Summer is usually a period where television winds down (especially in the US) and big blockbuster films takeover at the multiplex. However, I have compiled a list of some TV treats headed to UK screens this month, which may have you avoiding all that sunlight*...
Derren Brown's Trick Or Treat (Fri 2 May, Channel 4) Second series of the popular illusionist's magical series, where ordinary people have pleasant or frightening mind-games and tricks played on them.
Peep Show (Fri 2 May, Channel 4) Fifth series of the award-winning sitcom about two dysfunctional flatmates. Mark has to work alongside his estranged new wife, as Jez's financial nest egg dries up. Starring David Mitchell, Robert Webb, Paterson Joseph and Olivia Coleman.
The Flood (Mon 5 May, ITV1) Drama imagining the after-effects of a tidal wave breaching the Thames barrier and flooding London. Starring Robert Carlyle, Tom Courtenay, Jessalyn Gilsig, Nigel Planer and David Suchet.
The Colbert Report (Tue 6 May, FX) US satirical news magazine, presented by comedian Stephen Colbert in the guise of a right-wing anchorman.
Gordon Ramsay's F Word (Thu 8 May, Channel 4) Fourth series of the food entertainment programme presented by Gordon Ramsay, featuring celebrity guests and culinary challenges.
Midnight Man (Thu 8 May, ITV1) Three-part thriller starring James Nesbitt as a journalist who finds evidence of an international conspiracy after rifling through bins for celebrity gossip. Co-stars Catherine McCormack, Zara Turner & Rupert Graves.
Gladiators (Sun 11 May, Sky One) Revival of the popular 90s gameshow, presented by Kirsty Gallacher and Ian Wright, where people compete against a dozen lycra-clad Gladiators in various physical games.
Tin Man (Sun 11 May, Sci-Fi Channel) Sci-fi flavoured re-imagining of the classic Wizard Of Oz story following a waitress called D.G's journey to the Outer Zone. Starring Zooey Deschanel, Alan Cumming & Kathleen Robertson.
An Audience Without Jeremy Beadle (Fri 16 May, ITV1) A one-off special celebrating the late-entertainer's career as presenter of shows like Game For A Laugh, Beadle's About and You've Been Framed. Hosted by Chris Tarrant and featuring clips of Jeremy Beadle's most celebrated wind-ups and practical jokes.
Bring Back Star Wars (May, Channel 4) Comedian Justin Lee Collins tries to organize a reunion of the actors who appeared in the original Star Wars trilogy; including Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher.
In The Shadow Of The Moon (May, Channel 4) Premiere of the 2006 British documentary looking at the NASA space program -- specifically the 12 astronauts who walked on the moon between 1969 and 1972.
Six Degrees (May, ITV1) Short-lived US drama series from the production company behind Lost, focusing on six New Yorkers whose lives interlink in surprising ways. Starring Jay Hernandez, Bridget Moynahan, Hope Davis, Campbell Scott, Dorian Missick & Erika Christensen.
* I hope I haven't jinxed the weather now.
