TV News, Spoilers: “Heroes,” “Friday Night Lights,” “Modern Family”

– Entertainment Weekly reports that Steve Harris (”The Practice”) will recur on the fourth season of “Friday Night Lights.” Set to appear in seven episodes, Harris will play ex-football star Vernon Merriweather, who is the father to the recently-revealed Jess character (Jurnee Smollett).

– THR reports that Benjamin Bratt will appear on “Modern Family” as the ex-husband of Gloria (Sofia Vergara). A deadbeat in the eyes of Gloria’s new, older husband Jay (Ed O’Neill), the to-date unseen character is nonetheless idolized by son Manny (who lives with mother Gloria and stepfather Jay); Gloria has also showered the character with praise about his masculine physicality.

He is booked for one episode.

–”Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “The Riches” alum Todd Stashwick has booked a recurring role on “Heroes.” Stashwick will play Eli, a character with a close connection to Samuel (Robert Knepper).