TV Bites: Brett Ratner's Chaos Dies at CBS

· While Brett Ratner was doing a little last-minute research for The Hobbit (which he will probably not direct), CBS and 20th Century Fox were reaching a stalemate over his CIA drama pilot Chaos. Even though the project, written by Tom Spezialy, was picked up for midseason premiere, CBS and 20th TV could not agree on an episode order or the license fee. Two days ago, the options on the project's actors -- who included Freddy Rodriguez, Stephen Rea and Eric Close -- expired. [Deadline]

My Boys claims another network series victim, ABC locks down Cheryl Hines, and more TV Bites after the jump.

· For the second time this week, an obligation to the TBS comedy series My Boys has caused an actor to lose out on a premium network gig. This time, Kyle Howard has to step away from NBC's new series Perfect Couples. Worst Week star Kyle Bornheimer will replace him. [Deadline]

· ABC has inked a holding deal with Curb Your Enthusiasm co-star Cheryl Hines. The actress previously starred in the network's short-lived and under-appreciated comedy In the Motherhood (RIP). [Deadline]

· Television Without Pity has compiled a list of television shows that could benefit from an added dose of sci-fi. [TWoP]

· Rest easy this holiday weekend: Anderson Cooper is still happy at CNN. [The Wrap]