The season seven finalists on 'Food Network Star' are used to competition, but they got a bit of a twist Friday on 'Rachael Ray' (weekdays, syndicated), when they had to cook for a live audience. The audience also got to ask questions, forcing the contestants to keep their composure and address the camera while cooking and thinking on their feet.

"We want them to be entertaining, we want them to teach us something," said judge Bobby Flay. "And I think that, Rachael, adding the idea that the audience can actually ask questions, it almost makes it like a live demonstration at a food festival."

As I started putting this list together it occurred to me, "Holy crap, there is a lot of good TV this summer." The summer used to be the time when my VCRs cooled their worn out heads after nine months of hard work. And now I find myself needing the Tivo and the DVR to keep up with everything. That's progress!