Now in its sixth season, Southern-fried vampire drama True Blood (9 p.m. Sundays, HBO) has truly “turned.” What started as a somewhat realistic take on the genre, suspenseful and sexy with a wink of camp, is now a full-blown supernatural soap opera. Gone are those moments of, “Oh yeah, that’s exactly what it would be like if synthetic blood allowed for vampires to assimilate into human culture.” (Don’t judge!)
There are vampires, sure, plus werewolves, fairies, werepanthers, shapeshifters and skinwalkers. An ancient, mysterious bloodsucker responsible for the death of protagonist Sookie Stackhouse’s parents is on the prowl for his victims’ fairy kin. Oh, and Bill Compton, the gentleman of a vamp who was at one time engaged to Sook, got super religious last season and has transformed — or at least he believes he has transformed — into the reincarnation of vampire god, Lilith. All hail Billith?
With the vampire governing body, The Authority, in shambles and TruBlood factories destroyed, both vamps and humans are in fear for their lives, making all-out war inevitable. It’s a far cry from the small-town murder spree of Season One, but fans who are hooked will continue to see what writers will pull out of their bag of tricks, especially now that showrunner Alan Ball has left the series. Stephen Moyer (Bill) directs the season premiere.
WEDNESDAY JUNE 12
The Real World: Portland (Season Finale, 10 p.m., MTV) – The Battle Royale continues (remember the good ole days when a physical altercation would get a roommate kicked off the show?) and the gang moves out of their loft. Stick around for the reunion at 11 p.m. — or don’t. Good riddance.
Spike Guys Choice 2013 (9 p.m., Spike) – Just like Dr Pepper Ten, it’s not for women! Awards include “Guycon,” “Most Manticipated Movie of the Year,” “Jean-Claude Gahd Dam” and “Our New Girlfriend.” The Lonely Island performs.
THURSDAY JUNE 13
Intervention (Season Premiere, 9 p.m., A&E) – In this final season opener, a mother struggles with her addiction to heroin.
Hannibal (10 p.m., NBC) – Will believes the copycat killer is still at large, but his worsening hallucinations put his judgment into question. Hannibal leads Jack to believe Will may be capable of what he’s feared all along.
Showville (10 p.m., AMC) – OK, nothing groundbreaking in this local talent showcase series, but it’s worth noting how kind and encouraging the judges are to the contestants, as opposed to the mocking, rude nature of most reality competitions. This week, Showville makes a stop in Athens, Ohio.
Small Town Security (11 p.m., AMC) – Brian plans a boys’ outing while Crista hangs back with the chief.
FRIDAY JUNE 14
Magic City (Season Premiere, 9 p.m., Starz) – The second season premiere opens with Ike facing murder charges. While trying to raise money to post bail, his family uncovers Ike’s silent partners. Worried Ike will crack under pressure, Ben comes to his aid.
Maron (10 p.m., IFC) – A fan sends Marc explicit photos and invites him to a comedy festival with a side of casual sex. Marc, who’s in AA, forces the two through the six stages of a relationship in one weekend.
SUNDAY JUNE 16
Mad Men (10 p.m., AMC) – Alas, the Bob Benson mystery is solved: He isn’t a secret journalist, CIA spy or Don Draper’s long lost son (at least, we don’t think) — he was just gay for Pete Campbell all along. Does that mean we can bring Sal Romano back? This week, the partners clash when planning a new ad campaign; Don takes a much-needed day off.
Veep (10 p.m., HBO) – Selina continues her plans to run for president in six years; her rivalry with Chung has Dan playing both sides but, surprisingly, Amy might have the same plan.
MONDAY JUNE 17
Love, Marilyn (9 p.m., HBO) – She may have passed away more than 50 years ago, but we just can’t seem to get enough of the legendary starlet. This documentary offers a look at her personal life via rarely seen photographs, diaries, letters and recordings, plus interviews and reenactments featuring Ben Foster, Elizabeth Banks, Adrien Brody, Paul Giamatti and others.
TUESDAY JUNE 18
Inside Amy Schumer (10 p.m., Comedy Central) – Amy “roasts” a child, catches her unfaithful boyfriend and battles an addiction.
CONTACT JAC KERN: [email protected] or @jackern