In general, I treat summer shows differently than fall shows.

When I look at my summer favorites, they’re essentially lighter, more fun and loads more enjoyable than much of the network drivel that clogs the airwaves in the fall.

Sure, most summer shows aren’t going to win awards in the grand scheme of things, but I’d still rather watch ‘Psych’ than ‘The Bachelorette’ any day of the week.

In other words, summer shows may be light on the psychodrama, but they’re heavy on the laughs.

The newest entry into the cable summer fun melee is USA’s ‘Common Law.’

The show is actually airing its third episode Friday (June 1) – but I didn’t catch up with it until Memorial Day weekend.

I’m honestly sorry I waited.

There’s nothing new about bickering police partners. We’ve seen it in everything from ‘Lethal Weapon’ to the ‘X-Files.’ That doesn’t mean ‘Common Law’ isn’t entertaining.

Essentially, the show is about Wes (Warren Kole) and Travis (Michael Ealy). They’re longtime partners who have been forced into couple’s therapy by their boss because one of the men pulled a gun on the other.

Their therapist is played by the always appealing Sonya Walger (‘Lost’) – who plays into the narrative between the men more than one would initially think.

Both Wes and Travis have established back stories.

Wes is divorced (but friendly with his ex) because he had a job as a high-powered attorney which he quit to become a cop. He’s also anal retentive, a neat freak and often at wits end with the eccentric Travis.

Travis is a child of the foster care system. He was shuffled from home to home over the years, and he has a support system that consists of a variety of different mothers and fathers. He’s also a man whore that has slept with just about everyone in the office – which makes life difficult for him and his partner.

Both men have their demons – mind you – it’s not all fun and games.

They also have a healthy competitive streak with one another.

It’s too early to tell if ‘Common Law’ will join the truly great summer series like ‘Psych,’ ‘Burn Notice’ and ‘White Collar’ – but it definitely has laid the groundwork to accomplish just that.

Ealy and Kole are both so charismatic, watching them argue all day would be entertainment in and of itself. Both mysteries the men have solved so far, though, have been entertaining as well.

Anyone looking for something light and fun to engage them this summer should probably check out ‘Common Law.’

It airs Fridays at 10 p.m. on USA.

What do you think? Will ‘Common Law’ become common summer viewing?