There's about nine months between you and the next new episode of "Mad Men." The least we can do is provide some distraction. TV gossip coming right up.
5. "Numb3rs" Episode Count is Shrinking
Fans of CBS's "Numb3rs" probably aren't happy about the network's recent decision to cut the sixth season down by six episodes. It's a sure sign of imminent cancellation. But instead of making the producers sweat it out until spring for a final decision, leaving story lines dangling in the meantime, word has it CBS has given them time to write a proper season finale. Fortunately, it's not all bad news over at the eye. "How I Met Your Mother," "NCIS," "NCIS: LA," "CSI: Miami" and "Two and a Half Men" will all profit from the "Numb3rs" reduction, getting an additional two episodes each tacked on to their current seasons. "Criminal Minds," "CSI: NY," "The Big Bang Theory," "The Good Wife," "CSI" and "The Mentalist" will also get one extra episode apiece.
4. "Who" Star Moves Stateside for NBC Pilot
Now that he'll be completing his several season run as the UK's famous "Dr. Who" in an upcoming Christmas special, actor David Tennant will be needing some work. And if NBC doesn't mess up its much-hyped dramedy pilot "Rex is Not Your Lawyer," his next gig will be on the American tube. Producers announced his casting as the title character—a panic attack prone lawyer who coaches his clients to represent themselves—last week. Buzz is strong for this one, so if NBC stays as cancel happy as it's been so far this fall, "Rex" is pretty much guaranteed for a slot next season. (With, we hope, a new title...)
3. James Franco Media Domination Continues
Academic, man about town, and increasingly ubiquitous artiste James Franco makes the jump to daytime TV in just a few short days, but "General Hospital" isn't his only foray into the tube this year. The "Milk" actor, most recently playing himself on "SNL," just announced an upcoming appearance on "30 Rock." Word is that he'll be playing himself (again), when his and Jenna's agents make them date for a publicity stunt.
2. "Conchords" Likely Permanently Grounded
It's no secret that "Flight of the Conchords" duo Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie weren't too keen on filming the series' second season, so it shouldn't come as much of a surprise that they're even less interested in making a third. In a recent interview, Clement said the series likely won't continue—despite interest from HBO to continue the franchise.
1. Kirstie Alley Gets Another Series
Gaining weight may not be good for Kirstie Alley's health, but it does wonders for her career. For the first time since 2005's short-lived "Fat Actress," she's getting her own series... only this time she'll really be playing herself. Alley and A&E inked a deal last week for the former "Cheers" star to get her own reality series. Following her life as a single mother with famously fluctuating weight, the series promises more sobering moments than we're used to from Alley—and hopefully no half-clothed binges with Marc Curry.
