'Twas the week before Christmas, and on the small screen, TV options appeared few and far between; The DVR’s ready to record some new shows, And provide a distraction from winter woes.  

If Sunday’s Emmy Awards were any indication, Homeland (10 p.m. Sunday, Showtime) should be at the top of any savvy channel surfer’s watchlist. The political thriller nabbed awards in the drama category for outstanding series, writing, lead actor (Damian Lewis) and lead actress (Claire Danes) — just in time for this week’s second season premiere.  

Louis C.K.’s dark comedy offers serious commentary on show business, parenting and life’s unexplainable quirks, making Louie more than just a sitcom about the fictionalized life of a foul-mouthed comedian.  

The 1920s is an era romanticized and glorified, often by individuals who weren’t even alive at the time. Boardwalk Empire takes what we love about the ’20s, backed with historically based events and characters, and serves it up with whole a lot of darkness.  

Let’s face it: The majority of shows on TV can be considered “guilty pleasures” at best. Just based on the sheer ratio of churned-out, crappy television to quality programming, the Kardashians and gypsies far outnumber the Drapers and Game of Thrones. But there’s nothing wrong with a little indulgence, right?  

As summer winds down, students head back to school, football fans flex their tailgating muscles, fashionistas break out new wardrobes and TV people prepare for the return of fall favorites. Here’s a peek at what’s to come this season.  

When IFC took on Bullet in the Face (10 p.m. Thursday and Friday), the network embraced the campy side of action favorites to present an explosive, comedic television event.  

“You’re either in, or you’re out.” In addition to cranking out catchphrases, Heidi Klum has kept her infectious runway reality show going for nearly a decade. Project Runway pits designers against each other as they create ensembles to be shown on the catwalk and judged by big names in fashion.   

When one of the guys behind Mr. Show and Between Two Ferns creates a podcast-turned-television series, you can’t expect a modern day Johnny Carson. Scott Auckerman's Comedy Bang! Bang! playfully spoofs the conventional talk show format, featuring interviews, shorts and skits  

Ever since the days of Stick Stickly (Nickelodeon’s popsicle stick seasonal host of the ’90s), I’ve loved me some summer television. When you get burnt out on bikinis and barbeques, crank up the AC, crack open a beer and check out these summer shows.