The dog days of summer are here and there are times it's just too darn hot to go out, so you sit in front of the television looking for something to watch. Summer means more than just heat, It means new television shows are filling up the summer schedule. Though broadcast television networks usually introduce their new lineup and season premiers in the fall, the cable networks bring out tons of new programming in the summer. Here's a look at what's coming this summer.
“COLOR SPLASH”
Fort Lauderdale's own David Bromstad stars in the fourth season of his show, “Color Splash”. David went from a struggling artist to the star of his own show when he won the first “Design Star” reality contest on HGTV several years ago. David has since popped up all over this premier home decorating cable network. Even if you're not interested in redecorating, David is fun to watch as he shows you how to put a little color in your life and lifestyle. (Saturdays, 9 pm, HGTV)
“BIG BROTHER”
Everyone's summer guilty pleasure starts it's tenth season and, as usual, has at least one openly gay houseguest. This year's gay houseguest is Steven, a geographic consultant by day and a rodeo cowboy by night. He is a champion bull rider in the gay rodeo circuit. Also among the players is a 22-year-old straight bodybuilder named Jessie Godderz, who is a WNBF pro-natural bodybuilder. These are the only houseguests that we know of so far. One of this season's twists is that there will be three intruders who will move into the house as the season progresses. Unfortunately, we don't know anything about the intruders yet. (CBS, Tuesdays 9 pm, Wednesdays 8 pm and Sundays 8 pm)
“PROJECT RUNWAY”
If you like to see gay hissy-fits and cat fights, you're probably already a fan of Bravo's “Project Runway”. Sometimes you wonder why these people are allowed to use sharp scissors. Sixteen fashion-designing contestants will be whittled down week-by-week to the finalists who will show their own lines at Fashion Week in New York City. Tim Gunn, Chief Creative Officer at Liz Claiborne, Inc., will again act as a mentor to the designers as they take on their weekly challenges. The contestants and their talents are judged each week by a panel of experts who decide who is in and who is out. (Bravo, Wednesdays at 9 pm)
“KATHY GRIFFIN:
MY LIFE ON THE D-LIST”
Who doesn't love Kathy Griffin? Her fourth season is just as hilarious and biting as the previous seasons. Kathy loves her gays just as much as gay men love her. This season also includes her hosting Air New Zealand's “Pink Flight,” a special all-gay flight to Gay Mardi Gras in Sydney, Australia. Even though this season of the show started a few weeks ago, Bravo schedules multiple plays of the same episodes, so you're sure to catch up. (Bravo, Thursdays, 10 pm)
“SORDID LIVES: THE SERIES”
Del Shores' 1999 hit movie “Sordid Lives” has become a weekly series on Logo. “Sordid Lives” tells the campy story of a dysfunctional Texas family and will star gay icons such as Olivia Newton-John, Rue McClanahan and Caroline Rhea. Also included in the cast will be Leslie Jordan, who also starred in the original movie and the stage play. There will be cameos in the 12-episode season by Margaret Cho and Carson Kressley, among others. (Logo, Wednesdays starting July 23rd)
“DANTE'S COVE”
Chosen the “Best Soap Opera of the Year” by the Advocate, “America's Sexiest Guilty Pleasure” starts its third season where season 2 left off. Resident witch Grace makes her way back to Dante's Cove seeking revenge on her sister, Diana. Hotel Dante offers plenty of hot man-flesh and is truly a must-see. While you're at it, check out the other original programming on here! tv. Also, keep an eye out for the “Dante's Cove” spin-off, “The Lair”, whose second season will be starting in the fall. (here! tv, schedule varies)
“DESIGNED TO SELL”
If someone gave you $2,000 to fix up your house, what would you do? Let's say you're given the money and a team of experts to turn your property into the hottest house on the block, where would you start? Designer Clive Pearce hosts “Designed to Sell”, which gives homeowners hints on fixing up their homes on a budget before they put them on the market. Clive and the “Designed to Sell” team of experts show people how to turn their houses into designer homes so they can sell the property and make a profit. If you're planning on selling with the real estate market as it currently is, check this show out to help you get the highest possible price for your home. (HGTV, weeknights at 8 pm)
