June 17, 2008

The CableFAX List: Summering With Cable

By Amanda McDavid

Summer is upon us, and with the change of seasons comes new TV shows. CableFAX read up on cable’s new summer offerings, looking for shows that might keep us indoors near the TV and the AC. We ranked the five cable shows premiering this summer that we think are the most promising.

1. Generation Kill
HBO, premieres July 13, 9 p.m.
This seven-part miniseries documents the experiences of the highly trained Marines of First Recon Battalion through the first 40 days of the Iraq war. This true story depicts the Marines’ individual experiences, their equipment shortages, the ever-changing rules of engagement and unclear military strategy. This series should be interesting and relevant as many wonder what the Iraq war is about—and when it might end.

2. The Factory
Spike TV, premieres June 29, 10 p.m.
This show is about four guys who grew up together in a small town, drinking beer, dreaming of fame and fortune. Now they all work together in the local factory, still drinking lots of beer. Sounding vaguely reminiscent of Homer Simpson, these guys struggle with women and job issues with little success.

3. Exiled
MTV, premieres Aug. 25, 10:30 p.m.
MTV is following up on the success of My Super Sweet Sixteen by taking some of the rich, spoiled teens featured in the hit TV show to live with impoverished, indigenous tribes. Kind of like The Simple Life, but a little earthier. And let’s be honest. The appeal of watching My Super Sweet Sixteen is seeing how ridiculous these teens are. It would be even more appealing, then, to see these teens not only have to deal with reality, but a reality far removed from anything they could imagine. That’s TV gold.

4. Hard Times at Douglass High: A No Child Left Behind Report Card
HBO, premieres June 23, 9 p.m.
This two-hour special looks into how George W. Bush’s No Child Left Behind policy plays out in one particular high school. With two-thirds of its teachers not certified, and with 50% of students dropping out by the end of their freshman year, the high school faces the threat of state intervention. Viewers will be able to get to know individual students and see how some are able to overcome the obstacles, not due to, but despite, current policy.

5. The Tenth Circle
Lifetime, June 28, 9 p.m.
Adapted from the novel of the same name by best-selling author Jodi Picoult, this movie depicts a family’s struggle to come to terms with rape, and the suicide of the accused rapist. Known by many for her novel My Sister’s Keeper (slated to become a feature film), we look forward to this movie adaptation of the popular author’s novel.