Earlier today we reported that Melina Kanakaredes was leaving the spin-off series CSI:NY after a solid six-season run.  Though her departure may have something to do with the series possibly running its course (after all, the show is moving to Fridays which isn't a great day for a series to land on), one thing's for sure: she has quickly been replaced.  At the time of our initial report Sela Ward, who played Stacy Warner on earlier seasons of House M.D., was the frontrunner.  An official press release from CBS has confirmed she is joining the cast as "an experienced investigator from Washington, DC, whose work is driven by her empathy for the victim."  Her first episode will be the season premiere this fall.

Hit the jump for some casting additions to CW's series Life Unexpected.

After being on the cusp of cancellation after its first season, we found out a couple months ago that CW's family drama series Life Unexpected is returning for a second season.  With the new season comes some new cast members as EW reports Arielle Kebbel, who had a stint on Gilmore Girls, has been cast as Paige, a new hottie in town who will likely be fraternizing with Baze (Kristoffer Polaha).

In addition, Amy Price-Francis (24, The Cleaner) has also signed on for the part of Kelly, a conservative and rather vocal writer who joins Ryan (Kerr Smith) and Cate's (Shiri Appleby) radio show.

Finally, another bit of casting comes from Fancast reporting Shaun Sipos, who has moved out of Melrose Place, is lined up to play the hot new teacher at Westmonte High and a potential crush interest for Lux (Brittany Robertson).  Let the drama begin.