Things usually slow down in the entertainment world during the summer. Summer blockbusters can be fun, but are usually big, showy disappointments. Hockey and Basketball playoffs wind down and soon all we are left with is *gulp* baseball (the horror!). But thankfully, here to save the day are the return of some absolutely epic television shows that have been captivating audiences – and me – for the last few years. Five of these shows returning in June have my full attention and if you haven’t watched them yet, consider this to be your sign to do so.

The Bear, Season 3

The Bear is a special show. There is something so incredible about the balance it strikes between being heartfelt, hilarious, and heart wrenching. Few shows strike a chord with me in the way this one does, and that magical recipe is the reason why.

This show does a lot without overwhelming your senses and has a group of incredibly lovable characters who can get you invested in their wellbeing with just a glance. It also contains one of my favorite scenes from the last few years. I am excited and emotionally terrified for what lies ahead with this show and I can’t wait to tune in when it graces us with it’s third season. If you want to cry, clench all your muscles in stress, become the misty-eyed smiling emoji, and laugh your ass off…give this show a try!

Where to Stream: Hulu

When it’s returning: Entire season available on June 27th

The Boys, Season 4

This show had me at hello. It’s Tarantino-esque ultraviolence is only superseded by it’s never ending audacity to push the envelope. The concept is executed with such cojones that it’s hard not to respect the work the showrunners and actors put onto the screen. It is creative and vile and home to one of the craziest villains to hit the big or small screen…maybe ever? Antony Starr is god-mode as the show’s antagonist, Homelander. He is absolutely revolting while also being jaw-droppingly hilarious. His ability to illicit a reaction out of the audience with a simple facial expression should be studied in acting school. Though the show has a lot going for it, it’s Starr’s performance that solidifies The Boys as must-see TV. In my opinion anyway,

If you want to be shocked by the unhinged nature of these characters, cringe at all the blood spewing around, be filled with a vengeance for what is right, question what is right, and rock out to some awesome tunes along the way…tune in to The Boys!

Where to Stream: Amazon Prime

When it’s Returning: First three episodes drop on June 13th

Bridgerton, Season 3B

The internet is absolutely feral over the return of one of the most successful Netflix shows of all time. Bridgerton tickles the fancy of those who love period pieces, soapy romance, and – of course – steamy scenes galore. This third season has been much hyped as it is the first to feature a romance that has been brewing in previous seasons. After fake-turned-real love of season one, the enemies to lovers in season two, we get my personal favorite trope in season three: friends to lovers. I am living!

We are already halfway through season three, but the latter half drops on June 13th. For those saying that Netflix is doing it all wrong by splitting up the season, I question your sanity. Would it be nice to sit down and binge it all at once? Of course it would, but if Anthony and Kate taught us anything in season two it’s that sometimes the waiting makes it all worth it. The hype has arguably never been higher for this show and I, for one, am dying to position myself right on the sofa to binge the rest of this already great season on the 13th!

If you want to swoon, giggle with excitement, marvel at costumes the likes of which you didn’t know you needed in your life, and get your gossip fix in…Bridgerton is definitely the right show for you.

Where to Stream: Netflix

When it Returns: Season 3, part 2 drops on June 13th

Love Island (UK), Series 11

One of my best friends brought Love Island UK into my life a few years ago. It was obviously a part of the cultural zeitgeist, but her constantly having the show on led to my inevitable obsession. When we lived together and Love Island was airing on Hulu, I was not able to pass her room without hearing one of the various semi-coherent accents blasting from her TV. Whether it was Welsh, Scottish, Irish, or one of the million different regional British accents, it was hard to ignore. Eventually, she recommended the best season to me – you know it had to be Series 4 – and I was hooked.

The show is quite the commitment, I won’t deny that – there are nearly 50 episodes a season even if you do skip the filler episodes like Aftersun and Unseen Bits. But, it is the perfect background show for doing chores or multi-tasking. Since we are literally just watching the daily activities of a group of ridiculously hot people strolling and lounging around in their bathing suits most of the time, you can tune in and out as needed.

If you love to watch and not participate in drama, get a kick out of UK accents, like to think about how the extremely beautiful folks live, and live for pettiness…you need to be watching Love Island (UK)!

Where to Stream: Hulu (US)

When it’s Returning: The show is available to stream in the US on June 8th

House of the Dragon, Season 2

The extended Game of Thrones universe is headed back to our living room screens. My life is better whenever there is an HBO show I like playing on Sundays. I love that they have stuck to the model of weekly releases that turn each episode into an event. As excited as I am to resume my active allegiance to house black – I would do anything for Rhaenyra Targaryen and I will not apologize for it – I am equally excited to gather with friends and family each week to take in the newest episode!

This new season promises war, dragons, and more drama. If you are into the political intrigue of royalty, familial drama, overlooking a little bit of incest for the sake of love, and spectacular battle scenes…drop what you are doing and run to HBO!

Where to watch: Max

When it’s Returning: The first episode airs on June 16th