Eric Mabius (Ugly Betty) has been cast on an upcoming episode of CBS' Blue Bloods. He will play Richard Rourke, a likable and sexy multi-millionaire philanthropist with an unblemished record who may not be as perfect as he appears. A tip from a victim's father will lead Erin and Danny to investigate a cold case surrounding his prominent New York City family.
Cinemax has decided to renew Banshee, from True Blood's Alan Ball and House's Greg Yaitanes, for a second season. The series is currently three episode into its 10-episode first season. The second season will debut in early 2014.
Showtime has given another season renewals to its entire Sunday lineup of Shameless, House of Lies and Californication. Network president David Nevins said, "Californication, House of Lies and Shameless possess highly distinctive comedic voices and given that all three continue to grow their audience season after season - the pick-up decision was easy. I am incredibly excited to see what each of these series has in store for their next seasons." Production will begin later this year for an early 2014 debut.
Arrested Development star Jeffrey Tambor has been cast on an upcoming episode of NBC's Law & Order: SVU entitled "Funny Valentine." He will play Ben Cohen, a no-nonsense, overconfident attorney hired to defend a popular hip-hop artist after his arrest by the SVU.
Smallville alum John Schneider is the first to be cast on Tyler Perry's upcoming OWN drama series, The Haves and the Have Nots. The drama follows the dynamics of the affluent Cryer family and the impoverished family of Hanna, their housekeeper, and the obstacles and secrets that exist within both families. Schneider will play Jim Cryer, the Cryer family patriarch.
Six actors have joined Tyler Perry's upcoming comedy series, Love Thy Neighbor, on OWN. The series is set at Love's Diner, where every day the menu serves up good food, great laughs, valuable life lessons and a whole lot of love for its zany neighbors. Patrice Lovely will play Hattie, the diner's own. Kendra C. Johnson will play her daughter Linda, who lives with her mother and works at the diner. Andre Hall will play Linda's son Danny, who moves back with his mother and grandmother to grieve the dissolution of his marriage. Jonathan Chase will play Danny's co-worker and best friend, Sam. Darmirra Brunson will play Amber, Sam's neighbor. Finally, Palmer Williams has been cast as Floyd.
