Veteran actress and lately appearing on the last two seasons of The L Word Cybill Shepherd will grace the premiere of the ABC series Samantha Who? alongside Dancing with the Stars' Mark Ballas, slated to air on October 13, 9:30pm on ABC.

Originally scheduled to debut on October 6, the Samantha Who? premiere entitled “So I Think I Can Dance” will have Samantha (Christina Applegate) teaming up with her mother (Jean Smart) for a dance competition to beat Regina's nemesis, Paula Drake.  Shepherd will play Paula Drake, who will hire Mateo (Ballas) as her dance partner to help her win the contest.

Samantha Who? also stars Jennifer Esposito as Andrea, Samantha's best friend; Kevin Dunn as Samantha's dad Howard; Melissa McCarthy as Dena, Samantha's childhood best friend; Tim Russ as Frank; and Barry Watson as Samantha's ex-boyfriend Todd.

When we left Samantha Who? Todd reintroduced herself to Samantha, who was still oblivious of their past.  She continues on her journey of self-discovery while trying to shoo away several suitors, including a philanthropist who will be played by James Tupper from Men in Trees.

The popular series not only scored an Emmy nomination for Applegate, but it became the highest-rated freshman sitcom of the 2007-2008 season.  It was picked up by ABC in February for the 2008-2009 season.  All this, while having to contend with the paralyzing WGA Writer's Strike.

Meanwhile, Shepherd, 58, is best known for her roles in The Last Picture Show, Moonlighting, and Taxi Driver.  As mentioned, she plays Phyllis Kroll on The L Word.  On the other hand, professional ballroom dancer Mark Ballas, 22, who began his stint on Dancing with the Stars during its 5th season when he was partnered with Cheetah Girls star Sabrina Bryan.  More importantly, he, along with Olympic gold medal-winning figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi, won the show's 6th season.


-Glenn L. Diaz, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: ABC
(Image Courtesy of Memphis Flyer)