TV News - 'Last Man Standing,' 'Family Tree,' 'Necessary Roughness,' 'Grey's Anatomy' & 'The Vampire Diaries'

        Thursday, August 16 - Today's casting updates include new roles and upcoming guest stars on ABC's Last Man Standing and Grey's Anatomy; The CW's The Vampire Diaries; and USA's Necessary Roughness. HBO has also green-lit a new comedy series called Family Tree.

Jordan Masterson (Greek) will replace Nick Jonas as Ryan on the upcoming second season of ABC's Last Man Standing. The change is due to the decision to make Ryan a more recurring presence as a major foil to Mike (Tim Allen).

HBO has given an eight episode straight-to-series order to new comedy, Family Tree, from movie veteran Christopher Guest. Bridesmaids actor Chris O'Dowd is already attached to star in the project. The half-hour comedy will follow a 30-year-old man (O'Dowd) who receives a mysterious box from a great aunt, he didn't know he had, and then embarks on a journey to learn more about his family roots. Guest will also direct the series as well as appear along with co-creator Jim Piddock. Additional casting will start soon and no premiere date has been announced yet.

Jeffrey Nordling (24) will guest on an upcoming winter episode of USA's Necessary Roughness. He will play a media relations guru called Glen Purlman and will appear in episode 16. In the episode, the team will encounter a major crisis and his PR expertise may be the only thing to help them get out of terrible.

Tina Majorino (Veronica Mars, True Blood) will recur on the upcoming ninth season of ABC's Grey's Anatomy. She will play a new intern named Heather. All other character information is currently being kept under wraps.

David Alpay (The Borgias) will appear in a recurring role on the upcoming fourth season of The CW's The Vampire Diaries. He will play Professor Shane, a charismatic and attractive teacher who has ties to Bonnie's family. He will first appear in the fourth episode.