William H. Macy gets "Shameless" for Showtime
Macy will play an alcoholic single dad of six whose mom has run away, in a remake of the hit British series about a dysfunctionfal family that lives in a housing project in Manchester. "Shameless" is based on the childhood of Paul Abbott, who created "State of Play" and "Touching Evil" (both of which were remade in America). The original "Shameless" also starred James McAvoy in the first two seasons.  John Wells, who worked with Macy on "ER" will produce the project, which will be set in Chicago. (Watch the awesome "Shamless'" opening)

Viewers tune into "Dancing" without DeLay
Both of this week's Tom DeLay-less episodes saw their ratings rise without the former Republican majority leader. In fact, Tuesday's results show was the highest-rated of the season.

Starz picks up stars for "Gravity"
The comedy about suicide survivors will star Ving Rhames, Rachel Hunter, Krysten Ritter and Ivan Sergei.

"Big Love" gets a premiere date
Season 4, with the addition of Sissy Spacek, starts Jan. 10.

Coming to CW: "Memphis," "Backup Dancer," "Veronica Mars" creator
CW's development slate includes "The L Word" creator "Confessions of a Backup Dancer," the "One Tree Hill" creator's singing drama "Nashville" that is being created with Brad Paisley, "The March Sisters" and Rob Thomas' "Plymouth Rock" about a group of young people on a space ship.

ABC orders "The Gates"
The crime drama is set in a sleepy gated community.

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