Big TV debuts can “spring” up any time.
Spring used to be reserved for overwrought season finales and the arrival of crappy summer shows. But now there can be major debuts in May and June, as the jockeying for competitive advantage intensifies. Even as the weather warms up, here are some offerings to keep you inside. Keep in mind, networks can change broadcast dates at their whim, so check local listings as things approach:
24: Live Another Day
May 5 on Fox, Global
Jack is back. And as usual, he ain’t happy.
Louie
May 5 on FX Canada
Louis C.K. is back. And as usual, he’s confused.
Penny Dreadful
May 11 on The Movie Network, Movie Central
Horror series stars Josh Hartnett, Eva Green and Timothy Dalton.
Rosemary’s Baby
May 11 on NBC
Two-part mini-series based on the 1967 novel/1968 movie.
Rookie Blue
May 19 on Global
This show has displayed great resilience, heading into season five.
The Maya Rudolph Show
May 19 on NBC
A variety special. Say what?
Gang Related
May 22 on Fox
Action drama about L.A. police battling gangs.
Labyrinth
May 22 on CW
Time-jumping historical mini-series seeks the Holy Grail.
Undateable
May 29 on NBC
New sitcom from creator Bill Lawrence (Scrubs, Cougar Town).
Derek
May 30 on Netflix
Second season of nursing home-set series starring Ricky Gervais.
Crossbones
May 30 on NBC, Global
It’s a pirate’s life for John Malkovich.
Halt and Catch Fire
June 1 on AMC
About the computer revolution, set in the early ’80s.
Mistresses
June 2 on ABC, CTV
Second season of sultry series starring Alyssa Milano.
Orange is the New Black
June 6 on Netflix
Prison does not improve with time.
Defiance
June 19 on Showcase
Second season of sci-fi series starring Grant Bowler.
True Blood
June 22 on HBO Canada
The final blood-sucking season.
Falling Skies
June 26 on Super Channel
The skies are still falling, apparently.
Reckless
June 29 on CBS, Global
Sexy legal drama set in South Carolina.
The Leftovers
June 29 on HBO Canada
After the “Rapture,” these folks didn’t make the cut.
Under the Dome
June 30 on CBS, Global
Were they spared our nasty winter under that thing?
bill.harris@sunmedia.ca
@billharris_tv