While most viewers glaze over at the amount of dreck major networks spew out during the warmer months, fans of USA Network's original series vibrate in anticipation for the return of the favorite programs.

And why not? USA is doing what its big brother NBC hasn't been able to do: create character-driven programs that mix humor with drama, all wrapped up in a nicely written script. Not only do fans have a right to be excited, but the network can crow a bit itself. As it will do in June when two of its most popular shows return.

On Thursday, June 3rd, 'Burn Notice' and 'Royal Pains' return to the schedule with all new episodes. For 'Royal Pains', which debuts at 9PM ET., it will be the sophomore season. At 10PM ET. 'Burn Notice' begins its fourth season, ranking it the second-longest running show behind 'Psych' (not including 'Law & Order: Criminal Intent', which originally ran on NBC).

If 'Burn Notice' keeps adding cast members at the rate it has been doing lately, the cast will be as large as the one on 'Lost.' First we reported that Coby Bell had been added to the cast in a regular role as a spy that comes in contact with Michael Westen and sticks around Miami, and now Michael Ausiello says that the show is also getting a new villain to go up against Michael (Westen, not Ausiello).

Robert Wisdom is joining the cast as bad guy Vaughn, described as "a veteran spy handler" and "ruthless." If the name sounds familiar to you it's because Wisdom has had roles in 'The Wire,' 'Supernatural,' and 'Prison Break.'

Some people aren't happy when new cast members come on their favorite show, because it messes up the dynamic. But the core of 'Burn Notice' is still Michael, Sam, Fiona, and Madeline and I don't think new story arcs will affect that.

'Brotherhood's' Jason Clarke will star in Shawn Ryan's ('The Shield') new cop drama 'Ride-Along.' He'll play larger-than-life Detective Jarek Wysocki in the Chicago-based series, about a man who tries to clean up the city's violence and corruption. 'Ride-Along' will air on Fox, with a premiere date to be determined. [Hollywood Reporter]

More casting news after the jump.

(S03E13) "You know, you're the first person to ever break out of Sona." - Gretchen

This was a great episode. Really solid and enjoyable. However, you can see why it was originally meant to be the mid-season finale and not a season ender. There are just simply too many questions left hanging and, for lack of a better way to put it, it just doesn't feel right. Fans of Prison Break, you know what I mean. As far as finales go, this wasn't satisfying. While it left me yearning for more, I'm equally annoyed. Plenty of other shows are coming back with four or five new episodes starting in about a month, so why not Prison Break? What really worries me? No word on any sort of renewal from FOX. This very well could be the last we'll see of Michael and Lincoln.

(S03E12) "Screw you Mahone." - Lincoln

Is it just me, or was it relatively easy to break out of Sona? When compared to Fox River, it was cake! No tattoos required -- just dig a hole and run. And before you say, "but what about all those guards with guns," look at it this way: they're what made it easy! And Michael used it to his advantage. He gave them something to occupy their time (allowing Lechero, T-Bag, and Bellick to go first and get caught) and then he, Whistler, Mahone, and McGrady pretty much just walked through the hole in the fence. So, with that in mind... remind me again why The Company had to use Michael to get to Whistler?

(S03E11) "Welcome to the coal mine, canary." - T-Bag

And the escape is on! I honestly can't say why I like this season of Prison Break so much. It's far from being the edgy show that it was during its first season and at the same time it's miles ahead of last season's manhunt mess. Maybe it's simply due to the fact that there literally isn't much else on TV right now and as a result, it's good by default. But after tonight's episode, I'm leaning more towards the unpredictability factor.

(S03E10) "If he doesn't take you, I will." - Lincoln

Well isn't that special. Lincoln's got a crush on Sofia. Not like we didn't see that coming. All that's missing now is the clichéd scene where something stressful happens, they lock eyes, and start sucking face amidst all the chaos of planning an inmate bust. You know it's coming. Here's the real question though: what are the chances of finding a gift shop that sells Eiffel Tower keyrings in Panama City?!?

(S03E09) "Let's see if he has the tattoo to get out of that one." - T-Bag

Prison Break may not be the best thing on TV at this point, but hey - at least it's new. It's been over two months since the mid-season finale and I was a little sketchy on what had happened previously, but this was never a show that required much thinking. Once the action started, it was easy to figure out what everyone was up to. You know... breaking out of prison.
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(S03E08) "Take them all out." - Gretchen

The writer's strike hits again. We were supposed to get five more episodes before this season's fall finale. Instead we got a plain ol' ending comparable to any regular episode of Prison Break. Certainly not what I would have expected based on this show's history. It's not a bad thing, just disappointing. I understand the need to stockpile and space out the dwindling supply of new episodes, but it's unfortunate that it results in segmenting seasons in such sloppy fashion. Enough with the complaining though. The writer's strike is happening and we knew what to expect. If you can look beyond that, this episode really was quite good. It left us with plenty of questions to ponder as we wait for Prison Break to return in January.

Back when I used to review Prison Break, I was pretty harsh on the show. In fact, I simply stopped being the reviewer for the show and passed the torch onto someone who more appreciated it for what it was. As we approached the second season finale, I was pretty sure I was going to wash my hands of the show after the finale. Once the finale aired, however, I had a bit of renewed interest.

If you were lucky enough to catch the short preview of the new season last month, you can get a sense of what we're in store for.