At last some good news to speak of when talking about Ten.

In releasing their plans for the summer the good news is that we won’t have to wait until 2013 to see how Homeland plays out – it’s continuing over the break, as is Merlin and a bunch of other programming. The launching of American Idol & The Wedding Band (the latter a deliciously enjoyable find I consumed while recently in Canada) while changing the timeslot for The Project – AGAIN – and returning The Simpsons also indicates they want to try to rebuild their audience while there isn’t too much else on. (Said in your best Mr Burns voice while tapping your fingers together) Ehhhhhxcellent.

Just be prepared for all the promos telling you that “things are hotting up on Ten this Summer…”. From the press release:

Network Ten will boast award-winning comedy, live sport and brand new drama in a sizzling Summer of entertainment.

From Monday, December 3, everyone’s favourite family The Simpsons will move to their new home of 6pm on TEN, seven nights a week. With its subversive humour and delightful wit, the longest running scripted prime-time show in American television history has made an indelible imprint on pop culture, and Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie have become generational icons.

The Project will also move to its new home of 6.30pm weeknights. With Dave taking a Summer break, Carrie, Charlie, Lehmo and a collection of special guests will continue to bring viewers an hour of the latest news and stories from around the country and the world.

Emmy Award-winning drama series Homeland will continue at 8.30pm on Sunday nights, with brand new fast-tracked episodes, and everybody’s favourite wizard Merlin will continue his adventures in Camelot.

The most anticipated show of the Summer comes to TEN: the new season of American Idol starring Australian superstar Keith Urban, Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj. Brand new episodes of Burn Notice, Jamie’s 15 Minute Meals, White Collar, The New Normal and Ben and Kate will keep viewers entertained, while Brian Austin Green stars in the new comedy drama Wedding Band.

Popular episodes of Modern Family, Last Man Standing, New Girl, Bondi Vet, Hawaii Five-O, NCIS and NCIS: Los Angeles will return to TEN for Summer. A special Summer series of The Living Room will take a look back at the best bits of 2012 and revisit favourite episodes, boasting the best food, travel and home stories.

TEN’s Saturday night line-up continues with David Attenboroughs Life of Mammals, all-new episodes of Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors and the BAFTA-winning Mr Norton and his hilarious chat show, The Graham Norton Show.