The Hollywood Insider: 'Glee' Gets a Second Season

TV
Beyond the bombshells: There's a host of TV news this week that doesn't involve the words ''Conan'' or ''Simon''

Pickup Scene
ABC issued early renewals to freshman comedies Modern Family, Cougar Town, and The Middle, while Fox sent Glee to the head of the class. In addition, Fox announced that it will hold a casting search next month to fill three new roles for season 2; you can watch the process in a multipart reality special airing this summer. ''The idea is to let the audience behind the curtain a little bit,'' Fox Entertainment president Kevin Reilly told EW.

L&O goes L.A.
NBC has asked Dick Wolf to develop yet another version of Law & Order, and this one would be set in Los Angeles. Are you an L&O purist? The original will likely be back next fall.

Heroes Welcome (Back)?
Don't say ''so long'' to Heroes just yet: NBC Entertainment president Angela Bromstad said that chances are ''very good'' that the weathered sci-fi drama will return for season 5, and that series creator Tim Kring will be huddling with the network and ''pitching out his view of the next season.''

Misery Loves Paper Company
On Feb. 4, NBC's The Office will welcome Oscar winner Kathy Bates, playing the CEO of a mysterious corporation that buys Dunder Mifflin. She'll appear in multiple episodes/awkward situations.

Will Jack Be Back?
Kiefer Sutherland hasn't ruled out a ninth season of 24, noting, ''I've always said that as long as people wanted us to make it, and people were really interested in watching it, I would be interested.'' Negotiations with Fox should begin soon, because when it comes to 24, the clock is always ticking.
— Dan Snierson, with additional reporting by Michael Ausiello

MOVIES
Is it Nine and out for the Weinsteins?
Nine's weak box office performance (it cost $82 million to make and has earned just $16.8 million) must strike a sour note with Bob and Harvey Weinstein, whose company has struggled financially since they split from Miramax in 2005. According to one insider, the Weinstein Co. will likely take a $20 million hit on the musical. David Glasser, president of international distribution, would not comment on specific figures, and insists, ''[Nine's] current box office in no way affects the day-to-day of TWC.'' Indeed, sources tell EW the Weinsteins will keep making movies until their creditors cry uncle. And since the duo netted at least $25 million from Inglourious Basterds' theatrical haul, maybe those financiers will let them ride a little longer.
— Nicole Sperling