For network television, summer is traditionally a wasteland of horrible reality TV series and endless repeats.
But in the last few years, summer has also become a stronghold for hit original series on cable like "Burn Notice," "True Blood," "Warehouse 13," "Futurama," "Rescue Me" and more. If you love television the way that we do, you won't have any problems finding something to watch.
This year is looking particularly promising, with several new shows that could potentially join the pantheon of summer series for a long time to come. After pouring over the list of upcoming programs, these are our picks for the best new shows of the summer.
ALPHAS
Network: Syfy
Series Premiere: 7/11/11
Syfy has become notoriously hit and miss lately. The fantastic "Stargate Universe" was abandoned in the fall against heavy network competition and summarily canceled just as it was delivering some of the greatest sci-fi stories on TV in years. The network has also become increasingly reliant on reality shows and wrestling to fill out its schedule, alienating its core audience in the process.
That said, we're cautiously optimistic about "Alphas," a new superhero series created by Zak Penn, the screenwriter of "X-Men: The Last Stand" — whom the network bizarrely (and somewhat inaccurately) credits as the "creator" of "X-Men: The Last Stand." The series' premise is a familiar one. Basically, several ordinary people with extraordinary abilities are brought together to solve crimes that no ordinary law enforcement or military assets could handle. David Strathaim ("Good Night and Good Luck") headlines the show as Doctor Lee Rosen, a Professor X-like mentor who helps the "Alphas" master their abilities and work together.
Warren Christie ("October Road"), Malik Yoba ("New York Undercover"), Laura Mennell ("Watchmen"), Ryan Cartwright ("Bones") and Azita Ghanizada ("Castle") round out the cast, with former "The 4400" and "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" executive producer Ira Stephen Behr attached as the showrunner.
This has the potential to be a great show, so don't let us down Syfy!
