In today’s TV roundup, we have casting news regarding a spin-off that no one is asking for, a CBS reboot, and one of Fox’s most successful shows.
With “The Office” ending its run after its upcoming ninth season, the ailing NBC is turning its attention to priming a Dwight-centric spin-off, “The Farm.” The show will follow Rainn Wilson’s character “as a beet farmer running a bed and breakfast inn” and Matt Jones — aka Badger, one of Jesse’s bros from “Breaking Bad” — will be joining the spin-off as Dwight’s cousin Zeke. The backdoor pilot, which will air as part of the ninth season of “The Office,” will feature more of the Schrute clan, including his “wacky brother Jeb” (Thomas Middleditch), younger sister Frannie (Majandra Delfino), Nazi great uncle Heinrich (Tom Bower) and nephew Cameron (Blake Garrett). We’re not really all that enthused by the idea of a Dwight spin-off, especially with the premise, but we’ll hold out some hope, maybe this will be more “Frasier” and less “Joanie Loves Chachi.” [THR /Vulture]
With studios largely sticking to tentpole films, more and more actors are heading to the small screen. The CBS cop drama reboot, “Hawaii Five-0” has added two guest stars: “Hustle and Flow” thesp Terrence Howard and rapper T.I. They’ll appear in a flashback-heavy episode that centers on Scott Caan’s character and his former life as a New Jersey cop. No word on when the episode will air, though sweeps seems like a wise guess. [TV Line]
Fox’s animated shows have never had a shortage of famous guest stars, and Seth MacFarlane’s “Family Guy” is no different. It’s a TV staple to have holiday-themed episodes and the show’s Valentine’s Day episode will delve into the love life of the Griffins’ talking dog, Brian. In an attempt to dissect why Brian is “unsuccessful in love,” sociopath toddler Stewie “gathers scores of Brian’s former girlfriends” together. Brian’s exes will include characters voiced by Drew Barrymore, Jessica Biel, Nicole Sullivan, Chery Tiegs, Jessica Stroup, Julie Hagerty, Kat Foster, and Nana Visitor. The episode will, naturally, air near Valentine’s Day in early 2013 and season 11 of “Family Guy” premieres September 30th. [EW]