LOS ANGELES (thefutoncritic.com) -- With nearly 70 new series launching this summer (and another 40 or so returning), the months of June, July and August are no longer the programming wastelands they used to be. What follows then is a complete breakdown of what to expect in the coming months, with separate sections for comedy series, drama series, reality competition series, unscripted series and original movies.

DRAMA SERIES
(listed by premiere date)

ALREADY PREMIERED

QUEER AS FOLK
(Sundays at 10:00/9:00c on Showtime; series finale airs August 7)

How Showtime describes it: "A landmark series that changed the landscape of television when it premiered five years ago, QUEER AS FOLK, which focuses on the lives of five gay men and two lesbians in Pittsburgh, stars Michelle Clunie, Robert Gant, Thea Gill, Gale Harold, Randy Harrison, Scott Lowell, Peter Paige, Hal Sparks and Sharon Gless."

THE SHIELD
(Tuesdays at 10:00/9:00c on FX; season finale airs June 14)

How FX describes it: "The show�s fourth season will continue where season three left off. When Captain Aceveda (Benito Martinez) moves on to his new City Council position, Captain Monica Rawling (Close) takes over the Barn and empowers Vic Mackey (Michael Chiklis) to implement her controversial anti-gang policies. Things also get complicated when Antwon Mitchell (Anderson) moves back into town. Antwon is a former gang drug distributor who is back in Farmington in his new role as community leader. He is preaching a positive message to the gangs � one of self-reliance, peace and unity. However, Mackey and Captain Rawling are convinced that Antwon�s rehabilitation is a ruse. Vic even suspects that his old partner Shane (Walton Goggins) is on Antwon�s payroll, but Antwon is too cagey and smart to give anything away."

YOUNG BLADES
(Thursdays at 8:00/7:00c on PAX; season finale airs June 2)

How PAX describes it: "�Young Blades� is set back in time over 400 years where the budding and chivalrous swordsmen learn the tricks of the trade from masters, including Captain Duval (Bruce Boxleitner), at the Musketeers military academy. D�Artagnan (Tobias Mehler), the son of the legendary Musketeer of the same name, is a ladies man as well as a fighter. He is challenged to become an even better warrior after he learns that his fellow student, Jacques (Karen Cliche), a phenomenal swordsman, has a deep secret: Jacques is really Jacqueline, a young woman who masquerades as a man in order to escape a price on her head and avenge the death of her father and imprisonment of her brother at the hands of the evil Mazarin (Michael Ironside). The other Young Blades are the rebellious Ramon (Zak Santiago), a poet who was disowned by his aristocratic Spanish family, but now calls the academy home, and Siroc (Mark Hildreth), a precocious inventor who dreams up �crazy� ideas such as submarines and flying machines and then builds them, 17th century style. The Musketeers� loyalty lies with their homeland and protecting France�s young King Louis (Robbie Sheehan) from the evil genius, Cardinal Mazarin."

PREMIERING IN JUNE

THE 4,400
(Sundays at 9:00/8:00c on USA; new season premieres June 5)

How USA describes it: "The second season will continue exploring the travails of the 4400 people who were presumed dead or reported missing, before they suddenly reappeared on Earth. Though they had not aged physically, some of them reappeared on earth with severe alterations ranging from superhuman strength to an unexplained healing touch. The Department of Homeland Security formed an agency to track the 4400 after one of them was accused of committing a murder."

SIX FEET UNDER
(Mondays at 9:00/8:00c on HBO; new season premieres June 6)

How HBO describes it: "Wrapping its fourth season last September, the Emmy(r) and Golden Globe winner SIX FEET UNDER was created by Alan Ball (winner of the Best Original Screenplay Oscar(r) for "American Beauty"). Using dramatic irony and dark, situational humor, the show approaches the subject of death through the eyes of the Fisher family, who own and operate Fisher & Diaz Funeral Home in Los Angeles. Cast regulars for the fifth season of SIX FEET UNDER are: Peter Krause (Nate), Michael C. Hall (David), Rachel Griffiths (Brenda), Frances Conroy (Ruth), Lauren Ambrose (Claire), Freddy Rodriguez (Federico), Mathew St. Patrick (Keith), James Cromwell (George) and Justina Machado (Vanessa). Also appearing in the new episodes will be: Kathy Bates (Bettina), Joanna Cassidy (Margaret), Patricia Clarkson (Sarah), Jennifer Elise Cox (Mary), Ileana Douglas (Angela), Tina Holmes (Maggie), Richard Jenkins (Nathaniel), Peter Macdissi (Olivier), Matt Malloy (Roger), Kal Penn and Jeremy Sisto (Billy). Directors for the new season will include Daniel Attias, Alan Ball, Rodrigo Garcia, Joshua Marston, Dan Minahan, Jeremy Podeswa and Alan Poul."

THE INSIDE
(Wednesdays at 9:00/8:00c on FOX; premieres June 8 at 9:00/8:00c)

How FOX describes it: "Your next exciting destination is THE INSIDE. In this new psychological thriller premiering Wednesday, June 8 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), rookie FBI Agent REBECCA LOCKE (Rachel Nichols) joins the Bureau's Los Angeles Violent Crimes Unit � unaware that she's been hand-picked for the dangerous job by its imposing leader, Supervisory Special Agent VIRGIL "WEB" WEBSTER (Peter Coyote). Web is among the few who know that Rebecca was once abducted and held captive, a traumatic experience that affords her unique insight into the mindset of villain and victim alike. From the producers of FOX's pulse-pounding hit drama 24, the series follows Rebecca and her fellow agents as they move from one challenging, complex case to the next, making personal sacrifices along the way. Who these agents really are, why Web has hired each of them, and the true story of Rebecca's abduction are mysteries that can only be solved on THE INSIDE."

INTO THE WEST (6-week, 12-hour limited series)
(Fridays at 8:00/7:00c on TNT; premieres June 10)

How TNT describes it: "The story of the opening of the American West is given epic treatment in this six-week television event from DreamWorks Television and master storyteller and executive producer Steven Spielberg. This dramatic tale of the adventurous exploration of the American wilderness, the clash of two cultures, the rush to riches in a new land and the building of a new civilization features a starring cast including Skeet Ulrich, Matthew Settle, Keri Russell, Alan Tudyk, Josh Brolin, Beau Bridges, George Leach, Tonantzin Carmelo, Jessica Capshaw, Will Patton, Gary Busey, Zahn McClarnon, Michael Spears and Simon Baker, as well as many others."

WILD CARD
(Saturdays at 11:00/10:00c on Lifetime; new episodes begin June 11)

How Lifetime describes it: "Joely Fisher is back for another season of "Wild Card" as the quirky fraud investigator Zoe Busiek. When this high-octane character isn't getting herself into difficult work situations, she's busy playing mom to her sister's three children whom she's been raising since her sibling's death. Chris Potter reprises his role as Dan Lennox, Zoe's handsome super-sleuthing co-worker. Along with their new boss M. Pearl McGuire (Loretta Devine), the team tracks down and exposes crazy cases of all kinds based on real-life events."

STRONG MEDICINE
(Sundays at 9:00/8:00c on Lifetime; new season premieres June 12)

How Lifetime describes it: "Lifetime's warm weather fun starts with the June 12 premieres of its Sunday night powerhouse drama series, "Strong Medicine" at 9PM (ET/PT), beginning its sixth season (the longest-running original drama ever created for basic cable) with new cast member Rick Schroder, followed at 10PM (ET/PT) by the third season of "MISSING," starring Vivica A. Fox, Mark Consuelos, Caterina Scorsone and Justin Louis as a quartet of dedicated FBI agents who will stop at nothing to solve missing person cases."

THE DEAD ZONE
(Sundays at 10:00/9:00c on USA; new season premieres June 12)

How USA describes it: "Based on the characters and story from the best-selling novel by Stephen King, The Dead Zone is a unique psychological thriller that combines a rich mix of action, romance, the paranormal, and a continuing quest for justice. Johnny Smith (Anthony Michael Hall) once led an idyllic small-town life. Employed as a science teacher, Johnny took great pleasure in showing his students the wonders of the natural world. He was engaged to a loving fianc�e named Sarah (Nicole deBoer), a fellow teacher he'd known since childhood, and was a good son to his widowed mother. Johnny's life was nearly perfect... until the day his life was interrupted by a near-fatal car crash that left him in a deep coma for six years."

MISSING
(Sundays at 10:00/9:00c on Lifetime; new season premieres June 12)

How Lifetime describes it: "Lifetime's warm weather fun starts with the June 12 premieres of its Sunday night powerhouse drama series, "Strong Medicine" at 9PM (ET/PT), beginning its sixth season (the longest-running original drama ever created for basic cable) with new cast member Rick Schroder, followed at 10PM (ET/PT) by the third season of "MISSING," starring Vivica A. Fox, Mark Consuelos, Caterina Scorsone and Justin Louis as a quartet of dedicated FBI agents who will stop at nothing to solve missing person cases."

THE CLOSER
(Mondays at 9:00/8:00c on TNT; premieres June 13)

How TNT describes it: "Two-time Golden Globe nominee Kyra Sedgwick comes to series television as the star of TNT�s THE CLOSER, a taut police drama from the producers of Nip/Tuck and The Agency. Sedgwick stars as Deputy Police Chief Brenda Jean Johnson, a police detective who transfers from Atlanta to Los Angeles to head up a special unit of the LAPD that handles sensitive, high-profile murder cases. Johnson�s quirky personality and hard-nosed approach often rubs her colleagues the wrong way, but her reputation as one of the world�s best interrogators eventually wins over even her toughest critics. Joining Sedgwick in the series are J.K. Simmons (Spider-Man, Law & Order, Oz) as Johnson�s boss, Assistant Police Chief Henry Pope; Robert Gossett (Arlington Road, The Net) as Captain Taylor, head of the robbery homicide division; and Jon Tenney (You Can Count on Me, Get Real) as FBI Agent Fritz Howard."

SUMMERLAND
(Mondays at 9:00/8:00c on The WB; new episodes begin June 13)

How the WB describes it: "SUMMERLAND, the Aaron Spelling drama starring Lori Loughlin and Jesse McCartney, will return to The WB's schedule with the remaining five new episodes of the second season beginning Monday, June 13 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET), it was announced today by David Janollari, President, Entertainment, The WB."

WILDFIRE
(Mondays at 8:00/7:00c on ABC Family; premieres June 20)

How ABC Family describes it: "WILDFIRE follows eighteen-year-old Kris Furillo (Genevieve Cortese) who, after serving time at a juvenile detention center, is given the opportunity to start a new life. Her talent with horses is recognized by a volunteer and local trainer (Greg Serano), who arranges a job for her at the Ritter's family run ranch. Thrown into a completely new environment, Kris must learn to deal with the challenges of fitting in, while trying not to disappoint the one family willing to give her a chance. The Ritters are facing challenges of their own even as they reach out to help Kris. The family patriarch Henry (Dennis Weaver) and his daughter Jean Ritter (Nana Visitor) are in a critical stage of their battle to save the ranch from financial ruin."

RESCUE ME
(Tuesdays at 10:00/9:00c on FX; new season premieres June 21)

How FX describes it: "Rescue Me revolves around the lives of the men in a New York City firehouse, the crew of 62 Truck. Examining the fraternal nature and relationships of firefighters, the series tackles the daily drama of the life-and-death situations associated with being a firefighter, while exploring the ways the men use dark humor to protect their true emotions. Rescue Me stars Leary, Michael Lombardi, James McCaffrey, Jack McGee, Steven Pasquale, Andrea Roth, John Scurti and Daniel Sunjata, and was created by Leary and Peter Tolan, who serve as executive producers along with Jim Serpico."

EMPIRE (5-week, 6-hour limited series)
(Tuesdays at 10:00/9:00c on ABC; premieres June 28 at 9:00/8:00c)

How ABC describes it: ""Empire," an epic six-hour summer drama series from the executive producers of the Academy Award-winning "Chicago," will have a special two-hour premiere, TUESDAY, JUNE 28 (9:00-11:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network. The sweeping limited drama series, filmed entirely in Rome and South Central Italy, focuses on Julius Caesar's nephew, Octavius, who is forced into exile after Caesar's murder, and a fictional disgraced gladiator, Tyrannus, who has sworn to protect him."

PREMIERING IN JULY

MONK
(Fridays at 10:00/9:00c on USA; new season premieres July 8)

How USA describes it: "Adrian Monk (Tony Shalhoub) was once a rising star with the San Francisco Police Department, legendary for using unconventional means to solve the department's most baffling cases. But after the tragic (and still unsolved) murder of his wife, the devastated Monk became obsessive-compulsive. His psychological disorder has caused him to develop an abnormal fear of virtually everything: germs, heights, crowds... even milk. Monk's condition eventually cost him his job, and continues to pose unique challenges in his everyday life."

STARGATE SG-1
(Fridays at 8:00/7:00c on Sci Fi; new season premieres July 15)

How Sci Fi describes it: "On July 15, 2005, the biggest night of sci-fi on television, 'SCI FI Friday,' premieres with brand-new episodes of hit original series 'Stargate SG-1' (8pm), 'Stargate Atlantis' (9pm) and 'Battlestar Galactica' (10pm). In addition to 'Stargate SG-1's' newest team member Ben Browder ('Farscape'), Emmy winner Beau Bridges, Oscar winner Lou Gossett, Jr. and sci-fi favorite Mitch Pileggi ('The X Files') have joined the 'Stargate' family. Bridges will join the cast of 'Stargate SG-1' and will also appear in a several episodes of 'Stargate Atlantis.' Gossett and 'Farscape' star Claudia Black join the cast of 'SG-1' in recurring roles and former 'Baywatch' star Jason Momoa joins the cast of 'Stargate Atlantis.'"

STARGATE ATLANTIS
(Fridays at 9:00/8:00c on Sci Fi; new season premieres July 15)

How Sci Fi describes it: "On July 15, 2005, the biggest night of sci-fi on television, 'SCI FI Friday,' premieres with brand-new episodes of hit original series 'Stargate SG-1' (8pm), 'Stargate Atlantis' (9pm) and 'Battlestar Galactica' (10pm). In addition to 'Stargate SG-1's' newest team member Ben Browder ('Farscape'), Emmy winner Beau Bridges, Oscar winner Lou Gossett, Jr. and sci-fi favorite Mitch Pileggi ('The X Files') have joined the 'Stargate' family. Bridges will join the cast of 'Stargate SG-1' and will also appear in a several episodes of 'Stargate Atlantis.' Gossett and 'Farscape' star Claudia Black join the cast of 'SG-1' in recurring roles and former 'Baywatch' star Jason Momoa joins the cast of 'Stargate Atlantis.'"

BATTLESTAR GALACTICA
(Fridays at 10:00/9:00c on Sci Fi; new season premieres July 15)

How Sci Fi describes it: "On July 15, 2005, the biggest night of sci-fi on television, 'SCI FI Friday,' premieres with brand-new episodes of hit original series 'Stargate SG-1' (8pm), 'Stargate Atlantis' (9pm) and 'Battlestar Galactica' (10pm). More gripping drama and seat-of-your-pants action is in store for the second season of SCI FI's critically-acclaimed hit series 'Battlestar Galactica.' The entire ensemble cast will return for season 2, including Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell, Katee Sackhoff, Jamie Bamber, James Callis, Tricia Helfer and Grace Park. Also resuming their roles are executive producer and writer Ronald D. Moore and executive producer David Eick."

OVER THERE
(Wednesdays at 10:00/9:00c on FX; premieres July 27)

How FX describes it: "Set to shoot next month, Over There is an ensemble drama created by Steven Bochco and Chris Gerolmo (Citizen X) about the members of an Army unit sent to Iraq on their first tour of duty that also looks at the effects of war on those soldiers' families at home. 20th Century Fox Television and Steven Bochco Productions produce."

BEACH GIRLS (5-week, 6-hour limited series)
(Sundays at 8:00/7:00c on Lifetime; premieres July 31)

How Lifetime describes it: "Based on the best-selling novel by Luanne Rice, "Beach Girls," premiering with a special two-hour program Sunday, July 31 at 8PM (ET/PT) and running weekly through Sunday, August 28, explores the depths of the bonds of friendship, the complexities of love and the endurance of family ties. Three teenage girls, who summer together each year in the sleepy beach town of Hubbard's Point, pledge their eternal friendship while in their youth. However, as the years go by, the beach girls grow apart -- until the death of one of them brings her widower and daughter back to the Point to reconnect with the women who knew her best. The series is filled with heartbreaks, secrets, first loves, rediscovery of love and the magic of summer romance."

WANTED
(Sundays at 10:00/9:00c on TNT; premieres July 31)

How TNT describes it: "In this gripping crime drama starring Gary Cole (The West Wing, Office Space), an elite team of crime fighters from various federal and local law enforcement agencies form a covert, undercover strike force to help track down Los Angeles� 100 most-wanted fugitives. Joining Cole is an ensemble cast that includes Rashida Jones (Boston Public, Little Black Book), Ryan Hurst (Taken, Remember the Titans), Benjam�n Ben�tez (Tru Calling), Lee Tergesen (Oz) and singer Josey Scott in his acting debut."

PREMIERING IN AUGUST

BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE
(Mondays at 9:00/8:00c on ABC Family; premieres August 8)

How ABC Family describes it: "BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE is the fictional story of the Kerr family - three dynamic women in transitional periods of their lives. When Sophie receives a scholarship to attend a prestigious private school in New York, the girls convince their mother that they should all move to the city from their quiet hometown in New Mexico. They find the city full of challenges, but with each other's support, all three women venture on a journey of self discovery. Starring Daphne Zuniga, Sarah Foret, Torrey DeVitto, Ricky Mabe and Jordan Madley."

PRISON BREAK
(Mondays at 9:00/8:00c on FOX; premieres August 29 at 8:00/7:00c)

How FOX describes it: "PRISON BREAK, the most daring new series of the fall season, will debut with a special two-hour premiere Monday, Aug. 29 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and will air in its regular time period beginning Monday, Sept. 5 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. MICHAEL SCOFIELD (Wentworth Miller) is a desperate man in a desperate situation � his brother, LINCOLN BURROWS (Dominic Purcell), has been convicted of a sensational murder and is on death row in Fox River State Penitentiary. Despite the evidence against Lincoln, Michael is convinced of his innocence. With no other options and the clock ticking toward Lincoln's execution, Michael holds up a bank to get himself incarcerated alongside his brother. Once he's inside, we learn that Michael � a structural engineer with the blueprints for the prison � has hatched an elaborate plan to break Lincoln out and prove that he was framed for the crime."

Additional premieres may be announced at a later date. And let us know if we forgot anything!

Revision History: (May 31) The WB moves "Summerland's" return from June 7 to June 13. (June 3) ABC Family sets "Beautiful People's" premiere as August 8. (June 10) FOX sets "Prison Break's" premiere as August 29 and Lifetime sets "Wild Card's" return as June 11. (June 22) ABC Family moves "Beautiful People's" premiere from 10:00/9:00c to 9:00/8:00c on August 8.