WilliamH.Macy

For thousands of years, mankind has been engaged in an unending search for spiritual and intellectual enlightenment. A search that has finally reached its inevitable destination: HBO.

Yes, according to the Hollywood Reporter, the cable giant has given the green light to 'Enlightenment,' a new comedy starring Laura Dern as "a self-destructive woman who has a revelatory experience at a treatment center and becomes determined to live an enlightened life, creating unexpected havoc at home and work."

The series, which has been expanded to 10 episodes following a successful pilot, is being co-produced and written by Mike White ('School of Rock,' 'Amazing Race 14') and co-stars Luke Wilson and Dern's real-life mother, Diane Ladd. White, for one, couldn't be happier.

The cast is quickly coming together for the upcoming Showtime adaptation of 'Shameless.'

The Hollywood Reporter confirms that actress Emmy Rossum will star in the drama series, opposite William H. Macy. She'll play 18-year-old Fiona, who must care for her five younger siblings while her mother is AWOL and her father (Macy) battles alcoholism.

Produced by 'Southland''s John Wells, the series, set in Chicago, is based on the BAFTA-winning U.K. dramedy, and will reportedly revolve around the current economic recession.

Things are heating up this season in Pawnee, Indiana. E! Online reports that the 'Parks and Recreation' team have Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler, accidentally getting involved in a sex scandal that derails her plans for a city Santa's Village. Producer Mike Schur says, "There are rumors swirling about another city councilman scandal -- who was disgraced by cave sex in the 'Practice Day' episode -- and Leslie ends up getting photographed with him at a bar late at night by a tabloid newspaper."

As if that isn't enough, Leslie and Dave the Cop don't stand the test of time. "We were so lucky to get Louis C.K.," says Poehler of her character's love interest, "but he's starting his own show."

Luckily, it has just been confirmed by Entertainment Weekly that 'Parks' fans will see that role filled by none other than Poehler's real-life love, Will Arnett. Of course, Poehler and Arnett have worked together many times, including on 'Arrested Development' and in films such as 'Blades of Glory' and 'Monsters vs. Aliens.' So it's only natural that Arnett would stop by 'Parks.'

Arnett's arrival on the show will coincide with that of Justin Theroux who will, incidentally, also vie for Leslie's heart.

With thoughts of Arnett and Poehler teaming up again, we brainstormed some other real-life couples whose pairings would translate well to the small screen.

With cancellations, renewals and new lineups, fall is traditionally dominated by network television. But this season some of the biggest news has instead come from cable and today is no exception, as Showtime has announced that award winning actor William H. Macy has been tapped to star in their new drama 'Shameless.'

Plus: Ving Rhames, Bravo's 'Work Out' spin-off and more ...