TERRA NOVA Finds Female Lead In Shelley Conn

Hello Folks

We already know for a while that FOX' upcoming prehistoric drama "Terra Nova" will be launched next May with a special preview episode, and to really begin its first season next fall.

We also know that Jason O'Mara has been cast a while ago to play the lead of Jim Shannon, the man that takes his family from 2149 back to roughly 85 Million years ago to live at Terra Nova, a human colony building up a second chance of civilization.

Stephen Lang ("Avatar") has also been cast as the leader of the facility.

Now Deadline reports that British actress Shelley Conn ("Mistresses") has landed the part of the female lead, Elizabeth Shannon, wife of Jim and mother to their three children.

Production on the show is set to begin in October in Australia, so expect more casting announcements in the near future.

Rachel Nichols Joins CRIMINAL MINDS, Izabella Miko Meets THE CAPE

Deadline reports today that Rachel Nichols ("Alias", "The Inside") will be joining the cast of "Criminal Minds" for three episodes later this season.

She will play FBI cadet Ashley Seager, who gets invited by Hotchner (Thomas Gibson) to consult on a case where her family background provides some special insight into the mind of a serial killer. The role was originally created to fill the void that A.J. Cook will leave behind after her departure, but those plans have been changed, and Nichols will now be part of just three episodes.

Additionally, Izabella Miko ("Coyote Ugly") will be joining NBC's midseason drama "The Cape" for five episodes. After guest starring in the pilot, Miko will continue to play an alluring and skilled circus performer.

FOX Moves HUMAN TARGET Back To Wednesdays, Pushes Back Premiere

FOX has just issued a press release announcing that in the wake of moving the third season of "Lie To Me" to Mondays, where it will replace the freshly canceled "Lone Star", it will move its returning drama "Human Target" back to the vacant timeslot of Wednesdays at 8 PM, which is where it was during its first season.

However, because of this move, the premiere of the sophomore season of "Human Target" is being pushed back. Initially, the show was set to return this Friday. It will now premiere in its new timeslot on Wednesday, November 17.

On November 10, the initial premiere date for the new season of "Lie To Me", FOX is now set to air a two-hour segment of "Hell's Kitchen".

Repeats of "House" will fill the now vacant timeslot of Friday at 8 PM.

But the good thing is: "Human Target" is officially rescued from the Death Slot...

FOX Cancels LONE STAR, Returns LIE TO ME Early

Hello Folks

Well, it kinda was inevitable...

After two airings that earned the network abysmal ratings, several news outlets report today that FOX has officially canceled its freshman drama "Lone Star".

FOX is now launching the third season of "Lie To Me" in the timeslot, giving the show a much earlier return than the November 10 start date it initially had planned.

Four episodes are completed, and remain unaired. It is not clear what will happen to them at this point.

HEROES' Jack Coleman On His Way To THE OFFICE

EW's Michael Ausiello reports today that Jack Coleman, aka HRG on NBC's late drama "Heroes", is nearing a deal to pay a visit to Dunder Mufflin.

On NBC's "The Office", Coleman is negotiating to play a government official. No other details are available at this point.

Dita Von Teese To Guest Star On CSI

Hello Folks

Per EW's Michael Ausiello, Burlesque beauty Dita Von Teese will be guest starring in an early 2011 episode of "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation".

Playing a Hollywood Femme Fatale in a setting reminiscent of the classic L.A. Film Noir, Von Teese's character will be involved in a case that will get "personal" for CSI Greg Sanders (Eric Szmanda).

Her episode is tentatively set for January.

USA Renews WHITE COLLAR, PSYCH, ROYAL PAINS

Hello Folks

The Hollywood Reporter reports today that USA will bring back its entire lineup of scripted shows next year.

After giving "Burn Notice", "Covert Affairs", "In Plain Sight" and "Law & Order. Criminal Intent" the green light for another go-round, the cable network today also renewed its remaining shows "White Collar", "Psych" and "Royal Pains" for another season.

"Royal Pains" will get 18 new episodes, with "Psych" and "White Collar" getting an order of 16.

Musician Darren Criss Joins GLEE - SPOILER ALERT!

Hello Folks

EW's Michael Ausiello reports today that singer-songwriter/actor Darren Criss ("Eastwick") will be joining the cast of FOX' "Glee" for the current season.

Criss plays Blaine, a cute and charismatic gay student from a rival Glee club by the name of Dalton Academy Warblers. He could become the new boyfriend of Kurt (Chris Colfer), but the jury is still out on that one, as there are other characters also in line to end up being Kurt's love interest.

So, let the speculation begin…

Castings: Hilary Duff To COMMUNITY, Jorge Garcia To HIMYM, Aimee Garcia Goes OFF THE MAP

Some casting bits.

From EW's Michael Ausiello:

- Hilary Duff is set to guest star on a November sweeps episode of "Community". The "Lizzie McGuire" star will play the head of a clique of "Mean Girls" that butts heads with the Scoobies.

- Aimee Garcia will be joining Shonda Rhimes' new medical midseason drama "Off The Map". She is set to play a local falling in love with the tropical clinic's plastic surgeon (Zach Gilford).

Additionally, CBS has announced via Twitter that before joining the cast of ABC midseason comedy "Mr. Sunshine", Jorge Garcia will drop by "How I Met Your Mother". Garcia guests as a "bro with bad timing".

Summer Glau Meets CHUCK

EW's Michael Ausiello reports today that before being seen in her new starring role in NBC's "The Cape", Summer Glau will pay a visit to the Buy More.

On "Chuck", Glau will be seen as Greta, the rotating undercover agent working at the Buy More who gets a different face every week. Her appearance as Greta is set for episode 8.

Lifetime Renews ARMY WIVES, DROP DEAD DIVA

Lifetime has announced it has picked up its successful series "Army Wives" and "Drop Dead Diva" for another season each.

"Army Wives" will get a fifth, season, while "Drop Dead Diva" will return for its third.

Both shows have received an order for 13 new episodes, to premiere in 2011.

The CW Orders More Scripts For HELLCATS, ONE TREE HILL

Hello Folks

Per the Hollywood Reporter, The CW has handed out an order for six additional scripts for its freshman cheerleading drama "Hellcats", as well as veteran "One Tree Hill".

While this is not yet an order for more episodes, it sure looks like the network might be headed that way.

BUFFY Alums Amber Benson & Eliza Dushku Book Guest Spots

Hello Folks

In his Ask Ausiello column, EW's Michael Ausiello reports that Amber Benson, who played Tara on "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" back in the day, will be guest starring on "Grey's Anatomy" soon.

In the new season's seventh episode, Benson will play the estranged daughter of one of Cristina's (Sandra Oh) patients.

Additionally, per Fancast's Matt Webb Mitovich, another "Buffy" alumna has gotten some work.
Eliza Dushku, who was last seen starring on FOX' "Dollhouse", is set to show up on "The Big Bang Therory" for at least one episode. She will play an FBI agent looking into the background of Wolowitz (Simon Helberg), because he needs clearance for a high-level project.

Miranda Cosgrove Hires THE GOOD WIFE

Per EW's Michael Ausiello, "iCarly" star Miranda Cosgrove will be guest starring on the November 16 episode of "The Good Wife".

Cosgrove will play Sloan, a troubled pop star facing DUI charges. Over the course of the trial, Alica begins to bond with the girl.

LONE STAR To Shine At Least One More Week

The Hollywood Reporter reports that FOX has given "Lone Star" a stay of execution.

The network said that it will air next week's episode as planned.

But after Monday night's disastrous performance, no one really expects the show to last much longer. There's also mutual agreement that it won't be able to turn things around and become the hit Jon Voight predicted it would be.

Newsies: Showtime Sets Premiere Dates, Emmanuelle Chriqui To BORGIAS, Jorge Garcia To MR. SUNSHINE

Some news bits from the past few hours.

- The Hollywood Reporter reports that Showtime has set the premiere dates for its new and returning series.
"Shameless", starring Emmy Rossum and William H. Macy will launch January 9 at 9 PM. And on 9:30 PM the same night, Matt LeBlanc starrrer "Episodes" makes its debut. "Californication" will also premiere at the same night.

- Additionally, Showtime has announced that Emmanuelle Chriqui ("Entourage") will join the cast of upcoming period drama "The Borgias" for three episodes. She will play "Sancia, the beautiful and seductive Neapolitan princess who marries the Pope’s youngest son Joffre (Aidan Alexander), even though she has her eye on another Borgia brother." Jeremy Irons leads the cast of this look behind one of the most infamous and intriguing dynastic families.

- EW's Michael Ausiello reports that Jorge Garcia ("Lost") will be guest starring on ABC's midseason comedy "Mr. Sunshine". Garcia is set to play a staffer at the San Diego sports arena managed by Matthew Perry's character.

- Oh yeah, and in case you don't already know: The two new "American Idol" judges alongside returning Randy Jackson are Jennifer Lopez and Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler, FOX has officially announced today.

Former Lois Lane Teri Hatcher Heading To SMALLVILLE

Hello Folks

EW's Michael Ausiello reports today that in quite the casting coup, Teri Hatcher will will pay a visit to "Smallville".

The "Lois & Clark" veteran will play - MAJOR SPOILER Alert! - Lois Lane's (Erica Durance) mother.

If you're now scratching your head about this development story-wise, then hit the link above to find out more about the appearance of Mama Lane.

Lyle Lovett To Meet CASTLE - SPOILER Alert!

EW's Michael Ausiello reports today that country singer/actor/former Mr. Julia Roberts, Lyle Lovett has landed a guest spot in an upcoming episode of ABC's "Castle".

Lovett will play Agent Darryl Shafer, a pretty shady government figure who detains and interrogates Castle and Beckett after they poke their noses a little too deep into the murder of an astrophysicist that died in her car, apparently of explosive combustion.

For more spoilery info, hit the link above.

LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT Renewed For 10th And Final Season

USA has issued a press release announcing that it has ordered a 10th and final season of "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" - and it will be bringing back Vincent d'Onofrio.

The last season of the veteran cop drama will consist of eight episodes, and will air in 2011.

"Only time will tell if this is a fond farewell or a renaissance for Detective Robert Goren but everyone both here and in New York is ecstatic about going back to work on a show that's a passion for all of us. Signed, Brett Favre," executive producer Dick Wolf wittingly said about the renewal.

HBO Renews BOARDWALK EMPIRE For Second Season

Hello Folks

Well, this has got to be one of the earliest renewals, even for cable standards.

After just one episode, which opened to stellar ratings, HBO has announced it has ordered a second season of its freshman prohibition drama "Boardwalk Empire".

The new season is set to premiere next year.

Showtime Renews WEEDS, THE BIG C

Showtime has officially announced via a press release that it has renewed both its successful series "Weeds" and "The Big C" for another season each.

Season two of "The Big C" and the seventh season of "Weeds" are set to premier in 2011.

“The unprecedented viewership for both THE BIG C and WEEDS proves that audiences love these shows as much as we do,“ said SHOWTIME President of Entertainment David Nevins. “There are definitely more comedic adventures in store for these fascinating, complex women. For six seasons, we’ve happily traveled along with Nancy Botwin and we’re equally as excited to follow Laura Linney and THE BIG C team as they chart Cathy’s unique journey through such a provocative and personal subject as cancer. We’re thrilled that these two signature shows will be returning to the network in 2011.”

Gwyneth Paltrow Booked For GLEE

Hello Folks

E!Online's Kristin Dos Santos reports today that the producers of "Glee" have landed quite the casting coup.

Gwyneth Paltrow is set to join the FOX comedy for two upcoming episodes that require her to sing and dance.

SPOILER Alert!

She will play a substitute teacher filling in for Will Schuester (Matthew Morrison). When he gets sick, she steps in to take over the Glee club. And while the kids get fond of her, Will is starting to fall for the new teacher, which is of course causing trouble in his relationship with Emma (Jayma Mays).

Paltrow's episodes are set for November sweeps.

Peter Coyote Is The DA On LAW & ORDER: LA

Hello Folks

Per the Hollywood Reporter, veteran actor Peter Coyote has joined the cast of NBC's "Law & Order: LA" in the recurring part of the District Attorney overseeing the ADAs played by Alfred Molina, Megan Boone, Terrence Howard and Regina Hall.

"Law & Order: LA" kicks off September 29 at 10 PM. Danielle Panabaker guest stars.

Andy Whitfield Not Returning To SPARTACUS Due To Recurring Cancer

Hello Folks

Very sad news have emerged from Andy Whitfield, star of Starz' "Spartacus - Blood & Sand".

The actor was advised by his doctor to immediately resume treatment for his recurring cancer. The future of the show in the wake of this tragic development has yet to be determined.

Below is the official statement from Andy's publicist:

Andy Whitfield, star of Starz's "Spartacus: Blood and Sand," has been advised by his doctors to immediately resume aggressive treatment for a recurrence of cancer, as a result of which he will not be returning for the series' second season, which was tentatively set to air in September 2011.

"It's with a deep sense of disappointment that I must step aside from such an exceptional project as Spartacus‚ and all the wonderful people involved. It seems that it is time for myself and my family to embark on another extraordinary journey. Thank you sincerely for the support so far," said Whitfield.
"Our hearts and prayers are with Andy and his family during this difficult time," said Starz President and CEO Chris Albrecht. "Andy is not only an incredible actor whose portrayal of Spartacus made an indelible impression on Starz audiences, he is also an amazing human being whose courage, strength, and grace in the face of adversity have inspired all of us."

No decisions have yet been made about the future of the series. "Right now, we just want to extend our concern and support to Andy and his family," said Carmi Zlotnik, Managing Director, Starz Media. "We will address our programming plans at some later date."

Starz still plans to air the prequel to "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" in January 2011. Entitled "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena," it focuses on the House of Batiatus before Spartacus arrives in Capua and stars returning cast members John Hannah, Lucy Lawless, Peter Mensah and Manu Bennett, along with newcomer Dustin Clare.

WAREHOUSE 13 Renewed For Third Season

Per a tweet from executive producer Jack Kenny, "Warehouse 13" will definitely come back next year to Syfy for a third season.

"FYI, #Warehouse13 will definitely be back for a third season! Official announcement may not be made till October, but we're coming back!"

Casting Updates Mashup - Marked Spoilers

Hello Folks

Several castings that made the rounds this week.

From EW's Michael Ausiello:

- Nancy Travis ("Becker") has been tapped to guest star on multiple episodes of "Desperate Hosuewives". She will play the mother of contractor Keith (Brian Austin Green). John Schneider has been previously cast as his dad.

- Lee Tergesen ("Oz") will be guest starring on "Castle" on ABC next season. He will play - SPOILER ALERT! - a violent felon who becomes the prime suspect in the new season's "Triple Killer" investigation. His first appearance is set for episode 7.

- Tracie Thoms ("Wonderfalls") will be guest starring on "Human Target" on November 5 playing Winston's (Chi McBride) ex, Michelle. The role has the potential to become recurring.

- Candice Bergen ("Boston Legal", "Murphy Brown") is the latest addition to the cast of "House". She will be playing Dr. Lisa Cuddy's (Lisa Edelstein) mother in multiple episodes.

- John Larroquette ("The Practice", "Boston Legal") is joining the cast of "CSI: NY" for a multi-episode arc. He will play Deputy Chief of Manhattan Borough Detectives Ted Carver. - SPOILER ALERT! - When a sniper hits New York, he clashes with Mac Taylor (Gary Sinise) over how to handle the situation.

From TV Guide:

- Elizabeth Reaser ("Twilight", "Grey's Anatomy") and Lili Taylor ("Six Feet Under") have both joined CBS' "The Good Wife".in recurring parts. Reaser will play - SPOILER ALERT! - Tammy, a new love interest for Will ( Josh Charles). The character will first show up on October 19.
Taylor plays Donna Seabrook, who becomes a possible romantic foil for Kalinda (Archie Panjabi). She will be introduced in November.

From Deadline:

- Rachel Ticotin will be joining "Law & Order: LA" as a regular, replacing Wanda de Jesus, who has recently left the project. She plays the new Lieutenant at the top of the LAPD Robbery Homicide Division.

- Dylan Baker, who just landed a guest spot on the next season of "House", is also coming aboard "Burn Notice" in the season finale. His role of a brilliant operator from Michael Westen's (Jeffrey Donovan) past, who might hold the key to his future, is a possibly recurring part.

MEMPHIS BEAT Renewed For Second Season

Hello Folks

In the wake of ordering a third season of "Hawthorne", TNT has announced today via a press release that it has also ordered a second season of "Memphis Beat".

The new season will debut next year, and will consist of 10 episodes.

TNT Renews HAWTHORNE For Third Season

Per an official press release, TNT has just announced it has ordered a third season of its successful medical drama "Hawthorne", starring Jada Pinkett-Smith, for a third season.

The third season will see 10 new episodes, which will debut in 2011.

Castings: HOUSE Guest List Keeps Growing, John Schneider to HOUSEWIVES, Cristián de la Fuente To PRACTICE

Hello Folks

Some casting news from the last few hours.

The Hollywood Reporter reports today that more guest stars have been revealed that will be appearing on the next season of FOX' "House".

Dylan Baker, Matthew Lillard and Amy Irving will all be guest starring on the veteran medical drama, as well as previously announced Jennifer Grey.

For more about the new season of "House", hit the link above.

And per EW's Michael Ausiello:

- John Schneider will be joining the cast of "Desperate Housewives" for multiple episodes. Beginning in episode 7, he will be playing the father of newly added constructor Keith (Brian Austin Green).

Additionally, Cristián de la Fuente ("In Plain Sight") will be guest starring as Eric Rodriguez, a new doctor on "Private Practice" next season. The role has potential to become recurring.

TBS Cancels MY BOYS

Also per EW's Michael Ausiello, TBS has canceled its comedy "My Boys" after four seasons.

Which means that Sunday's finale was the series finale.

Rachael Taylor Checks Into GREY'S ANATOMY

Hello Folks

EW's Michael Ausiello reports today that Australian actress Rachael Taylor ("Transformers") has joined the cast of "Grey's Anatomy" for a multi-episode arc.

She is set to play a doctor. Her first appearance is a few months away, though. It's scheduled for midseason.

A&E Renews THE GLADES For Second Season

Hello Folks

A&E has officially announced that it has ordered a second season of its successful freshman drama "The Glades", starring Matt Passmore.

The new season will consist of 13 episodes, and is set to premier sometime next year.

LAW & ORDER: SVU Switches ADAs: Paula Patton Out, Melissa Sagemiller In

EW's Michael Ausiello reports today that Paula Patton has dropped out as new Assistant District Attorney on NBC's "Law & Order: SVU".

The reason: She has landed the female lead on "Mission Impossible IV". Now her stint on "SVU" has been reduced to one guest appearance.

The full-time ADA spot will be filled by Melissa Sagemiller ("Raising The Bar"). Details on her character have yet to emerge.

ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW Stars Set Sights On GLEE

Hello Folks

Per E!Online's Kristin Dos Santos, at least a few stars of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" will make their way to the "Rocky Horror"-themed episode that "Glee" is setting up for next season.

Both Barry Bostwick and Meat Loaf will be part of the upcoming episode, playing station managers with an interesting proposal for Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch).

Apart from Bostwick and Meat Loaf, Susan Sarandon has expressed interest to be part of the "Rock Horror" tribute on "Glee" as well. But a deal has not been finalized.

FOX has declined confirmation of any casting for said "Glee" episode.

Newsies: CAPRICA Returns Early, Jennifer Morrison Meets MOTHER, Jamie Ray Newman To LUX, More

Hello Folks

Some news from today.

The Hollywood Reporter reports today that Syfy will bring back its "Battlestar Galactica" spinoff "Caprica" much earlier than previously announced.
Instead of January, the second half of season one of "Caprica" will now launch on Tuesday, October 5.
Meanwhile, the third season of "Sanctuary", which was originally set for Tuesdays this fall, will move back to its previous Friday timeslot of 10 PM.

Per EW's Michael Ausiello, Jennifer Morrison has finalized her deal to guest star on the upcoming sixth season of "How I Met Your Mother", playing Ted's newest love interest, Zooey. For more on her character and what her impact is on the show, hit the link to the original story above.

And then from TV Guide we have the news that Anabella Sciorra will guest star on ABC's upcoming legal drama "The Whole Truth", which bows September 22. She is set to play a fashion designer accused of murder in an episode called "When Cougars Attack". Insert your favorite Kim Bauer joke here…

And this just in from E!Online's Kristin Dos Santos: Jamie Ray Newman ("Eastwick") has been added to "Life Unexpected" on The CW, which returns for its second season next Wednesday. Newman will play Julia, a mysterious woman from Ryan's (Kerr Smith) past.

Newsies: Katee Sackhoff To CSI, Hal Holbrook To THE EVENT, Robert Englund To CHUCK; Much More

Hello Folks

After the Labor Day Weekend, here now is a bunch of fresh news to mull over.

From EW's Michael Ausiello:

- Katee Sackhoff ("Battlestar Galactica", "24") has booked a potentially recurring part on "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation". She will play Detective Reed, who seriously lacks in the sensitivity department, but makes up for it by being feisty, tough and smart. Her first appearance is set for November sweeps.

- Hal Holbrook ("Sons of Anarchy") has joined the cast of NBC's upcoming drama "The Event". In multiple epsiodes, the veteran actor will play a mysterious character named Dempsey.

- Robert Englund ("A Nightmare on Elm Street") will appear in this year's Halloween-themed episode of "Chuck" on NBC. His role is that of an evil scientist by the name of Dr. Stanley Wheelwright. He will appear in the sixth episode of the coming season, titled "Chuck versus Aisle of Terror".

- "Psych" is set to stage a massive "Twin Peaks" reunion, when Sherilyn Fenn, Sheryl Lee, Dana Ashbrook, Ray Wise, Lenny von Dohlen, Robyn Lively and Catherine Coulson will all appear in an upcoming fall episode. The story centers on the murder of a high school student in a small, sleepy town called Dual Spires. The episode was co-written by lead actor James Roday, who is known as a big fan of "Twin Peaks".

- Jennifer Morrison ("House"), MInka Kelly and Jacinda Barrett are the frontrunners for a new character addition to the cast of the upcoming sixth season of CBS' "How I Met Your Mother". The part is labeled as the next big love interest for Ted (Josh Radnor), an activist clashing with Ted over the planned demolition of a New York hotel.

From the Hollywood Reportera:

- FOX has renewed its reality series "MasterChef" for a second season. Whether the new season will premier next summer or as early as midseaon remains to be seen.

From TV Guide:

- When "Law & Order: Los Angeles" is starting to take cases on September 29, it will get some help to start things off: Mariska Hargitay, aka Det. Olivia Benson will make the trip from "SVU" to "LOLA" in the series premiere when lead Det. Rex Winters (Skeet Ulrich) works the case of a rape survivor (guest star Jennifer Love Hewitt), who, years earlier, submitted to an invasive exam for a rape evidence collection kit that was ignored by police. The story is based on true events in which Hargitay's Joyful Heart Foundation was involved in, an organisation for victims of child abuse, domestic violence and rape - hence her willing participation in the episode.

- Celia Weston ("Memphis Beat", "Desperate Housewives") has booked the part of Cameron's (Eric Stonestreet) mother on ABC's "Modern Family". Initially, it was believed that the character would arrive with her husband for Thanksgiving, but now she comes in solo, and not on the Holidays.

- Marisol Nichols ("The Gates", "24") is coming aboard "NCIS: Los Angeles") for the potentially recurring part of Kelly, G. Callen's (Chris O'Donnell) ex-partner.

- Sam Anderson ("Lost") will guest star on "NCIS" in the second episode of the upcoming eighth season, playing Walter Carmichael, a teacher whose classroom turns into a crime scene when one of his students is kidnapped.

Newsies: FOX Orders LOCKE & KEY, Steven Seagal Is LAWMAN Again, Reality Show Renewals

From the The Hollywood Reporter:

- FOX has handed out a series commitment to "Locke & Key", the adaptation of Joe Hill (Stephen King's son) and Gabriel Rodriguez' comic book of the same name.
The story centers on the Locke children. They attempt to come to terms with the gruesome murder of his father at the hands of a deranged high school student. The family relocates to Lovecraft (!), Massachusetts, where the youngest of the family discovers keys in its walls that have a trans-formative ability.
Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, Heather Kadin, Josh Friedman, Justin Falvey, Darryl Frank and Ted Adams are the show's executive producers.
FOX is looking to launch the show as a potential summer series.

- A&E has set a premiere date for the second season of "Steven Seagal: Lawman". The reality cop project will return with at least eight new episodes, to be aired back-to-back, on October 6 at 10 PM.
The show ran into trouble once Seagal was accused of sexual harassment. The Jefferson Parrish Sheriff, Seagal's boss, ordered a production shutdown because the accusations would be a "distraction". The accuser has dropped his lawsuit in July. However, it is unknown if the production ban is still in place, or if A&E will order more episodes.
The eight episodes set to air were produced prior to the incident.

- Several reality show projects have gotten renewals in the past week:
NBC has ordered a sixth season of "America's Got Talent", which will premier next summer.
Bravo, meanwhile has ordered another season of "The Real Housewives Of New Jersey". The show will return for a third year, while "The Real Housewives Of New York City" has been renewed for season four.
And last but not least, ABC has ordered up a second season of "Jamie Oliver's Food Edition", set to premier either during midseason or next summer.

Labor Day Casting Updates Galore

Hello Folks

Yeah, it has been really slow on news lately, as the measly two posts so far this week clearly show.

Let's crunch up the number a bit with an overview of the latest castings.

From EW's Michael Ausiello:

- Mekhi Phifer will be leaving FOX' "Lie To Me" by the end of the second season. When the show returns on November 10, the Lightman Group will break ties with the FBI and its in-house liaison Ben Reynolds. "We're going rogue a little bit", exec producer David Graziano says. "“The FBI franchise limited our storytelling a little bit because it had to adhere to the FBI structures of ‘Would the FBI take this case or not? The character that’s going to be our badge this season is a bent cop, Wolowsky (Monique Gabriela Curnen ("The Unusuals")), who goes about business in a similar way to Lightman. There’s a mutual respect from the get-go. We’re working hard to make The Lightman Group a dysfunctional family.”

- In additional "Lie To Me" news, Annette O'Toole ("Smallville") will be guest starring on a third season episode as a 60-year-old woman with a dark secret that makes it very hard to treat her for her early-onset Alzheimer’s.

- And still on the "Lie To Me" front, but this time from TV Guide, Tricia Helfer ("Battlestar Galactica", "Burn Notice") is also guesting on the upcoming third season, playing Naomi, who develops a crush on Cal Lightman (Tim Roth), despite him being able to read her every emotion. Once she needs protection from a violent ex-boyfriend, Lightman helps her, and gets a bit close to the fire himself, figuratively speaking…

- Sharon Lawrence is moving to "One Tree Hill" for multiple episodes, playing Julian's (Austin Nichols) mother. She comes to town to help with her son's wedding with Brooke (Sophia Bush).

A few direct announcements via press releases:

- Joan Cusack has come aboard Showtime's upcoming drama "Shameless" for all 12 episodes of the first season. She is set to play Sheila, "an agoraphobic Chicago housewife with a sexually active teenage daughter who strikes up a special friendship with William H. Macy’s character, Frank Gallagher".
The show starts production this month, and is set to premier on January 9.

- Eddie Izzard and Frances Conroy have both joined the cast of "United States Of Tara". In the show's third season, Izzard will appear in eight episodes as "Tara’s brilliant psychology professor who is at first a DID skeptic, but becomes fascinated with Tara as a subject, leading him to further explore the condition.
Conroy will be on hand for one episode, playing Max Gregson's (John Corbett) mother, described as "a recluse with a compulsive hoarding problem".
Per TV Guide, Conroy is also set to appear on "Grey's Anatomy" next season, playing a woman blacking out the moment she catches her husband fondling another woman's panties in the Laundromat.

Other news from TV Guide:

- Former "Melrose Place" alum Thomas Calabro will be guest starring on an upcoming episode of "CSI: NY", playing a man on the lookout for his lost son, together with his wife (Former feature film "Supergirl" Helen Slater). They follow clues left by a mysterious caller.

-Cleo King ("Deadwood", "Sons Of Anarchy") will be appearing in NBC's "Mike And Molly" this fall. I seven of the first 13 episodes, she will be playing the grandmother of Officer Carl McMillan (Reno Wilson). Fun fact: King is a mere eight years older than Wilson…

- Cybill Shepherd will guest star on ABC's upcoming superhero drama "No Ordinary Family", playing Barbara Crane, mother of Stephanie (Julie Benz). And she's bringing along her husband, Alan (Bruce, no, not Willis, McGill).

- Maiara Walsh ("Desperate Housewives") heads to Mystic Falls in the fall. On "The Vampire Diaries", she will play Sarah, a party-hard high school girl. Exec producer Kevin Williams describes her as "a girl who sets her eyes on Jeremy and encourages him to party it up at the Lockwood house."

- Former "Heroes" alums Masi Oka and Jack Coleman have found new workplaces. Oka is set as the coroner on CBS' "Hawaii-Five-0" remake, and Coleman will guest star on the October 14 episode of "The Mentalist" as a wealthy, arrogant man who becomes a murder suspect.

- Lois Smith ("True Blood") has been cast for multiple episodes as Tom Sciavo's (Doug Savant) mother Allison on "Desperate Housewives". She will come to Wysteria Lane to help her son overcome a male postpartum depression.

- Allison Miller ("Kings") has booked a regular part on FOX' ridiculously expensive dinosaur drama "Terra Nova". She will play Skye, a Terra Nova resident bonding with Jim Shannon's (Jason O'Mara) son, Josh.
The show has been pushed back to fall 2010, but a special preview episode (a la "Glee") is set for May.

- Oh, and in case you didn't hear: Kara DioGuardi is off "American Idol". The search for her replacement is ongoing.

That's it. Enjoy your Labor Day weekend.

HBO Renews HUNG, TNT Renews MEMPHIS BEAT

Hello Folks

HBO has announced today that it has picked up its comedy "Hung" for a third season of 10 episodes, which will air next year.

It is a bit surprising, since the show is not a veritable hit for HBO, at least not yet.

Additionally, TNT has officially ordered a second season of its summer drama "Memphis Beat", per the Hollywood Reporter.

Last month, another freshman drama, "Rizzoli & Isles" has been getting a second season order.