TV Goodness Reports: Lucy Liu Directs Graceland, Baller Trailer, Texas Rising Ratings 

NEWS: Lucy Liu to direct an episode of USA Network’s Graceland

Elementary‘s Lucy Liu will spend part of her summer working behind the scenes.

Liu’s set to direct an episode of USA Network’s Graceland. The actress considers herself a fan of the intense thriller that stars Daniel Sunjata, Aaron Tveit and Vanessa Ferlito. “Graceland is a truly gripping drama series with strong, dynamic characters and a knack for shedding light on the ‘human element’ of some very provocative storylines,” said Liu. “As a fan of the series since its launch, I am so excited to be a part of this production and direct an episode for season three.”

Her previous experience includes directing a short film as well as two episodes of Elementary. She’ll be back fighting crime in front of the camera as Joan Watson to Jonny Lee Miller’s Sherlock Holmes in November. CBS recently renewed the series for a fourth season.

As for Graceland, Liu’s episode airs Thursday, Aug. 27. The third season hits USA Network June 25 at 10/9c. Here’s a look at what to expect:

TEASE: HBO releases a new trailer for its upcoming series, Ballers

It’s going to be a long summer without the NFL. Thankfully, HBO is helping out with the lack of tackling and touchdowns with a new series called Ballers. Dwayne Johnson stars. Today the premium channel released a new trailer.

Synopsis for Ballers: Spencer is a retired football superstar who is trying to reinvent himself as a financial manager for current players in sunsoaked Miami. His inner circle includes Ricky, a talented but volatile wide receiver who seeks to balance his off-field antics with his passion for the game; Charles, a reluctantly retired lineman who’s finding it hard to adjust to civilian life; and Vernon, a player with a rookie contract, whose promise never to forget “where he came from” brings scores of hangers-on into his life, and lands him in big financial trouble. Though they’re pros when it comes to playing the game, each one has a harder time navigating life off the field.

Ballers premieres Sunday, June 21 at 10/9c on HBO.

RATINGS: Texas Rising earns big ratings for HISTORY

Earlier this week, the first part of HISTORY’s Texas Rising started off huge, snagging 4.1 million viewers. According to the channel, it’s “the second highest premiere for a new cable launch in 2015 to date in total viewers.”

The 10-hour event series focuses on the Texas Revolution and the rise of the legendary group, the Texas Rangers. The all-star cast includes Bill Paxton, Brendan Fraser, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Ray Liotta. Our TV Goodness preview is here.

Official Texas Rising Synopsis: The Alamo was not the end of the story, it was only the beginning, and Texas Rising details what followed in the fight for an independent Texas.  In 1836, west of the Mississippi was considered the Wild West and the Texas frontier was viewed as hell on earth.  With colliding cultures all fighting for stakes to this territory, no one was safe. But this was a time of bravery, a time to die for what you believed in and a time to stand tall against the fierce Mexican General Santa Anna and his forces.  General Sam Houston, the rag tag Rangers and the legendary “Yellow Rose of Texas,” lead this story of the human will to fight for independence despite nearly insurmountable odds and to claim a piece of history for all eternity.

Part 2 has already aired — here’s the schedule for the remaining six hours of Texas Rising on HISTORY:

• Monday, June 1 at 9PM ET/PT
• Monday, June 8 at 9PM ET/PT
• Monday, June 15 at 9PM ET/PT

TUNED IN TV: Images and Clips from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on HBO

This weekend, HBO unloads the 2015 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on the masses. The supremely worthy inductees:

• Joan Jett and The Blackhearts
• The Paul Butterfield Blues Band
• Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble
• Green Day
• The “5” Royales
• Lou Reed
• Bill Withers
• Ringo Starr

PHOTOS

CLIPS

The 2015 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony airs Saturday, May 30 at 8/7c.