As May wraps up our favorite TV shows are doing the same. It will be another four months before Olivia Pope, Emily Thorne, and Alicia Florrick return to us. And another four after that until Claire Underwood ices over Netflix. But, in the Golden Age of Television, summer is no longer equivalent to network wastelands. In the coming weeks several noteworthy women-centeric stories will be coming to a television – or Internet – near you.

Ones To Watch Out For:

Hailed as a “family space drama thriller” CBS’ summer series, Extant, might sound more like a SyFy channel original than a network drama, but a little more digging assures us that this thirteen episode run will have a lot more to offer than just a decent “boo” factor. Oscar-winner Halle Berry is not only the star of the family drama meets Gravity-inspired thriller, she’s also taking on the role of co-executive producer. The real-life mother of two was drawn to her character, Molly – an astronaut who returns to earth, and her family, after a year in space – because she was so relatable. “I understand her humanity and her struggle to do what she loves to do and also be a mother,” Berry said in a interview about the series. Along with a well-renowned cast and crew, including co-executive producer, Steven Spielberg and actors Goran Visnjic (E.R.) and Josh Malina (Scandal), Extant could easily be the summer’s breakaway hit, mixing elements of genre, drama, and a strong female lead. Catch the premier July 9 on CBS.

Add another notch to Amy Poehler’s producing belt, because this summer she’s working alongside her brother, Greg Poehler, on the new NBC comedy, Welcome to Sweden. Greg created the show, which is based on his adventures in Sweden after moving across the Atlantic to be with his girlfriend. But, behind the camera, the siblings share the role of executive producer. Season one, which aired in Sweden last March, promises shenanigans of all shapes and family types, not to mention guest appearances by Amy herself and comedy princess, Aubrey Plaza to name a few. Look for it July 10 on NBC.

The summer heart-wrencher, Chasing Life, belongs to ABC Family. Based off the Mexican telenovela, Terminales, the plot follows 20-something April Carver, an aspiring journalist and devoted daughter, who’s diagnosed with cancer in the first episode. Susanna Fogel and Joni Lefkowitz, who worked together on last month’s film, Life Partners, are the co-creators, and the executive producers of the series. The pair also share writing credits. In true ABC Family form, Chasing Life promises tears and inspiration as the main character, played by Italia Ricci, refuses to let the cancer win. Though the first episode has already been released for online streaming on ABC Go, the network premier isn’t until June 10.

Returning Favorites:

Season two of everyone’s favorite prison dramedy, Orange is the New Black returns to Netflix on June 6. The show’s creator, Jenji Kohan shares script-writing credit with Piper Kerman. OITNB, which is based off Kerman’s memoir of the same name, boasts a predominately female cast. The amount of women working on the series is huge in and of itself, but what’s even more groundbreaking is that many of the stars are women of color. Rumors are floating through the webisphere that former talk show host and comedian, Rosie O’Donnell, who might be joining the show sometime in season two, referred to Orange as the “biggest ensemble of female actors in TV.” While all thirteen episodes will become available for streaming on June 6, those with some self-control might be able to draw the show out for several months.

They dynamic crime-fighting duo, Rizzoli and Isles, staring Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander, returns for it’s fifth season next month. However, this well-loved summer series will be dealing with the absence of actor Lee Thompson Young, who played Detective Frost until he took his own life last August. The show’s executive producer, Jan Nash, along with the rest of the cast have chosen to honor Young by dedicating the first two episodes of the new season to addressing the loss of his character. The season, not to be missed, premiers on June 17.

Also returning for it’s second season, ABC’s Mistresses starring Alyssa Milano, promises to pack a drama-filled punch. The show, which is based off a British drama of the same name was created for US audiences by K.J. Steinberg, known for both her production and writing work on Gossip Girl a few years back. Catch the show’s return on June 2.

It’s been a good news week for Major Crimes fans. Though originally only 15 episodes were ordered for the upcoming season three, TNT has requested four additional episodes to match last season’s length. This season starts with Oscar-nominated Mary McDonnell’s take over of the LAPD’s Major Crimes Division, and a new lady detective, Amy a.k.a. Kearran Giovanni joins the cast. Series fans will know that Major Crimes originated as a spinoff of The Closer, now rumors are  circulating about a possible second spinoff to follow season three. Look for it June 9 on TNT.

Booting up for it’s fourth season, USA’s lawyer drama, Suits is getting ready for just that: drama. Main characters are said to be going head to head, and Meghan Markle, Sarah Rafferty, and Gina Torres are forever show stopping actresses. One of cable’s highest rated series, Suits returns to USA on June 11.

We’re already popping the popcorn in anticipation. What shows are you most excited about?

Photos courtesy of Netflix & CBS