Pilot Season: Justin Kirk to Star in Animal Kingdom, Ellen Barkin Joining Ryan Murphy Comedy

Justin Kirk will rule the Animal Kingdom for NBC.

Kirk, 42, will star in the single-camera comedy pilot as a veterinarian who loves animals but detests their owners. The show is executive-produced by Hangover Part IIwriter Scot Armstrong.

Showtime renews Weeds for Season 8

But what does this mean for Kirk's longtime role as Uncle Andy on Weeds? Kirk's commitment to Animal Kingdom is not expected to interfere with the Showtime comedy's upcoming eighth season, which may very well be its last, according to Deadline, who first reported the news. Kirk is currently in negotiations for the new season and follows the lead of Weeds co-star Kevin Nealon, who recently signed on for the NBC comedy pilot Isabel. Kirk has also recurred on Modern Family as Mitchell's boss.

Ellen Barkin, who is about to begin a recurring arc on Modern Family as Phil's new rival, is in final talks to join Ryan Murphy's comedy pilot, The New Normal, Deadline reports. Written by Murphy and Glee producer Ali Adler, the project centers on a gay couple and the woman who becomes a surrogate to help them start a family. Barkin, fresh off her Tony win last year, would play the surrogate's mother. NBC would not confirm Barkin's casting as of Thursday.

Pilot season: Rome's James Purefoy to star opposite Kevin Bacon in Fox project

Elsewhere at NBC, Joey and Better Off Ted alum Andrea Anders has been cast in their untitled Kari Lizer comedy pilot, TVGuide.com has confirmed. Deadline first reported the news.  The project is about two female friends, one who seemingly has the perfect life (Anders) and one who can't seem to get it together, both of whom can't live without each other.

Dexter's Aimee Garcia has joined NBC's County, the medical drama from Parenthood's Jason Katims and starring Jason Ritter, TVGuide.com has confirmed. Deadline first reported the news. Garcia, who also starred in NBC's short-lived 2009 medical drama, Trauma, would play a new intern in the group of young doctors, nurses and administrators working in the poorly funded LA County Hospital.

NBC has also begun to fill out the cast for The Frontier, an intense tale of survival about a group of disparate travelers who embark on an incredible cross-country adventure through the west where danger stalks them at every turn. Jake McLaughlin, Bridget Regan, Al Weaver, Gina Bramhill, Ethan Embry and Megan Ferguson have all joined the cast, according to Deadline. Shaun Cassidy will write and executive-produce alongside Thomas Schlamme, Jeff Kwatinetz and Josh Barry.