Nellie Andreeva

The Cape star David Lyons has been cast in the JJ Abrams/Eric Kripke NBC drama pilot, directed by Jon Favreau, about a group of survivors in a world where all forms of energy have mysteriously ceased to exist. He will play the charismatic Marine Bass, a role which became vacant after Billy Burke, who was originally cast in the role, was just promoted to play the lead Miles. Burke’s deal for that has now closed. Also cast in the pilot is Maria Howell in the supporting role of the regal and fiercely intelligent Grace.

Trent Ford (The Vampire Diaries) has been cast in a supporting role in another Abrams-produced drama pilot, the CW’s Shelter, set at an historic New England summer resort. Ford, repped by Global Artists Agency and Luber Roklin, will play Tyler Green, a former British rock star staying in the penthouse at the Shelter Bay Inn.

NeNe Leakes, who has been recurring on the current season of Glee as rival cheerleading coach Roz Washington, is re-teaming with Glee co-creator Ryan Murphy on his NBC comedy pilot The New Normal, about a blended family of a gay couple and their surrogate. On the project, co-created by Ali Adler, The Real Housewives Of Atlanta star NeNe will play the heavily recurring role of Rocky. She is with The Collective and attorney Darrell Miller.

Jonathan Silverman is set as a guest star/likely recurring in David Kelley’s TNT medical drama pilot Chelsea General as Dr John Lieberman, a general internist who develops a relationship with heart surgeon Sidney Napur (Sarayu Rao). Additionally, Silverman, repped by Paradigm and Untitled, will guest star alongside Kristen Chenoweth as a boyfriend/girlfriend, plastic surgeon/receptionist duo on TVLand’s Hot in Cleveland in an episode filming this week.

Greg Ellis has been cast as a guest star/recurring in Fox’s untitled Karyn Usher pilot directed by Brett Ratner, about a 14-year female spy. Ellis, repped by Pakula/King, will play Peter Reid, will play a British Intelligence officer working with Alice Vargas (Angela Basset). Best known for his role as Lieutenant Groves in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Ellis can next be seen in the two-hour season finale of Fox’s Alcatraz.

Bill Cobbs has booked a guest starring/recurring role on NBC’s comedy pilot Go On as George, a gentleman with a long list of life and health issues, who is in a support group with Matthew Perry’s character, Ryan. The actor, repped by Marshak/Zachary and Jenny Delaney, will next be seen in Sam Raimi’s Oz: The Great and Powerful.

Alexis Knapp (Project X) has been added to Bill Lawrence’s Fox comedy pilot Like Father. The actress, repped by CAA and Untitled, will play Dylan, the hot college girl that Will (Robbie Amell) has a crush on but is too scared to approach.

Erik Palladino (Over There) has been added to ABC drama pilot 666 Park Avenue in the recurring role of Tony Demeo. He is repped by manager Leanne Coronel.

TV Editor Nellie Andreeva - tip her here.