Summer viewing takes a strange turn
Summer has always been a strange time to watch television.
Sure, Emmy winners such as “Mad Men” and such ratings sensations as “American Idol” started in the warmweather months, but so have series such as “Wipeout,” a reality show where people fall down on an obstacle course. So while there are plenty of acclaimed dramas and sharp comedies to choose from, you also can savor a mini-golf competition, a fake talk show about a fake TV show, a fake variety comedy show, meta-mockumentaries and zombie tidal waves. Of all the weird, campy and strange series available this summer, these five are the most wonderful.
‘What Just Happened??! With Fred Savage’
Fox’s new summer series is a fake after-show, like “Talking Dead,” for a TV show that doesn’t exist. Fred Savage, playing a slightly sadder version of himself, talks about the fictional sci-fi series “The Flare” with celebrity guests and “stars” of the fake series – about a solar flare that eventually leads to an postapocalyptic Earth – all while staging weird bits (such as trying to sneak into Helen Mirren’s house). The series even has other celebrities playing heightened versions of themselves, including Rob Lowe hawking his actual book but also making fun of his pretty-boy persona. It requires a lot of insider knowledge to fully enjoy, which makes you wonder how it got on the air, but it’s a wild ride nonetheless.
Fox, Sundays, 9:30 EDT/PDT
‘Holey Moley’
If you ever wished that mini-golf was a little more maxi, ABC has the summer series for you. The network’s new competition is exactly the kind of over-thetop, emotional and brightly colored summer fare that broadcast networks do best. The high-intensity mini-golf matches go well with corny cameos from NBA star and producer Stephen Curry in “Steph Curry Moments” and hosting antics from Rob Riggle and Joe Tessitore. And to make your favorite summer date night activity just a little more prime-time-worthy, the contestants have to putt around hilarious obstacles, giving the series just a smidge of “Wipeout” flavor. From its gold jackets to its course, “Moley” is a delight to watch.
ABC, Thursdays, 8 EDT/PDT
‘Frankenstein’s Monster’s Monster, Frankenstein’
If Season 3 of “Stranger Things”
WALLACE THE BRAVE
didn’t have quite enough David Harbour for you, Netflix has you covered with this meta-mockumentary, in which Harbour searches for answers (and found footage) from his “father’s” past “televised play,” “Frankenstein’s Monster’s Monster, Frankenstein.” The 28minute comedy special shows the many sides of Harbour – and his beard – as he plays himself, and his father. Or something.
Netflix, July 16
‘Sherman’s Showcase’
Fans of IFC’S “Documentary Now!” will be happy about the network’s newest offbeat comedic parody. Instead of satirizing nonfiction filmmaking, “Sherman’s” pokes fun at variety shows such as “In Living Color.” The series takes place during the decades-long history of a fictional series hosted by Sherman Mcdaniel (Bashir Salahuddin). Salahuddin co-created the series with Diallo Riddle, who cut their comedic chops working on “The History of Rap” and “Slow Jam the News” segments on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” “Showcase” boasts an impressive lineup of guest stars, including Common, Tiffany Haddish, Quincy Jones, Morris Day, John Legend and Mike Judge.
IFC, July 31, Wednesdays, 10 EDT/PDT
‘Zombie Tidal Wave’
If sharks can have tornadoes, why can’t zombies have tidal waves? Syfy’s latest horror schlock film stars Mr. Sharknado himself, Ian Ziering. “Zombie” aims to fill the “Sharknado”-sized hole in your heart and “move from the fantastic world of shark-slinging tornadoes to one where zombie-slinging tsunamis offer a special brand of maritime mayhem, going from bad to worse when they make landfall,” the network promises, hoping to kick off a new franchise (shudder).
Syfy, Aug. 17, 9 EDT/PDT