The days of being stuck with only summer reruns is long over. This summer seemed to have more new, original programming than even the regular network season. With the summer season coming to a close, we thought it was time to take a look at the new shows that premiered this summer and pick a winner!
I watched most of the shows on this list, and it was difficult to pick a favorite. Game of Thrones was, without a doubt, the best new summer show. But, for my favorite, I have to go with Suits. I love the characters, and though I’ve had problems with some of Mike’s actions, it was the show I looked forward to most each week. The banter between Harvey and Mike is some of the best I’ve seen. I also appreciated the adult language used in the show; it fit the characters and didn’t come across as gratuitous. The biggest surprise show for me was The Nine Lives of Chloe King. It got better each week and ended with the best finale so far this summer.
I could go on and write about all the shows, but instead check out what my fellow Clackers picked as their favorite new summer shows!
Brett: The only two of those that I have seen all the episodes of are Falling Skies and Alphas. With that in mind, Falling Skies would get my vote.
Deb: I haven’t watched the last two episodes yet, but I have been pleasantly surprised by Teen Wolf. I’m not sure if that’s because it’s the only new show on your list that I watched, or if it was because it was really that good … but it was fun and fairly well done and I’m looking forward to catching up. I’ll definitely be watching next season!
Rachel: I tried really hard not to get addicted to yet another ABC Family show, but Switched At Birth hooked me. The show is unique because it incorporates American Sign Language into each episode, as two main characters and many supporting characters are deaf. It really makes you pay attention to the conversations between people. I know that I’m often guilty of texting or surfing the web while watching a show, but it’s not possible to do that when watching the deaf characters who sign communicate on Switched At Birth. (Daphne, one of the main characters, is deaf but she speaks and reads lips, so when she’s communicating with hearing characters, she usually talks, but she signs and speaks with her mom, and using sign language only with her friend Emmett, who is deaf and reads lips but does not speak.) The switched at birth tale itself is a little far-fetched, but I like the character development and the acting isn’t half bad. And one of my favorite Gilmore Girls actresses, Vanessa Marano, stars as Bay.
Bob: Honestly, not too many of these shows really captured my attention this summer. Game of Thrones definitely gets my vote. The production value, the plotting, the murder, the intrigue, the throngs of naked people grinding against each other — what else could you ask for? I was also fairly impressed with Falling Skies. It felt formulaic at times and I certainly think the characters could use some rounding out, but the special effects really impressed me, especially on a budget-conscious network like TNT. They also gave us a nice little cliffhanger at the end of the season. I’m looking forward to seeing what they can do with a second season.
Keith: I haven’t finished Game of Thrones yet, but I’d have to say that wins hands down. I’m REALLY surprised at how good Teen Wolf was, for an MTV show, though it’s not without its flaws.
Chuck: I haven’t see the season finale yet, but Falling Skies impressed me as it went along. I really didn’t think much of the premiere episode — too draggy and dull — but the story and action improved dramatically by the second episode and I was hooked and am looking forward to a second season.
Mike: The only program of those listed I caught was Falling Skies. None of the others tripped my trigger. Having seen previews in San Diego, I was in anticipation of its premiere this year and enjoyed it mightily. It didn’t disappoint. I read a lot of talk about it being slow and methodical at times, but it was refreshing to delve into the story a little bit as far as a science fiction series is concerned and not fall into a complete trap of “shoot-em-up.” I don’t have a problem with the characters as they’re written, either; they’re regular folks put into stressful and unknown circumstances … nothing wrong with that. Come on, season 2. Let’s figure out what the “Steely Dan’s” deal is.
P.S. Yes … at some point I’ll get to Game of Thrones. Get off me.
Ivey: I worshiped Game of Thrones, loved Suits, and enjoyed Falling Skies. I still think Skies has a lot more potential that it hasn’t actualized yet, but we’ll see. Suits was a very pleasant surprise. I didn’t go crazy and watch it like 17 times or anything, but the leads have a great dynamic (even if I disagree with some that that chemistry extends to the other characters on the show). Game of Thrones, which I think if we keep mentioning you’ll be compelled to include it in the poll, was a brilliant piece of storytelling.
What was your favorite new summer show? Vote in the poll and share your thoughts in the comments! We love to hear what you think!
You can vote once per day. The poll will close on Wednesday, August 31st at 11:59 pm ET.
Clacked by Carla Day 
on Aug 18, 2011 @ 15:30 EST5EDT
Suits, Falling Skies, and Alphas are the only three I followed. All were good, but I think I enjoy Suits the most. Alphas and Falling Skies both seem like they have a lot of potential, but haven’t fully tapped into it yet–I expect those shows to be more fully developed (and possibly be radically different) in future seasons, due to the mythology behind them. Suits, on the other hand, has been great from the first episode, and while I don’t expect it to get stale, I don’t see any major changes in direction coming down the road.
These shows, along with “Breaking Bad”, “White Collar”, “In Plain Sight”, “Louie”, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”, and “Entourage”, have made it a pretty good summer for TV, for someone who watches no reality shows (does Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution count? I say no–I liked it, so it can’t be reality TV.)
Nine Lives & Teen wolf ! (: follow twitter @TheMaiWorld & @brunette1cutie ! (:
Of course, Game of Thrones, and Falling Skies.
Alphas…. hm, let’s see, I have to watch each ep in stages because I’m getting bored, but to be fair, there’s an ep or 2 I have not been able to get to yet. Isn’t Glau supposed to guest star at some point? Not sure I can’t stick with it yet.
*POST AUTHOR*
I watched the premiere of Alphas and had every intention of watching, but other things have gotten in the way. I hope it is on demand, because I’d like to at least give it a watch.
Summer is on next week. So, I must catch up this weekend….
David Straithairn is by far the best thing about the show. He adds a believability and a likability that’s really off the charts. Gary, the autistic character, comes in second. Plus, they’ve done some very creative editing and effects, and they actually don’t make me cringe when they try to pass off Vancouver as New York (cool, colorful lighting and camera tricks try their hardest). The other characters aren’t very well fleshed out yet, and the actors playing them aren’t particularly talented so far.
I think you are right about the other characters not being fleshed out. That might be the cause for my boredom.
I’m just not invested yet.
That’s supposed to be NY!?? That’s interesting.
I love The Nine Lives Of Chloe King, the finale is the best I have seen. It definitely deserves a 2nd season.
YES THEY SO DESERVE 2ND SEASON AND 3RD EVEN 4TH IS POSSIBLE .. BUT AS LONG AS WE GET THE OK FOR A 2ND IS A START
For me it was Nine Lives of Chloe King. I loved the show since the begining. I hope they pick it for a 2nd season!
I VOTE NINE LIVES
tnlock
Chloe king NUMBER 1! second Teenwolf third Switched at birth and on place 4 Alphas
With love @KittyChloeKing on Twitter
Suits gets my vote, but I haven’t watched many of the others. I want to give Falling Skies a try too.
the nine lives of chloe king all the way!! its been my favorite show since the beginning and it NEEDS a second season!!
The Nine Lives of Chloe King – All the way. I must say Suits is also good, maybe my second choice. At first I didn’t really understand it, now it’s getting better, but No matter what The Nine Lives of Chloe King stands as my first choice. Amazing, that’s what TNLOCK is.
The Nine Lives of Chloe King is amazing. Most shows where people have “super powers” usually suck, and I mean SUCK! But this is great. I really like how we can relate to the characters, not in the super powers way but in the emotional and relationship ways. It is my new favorite show and obsession!
I’ve most enjoyed “Suits” and “Falling Skies.” Even though FS has a lot of flaws, it’s clear as the season progressed that those flaws are being worked on and it seemed to show steady improvement, even if it still has a long way to go.
I hear so much good about “A Game of Thrones” that I’m *almost* considering watching it, but I never could get into pure fantasy no matter how good it was. Even the all-powerful Harry Potter is only “meh” to me, so I just hate the idea of trying Thrones. On the other hand, I do love a good drama, and I hear Thrones is just that. Too bad it wasn’t set on a starship wandering across the universe with…bah, nevermind, they canceled that. (I *am* a sucker for hard sci-fi, even the crappy stuff.)
You need to quit with the seasonal TV, break out of the 19th Century and get rid of the seasonal show, leaves to much time to not invest in the shows and they must be repeated throughout the week, if a weekly show. Get with it TNT, be innovative.
I think tnlock should have another season for sure. I think Alek and Chloe should be together but i think mabe there will be a way chloe and brian can be together or mabe he is Mai or something. i hate to say that but its probaly true. Everyone keeps saying im glad Brian died. It doesnt show him die so how do u all no he will die. You never no man.
I watched Falling Skies and Alphas. Falling Skies I loved because of the whole alien angle and I loved Alphas because of the superhero angle. I loved Heroes but this seems more realistic and achievable.
loved the nine lives of chloe king
Game of Thrones was my favorite new show, followed by Suits. I also like Necessary Roughness and Switched at Birth. I’ve been watching Alphas, but I’m kind of “meh” on it. I really only watch it because there are so few other things to watch during the summer.
I hated Nine Lives’ first episode, but the show slowly grew on me, so I ended up liking it by the end. I’ll definitely catch the second season (if it’s renewed).
TNLOCK it is my all time favorite show. i am definatly going to continue watching
Suits is my favorite. Really like the main characters (except Harvey, though he does play despicable well).
The Nine Lives Of Chloe was my favorite series this Summer…the finale was off the hook.
the nine lives of chloe king!!!! deserves a 2nd season for sure.
I am 43 years old and yet there was something I really liked about the nine lives of Chloe king. I definitely vote for that show it was awesome.
Nine Lives of Chloe king!!!!!!!! and Teen Wolf(:
Oh, I wish i could vote for Switched At Birth, The Nine Lives Of Chloe King and Teen Wolf. Love all of em D:
The Nine Lives of Chloe King! & Switched At Birth!♥
omg i voted for teh nine lives of chloe king. i really really love thayt show. i watched it from begining to end. the summer finale was so freakin awesome it left me speechless with tears. i hp jasmine isn’t dead. nw it’s just chloe and alek and niether of them nows whayt happened to the other person. i really really really hope there’s a second season for it. it left us with answers then ?s on top of our answers. like WOWWWWW!!! I LOVEEEEEED IT and still love it. great job ACBFAMILY!!
The Nine Lives of Chloe King && Teen Wolf && The Glee Project!!
What really surprises me about Nine Lives of Chloe King is that their viewers are all ages! Teens my age (14) watches it. People around the age of 8 watches it, how would I know, because my sister and her friends watch it. Even adults watch it (including my parents and a few of my Mom’s, 38, best friends watch it). Heck! Most of their viewers are probably adults (scroll through comments to see I have proof). This show just has an amazing plot, and the season finale was epic! Everything in that season just give me shivers just talking about it. TNLOCK is absolutely an amazing show, and it’s not all romance or action, it’s also about friendship and to tell viewers how important it is to have a relationship with our Parent(s).
I agree!! I love the plot and the message it gives also!!
THE NINE LIVES OF CHLOE KING FOR SURE!!!! it’s the best show evvvverrrrr!!!! Team Chalek <3 <3 <3 btw if you don't know the show you should watch it!!!
LOVED The Nine Lives of Chloe King, it was full of action, romance, and has a great plot. My daughter (9) and I (28) watch it and I love that it is a great show for ALL ages!! I really hope it picks up Season 2. Also I am really hoping Chloe falls for Alek!! Team Chalek for sure! You can watch all episodes on ABCFAMILY.com or on IMDB.com as well for free. They are also available for download on Itunes.
NINE LIVES!! it’s SUCH an awesome show!!!
NINE LIVES OF CHLOE KING !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Save Nine Lives of Chloe King Please I Love that show and Switched at birth!
I like NINE LIVES! plus teen wolf <3
Uh Nine Lives of Chloe King&Teen Wolf forsure :)
The Nine Lives Of Chloe King, absolutely !
My favorite summer show is The Nine Lives of Chloe King. It has everything you need in a great show action, romance,mythology and has an amazing plot. It deserves to get picked up for a new season.
Nine Lives of Chloe King!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please dont cancel it!! Next season baby!!!
the nine lives of chloe king! I love it SOOO much and I’m in love with Alek
I’d say that Nine Lives is the most unforgetable show that so far I’ve seen. I didn’t expect to see a fascinating story like this. But as I continue watching it, I just can’t help wondering what will happen next! This summer finale is great. Every fan of Nine Lives wants it to survive!And I’m one of them. There are just so many questions that I need answers.DON’T WANT THE SEE NINE LIVES END THIS WAY!!!Hopefully,it will be continued~
I’d like to vote for Nine Lives :) Personally, I am SICK of vampires and werewolves, I really like the uniqueness of the Mai. I hope that if there is a new season, they will introduce other Egyptian god species – like a hippopotamus breed descended from the goddess Taweret… :) Anyway! I love the plot’s twists and turns (especially the finale with Alek’s brother!) Another big thing I like about it, is how they treat the romance -the “problems” Chloe has seem “down-to-earth” – not the trashy teen pregnancy crap I see a lot of on TV these days…
Nine Lives of Chloe King and Switched at Birth. Nine Live of cloe king is my most favorite though, it’s a lot different then most shows, it’s one of the only shows that I watch and have gotten my parents hooked on. <3 :)
i love the nine lives of Chloe king!!!!!
idk i’m in the middle of switched at birth, the nine lives of chloe king, and teen wolf. i follow all those shows religiously and they are amazing :) keep up the good work!
SERIOUSLY TNLOCK (THE NINE LIVES OF CHLOE KING) IS DE BEST SHOW EVER!!!!! DO NOT CANCEL IT!!!!! AND LOOK AT DE COMMENTS ITS ALL MOSTLY TNLOCK SO BRING IT BAK IDC WAT DE PRODUCER THINK BRING IT BAK A LOT OF PEOPLE LIKE IT AND WANT ANOTHER SEASON SO BRING IT BAK!!!!! CHALEK!!!!!!!!!! FOREVER!!!!! THERE SUCH A CUTE COUPLE AND DESTINED TO BE TOGETHER!!!!! I hope the jackal doesnt come bak since brians dead and jazmin and her mom r deadso someone is gonna come and mess with chaleks relationship!!!!! and wat up wiff zane being aleks brother and wats his grudge against dem!!
The Nine lives of Chloe King is an amazing breakout show of the summer. I am normally not into supernatural shows but this show weaves an intricate love story. There were times I was begging Chloe to be with Alek, and others when she belonged with Brian. The cast is simply amazing, and the season finale brought me to tears, I ended up watching it three times. ABC if you are listening please renew the Nine Lives of Chloe King for another season!
I didn’t even start nine lives, but i was channel surfing, landed on the 7th episode. liked what i saw and i was team alek! there better be a second season because NO SHOW SHOULD EVER END THAT WAY!!! TOO MANY QUESTIONS THAT NEED TO BE ANSWERED!!!
Teen Wolf !!!!!
The nine lives of Chloe King is the best summer show ! Please make the next season, do not delete it.
i think the nine lives of Chloe king is the best show ever i’m a huge fan it captures chemistry between the characters so well and there’s drama and action you just want to keep watching for more i think this show should have many more season and Alek and Chloe should get together
The nine lives of chloe king please give us fans a season two and many more to come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My absolute favorite show of the summer is Breaking Bad a must see for me nothing else really compares for me ,then Game of thrones, Rookie blue,Nine lives,Franklin & Bash which was a surprise hit with me,Suits,and Alphas.
The Nine Lives of Chloe King for sure I love suits but I love the nine lives much more, and I hope it stays on for at least a second season! Best show ever! :)
If ABC Family decides to cancel The Nine Lives of Chloe King, I will not watch future new shows that the advertise. I would be afraid that they were using Summer seasons to test popularity instead of pilot episodes.
THE NINE LIVES OF CHLOE KING BAYBAY!!!!!!! i love it because it gives viewers a taste of supernatural without over doing it. Tnlock also teaches qualities of life and great self defense. It also has the perfect amount of drama, romance, and friendship. Most of all it is a show that is not trashy, and people of many ages enjoy. For example every Tuesday night my mom, 16 year old brother and I watched The Nine Lives of Chloe King. Therefore if any series deserves a second season it is tnlock.
I vote the vampire diaries
I actually watched and enjoyed “Teen Wolf”, “Falling Skies”, “Alphas” as well as “The Nine Lives of Chloe King”. I liked all of them and can’t wait for the next season. Of all the new shows, for production value, I give Falling Skies the top vote. For Entertainment and likeability, “Chloe King” wins. “Teen Wolf” Was fun and entertaining, nice special effects. But a bit confusing at times. All in all, it was an entertaining summer.
The nine lives of chloe king most definitely gets my vote. It has an amazing plot, romance, action, great one-liners, the whole package. great for all ages. I was sucked in from the first episode, and the show has only gotten better. When chloe and alek kissed, i replayed that part about 18 times until i was satisfied. this show needs another season, and if you don’t believe me, see the votes. unlock is winning by a landslide. Chloe and Alek belong together! i am 14 years old, and this is my favorite show!
The Nine Lives of Chloe King, of course! We want another season!
I’m sorry to say that ABC Family got me hooked on Nine Lives, too, except that the dialogue is laughably stiff and bad and only a couple of them know how to act. But it has Benjamin Stone, so all is forgiven. Teen Wolf looks sort of good as far as werewolf twilight bandwagon ripoffs go, but I haven’t watched it yet.
suits!!!
NINE LIVES OF CHLOE KING! SEASON 2! NOW! WE NEED A SEASON 2!
I loved Game of thrones
Chloe King is okay, not like game of thrones, which is awesome
One of the best book-to-screen adaptations i have ever seen
THE NINE LIVES OF CHLOE KING!!!!! WOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOO! TOTALLY DESERVES A SECOND SEASON!
THE NINE LIVES OF CHLOE KING THE NINE LIVES OF CHLOE KING THE NINE LIVES OF CHLOE KING THE NINE LIVES OF CHLOE KING THE NINE LIVES OF CHLOE KING THE NINE LIVES OF CHLOE KING THE NINE LIVES OF CHLOE KING THE NINE LIVES OF CHLOE KING THE NINE LIVES OF CHLOE KING THE NINE LIVES OF CHLOE KING IT RULEEEEEEEEES!!!! MUST HAVE A SECOND SEASON :D CHALEK ALL THE WAY.
I watch them all! *—*
NINE LIVES OF CHLOE KING!!!! We Need a Season 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sign the petition https://ptn.bz/tnlock
I absolutely LOVE The Nine Lives Of Chloe King! My Tuesday’s are filled with nothing now that the first season is over. I watched and re-watched every episode of 9 Lives of Chloe King, and will continue to do that until the 2nd season is finally here. If it’s cancelled for some horrific reason, then I’ll sadly add it to me list of the gone, but not forgotten.
Like Smallville, Point Pleasant, Heroes, V, 24, Battle Star Galactica, Threshold, Invasion, Human Target, The Cape, Jericho, Tru Calling, dozens of dozens of great shows. And what to they keep going forever? Reality show, and CSI’s. PUKE!
Definitely, The Nine Lives Of Chloe King (:
Chloe king!!!!
Next Teen Wolf then switched at birth
after those 3 Franklin and bash
the rest…never heard of! :/
Only two shows I have watched was The Nine Lives Of Chloe King and Teen Wolf, but if I had to chose one, I would definitely chose The Nine Lives Of Chloe King. This show was epic on so many levels, and the plot of the whole season changed every week. It had the mixture of drama, romance, action, and adventure, with a lot of mystery. Best show I have ever watched, with the show of Kyle XY, but that’s off, so hoping The Nine Lives of Chloe King gets another season.
The Nine Lives of Chloe King all the way. All ages can watch it. I have no idea why the ratings suggest cancellation, it is unbelievable how many followers it has online. I am one, and this show deserves a second season above all the other shows. Chloe and Alek forever!
The 9 lives of Chloe King!!! This may sound random but Valentina may not die cause it says she got hit with a poisonous dart, but i looked some stuff up and it said that the mai have a resistance to poison. I also hope that Jasmine is ok and i hope Zane doesnt kill Alek. i definitly want a 2nd season. Team Chalek<3
TNLOCK for the win.
Nine lives of chloe king. I love chloe & Alek cute couple.. i hope for a season 2 :)
Lovelovelove The Nine Lives of Chloe King. Please tell me you’ll renew the show, ABC Family!
nine lives !<3
THE NINE LIVES OF CHLOE, BABYY! (; ITS ONE OF MY FAVORITE TV SHOWS! (: KEEP VOTING FOR TNLOCK, CAUSE GUESS WHAT? ITS WINNING!!!! (;
Nine lives of Chloe King!
NINE LIVES ALL THE WAY I LOVE THAT SHOW IT IS AMAZING TEAM ALEK ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!!! I REALLY HOPE THEY BRING IT BACK OR I WILL BE SO SAD
TNLOCK All the way!! I love it!!
i will cry so hard if The Nine Lives of Chloe King doesn’t have a season 2.
The Nine lives of Chloe King!
The Nine lives of Chloe King is amazing x50!!!!!!!!!
The Nine Lives of Chloe King of course!
The Nine Lives of Chloe King, I love it.
Last vote for The Nine Lives Of Chloe King…
nine lives og chloe king IS THE BEST SHOW EVER !!!!!!
nine lives og chloe king IS THE BEST SHOW EVER !!!!!! and i hope for another season
nine live of chloe king is the BEST show and im glad to see how many people love it :D i need another season :)
Hey Chloe King fans, i have a question for all of you! who do you think would win a wet t-shirt contest, Benjamin Stone, or Grey Damon? let me know what you think!
O almost forgot! my vote goes to Ben Stone!!! sorry Grey but he is so hawt!
THE NINE LIVES OF CHLOE KING IS ABSOLUTLY THE BESTEST SHOW EVER!!! BTW- im totaly team Alek!! Go CHALEK!!!
Hmmm….Chloe KIng is number one. ABC just canceled it. Gosh they’re smart.
ABC Family–or whoever gives green lights for more seasons–is in HUGE trouble. They’re losing quite a few numbers quickly. Adios, ABCF. You lost a fan here and there. Not until they bring back The Night Lives of Chloe King.