Taking part in the wild family dinners that are a constant staple on NBC's 'Parenthood' could be intimidating to some, but not Erika Christensen.

The 29-year-old actress, who plays straitlaced lawyer Julia Braverman-Graham on the NBC drama, has three brothers and a sister-in-law and intimately understands the complicated dynamics that come with growing up in a big family.

"To me, it just feels kind of comfortable, this group that inherently has ties that won't really break," she told AOL TV in advance of 'Parenthood''s third season premiere (Tue., Sept. 13, 10PM ET on NBC). "The underlying love is really nice because you know if you have a spat, it doesn't matter. I feel the same way about the characters and the actors [on 'Parenthood'] -- we all know we're in it for the long haul, so any differences we may have, we know that we're going to get through them somehow. You just have to."

Actually, Christensen and her costars are close both literally and figuratively -- many of them live within two miles of one another, and she's known Dax Shepard, who plays her brother Crosby, for a decade.

Below, Christensen shares with AOL TV what those crazy Braverman dinners are actually like, which guest star the 'Parenthood' cast is most excited to welcome back and what's in store for Julia and her husband, Joel, as they attempt to adopt a baby.

Lauren Graham had a great summer vacation in Venice in between seasons of 'Parenthood,' but she'd rather not say too much about it. It's not that she's too private a person, it's just that her boyfriend is Peter Krause, who plays Adam Braverman, her TV brother, on 'Parenthood.' She thought that might be too much for the Friday morning audience on 'Today' (weekdays, 7AM on NBC).

"I went with my boyfriend, I just don't like to talk about it because I don't want to freak people out," said Graham. It was pointed out to her that Krause is her brother. "Oh my god! Wait! What? Look, it's America. My boyfriend is my brother. You can do anything you want."

Jason Ritter shared good news for fans of 'The Event' on 'The Talk' (weekdays, syndicated on CBS), when he discussed plans to continue the canceled NBC series, in one form or another, to address its unanswered questions. He also shared some advice his late father John Ritter's advice on navigating celebrity and show business.

"We made all these promises that we would give them answers and so they're still looking for a way to continue telling the story," said Ritter about 'The Event.' "Whether another channel picks it up, they're still in talks to see if that can happen. Maybe do a wrap-up miniseries. They eventually will be getting the answers out in some format or another. Comic book, maybe? I don't know."

Actors can work for years before they get their big break, going from project to project, floundering away on struggling sitcoms and concept-heavy dramas until their luck changes and -- blamo! -- they're on a successful show raking in six figures per episode.

These thespians aren't quite show-killers -- they just have bad luck!

From Bret Harrison to Joanna Garcia and so many more, we're saluting these bad luck stars. Somebody get them a four-leaf clover and a hit show -- stat!

Fresh off of canceled shows, Jason Ritter and Alfred Molina have found new homes on NBC.

Ritter, formerly of 'The Event' will return to 'Parenthood.' According to TVLine, Ritter will reprise his role of Mark, the sometimes boyfriend to Lauren Graham's Sarah. Look for him early in Season 3. 'Parenthood' returns to NBC Tues., Sept. 13 at 10PM.

TVLine also reports Ritter is working with 'Friday Night Lights' guru and 'Parenthood' executive producer Jason Katims on a new show for NBC. Details on the project are scarce, but it will be an hour-long drama.

Taking a break from his day job at 'The Event,' Jason Ritter is returning to 'Parenthood.'

According to TVLine, Ritter will be back for one episode. Lauren Graham's character, Sarah, seeks advice from her former beau, Mark, played by Ritter.

"We're very excited to have him back," Jason Katims, 'Parenthood' executive producer, said. "Sarah comes to him for advice about something. It's only a few scenes, but what's nice about it is you see that they still have this amazing connection. They are great together."

In other casting news ...

• The mayor of Cincinnati will appear on 'Undercover Boss.' Mark Mallory's episode has yet to be scheduled for airing. [WLWT]

• Martha Plimpton is in talks to return to 'The Good Wife.' The 'Raising Hope' star appeared in two episodes last season and may return this spring. [Entertainment Weekly]

• Robin Givens will appear on 'Chuck.' Givens will appear in multiple episodes as an agency head who makes an offer to Casey. 'Supernatural' and 'The Vampire Diaries' actress Lauren Cohan will recur on the series as Vivian, a socialite and daughter of a criminal mastermind. [TVLine]

Despite its not-so-hot ratings, 'The Event' has already landed a full-season order from NBC. But in an attempt to drum up more viewers, the network is planning a relaunch strategy for the show's post-holiday hiatus return.

According to Entertainment Weekly, NBC will air a one-hour clip show before 'The Event''s first January installment to get viewers up to speed on the drama's storyline.

"We will finish up with our first 13 [episodes] and then there will be a break, and then we'll come back with a one-hour compilation clip show of the first 13 so everybody can catch up with story," Bill Smitrovich, who plays Vice President Raymond Jarvis, said. "I hope that will spark another increase in the audience."

According to Jason Ritter of 'The Event,' it's not easy following in his father's footsteps. Ritter said he's occasionally insecure when trying to measure up to his late, great father John on 'Live With Regis and Kelly' (weekdays, syndicated).

According to Jason Ritter, starring in 'The Event' isn't all fun and games. The show's many action sequences can take a toll on an actor's body, and he's got the scars to prove it, he said on 'Rachael Ray' (weekdays, syndicated).

Following in the impressive footsteps of 'Lost' and 'Fringe', starting a series on an airplane isn't necessarily the most original way to begin a new television journey.

However, 'The Event' (Mon. 9PM ET, NBC) proves to be an entirely different show and establishes itself as a unique viewing experience within the first three episodes. Ratings are obviously a major factor, but there are four other essential ingredients that will determine the fate and future of 'The Event.'

'The Event' is a new conspiracy-mystery-thriller-adventure ensemble drama that kicks off its own brand of mythology 9PM ET Monday on NBC. Opinions vary on whether America is clamoring for another one of those.

If my opinion on the drama (which is below) isn't enough for you, I've also gotten some intel on 'The Event' from creator Nick Wauters; exclusive video and casting news follows. Wauters explained how the show will progress and evolve, how it will be augmented with online content, and how he and the show's writers plan to avoid making viewers feel like Charlie Brown after Lucy has pulled the football away.

Ten Things to Know About 'The Event':

The biggest question of the fall TV season: What is the event?

I have absolutely no idea, but that's why 'The Event' is so intriguing. Mixing elements of hit sci-fi shows like 'Lost' with the addictive serialized nature of a '24,' the new NBC series (premieres Mon., Sept. 20, 9PM ET) follows a number of intriguing characters on all sides of a mysterious, possibly supernatural occurrence.

The stars of the show -- including Jason Ritter, Laura Innes, Blair Underwood, Scott Patterson and Zeljko Ivanek -- can't say too much for fear of network snipers, but I tried to get as much out of them as I could. The result? Even more intrigue, I think -- are you excited to watch?

After the triumphant ending of 'Lost' and the ignominious flame-out of 'Heroes,' you'd think that audiences would no longer be in the mood to buy into a complicated, serialized drama that -- most of the time -- ends up asking more questions than providing answers.

That seemed to be the mood in the room at 'The Event' panel at TCA as the producers of the new NBC series were peppered with questions from critics about the complicated nature of the pilot. It's an intricate story, with flashbacks that explain a particular scene in the present, lots of characters to keep track of, and finally the "Holy crap" moment at the end that's the actual event of the title.

The presentation of the story will be more linear going forward, however, exploring the relationships between the characters starting from Episode 2. "We're very cognizant of rewarding audience's patience," said executive producer Evan Katz. "We want to keep them hooked but asking other questions (at the same time). We're keeping mysteries open, but we're solving them. In the second episode, we'll clearly answer the two biggest questions in the pilot."

'The Event' deals with a young man -- Jason Ritter -- who's thrust into the middle of mystical game of espionage as he tries to find his missing girlfriend.

Most of the panel for the NBC series that's best described as part 'Lost' and part '24' was taken up by the screening of the show's pilot. Fans had only about 15 minutes for a moderator-conducted Q&A with the ensemble show's cast, which is headlined by Jason Ritter, Blair Underwood and Laura Innes.

But the good news is that If the crowd reaction was any indication, THIS is the must-see series of the fall. If you're still going through Jack Bauer and Jack Shephard withdrawal, trust us -- Ritter's Sean Walker is your new hero.

Each act break ended on a compelling cliffhanger, the biggest one was saved for the end of the show. Kudos to producers for informing viewers as to when a scene was set by starting each one off with "eight days ago" or "13 hours ago." It would be nice if 'Lost' had done that all shows with big casts and lots of flashbacks would do that.

Creator Nick Wauters explained that there are definitely elements of "mystery, sci-fi, thrillers, and a love story" to 'The Event.' "We wanted to create something that' has a little bit of something for everyone."

(S01E07) "Would you boys like to come over for a play date?" - Yoga girl to Crosby

I love 'Parenthood.' Yes, there's a lot of people to keep track of, but it's all good. The show has some great players, but really, all I need is Peter Krause and Lauren Graham. And Dax Shepard and Jason Ritter. He reminds me of his dad, which makes me both happy and sad, but mostly happy.

The kids on this show are awesome, too -- Max Burkholder, Mae Whitman, Tyree Brown ... ok, since I'm filling in for Danny, I'll stop crushing on all the actors and get to the review. Follow me after the jump.