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the telly

The 9 US TV shows you should be watching this summer

Some great new ones, and some others to catch up on.

HAVE YOU ALREADY binge-watched all of season two of Orange Is the New Black?

Never fear, we have some more gems for you, coming soon to an internet/telly near you…

Crossbones

crossbones-nbc NBC NBC

What it’s about: A one-hour drama that follows the adventures of Blackbeard (John Malkovich) as he attempts to use a device — the world’s first longitude chronometer — to dominate sea trade.

Why you should watch: John Malkovich as a ruthless pirate. What’s not to love?

It’s already premiered on NBC in the US.

Extant

berry CBS CBS

What it’s about: A female astronaut (Halle Berry) comes home from space after a 13-month solo mission to find out she’s pregnant.

Why to watch: Berry pregnant with an alien child conjures images of Ridley Scott’s 1979 masterpiece Alien. The 13-episode series stars Berry in her return to TV — she appeared on Knots Landing in the ’90s. Steven Spielberg serves as an executive producer on the show.

It’s due to premiere on CBS in the States on 9 July.

Masters of Sex

masters-of-sex-showtime Showtime Showtime

What it’s about: The series follows the careers of two human sex researchers in the late ’50s, Dr. William Masters and Virginia Johnson.

It’s based on Thomas Maier’s biography of a much lengthier title (Masters of Sex: The Life and Times of William Masters and Virginia Johnson, the Couple Who Taught America How to Love).

Why to watch: The Showtime series was praised as one of the best new autumn shows last year for both its lead actors, Michael Sheen and Lizzy Caplan, and finding a way to take sex and deliver it in both a smart and deliciously fun way.

It’s back on telly on 13 July.

The Leftovers

the-leftovers-hbo HBO HBO

What it’s about: The series follows the aftermath of 2% of the world’s population disappearing.

Why to watch: Based on Tom Perrotta’s best-selling novel, the series comes from Lost co-creator Damon Lindelof. The series also includes Liv Tyler and has some seriously creepy-looking moments.

It’s due to hit HBO on 29 June.

Under the Dome

under-the-dome-cbs CBS CBS

What it’s about: A Maine community continues to try and figure out why their town is trapped in a giant indestructible dome, how to survive inside, and, more importantly, how to get out.

Why to watch: The Steven Spielberg executive-produced series became a break-out hit for CBS last summer. It’s based on a Stephen King novel and stars “Breaking Bad” actor Dean Norris. King himself has written the premiere for the second season.

It’s back on CBS in the US on 30 June. Plenty of time to catch up.

Legends

bean TNT TNT

What it’s about: The series follows a deep-cover operative for the FBI (Sean Bean) who is grappling with some serious identity issues.

Why to watch: Not only does the thriller star “The Lord of the Rings” star Bean, but the show also comes from the executive producer of Homeland and 24.

This kicks off on TNT on 13 August.

The Strain

strain FX FX

What it’s about: Based on the book series of the same name, a vampire virus begins to break out after 200 people are found dead on a plane that lands at JFK.

Why to watch: We know what you’re thinking — not another vampire show! However, the series comes from the master of sci-fi and fantasy, Guillermo del Toro along with Lost executive producer Carlton Cuse. Del Toro initially wanted the book series to be a TV show, but no one was interested in the series until after the books were written.

This premieres on FX on 13 July.

Murder in the First

murder-in-the-first-tnt

What it’s about: The crime drama follows the murder investigation of a drug addict which becomes linked to a young tech CEO, played by Harry Potter star Tom Felton.

Why to watch: If you’ve missed Taye Diggs (Ally McBeal, Private Practice) on TV, he’ll be back as a homicide detective along with Felton. The show comes from NYPD Blue series creator Steven Bochco.

This started in the US on TNT last Monday.

Orphan Black (ok, ok, this is actually Canadian)

orphan BBC BBC

What it’s about: After Sarah Manning (Tatiana Maslany) finds out she’s one of many clone versions of herself who are being killed off, she sets out to find both the murderer and the people behind the doubles.

Why you should watch: It’s amazing to watch Maslany convincingly play numerous versions of one character from a rebel punk to a brainy UC Berkeley student to a soccer mom. You may even start thinking they’re different actresses.

Season 2 actually premiered back in April and is due to finish up at the end of the month. Loads of catching up to do.

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