What Dog Days? Here Are 15 Memorable TV Shows That Debuted During Summer

Television used to be so ... uncomplicated.

You knew that the TV season ran from September to May, and the summer months were a barren wasteland, and you could spend that time doing "summer" things, such as surviving piranha and shark attacks, attending summer camp near crystal lakes, finding a dead body near the train tracks that would lead you and you buds to learn life lessons about friendship, and oh, oh, those summer nights!

Occasionally (as you'll see), the networks would throw something new up during the summer that would catch the eye, but it's only been during the last decade or so that networks such as HBO, Bravo, and Syfy have discovered that there's actually a huge audience for fresh programming during the months of June, July, and August.

Check out these memorable shows, all of which debuted in the months when it was still fashionably legal to wear white.

Queer Eye For The Straight Guy

Yes, this was once considered "stylish," Or was it?

Debuting on Bravo on July 15, 2003, Queer Eye For The Straight Guy became an instant phenomenon, and caused endless debate about whether it was perpetuating stereotypes or raising gay visibility, or both.

The show lost its novelty after the first season, and eventually jumped the shark when it started branching out from its intended mission (helping lovably schlubby straight guys) and tried to "make-better" guys who didn't really need it (remember the hot professional ice-skater)?

Still, the show did have a huge effect on pop culture, and even earned the ultimate tribute - a South Park  parody.

The Wire

Debuting on HBO on June 2, 2002, The Wire is, simply, one of the most underrated series of all time. It garnered enormous critical acclaim, but received only two Emmy nominations (both for writing) and struggled in the ratings, coming close to cancellation numerous times.

But it survived for five seasons, garnered a cult following, and introduced us to Omar Little, a gay badass we love.

Warehouse 13

If there's one thing that Syfy knows (besides how to make fabulously cheesy TV movies), it's how to make fun and entertaining genre series. Warehouse 13  debuted on July 7, 2009, and became one of the highest rated shows in the channel's history.

Best of all, it features the natural wonders of Eddie McClintock, who's frequently seen shirtless for no good reason (but then, any reason is a good reason).