The 10 Best New TV Shows of Summer

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Summer TV can be sparse, but every year gives us a few gems worth checking out. Here’s my list of the best new TV shows of summer 2015.

10. Wayward Pines (FOX)

This thriller follows Ethan Burke (Matt Dillon), who finds himself in the mysterious town of Wayward Pines. He discovers there’s no escape from the town. If you like creepy atmosphere, Wayward Pines will give you your fix. There are enough twists and mysteries to keep the show interesting and some truly thrilling sequences. The questions the show brings up will keep you tuning in every week.

9. Aquarius (NBC)

Aquarius is the story of Detective Sam Hodiak (David Duchovny) and Officer Brian Shafe (Grey Damon), who are investigating a missing persons case that leads them to Charles Manson (Gethin Anthony). Aquarius has its share of problems, but it has a unique visual style and strong supporting performances from Gaius Charles and Claire Holt.

8. Ballers (HBO)

Ballers stars Dwayne Johnson as Spencer Strassmore, a retired football player who now works for Joe (Rob Corddry) at a sports management office. The show delivers what you would expect and packs in lots of excess, cool music and charismatic performances.

7. Sense8 (Netflix)

Sense8 is at times uneven and packs too much in, but what makes it worth watching is how unique it is. It’s nice to see a show that feels so fresh and is really trying to be different. The ensemble is full of characters you wouldn’t normally see on TV.

6. Between (Netflix)

Between stars Jeanette McCurdy as Wiley, a pregnant teenager stuck in a town that becomes quarantined when a disease starts spreading that is lethal in everyone over the age of 22. The premise and fascinating characters provide lots of intriguing drama.

5. Scream (MTV)

The new Scream TV show has managed to capture the spirit of the franchise while also understanding how to be its own entity and fit in amongst other MTV teen shows. Interesting characters like Noah Foster (John Karna) and Audrey Jensen (Bex Taylor-Klaus) bring interesting new stories, while the show continues the satirical vibe necessary for any Scream installment.

4. Another Period (Comedy Central)

This faux reality show created by Natasha Leggero and Riki Lindhome, gives the Real Housewives treatment to a group of people living in turn-of-the-century Rhode Island. The show is imbued with Leggero and Lindhome’s unique humor and the ensemble is filled with talented people like Michael Ian Black, Christina Hendricks and David Wain.

3. Humans (AMC)

This sci-fi series takes place in a future where artificial intelligence exists and follows a group of androids who have the ability to feel and to think for themselves, but must hide it for their own protection. While the themes are familiar, every character in the ensemble is nuanced and riveting, making the show feel incredibly fresh and uniquely insightful.

2. The Astronauts Wives Club (ABC)

This ensemble tells the story of the women who were married to the astronauts involved in the space race of the 60s. The Astronauts Wives Club was created by Stephanie Savage, who is known for Hart of Dixie and Gossip Girl. Fans of those shows will love The Astronauts Wives Club, which has the same wit and beautifully complex female friendships. Bonus: 1960s aesthetic and fashion.

1. UnREAL (Lifetime)

UnREAL is the story of Rachel Goldberg (Shiri Appleby), a producer on a reality show who is quickly becoming one of TV’s most interesting antiheroes. Much like its lead-in show Devious Maids, UnREAL understands what kind of juicy scenes to deliver to become a must-watch of so-called guilty pleasure TV, but it’s also a genuinely smart satire featuring well-developed characters.