tv

First, humanity sliced bread. Then, in the next great leap forward, TV execs created the summer schedule. Here are some of the cool treats we’re looking forward to this summer, from right now through the end of June. Look for our July and August picks soon!

“Aquarius” (NBC)
Thursday, Starting May 28 at 9 p.m.
Follow 1960s police officer Sam Hodiak (David Duchovny) as he tries to track down Charles Manson (Gethin Anthony). One of the nifty things about this series is how it’s distributed: while the network episodes will be weekly and debuted on May 28, the entire first season is ALREADY streaming on the network’s website. Choose your own adventure: pace yourself, or binge.

“Hannibal” (NBC)
Thursday, June 4 at 10 p.m.
Returning as Hannibel Lecter (yes, THAT Hannibal Lecter, who eats liver with a nice Chianti), Mads Mikkelsen gnaws his way through another season. It’s got an incredible visual style to match a stellar cast. Catch up before the premiere date to best savor this tasty morsel, which also features GillianAnderson as Hannibal’s psychiatrist. Yeah, we’ll bite.

“Orange is the New Black” (Netflix)
All episodes arrive at midnight on June 12thThe (girl) gang is back! Politics, power struggles and a woman’s prison. Yes, please. Plus, a talented and diverse ensemble cast and terrific writing. Might as well just reserve your spot on the couch that entire weekend now.

“True Detective” HBO
Sunday, June 21st at 9pm.In this new-season-new-concept-new-cast drama, a highway patrolman (Taylor Kitsch) finds a gruesome murder scene. This launches an investigation that includes two LAPD