Wizarding Times

You know, when I was a kid, summer was so not the time to watch television. In fact, there weren't anything but re-runs on TV in those olden days. *grin* I've been a bit of a TV fanatic since the mid-'90s, as many of you know. So, I thought I'd do a quick little list to tell you what I will be watching this summer and why!

1. Leverage on TNT (for you Americans)

Leverage stars Timothy Hutton, Christian Kane (of Angel fame), Aldis Hodge, Gina Bellman, and Beth Riesgraf.

Think Ocean's 11 meets Robin Hood, with a fun and quirky twist. My household started watching it simply because the commercials looked fun and the fact that our favourite bad-boy from Wolfram and Hart (Angel) was in the show. We tend to follow our favourite actors to other shows. It's a great way to find new shows to watch!

The show has its own brand of moral right and wrong. It's an interesting play on which side you would choose between a set of high-tech con men and women and any particular businessman who has done something horribly wrong to innocent people.

The actors have a great chemistry, and the show is simply an enjoyable ride. Season 1 has already aired and will be available on DVD on July 14th. The second season begins on July 15th on TNT. Trust me, the show is addictive.

2. Warehouse 13 on SyFy (formerly Sci Fi) (again, for you Americans)

This show is brand-new this summer and has been described as having a very X-Files feel to it. However, from the promos, I get the feeling that it will be a bit less serious and a bit more funny. Not that X-Files was lacking in humor, mind you. The show stars Saul Rubinek, Eddie McClintock, and Joanne Kelly. Jane Espenson is no longer involved with the show — but, if she started it... I still want to see it!

The main reason I'm watching it, quite frankly, is because one of the creators and writers of the show is Jane Espenson. Jane is my all-time favourite TV writer (other than Joss Whedon). She penned many episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, as well as producing and writing for Battlestar Galactica. The woman is talented, and I adore her. Therefore, I'm willing to check out her new show!

The show premiers on July 7th on the SyFy Channel. I am hoping this one ends up being a success!

3. Eureka on SyFy (also for you Americans)

This is, hands down, one of my favourite summer shows. It's quirky, it's funny, it's your traditional fish out of water tale with a (literal) genius twist to it. The show is going into its fourth season this summer.

The show stars Colin Ferguson, Sallie Richardson-Whitfield, Joe Morton, Jordon Hinson, Erica Cerra, and a cast of many other fantastic actors. and returns on July 10th on the SyFy Channel. Seasons 1-3 are available on DVD.

You have to adore a show that constantly pays homage to the geek fandom and constantly sets up impossible situations that are just crazy enough to make you laugh your way through them. There are serious sides to the show, which are played out nicely through the moral center of Sheriff Carter (Colin Ferguson). It's a light and fluffy show with a heart of gold... and a great sense of humor.

My household will be watching other shows this summer, as well. Merlin, True Blood, as well as catching up on some of our shows on the DVR....

Summer seems to be a great time to premiere and air the shows that folks may not consider having time for in their normal fall or spring schedules. I believe that the networks are slowly getting smarter when it comes to how the fans are watching their shows!