Today in TV casting news, we’re featuring two sci-movie heroines who are making the jump to the small screen. First up is Sigourney Weaver (Avatar), who will be making her TV series debut in USA’s Political Animals. The Oscar-nominated actress will play Elaine Barrish, a divorced former first lady and recently-appointed Secretary of State who embraces her new job after overcoming her failed marriage and the loss of the presidential nomination.

Carrie-Anne Moss (The Matrix) can also be seen on the small screen in the untitled CBS series pilot based on Ralph Lamb, a 1960s rodeo cowboy turned Las Vegas sheriff. Moss will play assistant district attorney Katharine O’Connell, the daughter of a local rancher and neighbor to the Lambs. The pilot also stars Dennis Quaid (The Day After Tomorrow) and Michael Chiklis (The Shield). Hit the jump for more on both pilots.

In further television casting news today, Dennis Quaid and Michael Chiklis have been confirmed for the CBS period drama based on Ralph Lamb, a 1960s rodeo cowboy turned Las Vegas sheriff. Quaid will star as Sheriff Ralph Lamb himself, while Chiklis will star as Johnny Savino, a Chicago mobster with visions of transforming Las Vegas for financial gain. Needless to say, the two characters don’t see eye to eye. Quaid and Chiklis will also be co-executive producers on the project for screenwriter Nicholas Pileggi (American Gangster) and Without a Trace executive producer, Greg Walker. James Mangold (Walk the Line) will direct the pilot.

In other small screen casting news, comedienne Lily Tomlin has signed on to co-star in Reba McEntire’s new comedy pilot for ABC. Hit the jump to see who she’ll be playing.