Nellie Andreeva

Briga Heelan, who is recurring on the ABC comedy series Cougar Town, has been cast in a new half-hour project for the network, pilot Counter Culture. The multi-camera pilot, produced by Sony TV, revolves around three sisters, Joyce (Margo Martindale), Nonie (Delta Burke) and Billie (Kerri Kenney), running their family diner together in West Texas. Heelan, repped by Gersh and Stein Entertainment, will play Jill, Tate’s (Ike Barinholtz) very attractive and sweet wife who is simple (but in no way stupid), likes crafts and is often at odds with her mother-in-law, Joyce. Heelan was cast as a guest star in the pilot with a series regular option if it’s picked up.

Lisa Vidal (The Event) is set to co-star opposite Gabrielle Union in BET’s hourlong pilot Being Mary Jane (form. Single Black Female). Written by The Game creator Mara Brock Akil and to be directed by Salim Akil, Being Mary Jane centers on successful talk show host Mary Jane Paul (Union) looking to one day become the No.1 nightly news anchor while searching for Mr. Right. Vidal, repped by the Kohner Agency and Intellectual Artists, will play Kara, the lead producer for Mary Jane’s show and Mary Jane’s friend.

TV Editor Nellie Andreeva - tip her here.