'America's Next Top Model's college-themed Cycle 19 holds open casting

'America's Next Top Model's college-themed Cycle 19 holds open casting

America's Next Top Model is holding an open casting call for an upcoming run of the series.

The CW announced on Thursday (February 23) that Cycle 19 of the show is looking for students across the United States to participate in its 'College Edition'.

Students do not have to be in college, but rather must be pursuing any form of continuing education, including pre-med or pre-beautician. Hopefuls are expected to demonstrate both school spirit and modelling talent for a place in the forthcoming season.

The first open calls start tomorrow (February 24) in Texas and Indiana, with further dates and locations spread across the United States.

It was recently reported that America's Next Top Model host Tyra Banks will graduate from Harvard Business School.

Dee Snider: 'I played nice on Celebrity Apprentice'

Dee Snider: 'I played nice on Celebrity Apprentice'

Dee Snider has claimed that he 'played nice' with his fellow Celebrity Apprentice contestants.

The Twisted Sister frontman told Parade that he tried at all costs to avoid arguing with the likes of Debbie Gibson and Arsenio Hall while trying to be crowned Donald Trump's Apprentice.

"I was terrible in [Twisted Sister]. I was the lead singer, so I was selfish and self-absorbed," Snider said. "I tried to learn from that and be a team player. I worked hard to play nice since I didn't in the past."

Snider went on to say that he's come to enjoy appearing on reality shows like Celebrity Apprentice and MTV Cribs.

"[Reality television] gives me the opportunity to show people who I really am. There is more to me than a screaming guy with make-up on," he joked.

Trump recently hinted that Lisa Lampanelli was "nasty" to her competitors on The Celebrity Apprentice.

LeAnn Rimes interested in joining 'X Factor' USA?

LeAnn Rimes interested in joining 'X Factor' USA?

LeAnn Rimes has reportedly expressed an interest in signing on to The X Factor USA.

The country singer met with the Fox series' co-producer FremantleMedia North America to discuss the possibility of joining the show as a member of the judging panel, according to Entertainment Weekly.

Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul exited the Fox series in late January, while host Steve Jones has also confirmed that he will not be returning for the show's second season.

Since the shake-up, a number of names for potential judging candidates have been rumoured, including Beyoncé, Mariah Carey and Katy Perry.

Britney Spears has also expressed interest in joining the show, according to Us Weekly. The singer allegedly reached out to the series recently.

Simon Cowell has confirmed that he will be adding two females to X Factor USA's judging panel.

Rimes recently admitted that she struggled with her weight when she was younger, confessing that she was fat as a child.

'Archer' Renewed for 4th Season; FX Signs Overall Deal With Exec Producers

'Archer' Renewed for 4th Season; FX Signs Overall Deal With Exec Producers

FX has renewed the animated spy series "Archer" for a 13-episode fourth season. The network has also signed an overall production deal with the show's executive producers Adam Reed and Matt Thompson and their animation studio Floyd County Productions, FX said on Thursday.

"Archer"'s third season, which wraps with a finale on March 22, has improved 44 percent in the adults 18-49 demographic over the second season, with an average 1.58 million viewers in the demo, and 32 percent in total viewers, with 2 million.

“It was an easy decision to order more 'Archer,'” FX executive vice president of original programming Nick Grad said of the renewal. “It has deservedly grown beyond its initial cult following to become both a critical and ratings success.”

The two-year overall deal with Reed and Thompson will keep the pair with FX Productions for any additional seasons of the series, plus any new projects that the duo develops. It also ensures that Floyd County Productions will continue to animate "Archer," along with the FX series "Unsupervised" and any new animated fare produced or developed by FX.

"We are insanely excited that FX Productions has committed to a multi-year deal for Archer and Floyd County Productions," Reed said of the deal. "They're fantastic to work with, and we hope to keep making good shows for FX for as long as they'll have us."

Cheryl Cole rules out 'X Factor' return: 'It's part of my past'

Cheryl Cole rules out 'X Factor' return: 'It's part of my past'

Cheryl Cole has confirmed that she will not be returning as an X Factor judge.

The Girls Aloud star, who departed the ITV1 show in 2010 to work on the US series, had been tipped as a possible replacement for Kelly Rowland, who is not expected to return for a second year on the judging panel.

Cole tweeted this morning: "X Factor was a great experience and time in my life and career but is now part of my past. Please #letsmoveonnow #newnewspls Zzzzz *yawns*."

Her comments come after veteran X Factor judge Louis Walsh suggested that the singer could be in line for a return to the talent show.

Cole departed the UK series to help Simon Cowell launch the programme on Fox in the US, but she was dropped from the judging panel only 20 days after signing up for the show.

Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos and Walsh are all expected to return to The X Factor this autumn. 'American Boy' singer Estelle is the latest name rumoured to be joining the show as a fourth judge.

Cole, who is appearing at a Stylistpick fan signing at London Westfield tomorrow, recently finished work on her third studio album.

Jerry Springer dating show 'Baggage' arriving on Channel 4

Jerry Springer dating show 'Baggage' arriving on Channel 4

Jerry Springer dating show Baggage has been picked up for a pilot by Channel 4.

The pilot will not air, but if it impresses the broadcaster the show is expected to have a full series primetime launch, according to Broadcast.

Chocolate Media will produce the show, which airs in the US on Sony's GSN channel.

Baggage is based around three hopeful daters revealing secrets and flaws by opening suitcases filled with truths and shocking facts about themselves, while hoping to secure a date with a fellow singleton.

When the three contestants are whittled down to one, the prospective dater must reveal a surprising fact of their own.

The US series, which has also been picked up in Australia, has featured contestants with unusual bad habits and embarrassing secrets such as "I share a bed with my grandmother" and "My partner must dress up as Santa Claus".

Jennifer Aniston rules out 'Friends' movie: 'It doesn't make sense'

Jennifer Aniston rules out 'Friends' movie: 'It doesn't make sense'

Jennifer Aniston has ruled out a Friends reunion movie.

The actress told The Hollywood Reporter that a film revival of the hit NBC sitcom "doesn't make sense".

"I can't imagine how you would do it, unless you did it years from now," she said. "Friends is in your living room, Friends is not in a movie theatre. I think it would be going against its authentic self."

She added: "I loved what I did for ten years, it was pure joy and nothing but fun, and it'd be hard to top it... but I'll never ever say never."

The Wanderlust star also admitted that she thinks her character Rachel would still be in a relationship with David Schwimmer's Ross.

"They're absolutely, 100% together," she said. "They have more kids! He's probably still working, and hopefully they're still hanging out somewhere."

Aniston recently received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Her former co-star Matt LeBlanc also recently reiterated that there are "no plans" for a Friends movie.

"Friends is a multi-camera kind of sitcom in front of a live audience," he explained. "To do that single-camera... would be weird."

Jonah Hill to host 'Saturday Night Live' with musical guest The Shins

Jonah Hill to host 'Saturday Night Live' with musical guest The Shins

Jonah Hill is to host an upcoming episode of Saturday Night Live.

The 21 Jump Street actor, who recently received an Oscar nomination for his role in Moneyball, will headline the March 10 episode of the NBC series. He will be joined by musical guest The Shins.

This is Hill's second time as host on Saturday Night Live.

Hill recently revealed that he didn't audition for his Oscar-nominated role in Moneyball, crediting the film Cyrus with getting him the part.

It was recently announced that Lindsay Lohan will host the March 3 episode of Saturday Night Live, where she will be joined by musical guest Jack White.

It will mark Lohan's first appearance on the long-running sketch show since she hosted in 2006.

Stevie Nicks to guest star on 'Up All Night'

Stevie Nicks to guest star on 'Up All Night'

Stevie Nicks has signed up to appear on Up All Night.

The singer will guest star on an upcoming instalment of the NBC series, according to Entertainment Weekly.

Nicks will play herself in an episode that sees Reagan (Christina Applegate) and Ava (Maya Rudolph) attempting to convince her to appear on Ava's talk show.

The singer, who is a member of Fleetwood Mac, recently urged the general public to do more to support military servicemen and women.

Drummer Mick Fleetwood has said that Fleetwood Mac will go on tour sometime this year.

Up All Night airs Thursdays at 9.30pm on NBC.

Ratings: 'American Idol' Down But Tops a Slow Night

Ratings: 'American Idol' Down But Tops a Slow Night

On a Wednesday night that saw most programs either slipping or treading water, Fox's "American Idol" took a hit but still pushed the network to a win in both ratings and total viewers, according to preliminary numbers.

Fox's primetime roster consisted of "Idol" from 8 to 10 p.m., which posted a 5.1 rating/14 share in the adults 18-49 demographic -- a 16 percent drop from last Wednesday -- and 15.9 million total viewers.

From 8-10pm last night, the vast majority of programs saw declines or were flat week over week.

CBS was second place in ratings and total viewers, with an average 2.9/8 in the demo and 11.6 million. The network's night started with "Survivor" at 8, which was down 10 percent in the demo from last week's premiere with a 2.8/8, and 10.3 million total viewers. "Criminal Minds" the following hour held steady compared to last week with a 3.1/8 in the demo and 12.6 million total viewers. "CSI" at 10 enjoyed a slight uptick for a 2.8/8 in the demo and 11.8 million total viewers.

ABC, in third place in ratings and total viewership with an average 2.4/6 in the demo and 6.8 million, saw an evening punctuated by slight declines to hit a series of lows. "The Middle" at 8 saw a modest decline that nonetheless yielded a season low in the demo with a 2.3/7, and 7.5 million total viewers. "Suburgatory" at 8:30 touched a series low in the demo with a 2.3/6, and 6.8 million total viewers. "Modern Family" at 9 tied last week's season low with a 4.7/12 and 11.5 million total viewers. "Happy Endings" at 9:30 saw a slight uptick in the demo, posting a 2.5/6 with 5.7 million total viewers. The network ended the night with the "20/20" special "Before They Were Famous: Oscar Nominees" at 10, which drew a 1.4/4 and 4.8 million total viewers.

NBC, in fourth place in ratings and total viewers with an average 1.2/3 and 4.1 million, aired "Whitney" at 8, which was down 12 percent versus last week with a 1.5/4 in the demo and 4.1 million total viewers, followed by "Are You There, Chelsea?" at 8:30, which posted a 1.3/3 in the demo and 3.4 million total viewers. "Rock Center With Brian Williams" at 9 dropped 14 percent to a series low of 0.6/2 in the demo with 2.7 million total viewers," while "Law & Order: SVU" closed the night at 10 with a slight dip in the demo to a series low of 1.6/4, with 5.9 million total viewers.

Hulu Will Stream PaleyFest TV Panels

Hulu Will Stream PaleyFest TV Panels

TV fans who can't make it to Los Angeles for the annual PaleyFest next month will still be able to watch some of the TV panels on Hulu.

The Paley Center for Media TV festival has signed a deal with Hulu to stream nine of the 13 2012 TV show panels on the ad-supported Hulu and Hulu Plus subscription websites.

Panels with the casts and creators of "Bones," "Castle," "Community," "Modern Family," "New Girl," "The Office," "Once Upon a Time," "Revenge" and "The Vampire Diaries" will stream on Hulu beginning March 15.

PaleyFest runs March 2-14 at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills. Additional panels include "Sons of Anarchy," "American Horror Story," "Mad Men" and "Two and a Half Men." Tickets are still available at PaleyCenter.org.

"We are delighted to enter this new era for PaleyFest with Hulu as our partner," Paley Center president and CEO Pat Mitchell said in a statement. "It's exciting to know that audiences throughout the United States will now be able to join the community of PaleyFest fans as they experience the festival on demand, whenever and wherever they want. Hulu's partnership allows us to continue to expand PaleyFest as a key facet of our overall mission to interpret, celebrate, preserve and archive television's best."

Michael Parkinson to make talkshow comeback on Sky Arts

Michael Parkinson to make talkshow comeback on Sky Arts

Sir Michael Parkinson is to make his television comeback on Sky Arts later this year.

The veteran presenter retired from his long-running talkshow on ITV in 2007, but will return for six episodes of a brand new Masterclass series.

The new interview-based programmes will be hour-long 'masterclasses' in front of a live audience with guests that have yet to be confirmed.

The 76-year-old will take a look back at the life and career of a different celebrity each week, while the programme will also include musical and drama performances.

Parkinson said: "I'm delighted to be working with Sky Arts on the Masterclass series and look forward to being part of the exciting times ahead for this innovative and important channel."

Sky Arts director James Hunt said of the new show: "He is one of our country's finest broadcasters, having interviewed everyone in the entertainment industry worth knowing, from Bing Crosby to Bette Davis, Rod Hull to Madonna."

During his long-running Parkinson series, the host interviewed over 2,000 guests, with his personal favourites including Muhammad Ali and Billy Connolly.

Parkinson - who was knighted by The Queen in 2008 - has been critical of UK television in recent years, including celebrity talkshows and talent shows such as The X Factor.

'Glee' Grant Gustin unsure of show future

'Glee' Grant Gustin unsure of show future

Grant Gustin has admitted that he isn't sure whether Sebastian will return on Glee.

The actor explained that he is on an "episode-to-episode basis" and does not know whether he will be asked to film more scenes for the Fox show.

"It's all up in the air right now," Gustin told TV Guide. "I have no idea what's next for him, to be honest."

Rumours have previously suggested that Gustin could be a series regular in Glee's fourth season but he explained that he has not heard anything about that.

"They have an option on me," he said. "Basically, if I am to be back next year, that's most likely what would happen. But they haven't asked me back yet, and I don't know if that's going to be the case."

However, Gustin suggested that there are "plenty of possibilities" for Sebastian storylines after the Warbler re-evaluated his behaviour following Karofsky's attempted suicide in the latest episode.

"What happened to Karofsky (Max Adler) hit very close to home for him," he said. "It shocked him into reality, I think. I was surprised it happened so soon. I don't know if the snarkiness is gone now or if he's a nice guy, but seeing a different side of him is exciting."

Glee will return with new episodes on April 10 on Fox in the US. The show resumes its third season in the UK on March 1 on Sky1.

Reveille's Chad Bennett Debuts Brand-Building Agency, Populus

Reveille's Chad Bennett Debuts Brand-Building Agency, Populus

Reveille's former head of brand development, Chad Bennett, has announced his new Populus Brands, a brand-building company that aims to build lifestyle and entertainment brands around shows and other content.

While his eight years at Reveille enabled him to brand products around the studio's shows, including "The Biggest Loser" and "MasterChef," Populus will also work with magazines, features, and other content producers, Bennett told TheWrap.

The company's first clients include Reveille, as well as Litton Entertainment, Power Music and Quepasa Corp.’s social networking sites Quepasa.com and myYearbook.com.

Bennett will continue to consult for "The Biggest Loser." He has previously helped develop the NBC show's brand to promote health bars, exercise DVDs and videogames, a 5K run, and even fitness resorts.

"Content producers have the full attention of their audience, but many do not have the time or resources to fully leverage them. There’s huge opportunity to use content to develop and build lifestyle brands that complement the viewer experience and drive a maximum number of ancillary revenue streams," said Bennett.

Bennett, also experienced in network, cable and digital programming, has also worked with brands including Subway, General Mills, USPS, Clorox, Wrigley, Rodale and Lionsgate.

'Waterloo Road' Chelsee Healey teases "big" Janeece plot

'Waterloo Road' Chelsee Healey teases "big" Janeece plot

Chelsee Healey has revealed details of a "big" storyline for her Waterloo Road character Janeece Bryant.

Recent pictures showed Janeece in a wedding dress, seemingly set to marry hapless Maths teacher Daniel Chalk.

Healey teased to TV Times: "There's a big storyline coming up. It's quite emotional and deep, but it was really good to do. It's going to be worth watching, put it that way!

"You'll also see lots of Janeece and Chalky scenes this term. I love working with Mark Benton, who plays him, as he's one of my best friends on the show."

Of her wedding scenes, the 23-year-old added: "I loved every minute! It made me realise that I do really want to get married.

"But not yet, in the future, a long time from now! It was weird wearing a wedding dress and going through the marriage scenes but nice to do.

"Janeece's dress is lovely and I could move easily in it, but it isn't as big as what I'd want on my own wedding day!"

Speaking about her stint on Strictly Come Dancing, which she completed while filming for the BBC school drama, Healey admitted: "I was so tired.

"I don't know how I got through it, but I did because I enjoyed them both so much."

AFTRA Approves Network Television Code by Huge Margin

AFTRA Approves Network Television Code by Huge Margin

American Federation of Television and Radio Artists members approved by 96 percent an agreement with the four major television broadcast networks and other producers on terms for a successor agreement to the AFTRA National Code of Fair Practice for Network Television Broadcasting, the union announced Wednesday night.

The agreement gives members a 1 percent increase in employer contributions to the AFTRA Health & Retirement Funds, bringing the total H&R contribution rate to 16.5 percent. It also increases wages by 6 percent over the term of the agreement (2 percent each year) for most categories.

The three-year agreement will run retroactively from Nov. 16, 2011, through Nov. 15, 2014, after ratification.

The Network Code generates more than $250 million a year in member earnings, according to an AFTRA statement. It covers programming in all television day parts (except for scripted primetime programs on the networks and the CW) and programming produced for digital media.

Covered programs include dramas in first-run syndication, morning news shows, talk shows, soap operas, variety, reality, sports, contest programs, award shows and promotional announcements.

The new agreement also will minimum hazard pay for dancers from $80 to $100 per day, and from $100 to $125 per program; and increase the minimum work day for stand-ins who work on primetime variety and award shows, which will increase the minimum daily rate by 20 percent to 67 percent.

In addition, the $37.50 overtime rate for singers will be paid starting at the seventh instead of the ninth hour.

It also will increase equal employment opportunities for union performers and prohibit discrimination based on a member's gender identity.

The AFTRA National Board unanimously approved the agreement on Jan. 28. Ballots were mailed to members on Jan. 30 and were returned Wednesday.

TV Tonight 24th of February 2012

TV Tonight 24th of February 2012

The daily list in alphabetical order, of all the new episodes airing.

    20/20 S34E26: "Season 34, Episode 26"
    7 Days (NZ) S04E02: "Season 4, Episode 2"
    A Gifted Man S01E15: "In Case of Letting Go"
    A.N.T. Farm S01E22: "Some EnchANTed Evening"
    Amagami SS S02E08: "Episode 8"
    America's Most Wanted S25E13: "Season 25, Episode 13"
    Ancient Aliens S04E03: "The Greys"
    Antiques Road Trip S04E10: "Series 4, Episode 10"
    Benidorm S05E01: "Series 5, Episode 1"
    Bering Sea Gold S01E05: "Captaincy"
    Big Brother Sverige S08E06: "Season 8, Episode 6"
    Black Rock Shooter S01E04: "Episode 4"
    Blade Anime S01E07: "Claws and Blades"
    Blue Bloods S02E15: "The Life We Chose"
    Coach Trip S09E20: "Series 9, Day 20"
    Come Dine With Me S18E36: "Series 18, Come Dine With Me"
    Come Dine With Me S18E35: "Series 18, Series 30"
    Coronation Street S53E40: "Fri Feb 24, 2012 [Episode 2]"
    Coronation Street S53E39: "Fri Feb 24, 2012 [Episode 1]"
    Dateline NBC S21E24: "FR2123"
    Days of our Lives S47E76: "Ep. #11786"
    Deal Or No Deal (UK) S07E168: "Episode 1848"
    Degrassi S11E33: "Underneath It All Part Two"
    Degrassi S11E32: "Underneath It All Part One"
    Dickinson's Real Deal S08E59: "Series 8, Episode 59"
    Doctors S13E206: "At Sea"
    EastEnders S28E33: "February 24, 2012"
    Emmerdale S41E47: "February 24, 2012"
    Escape To The Country S12E39: "Cotswolds"
    Flikken Maastricht S06E04: "Baby Gaga"
    Four Weddings (2010) S03E29: "...and a Power Outage"
    Fringe S04E14: "The End of All Things"
    General Hospital (US) S49E229: "#12503"
    Generator Rex S03E15: "Target: Consortium"
    Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden S22E125: "Season 22, Episode 125"
    Gold Rush: Alaska S02E16: "Judgment Day"
    Got to Dance S03E54: "Series 3, Episode 54"
    Grimm S01E12: "Last Grimm Standing"
    Guilty Crown S01E18: "Wandering:Dear..."
    High School DxD S01E08: "Episode 8"
    Hollyoaks S18E40: "February 24, 2012"
    Home and Away (AU) S25E25: "Episode 5460"
    Homes Under the Hammer S14E177: "Series 14, Show 177"
    House Hunters S48E39
    House Hunters International S25E42: "Moving up in Paris, France"
    House of Anubis S02E61: "House of Trades"
    House of Anubis S02E68: "House of Speculations"
    House of Anubis S02E67: "House of Collections"
    House of Anubis S02E62: "House of Magic"
    I Shouldn't Be Alive S05E12: "Perfect Storm"
    Infested S02E09: "The Nastiest Battles"
    Inu x Boku SS S01E07: "Episode 7"
    Jeopardy! S28E115: "Show #6320"
    Jessie (2011) S01E13: "The Princess and the Pea Brain"
    Jimmy Kimmel Live S09E212: "TBA"
    Kill Me Baby S01E08: "Episode 8"
    Killer Trials: Judgment Day S01E07: "The Real Victims"
    Killer Trials: Judgment Day S01E08: "The Killer Next Door"
    Kitchen Nightmares S04E15: "Café Hon"
    Late Night with Jimmy Fallon S02E228
    Late Show with David Letterman S19E34
    Live From the Artists Den S04E04: "Kid Rock"
    Live with Regis and Kelly S29E129
    Mastermind (UK) S40E19: "Series 40, Show 19"
    Mastermind (UK) S40E18: "Series 40, Show 18"
    Melvyn Bragg On Class And Culture S01E01: "Episode 1"
    Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries S01E01: "Cocaine Blues"
    Moordvrouw S01E06: "Teruggefloten"
    Neighbours S28E35: "Episode 6345"
    Nytt På Nytt S26E08: "Season 26, Episode 8"
    On Freddie Roach S01E06: "TBA"
    Persona 4 The Animation S01E20: "We'll all meet at the AMAGIYA Hotel"
    Pointless S05E124: "Series 5, Episode 124"
    Popstokk S02E08: "Atle Pettersen, Rex, Jorunn Hauge og Karianne Kjærnes"
    Portlandia S02E08: "Feminist Book Store 10th Anniversary"
    Romanii au Talent S02E02: "Auditii #2"
    Room 101 S12E06: "Nick Hewer, Carol Vorderman, Rhod Gilbert"
    Safari Vet School S01E08: "Episode 8"
    Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta S03E12: "TBA"
    Senhime Zesshou Symphogear S01E08: "Episode 8"
    Shark Tank S03E06: "Season 3, Episode 6"
    Spartacus: Blood and Sand S02E05: "Libertus"
    Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008) S04E19: "Massacre"
    Stella (UK) S01E08: "Episode 8"
    Sweet Home Alabama S03E07: "Swamped"
    The Bold and the Beautiful S25E238: "Ep. #6268"
    The Chase (2009) S05E39: "Series 5, Episode 39"
    The Culture Show S16E03: "Series 16, Episode 3"
    The Ellen DeGeneres Show S09E108: "Seth Rogen, Bethenny Frankel"
    The Graham Norton Show S10E17: "Mark Wahlberg, Minnie Driver, Jo Brand"
    The Jeremy Kyle Show S07E115: "February 24, 2012"
    The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson S08E35: "John Waters, Jennifer Carpenter"
    The Real Hustle (UK) S11E05: "Celebrity Chancers: Episode 5"
    The Tonight Show with Jay Leno S19E249
    The View S15E113: "Lori Greiner, Chris Cuomo"
    The Young and the Restless S39E236: "Ep. #9851"
    Thuis S17E130: "Season 17, Episode 130"
    Undercover Boss S03E05: "American Seafoods"
    Who Do You Think You Are? (US) S03E03: "Blair Underwood"
    World's Toughest Trucker S01E08: "Episode 8"
    Байки Митяя S01E11: "Season 1, Episode 11"
    Байки Митяя S01E10: "Season 1, Episode 10"
    Байки Митяя S01E09: "Season 1, Episode 9"
    Байки Митяя S01E12: "Season 1, Episode 12"

Development Update: 24th of February

Development Update: 24th of February

AMERICANA (ABC) - Emilie de Ravin ("Lost") is the latest to board the drama pilot, about Robert Soulter (Anthony LaPaglia), creator of the most iconic fashion brand in the world - Americana - which is celebrating its 30th anniversary. She'll play his daughter Francesca ("dressed in perfect western chic"), who handles special events for the company. Ken Olin and Natalie Mendoza also star in the ABC Studios-based hour, from writer Michael Seitzman and director Phillip Noyce. (MovieHole.net)

ANIMAL KINGDOM (NBC) - Tyler Labine and Bobby Lee are both on board the pilot, a single-camera comedy about George Coleman (Justin Kirk), a veterinarian who loves animals but usually hates their owners. They'll play fellow docs Doug ("a big, doughy, sweet natured Vet") and Kim ("a skittish vet") in the Universal Television-based hour, from co-writers Alessandro Tanaka and Brian Gatewood and co-directors Anthony Russo and Joe Russo. (Deadline.com)

FIRST CUT (The CW) - Michael Rady and Kelly McCreary are the first to be cast in the drama pilot, about Emily Barnes, "a newly-minted doctor as she discovers that life at the hospital where she works is no different than high school." Rady will play her resident, Micah Ellis ("a little bit of a nerd; the guy you never notice until suddenly you grow up and realize that he's kind of cute"), with McCreary as fellow intern Tyra Granger ("a bit of an odd duck; a little Ally Sheady in Breakfast Club"). Jennie Snyder Urman is behind the hour, which is set up at CBS Television Studios. (TVLine.com)

GOLDEN BOY (CBS) - Ryan Phillippe has exited the drama pilot, which tracks one man's (Phillippe) meteoric rise from uniform cop at age 26 to police commissioner at 34. Said departure is reported as "amicable and happened after doubts on Phillippe's part that he was ready to commit to the rigors of a network drama series." Chi McBride, Kevin Alejandro and Stella Maeve co-star in the Warner Bros. Television-based hour, from director Richard Shepard and writer Nick Wootton. (Deadline.com)

THE LIFE (ABC) - Lee Tergesen is likewise the first to land a role on the drama pilot, about the widow of an assassinated criminal who is suddenly forced to adopt her late husband's role in order to protect her family. He's set as Steven Tomlin ("the foot-soldier, not the general, prefers it that way") in the ABC Studios-based hour, from writer Melissa Rosenberg and based on the Dutch serial "Penoza." (TVLine.com)

MIDNIGHT SUN (NBC) - Michael Raymond-James ("Terriers") has joined the cast of the drama pilot, about the FBI's investigation into disappearance of a remote cult in Dugan, Alaska led by Bennett Maxwell (Titus Welliver) which taps into a grander political conspiracy. He'll play Lieutenant Sam Fuller ("has an easy, open, goofy attractiveness but don't let that fool you"), second-in-command of the Dugan Police Department. Brad Anderson is directing the Universal Television-based hour from a script by Lisa Zwerling. (Deadline.com)

NASHVILLE (ABC) - Jonathan Jackson ("General Hospital") has booked a role on the pilot, a drama set against the backdrop of the country music world in Nashville. He's on board as Avery Davis ("a dead sexy East Nashville hipster who patterns himself after Kings of Leon"), an aspiring musician/songwriter. Writer Callie Khouri and director R.J. Cutler are behind the ABC Studios/Lionsgate Television-based hour, which also stars Clare Bowen and Sam Palladio. (Deadline.com)

THE NEW NORMAL (NBC) - Justin Bartha and Georgia King have landed principal roles on the comedy pilot, about a gay couple - Bryan (Andrew Rannells) and David (Bartha) - and Goldie, the woman who becomes a surrogate to help them start a family. Bartha will play said fellow, David Murray ("30's, quietly sexy, grounded, patient"), with King as Bryan's no-nonsense six-foot blonde assistant Rocky ("seen it all/won't discuss it, Nordic blood keeps her icy cool and unflappable"). Ellen Barkin also stars as Goldie's wild grandmother. Ali Adler and Ryan Murphy are behind the 20th Century Fox Television-based half-hour, the latter of which will direct. (Deadline.com)

OH F---, IT'S YOU (CBS) - Greg Grunberg ("Love Bites") has scored a role on the comedy pilot, about Nick, a notorious womanizer who, after surviving a health scare, realizes that "the one" is his ex-turned-gal pal/business partner, Wendy (JoAnna Garcia Swisher), who's already engaged to a nice guy. He's set as Charlie ("mid-30's, beatendown looking"), Wendy's brother and Nick's best guy friend, who's in the midst of a bitter divorce. Warner Bros. Television is behind the half-hour, where Grunberg recently signed a talent holding deal. James Burrows is directing the project from a script by Greg Malins and Greg Berlanti. (Deadline.com)

PARTNERS (CBS) - Brandon Routh, Elizabeth Regen and Lucy Davis have all been cast in the comedy pilot, about two male architects - one straight, Charlie; one gay, Louis (Michael Urie) - whose relationship itself resembles a marriage. Regen will play Rosanna "Ro-Ro" Di-Giandemenico, the guys' colorful assistant; with Routh as Louis's partner Wyatt ("30's, extremely handsome; is the emotional photo negative of his partner"), a hard partying model-turned-sober, vegan nurse; and Davis as Renata ("very East Village; very good body; glummer than Eeyore"), the droll bookkeeper for Charlie's fiancé Ali (Sophia Bush). Warner Bros. Television and co-creators David Kohan and Max Mutchnick are behind the hour, to be directed by James Burrows. (Deadline.com)

UNTITLED BEN FALCONE/LARRY DORF PROJECT (CBS) - Rachael Harris has been cast in the pilot, a multi-comedy about a man (Ben Falcone) who learns that there's no place like home... unless home is your parents' house and you're 37 years old. She'll play his frazzled sister who has three kids. Falcone and Larry Dorf co-wrote the half-hour for Warner Bros. Television. (Deadline.com)

UNTITLED HILARY WINSTON PROJECT (NBC) - Mena Suvari and Kyle Howard have both been cast in the comedy pilot, about a shy, focused woman who, after being dumped by her fiancé, leans on her co-workers to help her come out of her shell and plot her revenge. They'll play two of said group: Lizzy ("sexy and seems out of place in a tight dress and high heels") and Brandon ("cocky and athletic") alongside the previously cast Aubrey Dollar. Adam Shankman is helming the Sony Pictures Television-based half-hour from a script by Hilary Winston. (Deadline.com)

UNTITLED JOSH BERMAN/ROB WRIGHT PROJECT (FOX) - James Carpinello and Jesse Lee Soffer are the first to be cast in the drama pilot, about Grace Devlin, a doctor who also works for the Chicago mob. Soffer will play Danny, Grace's likeable screw-up of a brother, with Carpinello as Franco, a sexy mobster who has a past with Grace and she's trying to move forward. Sony Pictures Television is behind the hour, which Michael Dinner is directing from a script by Josh Berman and Rob Wright. (Deadline.com)