'True Detective' and other shows to watch this summer

(CNN)Summer TV isn't what it used to be.

It's better.

A generation ago, summer was when the Big Three broadcast networks -- and that was where the vast majority of viewers got their TV -- ran reruns, burned off pilots and filled in gaps with movies.

As recently as 10 years ago, summer was better known for its reality and competition shows -- some rather bizarre.

But as competition has increased among networks -- uh, programming providers -- so have the choices.

This summer has some intriguing series, from the second season of "True Detective" (on HBO, which -- like CNN -- is a unit of Time Warner) to "Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp," a sort-of prequel to the 2001 movie that's being streamed on Netflix.

Given that summer, to the entertainment world, started sometime in May, some shows are already well into their runs. "Halt and Catch Fire" began its second season on May 31. The third season of "Orange Is the New Black" was released by Netflix on June 12.

Of course, what's great about summer is that it usually provides plenty of time to catch up. But get going! There's plenty to see and only so many hours to see it.

And if you want to watch "Jake and the Fatman" reruns, there's always YouTube

.

CNN's Brandon Griggs and Henry Hanks contributed to this story.