Summer TV preview 2009

From 'True Blood' to 'Mental,' the biggest new and returning TV shows of summer

By Amir Kenan, Metromix

Blame it on global warming. Blame it on the economy. Blame it on the goose (it got us feeling loose). But no matter how you slice it, summer TV has much more to offer these days than just late-night infomercials and ceaseless "Friends" reruns (could that show be any more dated?).

From returning favorites ("True Blood," "Weeds," "The Closer") to brand new offerings ("Mental," "The Goode Family," "Nurse Jackie") to whatever the heck "Dating in the Dark" is, summertime is the new black, the new 40—and the TV lover's new best friend. Watch responsibly.