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If and when the 'Rachel Zoe Project' resumes on Bravo, it will have to be without assistant Taylor Jacobson.

PEOPLE is reporting that Zoe has fired Jacobson, effective immediately. Zoe's rep, Carrie Gordon, has since confirmed the news.

Why Jacobson was let go remains to be seen, although, given how often she complained about her job on the show, many would say she had it coming.

Still, Jacobson insists that the decision was solely her own. Hoping to begin her own fashion styling business, Jacobson's Twitter account and emails to colleagues, leaked to Fashionista, reflect her enthusiasm to get out on her own. "I am saddened and exhilarated at the same time to announce my departure," she wrote. "After much thought and consideration, I have decided to take the challenging leap and go off and style on my own."

The bitch is back, but so far 'The Hills'' audience is nowhere to be found.

According to Media Life Magazine, the show's ratings have seen a steady decline over three episodes this season. The Sept. 29 premiere (2.4 million viewers) fell 30 percent from April; this week's episode (1.7 million) was down over 50 percent from 2007 in the 18-34 demo.

'The Hills' recently underwent a number of changes following the departure of its star, Lauren Conrad. 'Laguna Beach' frenemy Kristin Cavallari was brought in to fill her shoes, but already it appears that her feet may not be big enough for the job.

Will the show ever regain its momentum? It's possible. But based on its sinking ratings, it's going to need some help -- which is where we come in (yes, it's a "reality" show, but it's really scripted, right?)

Here now are four ways -- two serious, two not so much -- to boost 'The Hills'' ratings.

Peak Season (October 19, 10 pm, MTV)

This new doc series premieres tonight, with an introduction to most of the major players in the snowy soap. Cameras follow a group of kids - in their early 20s, as is the case up in Whistler - who work the slopes and bars in Whistler as they get together and break up. It's like 'The Hills' on ice.

Ladies and gentlemen, in this corner (Hollywood) you have 'The Hills,' which lost original star Lauren Conrad but still boasts endless drama as well of two of the biggest villains on reality TV, Heidi and Spencer. In the other corner (New York City), you have 'Hills' offshoot 'The City,' starring LC pal Whitney Port, who's learning to make it on her own in the big, bad ... well, city.

Two sibling shows, two different scenes ... which one do you prefer?

The bitch is back!

That's how MTV's been promoting the new season of 'The Hills,' which premieres tonight. "The bitch" refers to Kristin Cavallari, formerly of 'Laguna Beach,' who is replacing Lauren Conrad as the reality series' lead character.

'Laguna' fans will remember Kristin as the vixenish foil who "stole" good girl Lauren's boyfriend, Stephen Colletti. But Cavallari begs to differ, saying she cried about her portrayal when that show premiered ...

Audrina Patridge runs from 'The Hills,' The Daytime Emmys dips to an all-time low, Fred Armisen books a guest spot on 'Parks and Recreation' and more of today's top TV headlines.

Oscar winner Diane Keaton will try to revive the feminist movement in a new half-hour comedy series, scheduled to air on HBO.

Also in the news today: NBC announces plans to remake the Emmy-winning series 'The Rockford Files,' while MTV reveals when 'The Hills'' Kristin Cavallari will make her official debut.

See more of today's top TV headlines after the jump.

It's a good thing Spencer Pratt claims he's turning over a new leaf, because last night's episode of 'The Hills' hinted there's a new villain in town, and she's actually a baddie blast from the past: Kristin Cavallari.

As Lauren Conrad made her final appearance as a regular cast member when she made a surprise (OK, not really) pop-in to Spencer and Heidi's wedding, Kristin, L.C.'s old nemesis from 'Laguna Beach,' made a surprise pop-in herself, turning up at the wedding and plopping herself down next to Justin Bobby.

-- Are you itching to find out what happens on the season finales of 'The Hills,' 'Gossip Girl' and other hot shows? (Spoiler alert: Blair Waldorf Graduates!) Get the cheat sheet [NY Times]

-- Ryan Seacrest is teaming up with chef Jamie Oliver for a new ABC series -- and no, it's not a remake of 'The Odd Couple' [Hollywood Reporter]

-- Spencer Pratt can now call himself a rapper -- or "The Great White," as he prefers. Hear his new single [RyanSeacrest.com]

Lauren Conrad's old 'Laguna Beach' nemesis, Kristin Cavallari, is headed for 'The Hills.'

With LC departing the show after this season, Cavallari will step in to take center stage. Look for her first appearance in this season's May 31 finale. She'll be the one catching Heidi's wedding bouquet.

In other news, Courteney Cox's 'Cougar Town' and other pilots are likely to get some good news, and the CW's 'Reaper' may not be dead after all.

See more of today's TV headlines, casting scoops and premiere dates after the jump.