Summer premieres a full slate of new shows

WEDNESDAY. JULY 11: It may be summer, but there are no doldrums in cable.

Here is a short selection of what’s new this month:

HDNET becomes AXS TV: Now with more live concerts, HDNET has been re-vamped and re-named as part of deal that the network made with, among others, Ryan Seacrest Media. Now called AXS TV, the high-definition programming pioneer has kept HDNET’s most popular programming — notably, “Dan Rather Reports,” and mixed-martial arts telecasts — but now features “exclusive behind-the-scenes access to live concerts and music festivals, red carpet premieres, award shows, parties, pop culture events, and in-depth interviews,” and even more mixed martial arts.  For more, visit: www.AXS.tv.

Beverly Hills Nannies — Series Premiere, Wednesday, July 11 at 10pm on ABC Family:

This new reality series follows the lives of a group of nannies who make their living in the richest zip code in America. Be aware that it is a tough and often surreal kind of interview if you are looking for the job! Demanding celebrities will have you ironing the baby’s designer clothes, taking the kids to play dates on Rodeo Drive, and arguing with personal chefs about how the filet mignon is to be cooked. Among those you will meet in this docu-series are Lucy Treadway, who was the top choice for Brooke Mueller and Charlie Sheen as their live-in weekend nanny until Mueller saw her photo and responded – “Please only send me old nannies.” Then there is Justin Sylvester, of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, a former “babysitter AND Ladysitter” for Kyle Richards, Umansky, one of the “Housewives of Beverly Hills” and the aunt of Paris Hilton. The five nannies are an eclectic bunch, and two are male.

Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d’Arabian — Sundays at 11am on Food Network:

She’s back for a third season. Melissa was catapulted to fame when she won Season 5 of “The Next Food Network Star.” Her grand prize was her own show, Ten Dollar Dinners, and she has made it a hit. In addition to keeping her promise for every episode (“four people, ten dollars, infinite possibilities”), Melissa will load you up with tips for saving time and money in the kitchen.  She’ll show you everything from French to Moroccan menus, as well as new twists on chicken and pork. The web site is loaded with menus, a great way to save: www.foodnetwork.com/melissa-darabian/index.html.

Hard Core Pawn — 10pm Tuesdays (season premiere was July 10), on truTV:

If you like the idea of a difficult and dangerous business, why not open a pawn shop in downtown Detroit, Michigan, a city with one of the worst crime rates in America. Or maybe you are a member of the Gold family, owners of just such an establishment. Dad is a third-generation pawnbroker and has been at this shop for 40 years. During this time, he has bought and sold some of the most unimaginable items you can think of. With 50,000 square feet of merchandise and 45 employees, this family-run operation requires a combination of street smarts and sheer expertise. It’s a fascinating, weird and edgy life.

Africa Sound Stage — Fridays at 11pm on The Africa Channel:

Enjoy Friday nights more than ever with live performances by some of Africa’s greatest musicians, unplugged.

Studio 53 — Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 7pm and 7.30 pm on the Africa Channel:

Now you can catch back-to-back episodes of this unique show focusing on African lifestyle, culture, travel and trendsetters.

NFL AM — debuts July 30 at 7am on NFL Network:

Fans of U.S. football can soon start their day with it. NFL Network just announced the launch of this new live, four-hour morning programme timed to coincide with the opening of team training camps. The show will go in-depth on NFL topics as each team prepares for the 2012 season. “NFL AM” features a roster of well-known personalities including Fox Sports’ Mark Kriegel, Fox Sports Digital’s Brian Webber, Comcast SportsNet New England’s Nicole Zaloumis, and former San Francisco 49ers cornerback Eric Davis.