Tuesday, June 22nd
9:00 p.m. Downfall (ABC)
Here's the premise behind ABC's new game show (hosted by Chris Jericho): Contestants are strapped into a harness and have to stand on a conveyor belt as they're asked trivia questions. If you fail to answer enough questions correctly, the belt drops you off a 10-story building. Considering this is the network that airs the perennially awesome Wipeout—which directly proceeds Downfall—we'll give it a shot. (Mainly for the very likely "murder by game show" scenario.)
Also on Tuesday
10:00 p.m. Memphis Beat (TNT)
We were all pretty bummed when the excellent My Name Is Earl got dropped by NBC. (They just couldn't contain that much 'stache.) There was word for a while that TNT would pick up the show, but instead, the network's offering this new series starring Earl himself, Jason Lee. He plays an easygoing cop who likes blues and dresses as "'68 Comeback Era" Elvis. Anything that keeps the reliable Lee away from future Chipmunks-related projects is just fine with us.
Thursday, June 24th
10:00 p.m. Futurama (Comedy Central)
Who thought they'd see the day when new Futurama episodes once again made their way to TV screens? Sure, there was plenty of fan outcry when the show got canceled by FOX and some hope after the straight-to-DVD movies did well enough, but we always had our doubts that the easier-to-digest 22-minute installments would resurface. Those doubts are dashed now that Futurama makes its triumphant return on Comedy Central. We don't even care what the episode is about, we'll be tuning in with baited breath. Or maybe just beery breath, in honor of Bender.
Also on Thursday
11:30 p.m. The Tonight Show With Jay Leno (NBC)
It still pains us to recommend that anyone watch a Conan-free Tonight Show, but after his successful comedy tour, the TBS show announcement, and even making a live record with Jack White, we figure Conan's doing pretty well for himself. Anyway, over in Lenoland tonight you can see Tom Cruise (please go crazy again), Bryce Dallas Howard, and, most importantly, the reigning queen of R&B, Sharon Jones performing with the slickest band around, the Dap-Kings (best known as Amy Winehouse's backing band back when she wasn't doing mountains of coke for funsies...or at least wasn't letting it affect her career).
Sunday, June 27th
10:00 p.m. Team Coco Presents Conan's Writers Live (TBS)
Speaking of Conan, check out this special on TBS which showcases some of the writers from his show doing stand-up. Conan's pal Andy Richter will host, and we assume hilarity will ensue. More hilarity than you'll find on Last Comic Standing, we guarantee.
THE SILVER LINING
Wednesday, June 23rd
10:00 p.m. Hot in Cleveland (TV Land)
Hey, we legitimately like Hot in Cleveland. It's a hell of a funny show (we say in all seriousness) with some top-notch actresses, but it can't be denied that there's a level of cougarific sex appeal. You've got Jane Leeves (of Frasier fame), Wendy Malick (Just Shoot Me) and Valerie Bertinelli looking damn good thanks to Jenny Craig. (Eddie Van Halen's kicking himself right now.) But, most important of all, that minx Betty White keeps us coming back for more...
HERE TODAY, GONE TOMORROW
Thursday, June 24th
9:00 p.m. Rookie Blue (ABC)
Here's how we imagine the pitch meetings for summer season filler shows going: "What other jobs can we squish the Grey's Anatomy premise into?" asks one exec. "Lawyers?" "Cops!" "Doctors." The suggestions fly fast and furious, someone takes notes, and then you get Rookie Blue, which follows, you guessed it, brand-new cops on the beat. Hey, what happens in the off chance that the show makes it to a third season? Won't they be a little old to be called rookies? Actually, wouldn't people stop calling them rookies after a few months? Way to brainstorm a long-lasting concept.