TV Chatting

Las Vegas and General Hospital star Vanessa Marcil is joining CBS’ Without a Trace for a multi-episode arc as a NYC social worker and potential love interest for Eric Close’s character, Martin. Marcil will appear in the 17th episode of the season set to air this March.

Laura Prepon of That 70’s Show and October Road has signed on to play Ted’s high school/college girlfriend in at least five episodes of How I Met Your Mother this season.  Her character is described as a beautiful snob who has a reputation for cheating on her lovers to avoid having to explain why she’s dumping them.  Is it possible that she could be the Mother?

Tony winner Patti Lupone has been cast as the mother of Judah Friedlander’s character, Frank, on 30 Rock.  Lupone, a Broadway legend, also guest starred recently as Marc’s mother on Ugly Betty.

Serinda Swan has been cast as the DC Comics magician Zatanna for the season’s 17th episode of Smallville, "Hex."   Swan stars as a magician who grants Chloe a birthday wish to switch places with her cousin, Lois. She will also grant Clark a wish.

Hilary Duff will appear in an upcoming episode of Ghost Whisperer as a "beautiful woman of mystery" who may or may not be involved with the death of a man.  Duff has also been announced as the star of the new comedy Barley Legal. Her sister, actress and singer Haylie Duff, has reportedly been cast to play her big sister in the show. 

Neil Patrick Harris fans rejoice!  NPH is slated to host the first new Saturday Night Live episode of 2009 when it returns this Saturday night, January 10.  This will be his first time hosting the show and it sure to be a legen – wait for it – dary performance. Taylor Swift will be the musical guest.

It’s a big weekend for the star of Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, who is also up for a Golden Globe Award in the category of Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his performance as Barney Stinson on How I Met Your Mother.  The Golden Globes will be broadcast live on NBC this Sunday, January 11.

Photo: Neil Patrick Harris on stage at Spike TV’s 2008 Video Game Awards (Via WireImage)

Neil Patrick Harris joins Sarah Chalke in hosting this year’s Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards. Spike Jones Jr. will produce the Creative Arts awards for the 14th consecutive year.

The ceremony, which takes place on Saturday, September 13, will air on E! Entertainment Television on  Saturday, September 20.  The Primetime Emmy Awards will air the next night, Sunday, September 21, on ABC.

Harris, who joined Kristin Chenowith of Pushing Daisies in announcing the Emmy nominees this year, is nominated for supporting actor in a comedy series for his role as Barney on How I Met Your Mother.  Chalke has had a recurring role as on HIMYM as Stella, who is a favorite to be the “mother.” She also stars as Dr. Elliot Reid on Scrubs.

Photo:  Neil Patrick Harris and Sarah Chalke on an episode of How I Met Your Mother

Yes, Regis Philbin is expanding his empire to include a guest appearance on CBS’s hit sitcom, How I Met Your Mother. Regis will play himself (who else?) on the show. Apparently Marshall (Jason Segal) will run into the TV giant while on a quest to find the site of the first hamburger he ever ate in New York City.

Regis is also slated for a guest appearance on ABC’s Ugly Betty. He and his co-host, Kelly Ripa, will interview Mode editors Wilhelmina Slater (Vanessa Williams) and Alexis Meade (Rebecca Romijn) when they make an appearance on Live with Regis and Kelly in the season premiere on September 25.

Both How I Met Your Mother and Ugly Betty are known for their big guest stars.  Last season on HIMYM we saw Britney Spears, Mandy Moore, James Van Der Beek, and Enrique Iglesias. Betty’s guest stars included Victoria Beckham, Tim Gunn , Rita Moreno and Lindsay Lohan, who will return in season 3.

Reege’s HIMYM spot can be seen on the second episode of the season on September 29.