Jerry O'Connell may look harmless enough. But could he be TV's newest grim reaper, aka 2010's answer to Ted "Jump the Shark" McGinley?

According to the Hollywood Reporter, O'Connell has inked his name to the new NBC pilot 'Rex Is Not Your Lawyer,' opposite 'Doctor Who' actor David Tennant. O'Connell will replace 'Heroes' star Sendhil Ramamurthy, who is departing due to scheduling issues (hope for 'Heroes' fans, we wonder?)

O'Connell -- who has stacked several shuttered TV projects, including 'Do Not Disturb,' 'Carpoolers' and 'Crossing Jordan' -- will play the ambitious and affable best friend and colleague of Tennant's character Rex Alexander, a Chicago lawyer who encourages his clients to defend themselves after he has panic attacks. O'Connell will also reportedly be hung up on Rex's fiance, played by Abigail Spencer.Jerry O'Connell may look harmless enough. But could he be TV's newest Grim Reaper, aka 2010's answer to Ted "Jump the Shark" McGinley?

According to the Hollywood Reporter, O'Connell has inked his name to the new NBC pilot 'Rex Is Not Your Lawyer,' opposite 'Doctor Who' actor David Tennant. O'Connell will replace 'Heroes' star Sendhil Ramamurthy, who is departing due to scheduling issues (hope for 'Heroes' fans, we wonder?).

O'Connell -- who has stacked several shuttered TV projects, including 'Do Not Disturb,' 'Carpoolers' and 'Crossing Jordan' -- will play the ambitious and affable best friend and colleague of Tennant's character Rex Alexander, a Chicago lawyer who encourages his clients to defend themselves after he has panic attacks. O'Connell will also reportedly be hung up on Rex's fiance, played by Abigail Spencer.

Jane Curtin, Jeffrey Tambor, Lindsey Kraft ('Epic Movie') and Cleo King ('The Hangover') have also been cast in the pilot, with production scheduled to begin Dec. 7.

O'Connell -- who recently wrapped Alexandra Aja's 'Piranha 3-D' -- is no stranger to TV. After starring in the '90s series 'Sliders,' O'Connell has taken on numerous small TV roles, including a guest spot on 'Ugly Betty.'

Should TV fans be worried about this latest bit of casting news? We took a look at O'Connell's recent TV resume to find out whether he's eligible for the not-exactly-coveted title of "show killer." Here's what we found:

'Do Not Disturb'
Canceled after three episodes.

'Carpoolers'
Canceled after one season (13 episodes)

'Crossing Jordan'
Canceled after six seasons (117 episodes)

'Eastwick'
Canceled after one season (13 episodes)

In other words: outlook not so good.

Tell us: Will Jerry O'Connell make or break the show?