Before your favorites spring back, here is a recap
>>> Plenty of new shows may try to ensnare you this summer, but several returning series — some in their farewell seasons — also want to pull you back in. Here are five shows we’re looking forward to either seeing how the story continues or comes to an en
‘Orphan Black’
Where: BBC America
Returns: June 10 The science fiction-based testimony to the power of multitasking returns for its fifth and final season, led by Emmy winner Tatiana Maslany. When last we saw Maslany and her many forms, biology specialist Cosima had just cured her own genetic disease, ruthless Evie of Neolution was descended upon and perhaps killed by her own creation and Sarah was about to meet her maker in the form of Neolution founder P.T. Westmoreland. But which writer will the series borrow its episodes’ titles from this season?
‘Insecure’
Where: HBO
Returns: July 23 Issa Rae embarks on the second season of her critically acclaimed series of a black woman navigating life and dating in L.A. As the first season approached its conclusion, it briefly looked as if Rae’s onscreen alter-ego Issa Dee might patch things up with longtime boyfriend Lawrence (Jay Ellis) after cheating on him. But Lawrence moved out and hooked up with a flirtatious bank teller, so that may be that. But at least Issa mended fences with best friend Molly (Yvonne Orji), so all is far from lost.
‘Ray Donovan’
Where: Showtime
Returns: Aug. 6 This family drama/crime series led by Liev Schreiber as a South Boston-born “fixer” for the troubled rich and famous of Hollywood returns for its fifth season. Joining Schreiber is Susan Sarandon, fresh from her turn as Bette Davis on “Feud,” to portray someone who has a big influence on Ray’s life once he begins working for her. Also back is Jon Voight as Mickey, Ray’s unreliable father with a criminal past that keeps creeping into his family’s present.
‘Difficult People’
Where: Hulu
Returns: Aug. 8 The series built around the relationship between Julie Klausner and Billy Eichner amid all manner of poor behavior enters its third season with the occasional flash of functional adulthood creeping into the frame. “Star Trek’s” John Cho joins the cast as Billy’s boyfriend, while Julie dabbles in meditation and ayahuasca. Lucy Liu of “Elementary” will guest as a corrupt book editor offering Julie’s mother (the delightfully indefatigable Andrea Martin) a chance to publish her book.
‘Episodes’
Where: Showtime
Returns: Aug. 20 “Friends” star Matt LeBlanc will soon reduce his workload by one series as his Showtime comedy begins its fifth and final season. Portraying an outsized version of himself, LeBlanc earned four Emmy nods for this smart showbiz satire, which this year finds “Matt” hosting “The Box,” a successful game show that has overshadowed his acting career. Meanwhile, husband-and-wife writing duo Sean (Stephen Mangan) and Beverly (Tamsin Greig), are still trying to launch their next project.