NBC Orders More PARENTHOOD

Hello Folks

According to TVLine's Michael Ausiello, NBC has ordered two more episodes of its Tuesday drama "Parenthood" for the current third season.

This brings the tool of episodes to 18. Still not 22, but at least better that the 16 that were initially ordered for the new season back in May.

FOX Gives Full Season To NEW GIRL

Hello Folks

And we have the first back nine order of the new fall season. But actually, it's even better.

FOX has announced it has extended its freshman sitcom "New Girl" to a full season of, no, not  22, but 24 episodes.

“We love the charming Zooey Deschanel and the entire cast, we’re knocked out with the work that Liz Meriwether and the whole staff is doing and we are really psyched about the upcoming episodes in the pipeline," said FOX entertainment president Kevin Reilly in a statement. “It's great that audiences have responded so positively so far and we're confident that even more people will embrace the show – and more comedy on FOX – this season."

CBS Orders Rob Schneider Comedy For Midseason, DROP DEAD DIVA Renewed

Hello Folks

According to EW's Lynette Rice, CBS has picked up the untitled Rob Schneider multi-camera comedy for midseason.

The show was considered for a fall launch, but got kicked back to the drawing board. It stars Schneider as a man who marries into a tight-knit Mexican-American family. The project also stars Cheech Marin and Lupe Ontiveros. Jamie Widdoes directs.

Additionally, Lifetime has announced that it has picked up its dramedy "Drop Dead Diva" for a fourth season. 13 new episodes will premier in 2012.

FOX Picks Up TOUCH With Kiefer Sutherland For Spring

Per TVLine's Megan Masters, FOX has officially picked up its midseason drama "Touch", starring Kiefer Sutherland, to series for a launch in spring.

From "Heroes" creator Tim Kring, "Touch" centers on a father (Sutherland) whose son (David Mazouz) is able to see events before they happen. Danny Glover co-stars as an expert on children with special abilities.

“Touch is another ambitious series from Tim Kring that is beautifully executed and has incredibly resonant themes for our times,” says FOX president Kevin Reilly. “With Kiefer back on the network as the face and force behind this creative new series, I’m confident it will resonate with viewers this spring.”

Katie Holmes To Guest Star On HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER

Hello Folks

According to Vulture's Josef Adalian, none other than Mrs. Tom Cruise will be a special kind of Halloween treat on "How I Met Your Mother" this year.

Katie Holmes has signed on to guest star on the veteran CBS comedy, playing  - Spoiler Alert! - The Slutty Pumpkin, a potential love interest Ted met at a Halloween party in the past but lost touch with.

Series creators Carter Bays and Craig Thomas announced that we would meet the iconic character in the new season, but couldn't put an actress' name to it back then.

"Katie is a lovely and talented actress, which is why we've saved for her perhaps the most classily named character in our show’s history," Thomas says, adding that the role was "literally six seasons in the making."

Victor Garber To Voice Charlie On CHARLIE'S ANGELS, Alexandra Daddario Joins PARENTHOOD

Hello Folks

TV Guide's William Keck reports today that after Robert Wagner and his signature voice have left ABC's reboot of "Charlie's Angels", the show has now found the new voice that will come out of the speaker.

And it belongs to Victor Garber.

Garber is still in the process of signing on to do the voice work, but a few details about how the mysterious title figure will be involved in the show and its arc have already emerged. If you want to know what is currently being mulled as his backstory, hit the link above.

Additionally, per TVLine's Megan Masters, Alexandra Daddario, who is best known from playing Neal Caffrey's lost love Kate on "White Collar", has joined the cast of NBC's "Parenthood" for an arc of at least several episodes.

Daddario will play Rachel, the new receptionist in Crosby's (Dax Shephard) and Adam's (Peter Krause) new business venture, The Luncheonette. She will first appear in episode 8 of the current third season.

Billy Ray Cyrus To 90210, DJ Qualls To SUPERNATURAL, Jack Coleman To CRIMINAL MINDS, Nicole Gale Anderson To RINGER

A few more castings to report.

- Per EW's Lynette Rice, Billy Ray Cyrus ("Hannah Montana") will be heading to the zip code of "90210". On the CW show's fourth season, he will play the father of rich kid Austin (Justin Deeley). Described as a country western star, Cyrus will appear in the role in an early November sweeps episode.

- DJ Qualls ("Memphis Beat") will guest star on another CW show, "Supernatural" to be exact, reports TVLine's Vlada Gelman. Qualls will play Garth, a +quirky, laid-back hunter" in the episode "Time for a Wedding", and will not be getting along with Dean very well - at least not in the beginning.

- Jack Coleman ("Heroes") has booked a guest stint on "Criminal Minds", per TVLine's Megan Masters. He will play Bill, a man who once held a girl kidnapped for seven years, and, to create a renewed connection with his victim, now kidnaps the girl's mother (Brigid Brannagh) in the same fashion. And your thought HRG was bad, huh?

- Also per TVLine's Meg Masters, Nicole Gale Anderson ("Make It Or Break It") has landed a guest role on The CW's "Ringer. She will play Monica, an upper east-side friend of Juliet (Zoey Deutch), Siobhan's (Sarah Michelle Gellar) step-daughter, who gets in trouble at a party.

And The EMMY Winners Are…

Hello Folks

Here's the winners list of this year's Primetime Emmy Awards:

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES


JULIE BOWEN as Claire Dunphy 
Modern Family
ABC


OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES


TY BURRELL as Phil Dunphy 
Modern Family
ABC


OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A COMEDY SERIES


MICHAEL ALAN SPILLER, Directed by
Modern Family
Halloween
ABC


OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A COMEDY SERIES


STEVEN LEVITAN, JEFFREY RICHMAN, Written by
Modern Family
Caught In The Act
ABC


OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES


JIM PARSONS as Sheldon Cooper
The Big Bang Theory
CBS


OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES

MELISSA MCCARTHY as Molly Flynn
Mike & Molly

CBS

OUTSTANDING REALITY-COMPETITION PROGRAM


THE AMAZING RACE
CBS


Bertram van Munster, Executive Producer
Elise Doganieri, Executive Producer
Jerry Bruckheimer, Executive Producer
Jonathan Littman, Executive Producer
Mark Vertullo, Executive Producer
Evan Weinstein, Co-Executive Producer
Dan Coffie, Co-Executive Producer
Giselle Parets, Supervising Producer
Michael Norton, Supervising Producer
Barry Hennessey, Supervising Producer
Matt Schmidt, Supervising Producer
Patrick Cariaga, Supervising Producer
Phil Keoghan, Supervising Producer
Michael Miller, Supervising Producer
Bob Parr, Senior Producer
Neil Jahss, Senior Producer


OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A VARIETY, MUSIC OR COMEDY SERIES

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

COMEDY CENTRAL

STEVE BODOW, Head Writer

TIM CARVELL, Head Writer
RORY ALBANESE, Writer
KEVIN BLEYER, Writer
RICH BLOMQUIST, Writer
WYATT CENAC, Writer
HALLIE HAGLUND, Writer JR HAVLAN, Writer
ELLIOTT KALAN, Writer
JOSH LIEB, Writer
SAM MEANS, Writer
JO MILLER, Writer
JOHN OLIVER, Writer
DANIEL RADOSH, Writer
JASON ROSS, Writer
JON STEWART, Writer

OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A VARIETY, MUSIC OR COMEDY SERIES

DON ROY KING, Directed by 

Saturday Night Live
NBC
Host: Justin Timberlake

OUTSTANDING VARIETY, MUSIC OR COMEDY SERIES


THE DAILY SHOW WITH JON STEWART
COMEDY CENTRAL


Jon Stewart, Executive Producer/Host
Rory Albanese, Executive Producer
Josh Lieb, Executive Producer
Kahane Cooperman, Co-Executive Producer
Steve Bodow, Co-Executive Producer
Jennifer Flanz, Co-Executive Producer
Jim Margolis, Co-Executive Producer
Pamela DePace, Supervising Producer
Hillary Kun, Supervising Producer
Adam Lowitt, Supervising Producer
Jill Katz, Producer


OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A DRAMA SERIES


JASON KATIMS, Written by
Friday Night Lights
DIRECTV
Always


OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES


MARGO MARTINDALE as Mags Bennett
Justified
FX NETWORKS


OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A DRAMA SERIES


MARTIN SCORSESE, Directed by
Boardwalk Empire
HBO
Boardwalk Empire (Pilot)


OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES


PETER DINKLAGE as Tyrion Lannister
Game Of Thrones
HBO


OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES


JULIANNA MARGULIES as Alicia Florrick
The Good Wife
CBS

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES


KYLE CHANDLER as Coach Eric Taylor
Friday Night Lights

DIRECTV

OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A MINISERIES, MOVIE OR A DRAMATIC SPECIAL


JULIAN FELLOWES, Written by
Downton Abbey (Masterpiece)
PBS


OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MINISERIES OR A MOVIE


MAGGIE SMITH as Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham
Downton Abbey (Masterpiece)
PBS


OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A MINISERIES OR A MOVIE


BARRY PEPPER as Bobby Kennedy
The Kennedys
REELZCHANNEL


OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A MINISERIES, MOVIE OR A DRAMATIC SPECIAL


BRIAN PERCIVAL, Directed by
Downton Abbey (Masterpiece)
PBS
Part I


OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MINISERIES OR A MOVIE


GUY PEARCE as Monty Beragon
Mildred Pierce
HBO

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A MINISERIES OR A MOVIE

KATE WINSLET as Mildred Pierce

Mildred Pierce

HBO

OUTSTANDING MINISERIES OR MOVIE

DOWNTON ABBEY (MASTERPIECE)

PBS

Gareth Neame, Executive Producer

Rebecca Eaton, Executive Producer

Julian Fellowes, Executive Producer

Nigel Marchant, Producer

Liz Trubridge, Series Producer

OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES

MAD MEN

AMC

Matthew Weiner, Executive Producer
Scott Hornbacher, Executive Producer
Andre Jacquemetton, Co-Executive Producer

Maria Jacquemetton, Co-Executive Producer

Dahvi Waller, Producer
Jonathan Abrahams, Producer
Dwayne Shattuck, Producer
Blake McCormick, Producer

OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES

MODERN FAMILY

ABC

Steven Levitan, Executive Producer

Christopher Lloyd, Executive Producer

Jeff Morton, Co-Executive Producer

Danny Zuker, Co-Executive Producer

Dan O’Shannon, Co-Executive Producer

Bill Wrubel, Co-Executive Producer

Paul Corrigan, Co-Executive Producer
Brad Walsh, Co-Executive Producer
Ilana Wernick, Co-Executive Producer
Jeffrey Richman, Co-Executive Producer

Abraham Higginbotham, Co-Executive Producer 

ABC Family Also Cancels STATE OF GEORGIA

Aside from the renewal of "Make It Or Break It", the back order for "The Lying Game" and the axing of "The Nine Lives of Chloe King", there's one other thing from ABC Family that has skipped my radar, as it was mostly added as a small update to most news stories, and not a dedicated topic that showed up in my RSS feeds.

ABC Family has also canceled its freshman sitcom "State of Georgia", which starred Raven-Symoné and Majandra Delfino.

Castings: Michael Nouri, Blythe Danner, Rebecca Romjin, Many Others Grab Roles

Hello Folks

Before the Emmys are upon us, here are some casting news from lately, gathered from various sources. Some slight spoilers below.

- Michael Nouri ("NCIS", "Damages") has grabbed a guest spot on FOX' "House". He will play a corporate honcho named Thad Barton, who plans to move the company to China, and gets a lot of flak from his co-workers. A neurological episodes forces him into Princeton-Plainsboro and in Dr. House's care.

- Blythe Danner ("Huff", "Will & Grace") has joined NBC's upcoming comedy "Up All Night" in the possibly recurring role of Reagan's (Christina Applegate) mother.

- Chord Overstreet ("Glee") has come aboard ABC's "The Middle" to guest star on one upcoming episode as Brick's (Atticus Shaffer) new, young teacher.

- Robert Englund (A Nightmare On Elm Street") has joined the cast of the upcoming Halloween episode of CBS' "Hawaii Five-O". The former Freddy Krueger plays a homeless Desert Storm vet who hangs around an ancient burial site and becomes involved in a murder case.

- And speaking of "Hawaii Five-O": Tania Raymonde ("Lost") will be guest starring of the re-boot's sophomore season in one episode as Trisha, a married woman caught between her husband and a local volleyball coach. Meredith Monroe also guest stars in that same episode, playing a star player on said volleyball team.

- Rebecca Romjin ("Eastwick", "Ugly Betty") will be guest starring on NBC's "Chuck" in its fifth and final season, playing CIA Special Agent Robin Cunnings, a cold, ruthless operative who goes rogue with a group to frame Chuck for a heinous crime.

- Ken Kercheval has signed on to return to his iconic character of Cliff Barnes in TNT's upcoming new "Dallas", which will air next summer. He is set to appear in three episodes.

- Louis Gossett, Jr. and Sara Rue ("Shedding For The Wedding") have joined the cast of USA's "Psych". They will play Lassiter's (Timothy Omundson) new neighbors. Gossett, Jr. plays Lloyd, the rather creepy manager of the Overlook Gardens Condominium, and Rue plays Amy Alleris, a cute and friendly nurse.

- Fred Savage ("The Wonder Years") has signed on to direct and guest star in an upcoming second season episode of ABC's "Happy Endings", playing himself on the show, and getting somehow involved in a bad date, and with Alex (Elisha Cuthbert).

- Frederick Weller ("In Plain Sight") has been added to the cast of CBS' "Blue Bloods" for three episodes beginning November 4, where he will play a new love interest for Erin (Bridget Moynahan), who ends up being the suspect of a gallery heist.

- Romany Malco ("No Ordinary Family") will be guest starring on CBS' "The Good Wife" for multiple episodes, playing a pro bono lawyer renting some space for himself at LG.

- Diane Farr ("Numb3rs", "Californication") has been tapped to guest star on an episode of "CSI: Miami", where she plays a part in the special Halloween episode airing October 30. She's playing a writer whose vampiric novel seems to be the groundwork for a murder that Horatio (David Caruso) and his team investigate.

- Vinny Guadagnino ("Jersey Shore") will play a celebrity involved in a high-stakes poker game with Liam (Matt Lanter) in an upcoming November sweeps episode of The CW's "90210", when the gang heads to Las Vegas.

- Eric Stonestreet ("Modern Family") and Sarah Paulson ("Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip") will be guest starring on FX' upcoming "American Horror Story". Stonestreet in the role of a patient with fear of urban legends who seeks Dr. Ben Harmon's (Dylan McDermott) help, and Paulson as Billie Dean, a medium appearing in four episodes.

- Rachael Harris ("THe Hangover") has been cast in two episodes of NBC's new comedy "Free Agents", playing the sister of Helen's (Kathryn Hahn) late fiancée.

ABC Family Renews MAKE IT OR BREAK IT, Gives Back Order To THE LYING GAME

ABC Family has officially renewed "Make It Or Break It" for another season, it has announced today in a press release.

In addition, the network also oedered additional episodes of freshman drama "The Lying Game", giving the show a back order of 12 additional episodes, bringing the first season to 22 episodes.

“ABC Family expanded its schedule to present three nights of original programming this summer, and we saw our most successful on record, one that gave us our very own ‘triple-threat’ -- ‘Switched at Birth,’ ‘The Secret Life of the American Teenager’ and ‘Pretty Little Liars,’” said ABC Family president Michael Riley. “Joining this group of series will be another season of the gymnastics drama ‘Make It or Break It,’ just in time to ignite Olympic fever, and a back-order of Warner Horizon’s ‘The Lying Game.’ Our momentum continues to grow, and I’m thrilled with the strength of our schedule which includes a great mix of returning favorites, breakout series and what are sure to be new hits.”

BONES Looking To Get Mini-Season Next Summer

Blame it on Emily Deschanel and her pregnancy that FOX' "Bones" is going to have a pretty short season this time around.

A measly six episode from November 3, then a long hiatus (with spinoff "The Finder" trying to fill the void), and then, another seven episodes in April and May.

But according to TVLine's Michael Ausiello, it now looks like we get some more Brennan and Booth before next fall.

FOX has apparently ordered an additional four episodes, which might air over the next summer, and shorten the gap between season 7 and a possible season 8, if the show gets renewed.

Exec producer Stephen Nathan says that “it’s a very odd situation we’re in. [FOX] has scheduled us for 13 episodes, but they want as many episodes as we can produce.”

As for how the additional four episodes will figure into the current season, Nathan explains that simply, they won't. “We’re constructing the season so that the finale is Episode 13. And then there will ultimately be four more episodes that we can play with. [FOX] could run them on a different night, they could run them in the summer, or they could hold them for fall.”

As for what the four episodes will look like, Nathan had this to say: "Because the show is centrally episodic, and we know what’s happening with Booth and Brennan, we can do four great episodes that are almost like a mini-season. So we can do a four-episode mini season after the 13-episode regular season.” “It’s weird, and it’s a challenge. But we’ll do it.”

ABC Family Cancels THE NINE LIVES OF CHLOE KING

Per EW's James Hibberd, ABC Family has canceled its freshman summer drama "The Nine Lives of Chloe King".

The show, starring Skyler Samuels as Chloe, a girl from an ancient tribe with cat-like abilities, has been underperforming for the cable network over its summer run.

ABC Family is expecting to order at least two new pilots soon, one being "Strut", from "Gilmore Girls" creator Amy-Sherman Palladino, and "Intercept", a project about college crime fighters.

USA Renews COVERT AFFAIRS, ROYAL PAINS, NECESSARY ROUGHNESS

Hello Folks

USA has announced it has renewed three of its successful series today.

CIA spy drama "Covert Affairs", starring Piper Perabo has been picked up for a third season, while medical drama "Royal Pains", starring Mark Feuerstein, has gotten a season four order, and drama "Necessary Roughness", starring Callie Thorne, is getting a second season.

All orders are for 16 episodes.

"USA's original programming blew through all expectations this summer. We had an unprecedented number of original series on our air -- and every single one of them was great," said USA co-presidents Chris McCumber and Jeff Wachtel. "The actors who make our shows unique aren't just stars, they are character actors in the finest sense. Our writers, directors and producers truly understand what it takes to create sustainable success. It's a rare and wonderful thing to announce the pick-up of our entire summer of programming."

"Covert Affairs" will return November 1 at 10/9c PM for six episodes, which mark the rest of its second season.

Cheryl Ladd To NCIS, Michael J. Fox Returns To THE GOOD WIFE, More Castings

Here are a few casting bits from today. Some spoilers below.

- Per EW's Lynette Rice, Cheryl Ladd ("Charlie's Angels") has landed a guest spot on "NCIS" on CBS, playing a love interest for Ducky (David McCallum) in a late October episode.

- Michael J. Fox ("Spin City") will return to CBS' "The Good Wife", reprising his role of Alicia's (Julianna Margulies) nemesis Louis Canning for three or four episodes, according to TVLine's Michael Ausiello.

- From E!Online's Kristin Dos Santos comes the news that Beau Garrett ("Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior") is going to play a cult leader on an upcoming episode of "Chuck". (Note: The UK site (where I constantly get redirected to) seems to have problems, so no link for the moment, but later.)

- Also per TVLine's Michael Ausiello, Andrew Leeds ("Dirt", "Nip/Tuck") has been cast as the new recurring nemesis on the upcoming seventh season of FOX' "Bones". He plays Christopher Pellant, a tech-savy "hacktivist" who is currently under house arrest for shutting down the DoD's communications network. But even if he's got no internet, he somehow is carrying out a murder spree. His first appearance is set for episode 6, and his arc could continue into the eighth season as well.

- TVLine's Matt Webb Mitovich reports today that Wes Brown ("True Blood") has joined the cast of ABC's "Private Practice" for a four-episode arc, playing a handsome stranger who gets involved in Amelia's (Caterina Scorsone) ongoing storyline about her addiction.

- And on a personal note: Like many of you, I was deeply saddened and shocked to her about the Passing of "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" actor Andy Whitfield. He was taken from us way too soon. May he Rest In Peace. My sincere condolences to all his family, friends and countless fans around the globe.

Wentworth Miller To Guest Star On HOUSE

Hello Folks

I know I've been a bit lazy the last few days on casting news, but here's something juicy to come back with.

Former "Prison Break" hunk Wentworth Miller has booked himself a guest spot in the coming eighth season of "House", playing a patient of the week, according to TVLine's Michael Ausiello.

According to exec producer/creator David Shore, the role is described as "a real altruist. And there’s some question as to whether that’s his symptom or not.”

The episode is set to air in late October. "House" returns for its likely final season on Monday, October 3.

Lifetime Cancels THE PROTECTOR

Hello Folks

Per various sources, Lifetime has decided not to pick up a second season of its drama "The Protector".

The show, starring Ally Walker as a single mother of two who struggles with her life as a mom and a homicide detective, was the channel's least watched scripted series this year. Two episodes of the show have yet to air, on September 12 and September 12.

No word yet on Lifetime's other new series this summer, "Against The Wall".

HBO Orders Aaron Sorkin's Cable News Drama To Series

Hello Folks

HBO has announced that it has picked up Oscar winner Aaron Sorkin's latest foray into series television.

Originally titled "More As This Story Develops", the now untitled project "centers on a cable news anchor (Jeff Daniels), his new executive producer (Emily Mortimer), his newsroom staff (Alison Pill, John Gallagher, Jr., Olivia Munn, Dev Patel, Thomas Sadoski) and their boss (Sam Waterston). Together they set out on a patriotic and quixotic mission to do the news well in the face of corporate and commercial obstacles and their own personal entanglements."

HBO has put the show on the fast track, and is looking to put it on the air before the year is over.

Syfy Renews ALPHAS For Season 2

Hello Folks

Per TVLine's Matt Webb Mitovich, Syfy has announced that it has officially picked up its freshman drama "Alphas" for a second season.

13 new episodes have been ordered, which are set to premiere in 2012.

“Alphas’ smart, innovative approach to a superhero franchise has clearly caught on with our audience,” says Mark Stern, Syfy’s president of original content. "From the first-rate writing to the outstanding cast lead by David Strathairn, we’re very proud of what was achieved in its first season and look forward to seeing this series fulfill even more of its creative potential in a second season.”

Jay Mohr To Recur On SUBURGATORY

Per TVLine's Michael Ausiello, Jay Mohr has booked a major recurring part on ABC's upcoming comedy "Suburgatory".

In the show starring Jane Levy, who plays NYC teen girl Tessa, who moves with her dad (Jeremy Sisto) to her own personal hell - the suburbs, Mohr will play Steve Royce, the absentee husband of Cheryl Hines’ rather shallow housewife, Dallas.

Steve is described as a shark in business, which gives him and his family their high-maintenance life. But he's seldom at home, and in terms of monogamy, both Steve and Dallas have obtained a "don't ask, don't tell" policy.

"Suburgatory" premiers on ABC on September 28 at 8.0 PM.

Eddie Murphy To Host Next OSCARS

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences has officially announced that veteran comedian/actor Eddie Murphy has been tapped to host the 84th Annual Academy Awards, which  will be held Sunday, February 26, 2012. ABC will air the ceremony live.
This is Murphy's first stint as Oscar host. Brett Ratner and Don Mischer will produce the telecast.

"Eddie is a comedic genius, one of the greatest and most influential live performers ever," said Ratner. "With his love of movies, history of crafting unforgettable characters and his iconic performances – especially on stage – I know he will bring excitement, spontaneity and tremendous heart to the show Don and I want to produce in February."

Commented Mischer, "Eddie is a truly ground-breaking performer, whose amazingly diverse array of roles has won him a devoted audience of all ages. His quick wit and charisma will serve him very well as Oscar host."

"I am enormously honored to join the great list of past Academy Award hosts from Hope and Carson to Crystal, Martin and Goldberg, among others," said Murphy. "I'm looking forward to working with Brett and Don on creating a show that is enjoyable for both the fans at home and for the audience at the Kodak Theatre as we all come together to celebrate and recognize the great film contributions and collaborations from the past year."

Justin Long Meets NEW GIRL, David Cross To MODERN FAMILY, More Castings

Hello Folks

Some casting news from over the Labor Day weekend, gathered from TVLine.

- Justin Long has been added to the cast of FOX' new comedy "New Girl". The former "Ed" actor joins the show in the recurring role of Paul, a music teacher who falls for Jess (Zooey Deschanel), who has just moved in with three guys after a nasty breakup. "New Girl" launches September 20.

- David Cross ("Arrested Development", "Running Wilde") has signed on to recur on the upcoming third season of ABC's "Modern Family", playing a civil councilman who clashes with Claire (Julie Bowen). "Modern Family" returns September 21.

- Chishell Stause ("All My Children") will guest star on ABC's "Body of Proof". In episode six of the upcoming second season, Stause plays a party planner whose boyfriend is the victim of a murder. "Body of Proof" returns September 20.

- Katie LeClerc ("Switched at Birth") will guest star on CBS' "The Big Bang Theory" in the October 6 episode of the show's fifth season. She plays Emily, a friend of Penny's who is Deaf, which means: Perfect match for Raj, who can't talk to women unless being drunk. "The Big Bang Theory" kicks off season 5 on September 22.

TNT Cancels HAWTHORNE

Hello Folks

Deadline's Nellie Andreeva reports today that TNT has decided to cancel its medical drama "Hawthorne" after three seasons.

Currently still on the bubble, with aa50/50 chance of returning is "Memphis Beat".

The network released the following statement:

TNT has decided not to order a fourth season of HawthoRNe. TNT truly appreciates the tremendous dedication of everyone involved in HawthoRNe. The series gave TNT the opportunity to work with many outstanding people, including Jada Pinkett Smith and the rest of the show’s talented cast, crew, producers and writers. We wish everyone involved with HawthoRNe nothing but the best.

Teddy Sears Joins AMERICAN HORROR STORY, Gage Golightly Enters RINGER

Deadline's Nellie Andreeva reports today that Teddy Sears ("Torchwood", "The Defenders", "Raising The Bar") has joined the cast of FX' upcoming Ryan Murphy/Brad Falchuk series "American Horror Story".

The project centers on therapist Ben Harmon (Dylan McDermott), who moves into a new home with his wife Vivien (Connie Britton) and their kids, only to find out that the house is haunted. Sears plays the partner of the gay character played by Zachary Quinto. The men are the co-owners of the house.

Additionally, Gage Golightly ("The Troop", "Heartland") has joined The CW's "Ringer" as a recurring player. In the story about twin sisters Bridget and Siobhan (Sarah Michelle Gellar) who are both running from organized crime, Golightly plays a tough teen girl who clashes with Bridget's step-daughter Juliet (Zoe Deutch) at the  inner-city school.

Showtime Renews THE BIG C For Third Season

Hello Folks

Showtime has announced that it has renewed its drama "The Big C" for a third season.

The show, starring Laura Linney, will start production on 10 new episodes early next year, and will start airing them in the second quarter of 2012.

Katie Cassidy To NEW GIRL, Tiffany Hines To 90210, CSI: NY Gets Justin Bruening, Robbie Amell

Hello Folks

A few casting items from the last hours.

E!Online's Kristin Dos Santos reports today that Katie Cassidy will join new FOX sitcom "New Girl" for one episode, playing a guest at a wedding reception that Jess (Zooey Deschanel) and her roommates attend.

Additionally, per the Hollywood Reporter, former "Nikita" assassin Tiffany Hines has booked a recurring role on The CW's "90210".

She plays a police officer named Kat.

And then, from TVLine's Meg Masters comes the news that Justin Bruening ("All My Children", "Knight Rider") and Robbie Amell ("How I Met Your Mother") will both be guest starring in the October 21 episode of "CSI: New York" over at CBS.

Bruening plays Hank, a parolee who becomes a suspect in a murder investigation, a fact not really liked by his younger brother (Amell), a basketball star.