Sara Rue is heading back to TV -- aside from those Jenny Craig commercials, that is.

The 'Less Than Perfect' and 'Popular' star has booked a recurring role on 'Rules of Engagement' as Brenda, the surrogate mother for Jeff (Patrick Warburton) and Audrey (Megyn Price).

Deadline Hollywood also reports that 'Dynasty' veteran Joan Collins will pop up this November as Bunny, Russell's (David Spade) mom.

In other casting news ...

• Mary Lynn Rajskub is heading to 'Modern Family.' Rajskub will play Mitchell's ex-girlfriend from his closeted days. [TV Guide]

• Robert Patrick has been tapped to join HBO's 'Big Love.' Patrick will play Bud Mayberry, the leader of a fringe polygamist group. [Ausiello Files]

• 'Sopranos' star Drea de Matteo will play Will Arnett's stepmother on 'Running Wilde.' Look for the actress to pop up as Didi next month. The role is potentially recurring. [Ausiello Files]

Though news is focused on the major networks and their upfronts this week, development deals are taking place elsewhere on the television landscape. As an example, The Hollywood Reporter reports that USA has greenlit two new pilots that will begin shooting this summer.

The first is 'A Legal Mind.' Executive produced by Doug Liman ('The O.C.,' 'Knight Rider,' 'The Bourne Ultimatum'), the story involves a young man who gets a job at a huge corporate law firm. The catch: he doesn't have a college degree. The second pilot is 'Necessary Roughness,' about a tough, divorced, female sports therapist.