I used to be the girl who had at least one TV show that I looked forward to every night. After having my son and moving into this writing gig, I've found I have less and less chance to watch TV. It also doesn't help that we have phones and Ipads at the ready. That seems to have eaten up the time I used to reserve for TV. And, of course, I also love to read, and the only reading time I get is in the evenings. BUT, I find that I miss having go-to TV shows. TV is it's own form or relaxation and believe it or not, it helps with my writing because, ultimately, TV is made of stories.

So with the summer season shows about to start, I decided to do some research and pick out some shows I wanted to watch or try.

First, a few favorites that I'm already committed to:

Big Brother (June 22 on CBS) - If you've followed me for any amount of time, you know I'm a Big Brother fan. It's a long-standing part of our summers. A tradition at this point. And for the most part, it doesn't get R-rated so we can watch it with kidlet around, which helps a lot.

Wayward Pines (May 25 on Fox) - We watched Season 1 and it was a really well done show. I'm not going to say too much about it because I don't want to spoil it if you haven't seen it. But if you're new to it, watch season 1 before jumping into Season 2. I love twisty shows where you aren't quite sure what's really going on and you keep guessing wrong. (This show is based on a book by Blake Crouch, so you can catch up with the story that way, too.)

Some news ones I want to try:

Preacher (Premieres on AMC May 22) - This one is based on a comic book and produced by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, so I'm expecting dark with some comedy thrown in. The previews don't tell you quite what's going on, so I'm hoping that means good twists.

Stranger Things (July 15 on Netflix) - This one has me intrigued because (a) it's set in the 1980s and (b) has Winona Ryder in it. The premise is that her son disappears but there are supernatural forces involved.

Roadies (June 26th on Showtime) - This one really tempts me (and may make me get Showtime). I love rock music, and going to concerts is one of my favorite things to do. This one has some big names behind it, too. Here's the trailer:

Feed the Beast (June 5th AMC) - This one is about two guys opening a restaurant but looks like organized crime is involved. Honestly, it has cooking and David Schwimmer in it, which is enough to get me to take a look at it. :) Here's the trailer:

Vice Principals (July 17th on HBO) - Look, a comedy! I know I haven't listed any of those yet. This one is about two Vice Principals competing for a position. And it's on HBO, so you know it's going to be irreverent.

American Gothic (June 22 on CBS) - This one is billed as a 13-part murder mystery. I like shows that have a guaranteed wrapped up ending, so knowing it has a certain number of episodes entices me.

I probably need a few more comedies mixed in, but I haven't seen as many of those previewed. There are a few that I've missed season one and may go back and try: Unreal on Lifetime, Casual on Hulu, and Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll on FX. We shall see.

So what are you looking forward to watching this summer?

I'm not going to pretend summer is my favorite season. It's actually my least favorite. I live in Texas so it's soul-scorching hot, my kidlet is out of school so it becomes a juggling act trying to find care for him so I can write, and I have to get in a bathing suit, like, in front of people. *shudders*

However, there is one bright spot in this hated season...summer only TV shows. Some of my favorite shows come on only in the summer. And watching them is almost enjoyable enough to distract me from the fact that I can't go outside for five minutes without wanting to do what this kid is doing with the hose.

So here are the ones I'm looking forward to the most...

True Blood

Oh Eric and Alicide, how I've missed you.

Big Brother

I think of all the reality competition shows this one is right up there with American Idol for me. This may be because it's the only show I imagine I could actually survive. But also, I'm fascinated by how trapped people manipulate and align themselves.

The Next Food Network Star

I'm a food reality show whore.

So You Think You Can Dance

It's like a methadone clinic to ease your American Idol withdrawals.

The Bachelorette

I know, I know, none of the relationships last. But I always have hope for the Bachelorette because the women typically choose their partners based on more well-rounded information. Unlike the Bachelors who pick women based on who will get naked for them first.

And a new one I'm looking forward to...

Around the World in 80 Plates

Did you miss the part above about my feelings on cooking competition shows? This one starts Wednesday.

So those are some I'm counting down to, how about you? What shows do you look forward to in summer? Or in general, what do you love about summer?