Former "Magnum, P.I." star Tom Selleck is in discussions to join "Las Vegas" as the new leading man of NBC's fast-paced light drama.

He would play the smart, powerful, fun-loving new owner of Montecito Resort & Casino, a new character designed to fill the void left by the recent departure of James Caan.

Caan, who played the head of the casino's surveillance team for four years, recently left the series, saying he wanted to return to features.

"Vegas" was picked up for a fifth season in February and is slated to begin production on its order soon. The show also is looking to add a beautiful female concierge in the wake of the departure of co-star Nikki Cox. Caan and Cox left amid news that the NBC renewal was contingent on budget cuts.

Josh Duhamel also stars on "Vegas," with Molly Sims, James Lesure and Vanessa Marcil rounding out the cast.

Selleck's starring role on "Vegas" would mark his first regular gig on a drama series since his Emmy-winning turn on "Magnum, P.I.," which ran on CBS for eight seasons until 1988.

Selleck also has had success with the "Stone Cold" series of original movies for CBS, with the latest installment, "Jesse Stone: Sea Change," slated to premiere in May. He also is a member of the voice cast of the Walt Disney Co.'s animated feature "Meet the Robinsons."

I think this was a good pick up for Vegas and may actually help secure it for more than just next year.

quote:

Originally posted by Marc Berman:
"Vegas" was picked up for a fifth season in February and is slated to begin production on its order soon. The show also is looking to add a beautiful female concierge in the wake of the departure of co-star Nikki Cox. Caan and Cox left amid news that the NBC renewal was contingent on budget cuts.

I find it hard to believe that Selleck is going to come cheap. Plus they want another beautiful female (who *will* probably come cheap), but do they really need another beautiful female on that show - okay, stupid question. I doubt there is going to be much difference in their budget if they do sign Selleck. So did they really want to cut the budget, or did they just want new blood?

I only watched the last 3 episodes of Vegas (because Richard Burgi was a guest star) and it's not my cup of tea so I don't plan to watch it in the future, but I'm just curious about what people think about this move.

They certainly have to pick up someone or nobody will watch it. But you're right, Selleck won't come cheap.

quote:

Originally posted by Deborah:

quote:

Originally posted by Marc Berman:
"Vegas" was picked up for a fifth season in February and is slated to begin production on its order soon. The show also is looking to add a beautiful female concierge in the wake of the departure of co-star Nikki Cox. Caan and Cox left amid news that the NBC renewal was contingent on budget cuts.

I find it hard to believe that Selleck is going to come cheap. Plus they want another beautiful female (who *will* probably come cheap), but do they really need another beautiful female on that show - okay, stupid question. I doubt there is going to be much difference in their budget if they do sign Selleck. So did they really want to cut the budget, or did they just want new blood?

I only watched the last 3 episodes of Vegas (because Richard Burgi was a guest star) and it's not my cup of tea so I don't plan to watch it in the future, but I'm just curious about what people think about this move.

and why won't Selleck come cheap?

Why would he? Does he have something to prove? I think not.

quote:

Originally posted by vlis:
and why won't Selleck come cheap?

Even though it is not the 80's he is still high profile and a big name. I look forward to his return to prime time TV!

what has he done lately? this could get him back on the map

quote:

Originally posted by tvfan300:
Why would he? Does he have something to prove? I think not.

quote:

Originally posted by vlis:
and why won't Selleck come cheap?

From IMDB.com

quote:

# Jesse Stone: Sea Change (2007) (TV) (post-production) .... Chief Jesse Stone

# Meet the Robinsons (2007) (voice) .... Cornelius
# "Boston Legal" .... Ivan Tiggs (4 episodes, 2006)
- Desperately Seeking Shirley (2006) TV Episode .... Ivan Tiggs
- Ivan the Incorrigible (2006) TV Episode .... Ivan Tiggs
- Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (2006) TV Episode .... Ivan Tiggs
- Live Big (2006) TV Episode .... Ivan Tiggs
# Jesse Stone: Death in Paradise (2006) (TV) .... Chief Jesse Stone
# Jesse Stone: Night Passage (2006) (TV) .... Chief Jesse Stone
# Stone Cold (2005) (TV) .... Chief Jesse Stone
... aka Jesse Stone: Stone Cold (USA: long title)
... aka Robert B. Parker's Stone Cold (USA: complete title)
# Ike: Countdown to D-Day (2004) (TV) .... Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower

So a lot of TV movies, but yes this could plant him back on the TV map.

quote:

Originally posted by mushu_jj:
I think this was a good pick up for Vegas and may actually help secure it for more than just next year.

I watch this show now and then and find
it a good lark. And I'm ok with Selleck.
I think he fits this. But getting to
a 6th season will be very difficult.

The regrettable problem is that it airs
on a network that wants to be rid of it
as well as a few other shows, thus the
shabby treatment it has received over
its life. And losing its spot at 9
to FNL is another nail in the coffin,
even if FNL, as expected, bombs and is
out of there soon. Nonetheless, a
bad start for VEGAS is all but certain
and the net really isn't very concerned
with that.

The good news for VEGAS is that of the
net's 5 new dramas, large questions
already surround BW and LIFE, and
as I suspected, LIPSTICK JUNGLE is in
disarray. DOND is sliding, the heavily
talked up AGT is already under 3 in
the demo and less and less a candidate
for reg season, ER is slipping away,
so NBC will have to air something in
2008-2009............