At the Annual NBC Summer Press Day at the Four Seasons Hotel in Thousand Oaks, the multi-channel network unveiled official premier dates for the summer schedule and gave BSO a first look at a stacked line-up that includes a new set of housewives, additional athletic themed competition shows, and a sketch comedy featuring two of TV’s biggest stars. In between panels network super star Nene Leakes told us this will be a “summer to remember” while network new comers Aubrey O’Day, Somaya Reece and Brandi Glanville shared their enthusiasm in allowing viewers to see a softer, more vulnerable side of their personalities. Among the personality driven reality shows and physical allure of competition, scripted favorites The Night Shift and 12 Monkeys continue to provide their share of entertainment.
Here’s the rundown for this summer’s shows
NBC
Maya & Marty – Premier Date – May 31st
Created by Lorne Michael of Saturday Night Live, Maya Rudolph and Martin Short and presented by Lorne Michaels the creator of Saturday Night Live. The hilarious new sketch comedy features M&M doing musical numbers, comedy sketches with a celebrity guest or two stopping in for appearances.
Spartan: Ultimate Team Challenge – Premier Date – June 13th
From the producers of American Ninja Warrior, this series focuses on the popular endurance race that’s been sweeping the nation but presented in a team format. The course will be shortened to one mile but the obstacles will be far more difficult to make up for the distance AND they must be completed as a team.
The Night Shift – Premier Date – June 1st
Regular cast members Eoin Macken, Jill Flint, Ken Leung, Brendan Fehr, Robert Bailey Jr., JR Lemon, and Scott Wolf return for season 3 with Tanaya Beatty as Dr. Shannon Rivera, and recurring guest star Jennifer Beals as Dr. Syd Jennings taking up residency.
Strong – Premier Date – April 13th
Continuing the network’s commitment to healthy living and competition programming, the new reality show Strong aids contestants in transforming their bodies into the healthiest, strongest version ever. Produced by Sylvester Stallone and Dave Broom, maybe we’ll see contestants running up the stairs in Philadelphia and beating down raw meat.
America’s Got Talent – Premier Date – May 31st
What’s a talent competition without Simon Cowell? Rejoining Heidi Klum, Mel B, and Howie Mandel the foursome are back for a new season that promises acts that are sillier, crazier, more innovative, than anything we’ve seen in prior seasons. Be on the lookout for an opera-singing child prodigy that will bring you to tears.
American Ninja Warrior – Premier Date – June 1st
By far America’s most difficult physical game show ever returns for season 8 with new starts emerging from a host of different cities. Last year we say two contestants make it to the top of Mount Midoriyama, how many will we get this year? Matt Iseman, Akbar Gbajabiamila and Christine Leahy return with the call.
SYFY Network:
12 Monkeys; Premier Date – April 18th
The campy series returns in April and continues following the story of our favorite group of unlikely allies and their travels through time to save humanity from a dark and hellish fate. Returning are heroes Cole and Dr. Railly who are continuing their quest for the trust.
Sharknado; Premier Date – July TBA
BRAVO Network:
The Real Housewives of Dallas; Premier Date – April 11th
Celebrating 10 years of the successful “Real Housewives” brand, Bravo rolls out its latest installment from the heart of Texas. Don’t expect these ladies to have big hair and cowboy boots but they’ll definitely fill the screen with larger than life personalities because everything is bigger in Texas.
USA Network:
Chrisley Knows Best; Premier Date – May 10th
Moving to Thursday nights, and increasing from 12 episodes to 20, America’s “favorite family” is back for more cooking, more fun and more faith based humor.
First Impressions; Premier Date – May 10th
An unscripted comedy battle between America’s best impressionists hosted by Fredy Prinze Jr. and features Emmy Award‑winner and “SNL” alum, Dana Carvey, as the expert in residence.
E! Network:
Famously Single; Season 1 – Premier Date – June 14th
Starring Aubrey O’Day, Jessica White, Somaya Reece, Brandi Glanville, and Dr. Darcy Sterling. The reality stars share housing with male counterparts who are looking to repair themselves in the love department.
Of course we love sports here at BSO but there’s a lot to offer this summer that we’ll be keeping an eye on.
For interviews with cast members courtesy of BadCulture.net, click HERE.
