Mia Maestro, formerly of the television show 'Alias,' has been cast in the new ABC television show 'Cutthroat.' The show is about a Beverly Hills widow and soccer mom who doubles as a drug cartel leader. Yes, ABC will be broadcasting their own version of 'Weeds.'

Seriously, the creator of 'Weeds' should consider litigation for copyright infringement. However, there will likely be enough differences between this program and 'Weeds' for any judge to dismiss it. For example, Mary-Louise Parker's character seemed more an "accidental" drug dealer due to circumstances whereas the description of 'Cutthroat' insinuates that Mia Maestro's character is quite intentional in her career choice. There is even a third series on television with a similar theme, AMC's 'Breaking Bad.'

Copycat programming is no stranger to television and has been around for a long time. The biggest example in my mind is 'The Addams Family' and 'The Munsters.' What other programs have been out there that have been copies of one another?

Julie Benz has been cast in the ABC drama 'No Ordinary Family,' starring Emmy winner Michael Chiklis ('The Shield'). Benz will play Chiklis' wife in the drama, described as a "gifted scientist" who has a thing for "superspeed." Benz currently recurrs on the hit ABC dramedy 'Desperate Housewives.' [Hollywood Reporter]

More casting news after the jump.

As riveting as the Conan/Jay saga may be, network execs have their plates full with other dramas -- and comedies -- as orders for fall 2010 pilots keep coming in.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the newest batch of pickups finds ABC wed to two new dramas. One, 'Cutthroat,' is about an "ambitious single mother who finds running her own international drug cartel is perfect training for navigating the cutthroat world of Beverly Hills high society." Think 'Weeds' for the Prada set.

The alphabet net has also committed to a flashback-based show called 'Generation Y' that focuses on a group of present-day folks who wax sentimental about their senior year in high school.