Summer is here, which means most of television’s varsity players have taken a break until the fall. Sure, The Bachelorette can occupy some of your time. But what are you going to do with those hundreds of hours per week that you devoted to mindless, brain-numbing TV watching? I’ll tell you. You’re going to watch more TV…but you’re going to be strategic about it.

Now is the perfect time to catch up on all those shows that might have flown under your radar. So don’t waste your time with Wipeout or Losing It With Jillian this summer. Devote some serious time to these gems.

Arrested Development
In my humble (yet correct) opinion, this show has the best cast ever assembled. If you only watch one show on this list, make sure it’s this one. The complete first season will be available on Hulu (for free) starting July 1. Incredible timing.
Get it on Amazon | iTunes | Netflix

The Office (UK Version)
The American Office is great. It really is. But you just haven’t lived until you’ve seen Ricky Gervais play the role of David Brent. It is truly perfect.
Get it on Amazon | Netflix

Breaking Bad
My current favorite show. I didn’t think it was possible for me to be so interested in a high-school-chemistry-teacher-turned-crystal-meth-cooker. But I am, and you will be too.
Get it on Amazon | iTunes | Netflix

Extras*
Another Ricky Gervais classic. If dry humor isn’t your thing, chances are you won’t like this one. It’s the driest, most painfully awkward show I’ve ever seen…in a good way.
Get it on Amazon | iTunes | Netflix

Curb Your Enthusiasm*
The deeper you get into this show, the funnier it becomes. I now look back on my list of Best TV Characters and feel the need to repent for the fact that Larry David was omitted. He’s my new #1. Just think of this show as a dryer, darker Seinfeld, with George Costanza in the leading role.
Get it on Amazon | iTunes | Netflix

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia*
A guilty pleasure of the masses. Prepare to be offended by five of the most crass, self-serving jerks in television history. And prepare to be cracking up while you’re being offended.
Get it on Amazon | iTunes | Netflix

Entourage*
This show is produced by Mark Wahlberg and is said to be loosely based on his life in Hollywood. The acting is incredible all the way through, but Jeremy Piven playing Ari Gold is some of the best I’ve ever seen. With the new season starting on Sunday, iTunes has all the previous seasons on sale for less than $20.
Get it on Amazon | iTunes | Netflix

What did I miss? What shows do we need in our lives?

*NSFMG (Not safe for most grandmothers)
**I just started watching Justified and Mad Men. I haven’t watched enough for them to have made the list, but I’m really loving them.
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Post sponsored by Atlanta Personal Injury Attorney, Robert N. Susko