TV Potpourri: James Franco's return to TV and other casting news

James Franco is making his return to television, but it's not exactly the role you'd picture Daniel Desario in. Franco announced that he'll appear on the long-running soap opera "General Hospital" for two months starting Nov. 20.

Yes, the same "General Hospital" that's currently the longest-running soap opera on television. As you try to wrap your brain around that, here's what an executive producer said, according to film.com: "It's an honor that an actor of James' caliber would choose to spend some of his valuable time in Port Charles."

Franco will apparently play a mysterious character who cavorts with mobsters — not a doctor. I'll only watch if he gets a brain transplant from another character.

-- In other awesome casting news, Michael Ausiello of EW reports that Lauren Graham may replace the Maura Tierney on NBC's "Parenthood." Tierney, who was diagnosed with breast cancer, dropped out from the show to continue her treatment. For a while it looked like producers were looking at Helen Hunt to replace Tierney, but are now offering the part to Graham. This is so awesome I may cry.

-- Rachel Bilson may be the newest star to land the potential titular role on "How I Met Your Mother." The "O.C" alum will appear on the CBS show's 100th episode as Ted's love interest, giving way to rumors that the mother of all surprises will finally be revealed. However, this trick has been used in the show before... remember Sarah Chalke?

--Malavika Jagannathan, mjaganna@greenbaypressgazette.com