CLARK: Hello, sunshine television

It's that time of year again.

A slew of TV shows — dramas, comedies and, yes, reality programming — have signed off; some for the season, several forever.

But, thanks to cable gold, a new, if small, set is starting up. Actually, some shows already have.

A few can't get started soon enough for this avid TV viewer.

So very happy that "Burn Notice" is back in action. Am a sucker for "The Next Food Network Star" (I know, weird, but darn entertaining). It seems like about 10 years since the last season of "Rescue Me" ended.

And then there are the two crown jewels of the summer TV season: "Top Chef" and "Mad Men" — shows that could not be more different, but make me equally excited to see return.

Here's a rundown on the hottest shows this side of September:

• "Burn Notice" — This delicious slice of spy pie already started its new season Thursday night. J'adore Michael, Fiona and Sam and their undercover exploits as Michael tries to find out why he's been tossed from the secret-agent ranks. Meanwhile, he makes a living helping the good folks of Florida beat the bad guys. Thursdays on USA.

• The Next Food Network Star — Who really cares who the next Bobby Flay or Paula Deen is, right? Really, not that big of a deal. But there's something fun about watching a group of foodies compete by cooking up their best dishes while simultaneously trying to ham it up for the cameras each week. Fun, goofy, mindless summer viewing. Debuts Sunday on Food Network

• "Last Comic Standing" — Sunday also marks the return of the funny makers as new host Craig Robinson ("The Office") helps find the new best comedian in America. Viewers decide who wins the title and a $250,000 prize. I just love stand-up comedy, so I just love this show. Debuts Monday, then airs Sundays on NBC.

• "Design Star" — Speaking of fun, goofy, mindless summer viewing and vying for top prizes, this show is the interior-design version of the above "Food Network Star" competition/reality fare. The show pits 12 designers competing for their own TV series. See if stripes go with plaid and what the next hot color in dining rooms will be. Debuts June 13 on HGTV.

• "Top Chef" — Oh, how I've missed "Top Chef." Yes, the folks over at the Bravo network helped us bide our time with the increasingly satisfying "Top Chef Masters," but nothing — nothing — compares to the best darn competition/ reality show on television.

And, yes, I'm talking to you, "Amazing Race."

This season, the chefs are doing battle in Washington, D.C. And Eric Ripert — he the tall, handsome, French, master chef/restaurateur who has guest judged on past episodes — joins the regular judging cast.

Oui oui.

Debuts June 16 on Bravo.

• "Rescue Me" — Can you say "finally"? Good grief, how long has it been since the last season? It's a good thing this show from Denis Leary is so darn fantastic, with its equal parts drama and comedy. It's undoubtedly the most mentally taxing of my summer viewing, given its sometimes very dark themes. Despite the long stretches in between, this show is a keeper. Returns (did I mention finally?)

June 29 on FX.

• "Mad Men" — When last we saw the best of the boys from the Sterling Cooper advertising agency, they were branching out on their own to start a new firm. Meanwhile, Don's marriage had disintegrated, as did the mental state of his wife, Betty. Truly, as much as I love the shows mentioned above, this one just might be, with due respect to "Damages," the best darn show on television. Here's hoping season four will keep the streak going. Returns July 25 on AMC.

There's a handful of other shows returning for the summer that I might make some room for this year.

• I tuned in to "Psyche" a couple of seasons ago, but left it after the DVR complained of bloating. Maybe we'll see how the DVR feels when the peppy little whodunit with a psychic twist returns

July 14 on USA.

• Since it's a cooking competition that even has a one-time Modestan vying this season (see Page E-16 for more), "Hell's Kitchen" should be a perfect fit. But I'm kind of afraid of Gordon Ramsey and have never tuned in. Maybe this is the year? Tuesdays on Fox.

• "The Good Guys" is a new action-comedy starring Bradley Whitford and Colin Hanks. I like those guys and I like it when old-school meets modern-day, this time in a detective series. Premières June 7 on Fox.

A TV postscript: It was sort of unclear if TNT had cancelled "Men of a Certain Age," a fairly addictive show about middle-age guys and their middle-age travails. According to the TNT Web site, the show — staring Andre Braugher, Ray Romano and Scott Bakula — is set to return this fall. Good thing, that.

Reach Scene editor Pat Clark at pclark@modbee.com.