SyFy Orders HAVEN To Series

Variety reports today that SyFy has picked up 13 episodes of "Haven", a supernatural thriller series very loosely based on the Stephen King novella "The Colorado Kid". (Which, coincidentally, I read just yesterday, and trust me: It's a completely different story).

The project centers on some cursed townsfolk in Haven, Maine, who live a normal life in exile. When strange things start to happen surrounding those curses, FBI agent Audrey Parker is sent to keep the supernatural forces at bay, and trying to solve the mysteries surrounding Haven.

Studio E1 is producing, with Scott Shepherd being tapped as showrunner. He is also exec producing together with Lloyd Segan and Shawn Piller, all veterans of "The Dead Zone", another series based on a King novel.

Sam Ernst and Jim Dunn will write the pilot.

Ryan Devlin Heads To COUGAR TOWN

Also per the Hollywood Reporter, Ryan Devlin ("Veronica Mars") will be joining ABC comedy "Cougar Town" in recurring capacity.

He is set to play Smith, a new love interest for Laurie (Busy Philipps).

Aunjanue Ellis Joins THE MENTALIST

Hello Folks!

Per the Hollywood Reporter, Aunjanue Ellis has been cast in a heavily recurring role on CBS' "The Mentalist".

She will play the new head of the California Bureau of Investigation, after Virgil Minelli (Gregory Itzin) has resigend following the murders on Bosco and his team. She comes in to restore team spirit and discipline after the horrific incident. Her first appearance is targeted for April.

As for Itzin, he will be seen on "24" again in the upcoming seventh season, reprising his role as former President Charles Logan.

USA Moves WHITE COLLAR To Tuesday, PSYCH To Wednesday, BURN NOTICE Stays On Thursday

Hello Folks!

The Futon Critic reports today that USA has changed its orignial plans for its returning shows in January.

The cable network has moved its freshman drama "White Collar" to Tuesday at 10/9 PM for the back half of its first season, which bows January 19

"Psych", which was paired with Monk on Fridays, will now have a new home on Wednesday at 10/9 PM. The remainder of its fourth season starts January 27.

As for "Burn Notice", that show keeps its current timeslot of Thursday at 10/9 PM. The rest of the current third season launches on January 21.

This means that each of the signature USA dramas now occupies its own night.

Lea Thompson Hops To GREEK

Lea Thompson has been cast in "Greek", to appear in the second half of the show's upcoming 10-episode cylce, EW's Michael Ausiello reports today.

Alongside Jim Abele, Thompson will play Cappie's free-spirited mother, April, with Abele playing his father, Tobias.

FOX Announces Midseason Schedule

FOX has issued a press release detailing its midseason schedule.

It looks like this:

RECAP – FOX 2009-2010 MIDSEASON SCHEDULE
(All times ET/PT except as noted)

MONDAY
Monday, Jan. 4:
7:30 PM-CC ET TOSTITOS FIESTA BOWL (LIVE)

Monday, Jan. 18:
8:00-10:00 PM 24 (2-Night / 4-Hour Season Premiere, Part 2)

Mondays, beginning Jan. 25:
8:00-9:00 PM HOUSE
9:00-10:00 PM 24 (Time Period Premiere)

****************************

TUESDAY
Tuesday, Jan. 5:
7:30 PM-CC ET FEDEX ORANGE BOWL (LIVE)

Tuesday, Jan. 12:
8:00-10:00 PM AMERICAN IDOL (Season Premiere, Part 1)

Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 19:
8:00-9:00 PM AMERICAN IDOL (Time Period Premiere)
9:00-10:00 PM OUR LITTLE GENIUS (Time Period Premiere)

Tuesdays, beginning April 13:
8:00-9:00 PM AMERICAN IDOL
9:00-10:00 PM GLEE (Time Period Premiere)

***************************

WEDNESDAY
Wednesday, Jan. 13:
8:00-9:00 PM AMERICAN IDOL (Season Premiere, Part 2)
9:00-10:00 PM OUR LITTLE GENIUS (Series Premiere)

Wednesdays, beginning Jan. 20:
8:00-9:00 PM AMERICAN IDOL
9:00-10:00 PM HUMAN TARGET (Series Premiere)

***************************

THURSDAY
Thursdays, beginning Jan. 14 (no change to lineup):
8:00-9:00 PM BONES (All-New Episodes)
9:00-10:00 PM FRINGE (All-New Episodes)

Thursday, Feb. 4:
8:00-9:00 PM BONES
9:00-10:00 PM FRINGE (Winter Finale)

Thursday, Feb. 11:
8:00-10:00 PM PAST LIFE (Two-Hour Series Premiere)

Thursdays, beginning Feb. 18:
8:00-9:00 PM BONES
9:00-10:00 PM PAST LIFE (Time Period Premiere)

Thursdays, beginning April 1:
8:00-9:00 PM BONES
9:00-10:00 PM FRINGE (Time Period Premiere)

***************************

FRIDAY
Friday, Jan. 1:
8:00 PM-CC ET ALLSTATE SUGAR BOWL (LIVE)

Fridays, beginning Jan. 8:
8:00-9:00 PM BONES (Encore Episodes)
9:00-10:00 PM DOLLHOUSE (All-New Episodes)

Friday, Jan. 22:
8:00-9:00 PM BONES (Encore Episode)
9:00-10:00 PM DOLLHOUSE (Series Finale)

Fridays, beginning Jan. 29:
8:00-9:00 PM HOUSE (Encore Episodes)
9:00-10:00 PM KITCHEN NIGHTMARES (Season Premiere)

**************************

SATURDAY
Saturdays (no change to lineup):
8:00-8:30 PM COPS
8:30-9:00 PM COPS
9:00-10:00 PM AMERICA’S MOST WANTED
11:00 PM-Midnight THE WANDA SYKES SHOW
Midnight-12:30 AM SIT DOWN, SHUT UP

***************************

SUNDAY
Sunday, Jan. 10:
8:00-8:30 PM THE SIMPSONS (450th Milestone Episode)
8:30-9:30 PM THE SIMPSONS 20TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL: IN 3-D! ON ICE!
9:30-10:00 PM THE CLEVELAND SHOW

Sunday, Jan. 17:
4:00 PM-CC ET NFC DIVISIONAL PLAYOFF (LIVE)
8:00-9:00 PM HUMAN TARGET (Series Preview)
9:00-11:00 PM 24 (2-Night / 4-Hour Season Premiere, Part 1)

Sunday, Jan. 24:
6:00 PM-CC ET NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME (LIVE)

Sundays, beginning Jan. 31 (no change to lineup):
8:00-8:30 PM THE SIMPSONS (All-New Episodes)
8:30-9:00 PM THE CLEVELAND SHOW (All-New Episodes)
9:00-9:30 PM FAMILY GUY (All-New Episodes)
9:30-10:00 PM AMERICAN DAD (All-New Episodes)

Sunday, March 14:
8:00-8:30 PM THE SIMPSONS
8:30-9:00 PM SONS OF TUCSON (Series Premiere)
9:00-9:30 PM FAMILY GUY
9:30-10:00 PM THE CLEVELAND SHOW (Time Period Premiere)

Notes:

LIE TO ME will return to the schedule in the late spring, and ‘TIL DEATH will return to the schedule at a later date.

THE CLEVELAND SHOW takes over the timeslot previously held by AMERICAN DAD, which will return to the schedule at a later date.

THE SIMPSONS milestone 450th episode and THE SIMPSONS 20TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL: IN 3-D! ON ICE! special, which were previously announced to air Thursday, Jan. 14, are now scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 10.

FOX Gives Full Season To LIE TO ME

"Lie To Me" executive producer Shawn Ryan has announced on his Twitter page that FOX has picked up "Lie To Me" for a full second season.

The pickup of the back nine episodes brings the show's total of this season to 22.

BURN NOTICE Renewed For Fourth Season

Hello Folks!

EW's Michael Ausiello reports today that on the heels of yesterday's renewal of "Psych" for a fifth season, USA today has officially renewed its drama "Burn Notice" for a fourth year.

The second half of the current third season debuts in January, and the fourth season is expected to launch next summer.

USA Renews PSYCH For Fifth Season

Hello Folks!

Per the Hollywood Reporter, USA has officially renewed its successful crime comedy "Psych" for a fifth season.

The second half of the fourth season is expected to launch in late January. And it will be interesting to see how "Pysch" fares when it's without its long-time lead-in "Monk".

The fifth season will again consist of 16 episodes.

NBC Orders Three More Episodes Of TRAUMA

EW's Michael Ausiello reports today that NBC has extended its one and only season of "Trauma" a little.

The network ordered three more episodes, which brings the total to 16, of which 10 will air before year's end, and the other six… well, that's TBD.

CHUCK Returns January 10!

Per EW's Michael Ausiello, NBC has announced that the third season of "Chuck" will begin on Sunday January 10.

After two back-to-back episodes on that day, the show will then move into its regular timeslot of Mondays at 8 PM on January 11.

Yes, that means three new "Chuck" episodes in two nights!

ABC Sets Premiere Date For Final Season Of LOST - February 2

Hello Folks!

Per the Hollywood Reporter, ABC has set the premiere date for the sixth and final season of "Lost" for February 2.

The show will air on Tuesday nights at 9 PM during its final year.

First off, there will be a recap episode, followed by a two-hour premiere.

USA Teams Up BURN NOTICE & WHITE COLLAR On Thursdays Come January

The Futon Critic reports today that effective Thursday, January 28, USA will not only launch the second half of the third season of "Burn Notice" at 9/8 PM, but also give the drama a new lead-out in "White Collar" at 10/p PM .

And a day later, on Friday, January 29, "Psych" returns for the second half of its fourth season.

Will Arnett, Justin Theroux Join PARKS & RECREATION

Hello Folks!

Per EW's Michael Ausiello, Will Arnett and Justin Theroux have both joined NBC comedy "Parks & Recreation".

While Arnett has just signed on for one episode, Theroux is getting a major recurring part.

To find out why those two will have similar goals on the show, click the link above.

Alyssa Milano Charms CASTLE

Hello Folks!

Per EW's Michael Ausiello, Alyssa Milano is set to show up on ABC's "Castle" in an upcoming episode.

The former "Charmed" actress will play Kyra, a former love interest of Castle's (Nathan Fillion). They reconnect on her wedding day, which ensures some sparks flying. And Beckett makes three of that little love triangle.

Milano will shoot her guest stint next week, and the episode, titled "A Rose For Everafter", will air in early 2010.

Minnie Driver Meets MODERN FAMILY

Per EW's Michael Ausiello, Minnie Driver will guest star in a January episode of ABC's "Modern Family".

She will play Claire's friend and former co-worker. The two are set to reconnect after years apart, and it looks like things might be a bit different from their memories.

Pilot News: Two More Join PRETTY LITTLE LIARS, KEEP HOPE ALIVE Gets Three, More Pilot News

Hello Folks!

Looks like we're slowly getting towards pilot season again. Remember: My pilot news can only be found in this blog, not on the forums I also post my other stuff.

From the Hollywood Reporter:

- Martha Plimpton, Olesya Rulin and Lucas Neff have all been cast in FOX' comedy pilot "Keep Hope Alive".
The single-camera project centers on Jimmy (Neff) a man of 25 raising an infant with the help of his quirky family after the baby's mother, who had a one-night-stand with Jimmy, ends up on death row.

Plimpton plays Jimmy's mother, who had him at 16 and has had enough of babies. Rulin plays a smart waitress, of whom Jimmy thinks she's perfect to help raise his daughter.
Michael Fresco will direct the pilot.

- Troian Bellisario (daughter of producer Donald P. Bellisario) and Ian Harding have joined lead actress Lucy Kate Hale ("Privileged", "Bionic Woman") in the ABC Family pilot "Pretty Little Liars". The story revolves around four teenagers, Aria (Hale), Emily, Spencer (Bellisario) and Hanna, who all start to get very mysterious messages, apparently from their girlfriend who disappeared three years ago.

Hardin plays a recent college grad who becomes Aria's high school teacher and gets into a relationship with the teen.

- Scott Cohen and Stephanie Childers have landed roles in another ABC Family pilot. The untitled Michael Jacobs comedy project revolves around an architect (Cohen), out of a job, who starts mentoring his middle daughter. His wife (Childers), a veterinarian shares a stronger bond with their Type-A older daughter.

Joss Whedon Reacts To DOLLHOUSE Cancellation

Joss Whedon has posted the following reaction on Whedonesque:

I don't have a lot to say. I'm extremely proud of the people I've worked with: my star, my staff, my cast, my crew. I feel the show is getting better pretty much every week, and I think you'll agree in the coming months. I'm grateful that we got to put it on, and then come back and put it on again.

I'm off to pursue internet ventures/binge drinking. Possibly that relaxation thing I've read so much about. By the time the last episode airs, you'll know what my next project is. But for now there's a lot of work still to be done, and disappointment to bear.

Thank you all for your support, your patience, your excellent adverts. See you again. -j.

The CW Announces New Monday Schedule Come January

The CW has issued a press release announcing its revised lineup for Monday night.

I've already reported on "Life UneXpected" launching on January 18 at 9 PM, interrupting the run of "Gossip Girl" for a few weeks. But that's not all. See for yourself, here's the schedule.


January 18 - March 1

8:00-9:00 pm One Tree Hill

9:00-10:00 pm Life UneXpected


March 8 - April 12

8:00-9:00 pm Life UneXpected

9:00-10:00 pm Gossip Girl


from April 19 up to the Season Finales in May

8:00-9:00 pm One Tree Hill

9:00-10:00 pm Gossip Girl


And below is a relevant portion from the press release:

The networks new drama series, Life UneXpected, will premiere Monday, January 18 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET), following the return of original episodes of One Tree Hill that night in the 8:00-9:00 p.m. timeslot.

On March 8, Life UneXpected will move to the 8:00-9:00 p.m. timeslot, followed by the return of original episodes of the pop-culture sensation Gossip Girl from 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET. On April 19, after Life UneXpected has completed its initial 13-episode run, the Monday-night schedule will finish the broadcast season with One Tree Hill at 8:00 p.m. and Gossip Girl at 9:00 p.m.

(...)

Life UneXpected is the story of 15-year-old Lux (Britt Robertson, "Swingtown"), who, after spending her life bouncing from one foster family to another, has decided its time to become an emancipated minor. Her journey through the legal maze leads Lux to her biological parents, Nate "Baze" Bazile (Kristoffer Polaha, "Mad Men") and Cate Cassidy (Shiri Appleby, "E.R."). When a judge unexpectedly grants temporary joint custody to Baze and Cate, they agree to make a belated attempt to give Lux the family she deserves. Life UneXpected is produced by Mojo Films in association with CBS Television Studios and Warner Bros. Television with executive producers Liz Tigelaar ("Brothers and Sisters," "What About Brian"), Janet Leahy ("Boston Legal," "Gilmore Girls") and Gary Fleder ("October Road").

Newsies: Mitch Ryan To ONE TREE HILL, Kathy Griffin Goes LAW & ORDER: SVU, Sheila Kelly Gets LOST

- Per the Hollywood Reporter, Australian actor Mitch Ryan has joined the veteran CW drama "One Tree Hill", playing the recurring role of Alexander, a handsome pro surfer-turned-young mogul. He is set to appear sometime in the current seventh season.

- Kathy Griffin will make a guest appearance on "Law & Order: SVU", per TV Guide's Natalie Abrams. She is set to play a lesbian activist in the episode airing February 10.

- Sheila Kelly has joined the cast of "Lost", per multiple sources. The 45-year old actress is set to recur on the final season of the ABC drama in the role of Kendall. Want more? Here's the casting notice:

[KENDALL] Female, any ethnicity, early to mid 30s. An intellectual beauty with a sharp edge to her wit. Caught committing corporate espionage and has to lie her way out...GUEST STAR, POSSIBLE RECUR.

Note that the actress is now 10 - 15 years older than what the part originally called for…

FOX Cancels DOLLHOUSE

Some bad news has come from FOX, per the Hollywood Reporter.

The network has officially canceled Joss Whedon's "Dollhouse". Production is expected to continue for the 13 episodes, and Whedon promises a satisfying finale.

The show is still set to return December 4, with back-to-back episodes.

ABC Cancels HANK

Hello Folks!

Per EW's Michael Ausiello, ABC has also canceled the struggling Kelsey Grammer comedy "Hank", and has pulled it off the schedule immediately. Comedy repeats and Holiday specials are set to take over the timeslot of Wednesday 8 PM.

ABC has currently no plans to air the five remaining episodes.

Robert Patrick Meets CHUCK

EW's Michael Ausiello reports today that aside from the recent guest spot by Scott Bakula as Chuck's dad, another sci-fi vet has just signed on for a guest appearance on NBC's upcoming third season of "Chuck.

Robert Patrick ("Terminator 2: Judgment Day", "The Unit") has come aboard the spy dramedy. And guess what he'll play? Yes, a colonel! Guess he can't seem to shed his "Unit" days, as he was seen in military gear last week on "NCIS" as well.

He is set to show up around the middle of the season.

For more about his role, hit the link above.

Christine Baranski Experiences Another BIG BANG THEORY

Per EW's Michael Ausiello, Sheldon might be finally getting some...

Christine Baranski will be returning to the gang of "The Big Bang Theory" in a January episode, reprising her role as Leonard's (Johnny Galecki) mother.

What exactly triggers her return to the show, as well as the implications of said visit are being kept secret at this point.

LIFE UNEXPECTED Premiers January 18 - Gets The GOSSIP GIRL Slot

Per the Hollywood Reporter, The CW has unveiled its plans for its anticipated new midseason drama "Life UneXpected".

The show starring Britt Robertson, Shiri Appleby, Kristoffer Polaha and Kerr Smith, will launch on January 18.

"Life UneXpected" will be aired in the current "Gossip Girl" timeslot of Monday night at 9 PM for its entire run.

As for "Gossip Girl", it will stay off the air during that time, and will then return for another 12 episodes. The reasoning behind this? "Gossip Girl" gets better ratings with fewer interruptions. That's why it's getting one big break, instead of many small ones.

ABC Cancels EASTWICK, But Orders Five More Episodes Of THE FORGOTTEN

Hello Folks!

I guess even magic couldn't save this one.

After constantly finishing last in its timeslot, ABC has effectively canceled its freshman drama "Eastwick" by deciding against ordering more episodes than the 13 already ordered and currently finishing production, the Hollywood Reporter reports today. The network plans to air all 13 episodes.

Meanwhile, another new drama on the Alphabet got luckier. The network has ordered five more episodes of the Jerry Bruckheimer series "The Forgotten", bringing the show's total to a current 18 for this season. Showrunner Luke Reiter, however, is not expected to stay with the show.

Pam Grier Heads To SMALLVILLE, Melissa George Joins LIE TO ME, Sean Faris To VAMPIRE DIARIES

Hello Folks!

Three casting scoops from EW's Michael Ausiello:

- Pam Grier is set to appear on multiple episodes of "Smallville", playing DC Comcis villainess Agent Amanda Waller. She is set to make her first appearance in late January, during the Justice Society two-parter "Legends".

- Melissa George ("Alias", "Grey's Anatomy", "In Treatment") has been cast in a recurring part on FOX' "Lie To Me".

She will play a women with an Anna Nicole Smith vibe, who butts heads with Cal Lightman (Tim Roth). The latter seems to see a bit of himself in her.

- Sean Faris is heading to "Vampire Diaries" for a multi-episode arc. He will play a bartender at the Mystic Grill who was a former baseball star.

Showtime Sets Midseason Return Dates, CSI:NY Keeps Up With Kim Kardashian

Hello Folks!

Per E!Online's Jennifer Godwin, Showtime has set the return dates for its midseason shows.

"The United States of Tara" and "Nurse Jackie" will be back on March 22, and the final season of "The Tudors" bows April 11.

And the Hollywood Reporter additionally reports that "Secret Diary Of A Call Girl" and "Tracey Ullman's State Of The Union" will start on January 25.

Also from E!Online's Jennifer Godwin: Kim Kardashian has started filming a guest appearance for the December 16 episode of "CSI: NY", where she will play one half of a pair of hot would-be criminal masterminds, alongside guest co-star Vanessa Minnillo.

Julianne Moore Joins Cast Of 30 ROCK

E!Online's Kristin Dos Santos reports today that Julianne Moore has been spotted filming scenes with Alec Baldwin for NBC's "30 Rock".

The news comes from onlookers to the New York City set. E!Online confirmed that she was shooting scenes, but no word yet on her part, if it's the new love interest of Jack Donaghy.

Sarah Wynter Heads To DAMAGES

Hello Folks!

Per the Hollywood Reporter, Sarah Wynter ("24") will be part of the next season of FX' "Damages" She joins her "24" co-star, previously cast Reiko Aylesworth.
(EW's Michael Ausiello was first to report on Aylesworth's casting way back on October 2.)

The story of the new season is kept under wraps, but is said to play in the financial world. Wynter plays a security specialist, and Aylesworth is the wife of the character played by Campbell Scott.

CBS Cuts Down NUMB3RS Order, But Orders More Episodes For Other Shows

Hello Folks!

The Hollywood Reporter reports that CBS has trimmed down the order for the current season of "Numb3rs" from 22 to 16.

"Numb3rs" as well as other CBS Friday fare have taken a ratings hit this fall. CBS insists no decision on "Numb3rs"' fate has been made, but the show is in its sixth season and pretty expensive to produce, so things are not looking good for a season seven at this point.
CBS has several midseason replacements handy, including another season of "Flashpoint" (currently airing on Canada's CTV), which has performed well for the Eye.

But on a happier note, per EW's Michael Ausiello, "How I Met Your Mother", "NCIS", "NCIS: LA", "CSI: Miami", and "Two and a Half Men" will have 24 episodes instead of only 22, and "Criminal Minds", CSI: NY", "The Big Bang Theory", "The Good Wife", "CSI", and "The Mentalist" will get one more episode, which brings them to a total of 23.

Colin Hanks Cast In JACK & DAN

The Hollywood Reporter reports today that Matt Nix'("Burn Notice") new 13-episode FOX series "Jack & Dan" has found its lead.

Colin Hanks ("Roswell", "Untraceable", and of course, son of Tom) will star alongside Bradley Whitford in the hourlong show, which centers on Jack (Hanks) a by-the-book detective who, due to constant self-undermining, has offed himself in a dead-end position at the LAPD. He is partnered with alcoholic wild card cop Dan (Whitford), who only holds on to his job because of one act of heroics years ago.

Production is set to begin early next year.

James Franco Climbs 30 ROCK

Hello Folks!

Per EW's Michael Ausiello, James Franco ("Spider-Man", "Milk") will star in an upoming episode of "30 Rock" as himself.

He gets involved with Jenna (Jane Krakovski) on a faux romance initiated by their respective agents.

Steve Martin & Alec Baldwin To Host OSCARS 2010

The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences has announced that the Oscars are going to have a bit more to offer next year: Two hosts!

Both Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin have been tapped to host the 82nd Annual Academy Awards.

Double the hosts, and double the films in the Best Picture category. What's next?

Next year, the Oscars will be handed out March 7.

CBS Ordes Five Additonal Episodes Of ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE

Per the Hollywood Reporter, CBS has ordered up five more episodes of its Monday night comedy "Accidentally On Purpose".

Why no full season, you might ask? That's because CBS still has some episodes of "Rules Of Engagement" it is keen to air later this season.

Newsies: A New CI Captain, HEROES To Lose One Of Its Own, A 24 Return, More

Hello Folks!

Welcome to my first "Newsies" update. Under this label, you will find news that can be written small and simple, and then put into one bigger article instead of creating many small ones. Plus, if I didn't have time to update my blog for a few days (I still do this in my spare time), then I will sum up the news of those days in a "Newsies" post as well, and write it simple and short.

OK, enough explaining, here's the first edition.

- Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio has been named new captain of the "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" Major Case squad, the Hollywood Reporter reports. Her character replaces the departing Danny Ross (Eric Bogosian).

"Heroes" SPOILER Alert!

- Deadline.com was first to report, and it has since been confirmed by various sources that Adrian Pasdar will leave NBC's "Heroes" during the current season. EW's Michael Ausiello hinted at a pretty nasty way of communicating this fact in one of his Blind Items.

"24" SPOILER Alert!

- Former President Charles Logan is making a return to "24" next season. Gregory Itzin, who can currently be seen on CBS' "The Mentalist" as Virgil Minelli (Lisbon's boss), has signed on for a multi-episode arc during season 8. Logan comes into play when sitting President Taylor reluctantly enlists Logan's help during a crisis.

- Robert Wagner is joining the cast of "NCIS" for its 150th episode. He will be playing Tony DiNozzo's (Michael Weatherly) father.

- David Tennant, who can still be seen this year in four specials as "Doctor Who", has landed the lead in the upcoming NBC pilot "Rex Is Not A Lawyer", per the Hollywood Reporter.
The project centers on Rex Alexander a top litigator from Chicago, who suffers from panic attacks and starts coaching clients to represent themselves in court. David Semel is directing the pilot.

"Ugly Betty SPOILER Alert!

- According to EW's Michael Ausiello, Fisher Stevens joins the cast of "Ugly Betty" in the potentially recurring role of Mr. Z, Betty's scarcastic new landlord.