Laura Linney Joins 'The C Word' & More TV News

Oscar nominee Laura Linney ('John Adams') will return to the small screen for a new dark comedy series, tentatively titled 'The C Word.' Linney will star and exec-produce the half-hour series, about a woman who is diagnosed with cancer. 'The C Word' will air on Showtime.[Variety]

TNT is adding more 'Leverage.' The hit drama series starring Oscar winner Timothy Hutton has been picked up for a third season, which will reportedly feature 15 brand-new episodes. 'Leverage' currently airs Wednesdays at 9PM. [Variety]


Emmy nominee Kristin Chenoweth will be 'American Idol''s next guest judge. The former 'Pushing Daisies' star will sit down for this week's audition round in Orlando. Previous guest judges include Neil Patrick Harris, Joe Jonas and Mary J. Blige. Read our exclusive interview with Kristin Chenoweth. [PEOPLE]

Summer Glau and Jamie Bamber are joining the cast of 'Dollhouse.' Last seen on the recently canceled 'Terminator,' Glau will play Bennett, who reportedly shares a "secret past" with Echo (Eliza Dushku). Meanwhile, Bamber ('Battlestar Galactica') will play Echo's new husband, described as a "charismatic businessman." 'Dollhouse' premieres Fri., Sept 19 at 9PM. [Hollywood Reporter]

'Chuck' has booked actor Brandon Routh for a multi-episode role. The 'Superman' star will play Shaw on the show's third season, Operation Bartowski's newest leader who develops feelings for Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski) in the process. Routh's storyline begins in episode four. Looks like Chuck may be, well, Chucked. [Ausiello Files]

Next week, 'Larry King Live' will air an exclusive interview with Chris Brown -- his first since his arrest for assaulting singer Rihanna. The interview will reportedly feature Brown's mother, Joyce Hawkins, and attorney, Mark Geragos, when it airs Wed., Sept. 2 on CNN. [ET Online]

Actor Campbell Scott ('Roger Dodger'; TV's 'Six Degrees') has landed a series regular role on FX's 'Damages.' No word yet on who Scott will play on the Emmy-nominated drama series, which returns with an all-new season in January. [Ausiello Files]


Kris Allen's ('American Idol') debut CD has found a release date. According to his Twitter account, the untitled disc -- featuring collaborations with Joe King, Mat Kearney and Salaam Remi -- will hit stores on Nov. 17, giving fans plenty of time to forget about 'No Boundaries.' [EW.com]

Christian Clemenson is headed south for 'CSI Miami.' Clemenson -- whose role on 'Boston Legal' won him an Emmy nomination -- will play the show's newest medical examiner for at least two episodes. Insert your David Caruso one-liner here. [Hollywood Reporter]