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While we here at Team WWK don't make a habit out of reporting daytime television scoop, we just couldn't resist this one.

That's right, tubers: Golden Globe winner, Judd Apatow muse and former Freaks and Geeks heartthrob James Franco is set to join the soapy goodness that is General Hospital!

A network rep confirms the addition to E! News, telling us that James' multi-episiode stint begins airing Nov. 20.

James' character steers clear of the hospital, though, opting instead to go toe-to-toe with resident mob thug and G.H. superstar Jason Morgan (Steve Burton), says Fancast.

No official word on why the Pineapple Express star took the gig, but sources tell ABC Soaps In Depth that the movie star "wants to do everything" throughout his career. Franco is scheduled to be on set one day a week, filming several episodes at a time.

Don't get us wrong—any chance to see more James on the small screen is always welcome. We're just a little surprised by the Funny or Die dude's latest career move. Hey, if they keep this up, we might just have to make General Hospital one of our regulars from now on.

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Yay! We knew you'd love Modern Family as much as we did (don't deny it—we saw those huge premiere ratings).

Ty Burrell, otherwise known as ultracool, hipster dad Phil on ABC's new hit, was nice enough to chat with us about what's coming up on his little branch of the family tree, including thievery and toy planes.

On top of incredible guest star scoop (Edward Norton and Elizabeth Banks—hello!), Ty couldn't help but brag about the incredible cast and crew on the show and provide more scoop than he probably should have—sorry, ABC.

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Leaving American Idol has turned Paula Abdul into the belle of the ball! Not only is Nigel Lythgoe trying to talk her into a gig on So You Think You Can Dance, but we just learned at the Television Critics Association press tour that ABC boss Steve McPherson would love to get her a job on Dancing With the Stars.

If Paula signed on to DWTS, would she be a judge, a choreographer or a dancer? Here's the dish from today's press tour:

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Is the quirky and adorable Dr. Elliot Reid scrubbing back in for the ninth season of the hit ABC series?

The short answer? She's still not sure. But the long answer is more fun anyway, right?

The always lovely Sarah Chalke is one busy lady. She's making the rounds promoting her new Lifetime miniseries, Maneater. She's still a shoo-in to drop by CBS's How I Met Your Mother. And, unfortunately she's also still up in the air about that offer to return to ABC's just-renewed Scrubs.

"I actually don't know yet what I'm going to do, but I will very soon. You guys will be the first to know," says Sarah. "Regardless, I'm excited that the show got picked up again and it's going to go another year."

So there you have it. Nothing set in stone yet, but what Sarah went on to say about what was presumed to be the series finale of Scrubs and where she might end up next may surprise you...

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Press play above to follow our liveblog of ABC's presentation to advertisers at their Lincoln Center upfront here in New York City...

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And now we're on to NBC's official announcements. What a busy day!

• Chuck is officially coming back, thanks to the largesse of sponsor Subway. Chuck will air Mondays at 8 p.m. beginning in February, after the Olympics.
• Heroes will take the Monday 8 p.m. time slot in the fall, new paramedic show Trauma will follow at 9 p.m.
• My Name Is Earl star Ethan Suplee just tweeted: "Just got the call that My Name Is Earl has been canceled. They sure did take their time with that decision or rather informing us of it." Theoretically it could still go to another network, but it's leaving NBC for sure.
• Law & Order has been renewed for season 20. Law & Order and Southland will share Friday nights at 8 and 9 p.m. respectively. (Eek!) This Jay Leno mishagas makes TV all strange and unnatural.
• Joel McHale's Community will air at 9:30 on Thursdays after The Office.
• Parenthood will be at 8 p.m. Wednesday in the fall, and then cede that slot to Mercy at midseason. New show Day One will air Mondays at 9 p.m. beginning in February. 100 Questions launches midseason at 9:30 on Tuesdays.

ABC boss Steve McPherson is holding a press conference this morning at the Alphabet's New York headquarters, and we're there to interrogate him about dying shows, dying characters and, oh yeah, all those new programs they'll be putting on the air next year. Read along with our liveblog above to get all the news as it happens and then share your thoughts in the comments!

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Looks like the rumor was true. ABC has picked up the newly revived comedy, Scrubs, for a ninth season.

After touting its eight year as its last, most of the shows main stars are returning for another go-around, including fan-faves Donald Faison, John C. McGinley and Neil Flynn. And all of the debate surrounding the return of Zach Braff, Scrubs' day-dreaming, kooky main doc, can be put to rest. The star has signed on for six episodes to help the show switch over to it's new format.

Sadly, coupled with the return of Scrubs will be a few new characters, but mainly the interns from season eight, and possibly a new look. Show runner Bill Lawrence is said to be considering changing things up from the current single-camera setting.

Some other potential changes? Sarah Chalke has yet to sign the same six-episode deal as Zach, and Judy Reyes has reportedly not even been approached to return, but would more than likely be billed as a guest star.  

Keep reading for more awesome news from the ABC-verse, including a few things you might be able to guess on your own based on the picture up top...

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Yay! ABC has just announced early pickups for 12 series, including six dramas we love: Lost, Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, Desperate Housewives, Ugly Betty and Brothers & Sisters.

On the "unscripted" side of things, look for more of The Bachelor, Dancing with the Stars, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Wife Swap, Supernanny and good ol' America's Funniest Home Videos.

ABC series that are notably not included on this early pickup list include Samantha Who?, Better Off Ted, The Unusuals, Castle, Cupid and Surviving Suburbia, but any of those series might still be picked up before the ABC upfront presentation to advertisers in New York City on May 19. (Scrubs is reportedly also under consideration for a ninth season, but a renewal is dependent on negotiations with key talent, so perhaps an early pickup is too much to hope for.)

Among those ABC shows ending for sure are According to Jim and Life on Mars.

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No, no, no. A thousand times no.

This is what I can tell you hundreds of panicked fans who have emailed in this evening after hearing a fast-spreading rumor that Pushing Daisies has been canceled.

I've just checked in with very reliable and high-placed sources connected to the show, who tell me that ABC has not yet told producers the fate of the series.

Still, there is some truth to the rumor going around...

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The facts are these:

Pushing Daisies needs your help.

Production on episode 13 of season two begins Monday, and that is the last episode currently ordered by ABC for this series. So far the Alphabet network has given no indication to producers that a full-season pickup is on it's way (nine additional episodes).

Yes, the Emmy-winning fairy tale could very well end in just a few weeks, and if that were the case, no one who loves good TV would live happily ever after.

Is the situation really as dire as it seems? And can anything be done to save Ned the Pie Maker and friends?

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Best. Webisodes. Ever.

While everyone is worried about who pushed Christina (Ashley Jensen) down the stairs, carefree Marc and Amanda take up bowling. Press play above to check out the third installment of Mode After Dark. 'Tis awesome.

Did you also want dish on tonight's episode of Ugly Betty, the actual TV show on your TV? Oh, OK then...

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