The summer on network TV tends to be dismal viewing.

Now, I’m not talking about cable networks, who have figured out ways to gain audiences when placing some of the best programs available when the networks are outside of its main fall and spring seasons. On Tuesday, I’ll outline some of the best offerings that will be starting up this summer.

Today, I offer this list of some of the better options from the likes of NBC, CBS, ABC and Fox. The summer is known for a place for networks to throw specials, some shows executives think can find a small following and mostly crap they don’t really care about. People are traditionally active in the summer, meaning they spend less time watching programs – and in turn advertisements – during this time.

In the days before large cable station viewing, networks would simply put reruns and pilots of shows they ordered in case they needed a mid-season replacement. Now, they put reality programs and shows with low production costs to fill the time.

Brian Kramp and I talk about summer shows in his latest podcast. Hear the Kramp Cast here.

Top New Summer Shows (from the over-the-air networks):

"Save Me" – NBC

This new Anne Heche vehicle first hit the small screen on Thursday last week, the first day outside of the May sweeps period. In the show, Heche’s character almost chokes to death. The experience makes her a modern-day angel among us.

"Under the Dome" – CBS

While not common on American TV, the one-season-only event has a complete story arc … there’s no uncertainty if it will get picked up for another season. "Under the Dome" is different than a miniseries too, it won’t run for a number of consecutive nights.

Based on the 2009 book by Stephen King, the story is about the residents of Chester’s Mill, Maine, who are trapped by a clear barrier. King is on as an executive producer and the one who is leading the production is Brian K. Vaughan, known for his work on major comic books "Runaways," "Dr. Strange" and "Saga." The show starts on June 24.

"Mistresses" – ABC

Don’t know much officially about the show, except we can guess it will have to do about the life and loves of women who are the other women in some relationships. The big guess is ABC is chasing after the audience that will miss watching "Revenge" and the late "Desperate Housewives."

Of note, that lovers of the 80s may like to check out Alyssa Milano of "Who’s the Boss" and "Charmed" fame in her latest project. "Mistresses" premiers on June 3.

"Camp" – NBC

Aimed at the younger 18-34 demographic, the creators of "Friday Night Lights" and "Gossip Girl" bring you a coming of age story that takes place at a summer camp. Rachel Griffiths and Tom Green star in the show that starts on July 10.

"Goodwin Games" – Fox

Comic T.J. Miller plays the lead in a new show from the creators of "How I Met Your Mother." Becki Newton and Scott Foley play Miller’s siblings in the single-camera show, where the characters were brought back together after the death of their father. Apparently there are some interesting conditions for the three to collect a huge inheritance.