We could go on for days about our love of Dance Moms, or about how much we've enjoyed this sexed-up season of True Blood, but we expect to be entertained by reality TV trash and our favorite returning shows . What really surprised us this summer was just how many new scripted programs kept us genuinely enthralled -- a pleasant change from the years when all we had to watch in between trips to the pool and barbecues was the likes of Swingtown. And bonus points to ABC Family for really upping their game as a network in recent months. Here's what made it a summer to remember:

They've got the beat?

Our prayers have been answered. After Chelsea Handler proved to be absolutely terrible at last year's Video Music Awards, MTV has decided to ditch tradition and have no host at Sunday night's award ceremony. There are plenty of other shows that we wish would follow this example, as well as a few we hope never try to be as ahem edgy as MTV.

So a coach and a long-haired hippie walk onto a reality show...

Move over Lady Gaga -- the big name at this year's VMA's is Katniss Everdeen.

If I had only two hours left to live, I would spend it watching last night's episode because it just would. not. end. Thanks to all of the unbearable moments below, I'm wondering if it's possible to have permanent douche chills.

The NCIS crews are in the hizzouse!

Well, that was a bummer. It's one thing to celebrate truly talented finalists and not eliminate anyone for say, a week (Top Chef All-Stars did it effectively), but to have two winners and two half-winners is just... I don't know, un-American. Un-entertaining. Un-freaking-fair for Hannah. And since it looks like there's probably going to be another season of The Glee Project, we're devoting the last of our energy for this show on coming up with ways to make it better next time around.

And then there were 16...

This year's Video Music Awards are getting Gaga-fied.