[Televisionary]

I'll admit it: I'm new to the charms of FX's seductively hilarious comedy It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia . I'm not sure how I managed to unknowingly avoid this smart, hip, subversive series, but I'm making up for lost time now in a major way. Sure, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia has a certain, er, indescribable quality but that's why I've fallen head over heels in love with the damn thing. It's sort of the warped love child of the absurdity of Arrested Development , the random observations and quirkiness of Seinfeld , and the wackiness of 30 Rock , blended together with a cast of characters that might just very well be the most selfish and stunted on television. I can't get enough. Here's the quick skinny on Sunny : Charlie (Charlie Day), Mac (Rob McElhenney), Dennis (Glenn Howerton), Dee (Kaitlin Olson), and Frank (Danny DeVito) own Paddy's Pub, an Irish bar in the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia. A bar that seemingly no

ABC's midseason comedy Miss/Guided has landed another cast member in Saturday Night Live showboat Chris Parnell. Parnell, who recurred last season as Tracy Jordan's ethically-challenged caregiver Dr. Leo Spaceman on 30 Rock , has signed on to co-star on the ABC comedy starring Judy Greer as a hot mess and social reject who returns to her high school as a guidance counselor. On Miss/Guided , Parnell will play Bruce, a rival guidance counselor who clashes with Greer's clueless Becky. Parnell, who has spent the last nine seasons on Saturday Night Live , will next be seen on the big screen in Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story . * * * In other casting news, Veronica Mars ' Sheriff Don Lamb (a.k.a. Michael Muhney) has landed a lead on Lifetime's drama pilot Family Practice , opposite Joey Honsa and Beau Bridges. Story revolves around a young woman (Honsa) whose life becomes entangled with that of a wealthy, Kennedy-esque family

Following the departure of showrunner Glen Morgan last week (due to "creative differences"), NBC has secured the help of a certain in-demand writer on freshman drama Bionic Woman . Friday Night Lights showrunner Jason Katims has joined the staff of Bionic Woman as a consultant; his task will be to break stories and write episodic scripts on the drama, which stars Michelle Ryan as a bionically enhanced barmaid/secret agent . NBC's decision to bring Katim on board is a direct reaction to Morgan's departure; previous reports indicated that executive producer David Eick ( Battlestar Galactica ) would take over Morgan's responsibilities, along with Jason Smilovic. Katim is himself no stranger to science fiction: he created and executive produced the shortlived WB (and UPN) series Roswell . As for Friday Night Lights , fans should hope that Katim's willingness to lend a hand on the struggling Bionic Woman would earn him some points regarding FNL down the road.

Ah, autumn. With it comes the end of horrific LA heatwaves, comfy sweaters, and the advent of the fall season, with its new series and returning favorites? Is there really any better time of year? It's with that thought that I take a look at what I'll be watching this fall. While I can't guarantee that I'll stick around for more than a few (or even one additional) episode of many of these series, below are the new and returning shows that have at least piqued my interest, based on their pilots. monday 8 pm: Chuck (NBC). I'll say it now. I'm already in love with Chuck . If they can keep up the winning combination of humor and action that the pilot had in spades, this will be one of my favorite new series (and may make the hurt of Veronica M ars ' cancellation sting a little less). While I've already reviewed the pilot episode at considerable length, I will say this: Chuck will make the rush home from work on Mondays even sweeter. When was the last time

With just a few weeks to go before launching its freshman series, sci fi drama Bionic Woman , starring Michelle Ryan as the bionically-enhanced barmaid/superagent Jamie Sommers , has lost one of its showrunners. Following a rumor I heard yesterday afternoon, NBC has confirmed that Glen Morgan ( The X-Files ) has left the series, effective immediately. The excuse being given for his sudden and unexpected departure? The typical "creative differences." "Glen Morgan has helped create a great template for Bionic Woman but has decided to pursue other endeavors now," said studio NBC Universal in a prepared statement. "We wish him the best." Following Morgan's departure, fellow executive producer/showrunner David Eick ( Battlestar Galactica ) will assume all oversight for the day-to-day running of the series, working in coordination with Jason Smilovic ( Kidnapped ). There was talk yesterday that Morgan's decision to leave Bionic Woman would cause a shut

Longtime readers know that I have become quite a Doctor Who fan since the advent of the new, reinvigorated series starring at times either Christopher Eccleston or David Tennant. So it was no surprise to me that I fell--hook, line, and sinker--for the Doctor Who spinoff, Torchwood , which premieres tomorrow night on BBC America. I should begin by saying that Torchwood is not similar to Doctor Who in tone, scope, or theme; in anything, it approximates a winning combo of The X-Files and Buffy the Vampire Slayer , albeit with a Welsh accent and a quirky, offbeat cast of characters, each with their own cross to bear. Here's the skinny: John Barrowman ( Doctor Who ) stars as the bisexual adventurer Captain Jack Harkness, a former 51st century Time Agent and con man who has more than a few secrets of his own under his carefully coiffed head of hair and military-issue overcoat. He leads a team of alien hunters and scientists known as Torchwood (itself, mind you, a famous anagram for

That was fast. Just a few weeks after eating her last bowl of onion rings and fading to black, The Sopranos ' Edie Falco has landed another television acting gig. NBC has announced that the Emmy Award-winner will appear in no less than three episodes of comedy (and Televisionary fave) 30 Rock this season. "We're thrilled to have such an amazing actress come join us," said 30 Rock' s creator, star, and executive producer Tina Fey. "Also, a lot of guys on our crew want The Sopranos ending explained to them." Falco, for her part, was also enthusiastic about joining the cast of the critically-acclaimed comedy series. "I have laughed out loud at this show, and I am thrilled for the opportunity to work with such great comic actors," said Falco. "I am very excited." Along with Falco's casting announcement, NBC also confirmed that Will Arnett, Rip Torn, and Sherri Shepherd will all reprise their guest roles from Season One this coming s