PTR's Summer TV Extravaganza

OK, so the long dreaded summer has begun and it's filled with reruns, right? Wrong! Not for those of us who enjoy the second season. It may not be the same as the busy fall, but the summer schedule is heating up with returning favorites and newbies alike. Here's a look at PTR's fave summer series and when you can expect them to premiere.

THE 4400 (PTR Returning Fave)
Returns June 17th @ 9 p.m. on USA Network

Tom (Joel Gretsch) and Diana (Jacqueline McKenzie) are back along with your favorite 4400s in a battle over promicin, the substance that gives the 4400 their special abilities. Last season, the substance hit the black market thanks to the mysterious Isabelle, and now everyone must decide whether it's a good idea for the general public to partake or not. Thanks to the wonders of YouTube, I have a preview for this season courtesy of USA Network (it's set to Howie Day's "End of Our Days"):

Click on over to USANetwork.com for more on The 4400.

THE CLOSER (PTR Returning Fave)
Returns June 18th @ 9 p.m. on TNT

Kyra Sedgwick returns as Deputy Chief Brenda Johnson, whose seemingly sweet Southern charm masks her tough-talking, confession-getting side. The quirky detective with an insatiable sweet tooth is back on the case after a nail biting shootout at police headquarters last season. Click over to TNT.com for a preview (complete with a 7-minute sneak peak at the new season).

HEARTLAND (NEW!)
Premieres June 18th @ 10 p.m. on TNT (after The Closer)

Treat Williams returns to series television and jumps back into his scrubs in this new drama. He plays an organ transplant surgeon (as opposed to his brain surgeon alter-ego on the much loved Everwood). His work leaves him little time for his family, including his ex-wife and coworker (played by Kari Matchett). Think of it as Everwood before, well, Everwood. That is before Williams moved his family to the small Colorado town to reconnect. Nothing could ever take its place, but perhaps, Heartland will be good enough to make the sting a little less. Once again thanks to You Tube, I have a preview of this new drama courtesy of The TV Addict and TNT:

For more on Heartland, click on over to TNT.com.

PSYCH (PTR Returning Fave)
Returns July 13th @ 10 p.m. on USA Network

TV's second best buddy comedy (Scrubs' JD and Turk will always be #1) will be back in business later this summer. Expect more crazy cases and the always-silly Shawn using his pretend psychic powers (read insane attention to detail) to solve them. Good thing Gus is there to keep him in line! Click on over to USANetwork.com for more on this hilarious series.

MY BOYS (PTR Returning Fave)
Returns later this summer on TBS

No premiere date yet for the second half of this freshman comedy's season. Jordanna Spiro plays PJ, a sports writer who spends her free time hanging with her best buds playing poker, going to bars, and discussing dating. The only problem, all her buds are guys. And while she makes friends easily, navigating the dating scene has proven to be a lot more difficult, especially when all your protective best friends need to approve of your date. Check out the first 13 episodes for free at TBS.com.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE (PTR Returning Fave)
Season 3 underway on Fox

My favorite dance competition is back with a new crop of dancers every Wednesday and Thursday nights. And unlike its more popular sibling, this talent competition tends to get it right week after week, meaning less frustration for us. Some of these kids can really mesmerize with their elegant moves. Things heat up once the final contestants pair up and hit the live stage with a different routine each week. And don't forget to vote for your favorite! For more on Dance, click on over to Fox.com.

5 TAKES (PTR Returning Fave)
Returns June 2nd @ 10 p.m. on Travel Channel

Five new TJs (travel journalists) set out to give us their take on other parts of the world while trying to survive on $50 a day. This time, the TJs are off to Latin America and they're looking for your suggestions on what to do once they get there. This group consists of a former NFL player, a stay-at-home mom, and an actor who has appeared on ABC's What About Brian. Click on over Travel Channel's official site to learn more about the TJs and their travels.

So, there you have it -- a look at just some of this summer's offerings. Be sure to check local listings for time and channel in your area. Perhaps, the cruel summer will be a little less cruel with all of the offerings of TV's second season.