We may be in the middle of the summer, but shows are gearing up for the fall season and casting is fast and furious. Here are some of the big updates, including Skeet Ulrich's return to TV and some very notable guest stars.

- According to EW's Michael Ausiello, Skeet Ulrich is the first actor to score a role on the new NBC drama Law and Order: Los Angeles. The Jericho star will return to TV as one of the two lead detectives on the franchises West Coast adventure. On the bright side, if the NBC president ever needs some nuts, he could just threaten to cancel the show.


- Showtime announced that Richard Dreyfuss will have a close encounter of the Botwin kind as he joins the cast of Weeds for a recurring role this season. The Oscar winner will play someone from Nancy's past in at least four episodes of season 6, which premieres August 16.


- TV Guide is reporting that Lost star Henry Ian Cusick will make the leap to Law and Order: SVU for at least two episodes. It's rare for an actor to get multiple episodes, especially since he's playing a graphic artist, though the show's executive producer hinted that he may serve as a love interest for Mariska Hargitay's Detective Benson.


- Finally, EW's Michael Ausiello also reports that Amy Madigan (Carnivale, Grey's Anatomy) will join Fringe as Olivia's mom. She'll show up for several episodes at the start of season 3.



Sources: TVGuide, EW.com
(Image courtesy of CBS)