Welcome to the month of May, which songs and poems tells us is primarily responsible for bringing forth darling buds and spring flowers.

Not a single epigram or aphorism mentions May Sweeps, when May pulls the curtain on the TV season that was, bringing many good things -- and plenty of crap things -- to an end.

Over the next 30 days or so, over 60 shows will say goodbye and leave the airwaves for an extended summer vacation, while others are saying a permanent goodbye. Once they go, TV will leave us with nothing but a smattering of viewing options. Faced with such a dearth -- especially once the hockey post-season is over -- my upstairs neighbors usually cancel their satellite subscription for the summer. Ay yai yai! This is crazy talk! I happen to share that satellite subscription with them and I now have to convince them that it's worth continuing to split the bill for the delight of a few summer series.

But look at what I have to work with:

ABC has released the schedule for its sugary summer fare -- 'The Bachelorette,' 'True Beauty' and 'Wipeout' -- while NBC announced premiere dates for its own summer stand-bys: 'America's Got Talent' and 'Last Comic Standing.'

Ali Fedotowsky, the one-time frontrunner on the last 'Bachelor,' will now have the upper hand on finding love on 'The Bachelorette,' which premieres at 9PM ET on Mon., May 24 after the final performance show of 'Dancing with the Stars.' (More on the 'Bachelorette' announcement here.) On May 31, the program will move to 8PM and again serve as lead-in to 'True Beauty,' which kicks off at 10PM ET.

There weren't a lot of surprises at NBC's "In Front" presentation this morning. As already leaked, Parks & Recreation, Heroes, and Southland have been renewed, joining the already announced 30 Rock, The Office, The Celebrity Apprentice, Friday Night Lights, The Biggest Loser and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

There's still no word on Law & Order's bid for a 20th season, nor did they clarify the fate of Chuck, though insiders feel confident both will be back. Back on the bubble is Medium, which was leaked as renewed last night, along with My Name Is Earl. Their fates are a bit more murky, especially Earl considering NBC is giving Saturday Night Live's "Weekend Update" a prime-time berth, apparently launching NBC's Thursday night.