How I’ll Spend My Summer Vacation …

June 14, 2006

Long ago and faraway, when school ended so did television. It was reruns all summer long. Not anymore! For better or worse, the television schedule is packed with new shows.

Here’s a dozen we think are worth staying indoors — good weather be damned.

New shows:

America’s Got Talent
It’s like “American Idol,” but with Regis Philbin and all kinds of talent … not just singing! Need we say more? Wednesday, 8:00pm, NBC.

Game Show Marathon
Six celebrities compete in classic TV game shows like “The Price Is Right,” “Let’s Make A Deal” and “Family Feud” with host Ricki Lake. Now where’s Regis when we really need him? Oh … he’s busy. Wednesday, 8:00pm, CBS.

Psych
Quirky detective has acute powers of observation that make him able to see into the future. Should make a perfect bunkmate for that other quirky detective, the returning “Monk.” Friday, 10:00pm, USA.

Saved
Slacker-dude becomes a paramedic in this new series starring Tom Everett Scott. Expect plenty of self-examination as he saves people’s lives in Portland, Oregon. Monday, 10:00pm, TNT.

Tuesday Night Book Club
It’s like “Desperate Housewives,” but they’re real women from an upscale neighborhood who dish raising kids, sex, raising husbands, sex, and nothing Oprah is reading. (Did we mention sex?) Tuesday 10:00pm, CBS.

Windfall
A group of friends wins the lottery and thinks their lives will change forever. The ensemble cast includes Luke Perry. With this kind of money he can move out of his old area code. Thursday, 10:00pm, NBC, June 8.

Returning shows:

The Closer
No foolin’: Kyra Sedgwick and an excellent cast make this L.A.-based crime drama top notch. Monday, 9:00pm, TNT.

Deadwood
Them gol-darned cussin’ cowboys are back for another filthy, dirty season. Sunday, 9:00pm, HBO.

Entourage
Just like “Deadwood,” but with actors in Hollywood. Will Vince triumph in Aquaman? Sunday, 10:00pm, HBO.

Hell’s Kitchen
Spend some time cookin’ with Satan-in-a-smock — chef Gordon Ramsey — and see if you can stand the heat. Monday 9:00pm, Fox.

Last Comic Standing
It’s like “American Idol,” but with jokes! In a surprise twist, the funny finalists move in together. Did you hear the one about the two comics who …. Tuesday, 8:00pm, NBC.

Project Runway
Heidi Klum’s next batch of aspiring designers hit the scene on July 12. Needless to say – we can’t wait to watch it! Wednesday, 10:00pm, Bravo.

So You Think You Can Dance
It’s like “American Idol,” but with feet! Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9:00pm, Fox.
--Thomas Vincent Jones