There's almost too much great programming on TV to keep up with. Each Sunday, we suggest whether to watch some of the week's best bets live or let the DVR do its job so you can enjoy shows at your leisure.
SUNDAY, JUNE 22:
World Cup: United States vs. Portugal
When to watch: Do it live! And maybe in a bar.
Dare to care about soccer? Dare to believe in the United States' chances at the World Cup? If you missed Monday’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Ghana, Sunday is your chance to gather your patriotic pals and see if the US men can pull out another big win in the so-called Group of Death. For star Clint Dempsey and Team USA, the opponent this time is Portugal, 4-0 losers to Germany in their opening match. Tune in to see if Portugal’s own stud, Cristiano Ronaldo, is left looking like this again. (Game starts at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN.)
'True Blood'
When to watch: If you're really #TrueToTheEnd, you better watch it live.
The season premiere sounds like it's going to be a doozy, with the fanged action picking up right up with the Hep-V-infected vampire horde attack from last year's finale. Executive producer Brian Bucker told TV Guide that "nobody is safe" in the show's final season. Let's just hope that if "True Blood" kills off any favorites this year, that the deaths will move the story toward a satisfying ending rather than just doing it for the shock value. (RIP, Terry Bellefleur.) (Airs 9 p.m. on HBO.)
'Drop Dead Diva'
When to watch: DVR it so you have time to stock up on tissues.
We're still hoping Lifetime will hit the "return" key again on this revived-from-the-dead show just one more time, but it looks like "Diva" doesn't have its own Guardian Angel Fred. We just hope that Jane (aka Deb) will get her happily-ever-after with Ian (aka Grayson) when the show signs off for good. Judging from the teaser, a joyous ending may be too much to hope for, as Jane and former love/current boss Owen duke it out over her not-exactly-new romance with Ian. (Airs 9 p.m. on Lifetime.)
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25
'Big Brother'
When to watch: Live in the moment!
CBS is touting this as the "most twisted season ever," though we gotta wonder if it can really be more jaw-dropping than the use of racist, homophobic and sexist remarks throughout last season. The network is making a few changes to the game in this week's premiere. For starters, there won't be a Head of Household anymore, but there will be two HOHs, and earning the big suite in the house won't guarantee players immunity either. The second tweak? Fans will have the chance to influence the game. (Airs at 8 p.m. on CBS.)
THURSDAY, June 26
World Cup: United States vs. Germany
When to watch: C'mon. Don't make us repeat ourselves.
That thing we said about gathering your patriotic pals? Well, that'll be tougher for this midday game. So instead, gather your co-workers and beg the boss to allow a TV and a keg in the office. Or, you know, call in sick. Soccer fever's a real thing, right? (Airs 3 p.m. ET on ESPN.)