· Two weeks after casting Dermot Mulroney in the leading role of the Rockford Files reboot, NBC has enlisted Beau Bridges to play Jim Rockford's father and best friend, Rocky. A truck driver for the past 30 years, Rocky regularly helps his son out of investigative jams while providing unwelcome commentary. Noah Beery, Jr. originated the role of Rocky 35 years ago. Bridges' last NBC gig was on My Name Is Earl, where he played Earl's father. [THR]
Ashley Tisdale connects with her inner Hellcat, Skeet Ulrich takes a few notes from Patrick Dempsey, and more TV Bites after the jump.
· High School Musical star Ashley Tisdale will enroll in college for her first regular broadcast pilot, the CW's Hellcats. The show, which is being exec produced by Tom Welling, centers on a college girl from the wrong side of the tracks (Aly Michalka) who, after losing her scholarship, joins the Hellcats, the college's competitive cheerleading team. Tisdale will play the team's perky captain. [THR]
· In other casting news, Skeet Ulrich will star in CBS's untitled John Wells medical drama pilot as "a brilliant cardiologist with rock star looks." Cough-COUGH-McDreamy. [THR]
· CNN veteran Christiane Amanpour is packing her bags for ABC News, where the journalist will host the network's This Week. [ABC]
· Chuck exec producer Josh Schwartz has announced a new Jeffster tour date. The two man band (featuring characters Jeff Barnes and Lester Patel) will star in their first music video during the show's May 24 season finale. [EW]
· Wednesday night's sexual addiction-debunking episode of South Park was the series' highest-rated season premiere since 1999. [Variety]