— Following Monday’s news that “Friday Night Lights” has added two male characters comes a report that the DirecTV/NBC drama has added another new face. Jurnee Smollett has been booked as Jess, the daughter of a former NFL hopeful who is an avid football follower herself. An initial casting report for the character said that she would be on the receiving end of crushes from some male characters.
— “Southland” has booked “Prison Break” star Amaury Nolasco as a partner to Regina King’s detective character. As was noted recently, after losing steam in its first season with a broad, serialized approach, there has been talk of focusing most of this season’s storytelling on the Regina King and Ben McKenzie characters (and their relationships with their respective partners).
— Joy Bryant joins the cast of “Parenthood” as a one-time dancing hopeful who, while trying to give that career path another shot, introduced her five-year-old son to his father.
— Another week of “True Blood” meant another ratings record for the HBO breakout. This Sunday’s episode earned a viewing audience of 4.5 million; leadouts “Hung” and “Entourage” averaged 2.8 million, a figure in line with their “Mad Men” competition.