The golden age of TV is here, meaning great shows are now on throughout the entire year. With summer upon us, here are some of the heavy hitters set to return or debut.
'Game Of Thrones'
The big one. War has come to Westeros, and none will be spared. After six seasons of buildup, the battle for Westeros is upon us, as Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, and Cersei Lannister will finally collide in the penultimate season to HBO's fantasy giant. But while they battle for the Iron Throne, Winter itself will continue its march south to consume all life. Season 7 of Game of Thrones premieres July 16 on HBO.
'The Defenders'
After entries into Marvel's Netflix universe, the local heroes of New York City will finally unite in this Avengers-style team for the small screen. The show will bring together Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist as they find themselves taking on a villainous Alexandra, played by Sigourney Weaver. While there is still plenty of hype for the show, coming off a disappointing series in Iron Fist, it's safe to say that excitement may have been tempered a bit. The Defenders unite on Netflix Aug. 18.
'Fear The Walking Dead'
The spin-off of AMC's hit enters its third season, picking up where the Season 2 cliffhanger left off. While the series has been met with mixed reactions, it hasn't slowed down the show or AMC, pushing forward with the scattered family at the heart of the show and how they try to survive the zombie apocalypse. Zombies return to AMC June 4.
'Twin Peaks'
Summer starts off hot, with David Lynch bringing Twin Peaks back to the small screen after 25 years. The show will see the return of Kyle MacLachlan and Sheryl Lee, along with the debut of new cast members Jennifer Jason Leigh, Eddie Vedder, and Naomi Watts, to name of few. While the story details have remained top secret, it's sure to be as mysterious and unique as the original 1990 series. Watch Twin Peaks starting May 21 on Showtime.
'Preacher'
Preacher was a strange, violent, and funny new addition to AMC's list of shows, adapted from the '90s comic series thanks to Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. While Season 1 introduced viewers to Jesse Custer, Tulip, and Cassidy, Season 2 will start to get more into the actual comics, with the trio heading out on a trip to learn more about the power residing in Jesse. It won't help, though, that a mysterious cowboy is on their trail, ordered to kill Jesse. The second season of Preacher hits AMC June 25.
'House Of Cards'
The Underwoods are back, and they're ready for war. The show that launched Netflix's original programming efforts enters its fifth season, but will be the first without its creator, Beau Willimon. This season will see Frank go after ICO, the show's version of terror groups like Al Qaeda and the Islamic State, while trying to cover up the latest scandal that has engulfed the White House. It will be interesting to see, though, if Willimon leaving will have any noticeable impact on the show. Season 5 premieres May 30 on Netflix.
'Ray Donovan'
Ray Donovan, it's fair to say, has been an anchor for Showtime over the last few years. The show returns for its fifth season, with Liev Schreiber's titular fixer trying to get back to his Hollywood business and clientele. He will also work to mend his relationship with his father, played by Jon Voight, who is trying to break away from his crime-ridden past. Ray returns Aug. 6 on Showtime.
'Orange Is The New Black'
Despite the hack earlier this year that resulted in 10 of 13 episodes being leaked, Netflix is chugging forward with Season 5 of its prison dramedy. This season will see the women of Litchfield trying to get better treatment within the walls of the prison. And while the hack and leak was bad, it hasn't killed any excitement for the proper return of the Orange is the New Black on June 9.
'Ballers'
Is there anyone in Hollywood who works as hard as Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson? Besides all the movies he has lined up, he still finds time to film his HBO sports comedy, Ballers. Very much the Entourage show for sports fans, the new season will see Johnson relocate to San Francisco, still looking to score those big money contracts for the athletes he represents. Ballers styles its way back to the screen July 23.
'Orphan Black'
BBC America's hit sci-fi series returns for its fifth and final season this summer. The clone club, all played by Tatiana Maslany, will see the biggest challenge the girls have faced thus far. If they can survive it, though, they may have finally earned their freedom. Season 5 hits BBC America June 10.
'GLOW'
Netflix's newest project, starring Alison Brie, rolls the clocks back to the 1980s. The comedy series will follow the short-lived wrestling promotion GLOW, the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling. Alison Brie will star as an out-of-work actress in Los Angeles who sees the promotion as her one last shot at superstardom. Netflix's new comedy comes off the top rope June 23.
