Hilary Duff Joins 'Gossip Girl' & More TV News

Hilary Duff books a multi-episode role on 'Gossip Girl,' Paula Abdul gets in touch with her inner 'Diva,' Wentworth Miller returns to the small screen and more TV news.After successful runs on 'Ghost Whisperer' and 'Law & Order: SVU,' Hilary Duff now has her sights set on 'Gossip Girl.' Duff will play Olivia Burke on the hit CW series, Vanessa's (Jessica Szhor) movie star college roommate who hopes to find a quieter life at NYU. But with Blair Waldorf also enrolled, don't expect that to happen. [Ausiello Files]






Paula Abdul has landed a guest spot on Lifetime's new original series 'Drop Dead Diva.' She'll play Nina Hodge, a judge who rules over a case about a store that won't allow plus-sized clothing. Look for Paula to get in touch with her inner 'Diva' when the episode airs in September. [PEOPLE]

'Prison Break' alum Wentworth Miller will guest on the Sept. 23 season premiere of 'Law & Order: SVU.' Miller is set to play Nate Kendal, a cop who rescues a rape victim, but refuses to tell his story to anyone but Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and Stabler (Christopher Meloni). We're pretty sure that means he's hiding something. [TV Guide]

Christian Slater is already planning a speedy return to the small screen. The actor is reportedly in talks to join ABC's 'The Forgotten,' playing a detective whose 11-year-old daughter has been missing for three years. Is this his way of making us forget about 'My Own Worst Enemy'? [Hollywood Reporter]

'How I Met Your Mother' star Neil Patrick Harris is reportedly in talks to host this year's Emmy Awards. So far, a deal has not been reached, but insiders say all sides are trying to get it finalized as quickly as possible. Last month, Harris hosted the 61st Annual Tony Awards, which earned its highest ratings in three years. [Variety]

Oscar and Emmy winner Karl Malden has died. The actor, who starred on the classic '70s TV show 'The Streets of San Francisco,' died of natural causes at his Brentwood, Ca., home on Wednesday. He was 97. [Variety]


Piper Perabo has booked a starring role on USA Network's new thriller series 'Covert Affairs.' If the series receives a pilot order, Perabo will play Annie Walker, a multilingual CIA trainee who "excels at any endeavor she undertakes." Hopefully, the same will be true of her performance. [Hollywood Reporter]

BET may resurrect 'The Game.' A source for TV Guide claims the network is "doing everything it can" to snag the rights to the series, which ran for three seasons on the CW. Meanwhile, CBS Paramount has to yet comment. [TV Guide]