Summer is more than just non-stop pool-parties and dance-'til-dawn DJ sets.  It’s also when the cable networks run many of their original series; shows that are invariably quirky, well-written, smart, and – because they’re on cable – they are given far more latitude with such things as language, sexual themes, violence, etc.

The first couple of weeks in June see the return of any number of such series, but a half-dozen in particular are faves of mine, and I’m glad to welcome them back into my home and onto my DVR.

On Sunday, June 3rd, The Glades is once again wading through Florida’s murderous swamps, on A&E; while TNT rolls-out its Tuesday night pairing of Franklin & Bash’s smooth-talking LA lawyers with Rizzoli & Isles’ hard-hitting Boston cop and smart and stylish coroner, on June 5th.  The following evening, marks the return of fun in the sun, Hamptons-style, when Royal Pains returns to USA, on Wednesday, June 6th.  Fans of Bon Temps’ supernatural sexpots will rejoice with HBO’s resurrection of True Blood.  And on Thursday, June 14th, back on USA, the legal eagles of Suits soar once more.

See the slideshow, above; watch the trailers; and remember – it’s summer, and it’s all about enjoying yourself.

Get into it!