Everyone knows that summertime is meant to be relaxing… and what could be more relaxing then lying down on a couch in an air-conditioned room with food in one hand and a remote in the other? Now, that’s what I’m talking about–maximum pleasure and minimal energy exertion. I know most people enjoy slowly baking in the summer heat at the beach, but I personally prefer my skin cancer-free. So this summer, as my body gorges on chips and burgers, my eyes will be feasting on the following returning shows:

American Gladiators

Premiered Monday, May 12, 8PM ET, NBC

The world is all about retro trends and television is no different. Born in the early 90s, this show came back last year to the excitement of old and new fans. This season, Hulk Hogan and Laila Ali return to host as amateur athletes and professional “gladiators” duke it out.

The Bachelorette

Premiered Wednesday, May 19, 9PM ET, ABC

DeAnna Pappas is being given a second chance at love. Though left heartbroken by season 11 ‘Bachelor,’ Brad Womack, DeAnna did not lose her faith and the fact that the first Bachelorette, Trista, is still married-with-a-baby to her final-rose pick, Ryan, looks like a good sign. Fingers crossed!

So You Think You Can Dance

Premiered Thursday, May 22, 8PM ET, FOX (airing performances on Wednesdays at 8PM ET and results on Thursdays at 8PM ET)

One of my personal favs, this Emmy-winning hit is back and looking for the next best dancer out there. It’s all about versatility on SYTYCD show as the dancers are pushed to do everything from broadway to contemporary and hip-hop styles. Outside of the amazing choreography performed, the judges always manage to bring a bit of comic relief amidst the tough criticism. Oh, how I wish I had the skills to be on Mary Murphy’s hot tamale train. Take a look at this amazing Mia Michael’s piece from the first episode!

The Mole

Premiered June 2, 10PM ET, ABC

Twelve players are thrown together to complete a number of physical and mental challenges to build up the cash prize of the show, BUT one of them is out to sabotage the whole thing—“the Mole.” Can you figure out who the culprit is?

Randy Jackson Presents America’s Best Dance Crew

Premiered June 7, 10PM ET, MTV (airing Thursdays at 10PM ET)

This show is yet another favorite of mine. What can I say? I love dance shows. In this show, dance crews from across the nation compete with their own choreography for the title of America’s Best Dance Crew. Last season’s top three (actually only two of them if you ask me) really set the bar for a madly competitive season two. Will these new teams be able to bring it? Here’s a taste of what one team from the South had brought.

Weeds

Premiered Monday, June 16, 10PM ET, Showtime

Ok, this show is now officially one of my favorite shows. I just spent the last two days watching all three seasons in order to watch the upcoming fourth and I just have to say one thing—Romany Malco, or Conrad as many may know him, is soooo drool-worthy and I’m truly sad that they have downgraded him from series regular to recurring player!! Let’s hope that the fourth season will be just as interesting and funny. As of yet, the show returns to a fire still raging in Majestic and pot-dealing suburban mother Nancy Botwin continues to make her life more difficult. What crazy things will she get into this time?

Shear Genius

Premieres Wednesday, June 25, 10PM ET, Bravo

As a risk taker when it comes to hairstyles, I also totally love this show and it seems like I’m not the only one. Back for its second season, “Shear Genius” gives twelve stylists the chance to do some pretty left of center stuff including, but not limited to, cutting hair blindfolded and styling with food.

Big Brother

Premieres Sunday, July 13, 8PM ET, CBS

Think MTV’s Real World with a large cash prize. We all know that means right? Lots of scheming and a tons more drama, which also means there will be plenty to watch, especially since the show will be airing hour-long episodes three times a week. “Big Brother” is back for its tenth season and I am sure we are all looking forward to see what the new roomies will be up.

Project Runway

Premieres Tuesday, July 16, 9PM, Bravo

It has only been a short while since Christian Siriano was named the show’s youngest and fiercest (and most entertaining) winner ever, but clearly, the public can’t get enough. Sadly though, this will also be the series’ last season on Bravo, as it will be moving over to Lifetime in the fall. Oh, Bravo, what were you thinking? No matter, I am sure the show will continue to dole out the hottest designers and outfits around.

How exciting?! Looks like my summer is going to be packed full. Oh the joys of being a couch potato.

President George W. Bush taped a “surprise good luck video” in the White House Library on March 17 for Army Captain Joe Kobes who served in Iraq and was a contestant on the NBC show “Deal or No Deal,” the White House said on Friday.

“The show’s producers contacted the White House after learning from Captain Kobes that the president is one of his heroes,” White House spokesman Tony Fratto said. Kobes, an Army transportation officer, served three tours of duty in Iraq and received a Purple heart for injuries after his truck was blown up in 2004, the White House said.

“The president thanked him for his service to his country and for serving in Iraq and wished him good luck,” Fratto said. “And you’ll have to watch the show to see how Captain Kobes did.”

Captain Joseph Kobes is going to be competing for cash in the popular show to attempt to win enough cash to pay off his parents’ home. He has to go on this show to earn money to pay off his parents’ home!? Hasn’t this man done enough already? The President should have just sent him money instead of his video message.

Contestants also bring family and friends on the show to provide support, and Bush’s video appearance was intended to express his best wishes to Kobes.

The program with George W. Bush will air on Monday, April 21. I wonder if Dubya will bring good luck to Kobes? Looks like we’ll have to tune in Monday to find out the answer to that deal-breaker.