summer line-up. The cast is rounded out by the likes of Emily Mortimer, Alison Pill, Dev Patel and Olivia Munn. Tune in to this impressive new show on June 24 on HBO. “Perception” is a new drama about a schizophrenic neuroscience professor, played by Eric McCormack, who helps the FBI with its more challenging cases. So it pretty much sounds like a weird twist between “The Mentalist” and “House M.D.” Rachael Leigh Cook also stars, which should bring down the acting talent but ultimately raise the attractive quotient. If nothing else, tune in to celebrate McCormack’s triumphant return to the small screen after “Will & Grace” ended in 2005. “Perception” airs July 9 on TNT. -Mackenzie Bronk

Activate Search
Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881
Summer spotlight: New shows to catch this season