amanda walsh

Nothing says "Happy Birthday!" like a visit from grandma. On 'Modern Family' that means Shelley Long is returning to the mix.

According to TV Guide, the 'Cheers' alumna will reprise the role of DeDe Pritchett in early 2011 to celebrate Lily's birthday on the hit ABC comedy. Look for Long's character to be as offensive -- if not more -- as she was at Gloria and Jay's wedding.

In other TV news ...

• Darren Criss is officially joining 'Glee' as a series regular. The breakout guest star has made just one appearance on the Fox series, but he's already created quite the fan following. "Darren has become such a sensation in one week, which I love. I think there's a hunger for him and a positive relationship role model." [AfterElton]

• Daniel Sunjata has been cast as a nurse on 'Grey's Anatomy.' The 'Rescue Me' star will play a nurse in the Dec. 2 episode. Sunjata's character is recurring and a potential love interest for Bailey. [Fancast]

• Nia Long is heading to 'Chase.' Long will play Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Randolph, a character set to be at odds with Jimmy Godfrey (Cole Hauser). The actress will first appear in mid-December. [TV Guide]

ABC has a certified hit with their big sprawling look at an American Modern Family. But this isn't their first foray into a big family sitcom. In 2006, they aired a partially improvised comedy about a big, sprawling American family.

Sons & Daughters was barely on a month, but it sunk its talons into me and still hasn't let go. With mostly improvised dialogue, there was something very honest about the language they spoke, complete with the stammers and stutters that make up real conversation. The show was honest, heartfelt and funny. And with a massive cast, it felt like we were constantly on the verge of total chaos somewhere.

It looks like Sons & Daughters was ahead of its time, hitting the air when Americans were touting the sitcom as a dying format. Goss needed to hold out until this season, somehow. Now we're taking a hard look at the sitcom again, and finding that we do like it. It just has to be good. Sons & Daughters was good.