Here’s a quick look at some of the casting announcements made recently:

NCIS: Los Angeles: The new is going to get a little taste of the old when NCIS vet Pauley Perrette makes a special trip. According to Entertainment Weekly, Abby’s crossover to the LA division will involve a kidnapping…hers. Expect high drama - and more high ratings for CBS - on November 24.

Modern Family: Shelley Long has already caused problems with Jay’s marriage, so now it’s time for Sofia’s ex to come into the picture. So who is Manny Delgado’s real dad? Former Law & Order star Benjamin Bratt. Bratt is only slated for one episode at this time.

Two and a Half Men: Methinks Charlie won’t have a problem housing this particular visitor. Actress Tricia Helfer (Battlestar Galactica) will appear next month as a friend of Chelsea’s. Because Helfer’s character is currently dealing with a breakup, Charlie’s fiancee suggests that she get back on her feet at their home. Look for Tricia on November 16.

Mercy: Mad Men‘s Elisabeth Moss is returning to her old network as a guest on the medical drama. The former West Wing-er will be featured on a sweeps episode as a cancer patient named Lucy Morton. Moss will check in on November 4.

How I Met Your Mother: Alan Thicke has booked a second engagement on the comedy. Thicke - who’ll once again play himself - will be called upon by Lily when she attempts to split Robin and Barney up. Could we soon be seeing another (classic) video from Robin Sparkles? We could only hope!

Three Rivers: A former CBS doc will be hitting up his old network to play a patient. Actor Mandy Patinkin (Chicago Hope) - who is a real-life recipient of two corneal transplants - will play an ALS sufferer who wants to donate his organs. No air date has been announced for Mandy’s stint.