Talk Nerdy Top 10: Our Favorite Returning Summer TV Shows
Okay, everyone. We’ve said goodbye to our regular season programming and that means summer is upon us. While this used to be a boring prospect–especially for those of us who watch way too much television–that is no longer the case. Some really great shows are returning this summer. Here is a quick rundown of what we at Talk Nerdy With Us are watching in the “off” season. Hit us up with your seasonal favorites!
Luke Cage – June 22 (Netflix)
Our favorite hooded hero returns to celebrity status in the neighborhood he helped to save, only to face a new threat. This season, expect to see Luke join forces with Iron Fist, and maybe a new sidekick, to fight a new monster. Why I love it: Luke has unbreakable skin, he’s badass, and he loves his community. What else do you need to know?
Younger – June 5 (TV Land)
In case you haven’t seen the first four seasons, this is your warning to catch up – quick. You’ve got time. Younger is about 40-something Liza Miller (Sutton Foster), who pretends to be a 26-year-old to land a publishing job. Here’s why our TNWU Managing Editor, Bryna Kramer, loves it: “Younger is one of my favorite shows of all time. While I thought the premise would get old after awhile, it has yet to do so as the writers have found a way to make it fresh and engaging with each new season. Heading into season 5, I’m excited to see how they get Josh out of his green-card marriage, whether Charles and Liza will finally become official (even though I’m #TeamJosh), what happens with Kelsey and Zane now that he’s working at Empirical and so much more.”
Claws – June 10 (TNT)
“These fierce and funny nail technicians may be forced to wash money for a drug lord named Uncle Daddy, but they’re going to do it with Claws out while looking fabulous. Headed by the irrepressible Niecy Nash, this badass cast of women won’t let blackmail, murder, or falling for the wrong person (and they all do!) stop them from realizing their dreams… no matter what it takes.” Thanks to Managing Editor Terri Clark, I’m hooked!
The Bold Type – June 12 (Freeform)
This one actually comes recommended by a couple different TNWU writers. Here’s what Bryna Kramer had to say about this Freeform show.
“The Bold Type was my favorite new show of 2017. It is entertaining, fun and has surprising depth. The trio of ladies featured on the show are bold and extremely relatable to someone who is roughly around the same age – like me. Besides the fact that I could see a little bit of myself in Jane, Kat, and Sutton, I continued to tune in because the relationships were sexy and the topics discussed were real. I’m excited to see what kind of shenanigans these three get into in season two, but I have no doubt I’ll be just as enthralled and inspired as I was when watching season one.”
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt – May 30 (Netflix)
Hey wait, that’s like this week! Ellie Kemper returns for the final season on Netflix, which relates the hilarious journey of Kimmy Schmidt who emerged from a bunker after being held prisoner by doomsday cult leader Jon Hamm for most of her formative years. The cast is phenomenal (Titus Burgess, Jane Krakowski, and Carol Kane) and the show was created and sometimes written by Tina Fey. So basically, why aren’t you already watching? Here’s a look at what Kimmy will be up to in the first half of season four.
Goliath – June 15 (Amazon)
Honestly, I wasn’t sure there would be another season of this Amazon original, but I’m so glad they found another legal case for Billy McBride (Billy Bob Thornton) to solve this summer. Season two is set in the streets of Los Angeles and Venice Beach and sets Billy on a mission to save a wrongfully accused 16-year-old double-murder suspect. Created by David E. Kelly (Ally McBeal, Big Little Lies) and Jonathan Shapiro (The Practice), Goliath is sure to take us on a bumpy ride through the underbelly of L.A. If you love Billy Bob Thornton, this is not to be missed.
Harlots – July 11 (Hulu)
This one is a favorite of Arlene Allen and I must admit I’ve been meaning to check it out. Season two opens with a double episode debut, followed by weekly releases every Wednesday. From the looks of things, this might be the one you watch with a glass of wine after the kids are tucked in. I love it already! Here’s what Arlene has to say about one of her summer favorites:
“Harlots is a historical drama about the rivalry between two bawdy houses in 17th century England. Great period detail and very strong female characters. I’m a sucker for historical stuff and strong women characters.”
So You Think You Can Dance – June 4 (FOX)
Season 15 kicks off with Hot Tamale Train conductor Mary Murphy, Executive Producer Mr. Nigel Lythgoe Sir, and the ever-effervescent Vanessa Hudgens as judges for my personal favorite summer show. Not summer dance show. Summer show period. We’ve had some ups and downs, and some format fails along the way, but through 14 seasons SYTYCD has always delivered entertainment and some of the most memorable choreography on television. I say this every year but PLEASE watch this show and support the arts. You’ll be glad you did!
GLOW – June 29 (Netflix)
As if the 80’s spandex leotards, big hair, and soundtrack weren’t enough, season 2 returns with more lady wrestling and more drama as the women of GLOW fight to make their television dreams a reality. For those who aren’t in the know, there is a much talked about appearance by fight coordinator Chavo Guerrero Jr., a former WWE Tag Team member, WWE Cruiserweight, and ECW Champion. I’m going to be honest, I don’t know what any of that means but presume it includes really awesome “fight” scenes with our new favorite ladies in the ring!
Killjoys – July 20 (SYFY)
Another summer favorite of Contributing Writer Arlene Allen, Killjoys heads into season 4. From what I gather, season 5 will be its last so this is a good time to binge all you can and then catch the tail end of this dark but sexy tale of a trio of fun-loving bounty hunters working for an independent interplanetary organization of assassins. Here is why Killjoys made Arlene’s summer must-watch list: “Killjoys has kickass female leads, is great SciFi and has Patrick Garrow!”
Check back for our next installment of Talk Nerdy Top 10s when we offer-up our take on some of the best new shows coming out this summer! What returning favorites are you most looking forward to?