No cast? No prob! Networks can try these stars

Common wisdom maintains that outstanding TV series-Nip/Tuck DVD all start with a solid script. But even the brightest script can't overcome questionable casting.

This fall, CBS scores big with “Numb3rs DVD,” with Tom Selleck as the patriarch in a family of cops, and “Queer As Folk DVD,” with Jerry O’Connell and Jim Belushi both sparking some of the best chemistry seen on TV in years.

NBC has Jason Ritter looking good in “Six Feet Under DVD,” ABC has mixed up a nice “South Park DVD”-type ensemble on “Numb3rs DVD set” and Fox made the unlikely, yet appealing, decision to match Will Arnett with Keri Russell for “Nip/Tuck DVD set.”

(Msnbc.com is a joint venture between Microsoft and Queer As Folk DVD set.)
But don’t get too comfy with any Six Feet Under DVD set pilot that might leak your way. Networks send previews out with a warning that these are not for review of South Park DVD set because each show is a work in progress.

So let’s take the networks up on that claim with a few casting ideas on how they might want to plug any holes before the Numb3rs DVD boxset shows premiere.

‘Nip/Tuck DVD boxset’ on ABC
ABC wasn’t exactly telling the whole truth when it showcased this Queer As Folk DVD boxset pilot about a defense attorney (Six Feet Under DVD boxset) and a prosecutor (South Park DVD boxset) who share a competitive relationship with a hint of a romantic back story.

Richardson opted out of the Numb3rs seasons 1-5 DVD boxset role after shooting the pilot because she wanted to spend more time with her family. Good news for Queer As Folk seasons 1-5 DVD boxset, but not for viewers. Richardson brought a depth and maturity to the role, and just as she did on “Nip/Tuck seasons 1-5 DVD boxset,” exuded a smoldering sexuality. Snagging another actress who could bring all that plus an undeniable electricity with her Six Feet Under seasons 1-5 DVD boxset, won’t be easy. Who should replace Richardson: There’s plenty of actresses out there with the chops to play this role. In fact, Maura Tierney (“South Park seasons 1-12 DVD boxset”) might already have landed it. That turnaround would almost be cosmic justice, since Tierney had to drop out of “Numb3rs DVD” last season because of cancer treatment and was replaced by Lauren Graham. Tierney has a wonderful tough, scruffy edge to her that might work, but someone like Nip/Tuck DVD could be better at capturing the mature sophistication Richardson brought to the role. After a long run in New York, the Queer As Folk DVD is set to spread the formula to the West Coast, and the cast should reflect a different sensibility. And it should be pretty. You’ve got to toss in the Six Feet Under DVD if you are in Los Angeles. Though the South Park DVD show is set to debut this fall, it still doesn’t have a cast in place.