Wow, has it really been a whole five minutes since we have had news about Orlando Jones? My oh my, where does the time go? Tonight, you can catch the mighty Mr. Jones on the series debut of "Black Poker Stars Invitational." From this article, we glean the following regarding Orlando's date with the cards:

"Hosted by actor and funny man Katt Williams and the self-proclaimed 'Black Robin Leach' Kenny Burns, celebrity poker players Anthony Anderson, Nelly, Kevin Hart, Miguel Nunez Jr., Eddie Griffin, Orlando Jones, Faizon Love, Eva Pigford, Wood Harris (HBO's 'The Wire'), Al Shearer, Mekhi Phifer, Chris Spencer and Melyssa Ford vie to win $50,000 for their favorite charity. With special guest appearances by Eddie Murphy and DMC, this No Limit - Texas Hold 'Em Poker tournament doesn't begin or end at the tables. Taped at the newly opened Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, BLACK POKER STARS INVITATIONAL catches every aspect of celebrity involvement from their rendezvous at the private 'Millionaire Airport' in Van Nuys to their VIP hotel check-in to the special 'Losers Lounge,' where eliminated players soothe their bruised egos during the poker face off -- all while capturing the comedic exchange and trash talk from today's hottest celebrities."

Will Orlando clean up, or will the other competitors clean his clock? Tune in to BET tonight at 10:30pm EST to find out. If you miss the episode the first time around or simply want some entertainment to go with your bout of insomnia, then watch the re-air on Wednesday morning at 3:30am EST.

In indie dramedy news -- is there such a thing? -- look for Orlando to pop up in Misconceptions. Those with right-wing religious convictions will certainly flock in droves (probably with picket signs) to observe this film's unique plot:

"Directed by Ron Satlof from a script he wrote with Ira Pearlstein, the story centers on a religiously conservative married woman from the South who receives a message from God telling her to act as a surrogate mother for two gay men.

Jones will play Terry, the hopeful parent who comes to the woman's home to micromanage her pregnancy and in the process causes havoc.

A.J. Cook (CBS' 'Criminal Minds') will play Miranda, the woman who decides to carry the child for the gay couple."

Once again, we find ourselves in the awkward position of not yet knowing the film's release date; however, we will keep that weary eagle eye on the lookout for you. In the meantime, use this article to clarify any, well, misconceptions you might have about Misconceptions.

Poker and surrogate parenthood -- if those two activities combined are not your idea of the ultimate Orlando Jones entertainment package, then I guess you will just have for his next entertainment venture. See you in five minutes!

One thing in life is certain: if you are an Orlando Jones fan, then you will never be bored. Tonight, the Big O guest-stars on "New Amsterdam," a new FOX series featuring a literally immortal homicide detective (the title character) who actually wishes he were mortal. Throw in a figuratively immortal "MADtv" alum for tonight's episode, "Soldier's Heart"; and you have a viewing experience that is, well, downright immortal. Confused yet? In an effort to clear things up, I submit to you the rather mortal episode summary from the Futon Critic:

"A homeless Gulf War veteran (Orlando Jones) confesses to the grisly murder of a controversial psychiatrist, but Amsterdam is skeptical. While reviewing the psychiatrist's soon-to-be published book, Amsterdam contemplates the reliability of memories and the reasons people bury them. Could the motive for this murder lie in the psychiatrist's own research? The murder also brings Amsterdam closer to finding 'the one' who he believes will unlock his heart and make him mortal."

What more out of life could mere mortals like us ask for? All diehard Orlando fans -- are there any other kind? -- are advised to tune in to FOX tonight at 9:00pm EST. What will Orlando do next? Given his resume, which grows faster than a steroid-influenced muscle on Barry Bonds' arm, you probably will not have to wait too long for the answer.

Those wild and crazy "MADtv" cast members are just popping up everywhere these days! Never fear, for "Rapid-Fire Appearances" is here to bring you up to speed.

Let's kick things off with the golden lady herself, Nicole Sullivan. Not even married life can hold back our gal, who will appear in a star-studded episode of "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" in January 2008. Because the storyline for this "CSI" episode revolves around a rodeo, it's only fitting that professional cowboy Ty Murray be one of the guest stars, along with his girlfriend, singer and occasional actress Jewel. In the ultimate act of "yee-haw" showbiz nepotism, the episode will also feature Brendan Wayne (grandson of John) and Shooter Jennings (son of Waylon and Jessi Colter). Although we do not yet have further details on exactly how Nicole's character will fit into this whole, crazy scheme, feel free to read this article for more information, partner.

Do you have DirecTV? Neither do I, but subscribers may want to catch Aries Spears and Jeff Richards together in an upcoming episode of "The Supreme Court of Comedy." The series, which will air on DirecTV's general entertaiment network, the 101, has quite an unusual premise:

"'The Supreme Court of Comedy,' exec produced by Jonathan Murray, features real cases originally brought before small claims courts in California that will now be presided over by comedian Dom Irrera at the Laugh Factory in West Hollywood. The 'counselors' representing the plaintiffs and defendants will be alternating comedians.

Matchups include Sinbad vs. Tom Arnold, Tom Papa vs. Victoria Jackson, Jamie Kennedy vs. Aries Spears and Jeff Richards, and Tommy Davidson vs. Paul Rodriguez. Ten episodes have been ordered."

Although there is no word yet on when Aries and Jeff's episode will air, we will keep an eagle eye out for details. Will these "MADtv" alumni win their "case"? Will anyone without DirecTV give a rat's patootie? Drama ensues!

It's official: Orlando Jones never sleeps. In 2008, the Big O will add director R.A. White's comedy film Ye Olde Times to his mile-long resume. The film's plot involves two rival Renaissance fairs -- one cheesy, one priding itself on "serious productions of real Shakespeare." (Orlando's character belongs to the latter.) Jack Black, David Arquette, and Matthew Lillard will also join in "ye olde" fun. Curiously enough, no actresses are listed in the credits so far. The author of this article speculates on the possibility of man-love among the characters; however, the most likely scenario is the other she mentions: the old-school theater practice of having the male actors play both the male and female roles, thus negating the need for female actors. Oh, Orlando, what delectably daffy projects await your fans in the near future?

Finally, Phil LaMarr will appear in the 2008 Jonathan Fahn film Old Dogs, which centers around three men in their seventies who mistakenly pick up a bag of cocaine and find themselves caught between the police and the mob. Logic, as well as respect for the forty-something Phil, tells us immediately that his character, Joe, is not one of the three old men mentioned in the movie's title; however, at least from what we can gather, Phil does appear to have a sizable role in the comedy/drama, which stars John Saxon, Basil Hoffman, and Larry Gelman as the "old dogs." Can you teach an old "MADtv" cast member new tricks? Check out Phil at a theater near you to find out.

It appears that the nonviolent, rapid-fire gun is out of blanks for the time being. Do not be dismayed, though, because before you know it, the bullet chamber will once again be loaded with information on "MADtv" cast members' film and television appearances. Now that I have extended this unnecessary metaphor well past its target, all that is left to say is the following: stay tuned for more "Rapid-Fire Appearances"!

UPDATE (01/10): Nicole Sullivan's "CSI" episode debuts tonight at 9:00pm EST on CBS. Don't miss it!

UPDATE (02/25): Thanks to this article, we can now confirm that Ye Olde Times does indeed have at least one female star. Don't get too excited; it's just Lindsey Lohan. Although we still do not have word on exactly when this Orlando Jones extravaganza will be completed, a spring release seems realistic.

Because "MADtv" cast members are constantly making the showbiz rounds, we here at Planet MADtv sometimes get backlogged as we try to keep up with their various television and movie appearances. Thus, at a time like this, it becomes necessary to discuss them all in a manner that dispenses with most of the usual journalistic jargon and gets right to the point. Welcome, then, to another mirth-filled installment of "Rapid-Fire Appearances"!

We kick things off with an ABC double-header suitable for fans of both early "MADtv" and Harlequin romance novels. First, Bryan Callen makes a guest appearance on the ABC crime drama "Women's Murder Club." There appears to be no information on Bryan's character (Dino Palley), so one might safely assume that his role will be about as pertinent to the show as an extra's. Nevertheless, feel free to read here for more information on the episode "Blind Dates and Bleeding Hearts," which will air October 26th at 9:00pm EST on ABC.

After "Women's Murder Club," your fun-fraught Friday evening continues as the ubiquitous Orlando Jones reprises his role as George on the ABC comedy/drama "Men in Trees," starring the ever-stable Anne Heche. Here, you can read all about the Big O's episode, entitled "No Man Is an Iceland." (I wish that were a misprint; but no, sadly, that's the episode's actual title.) As for Orlando's role, if you have read this far, then you will want to know the following:

"Now that Lynn has left town, everyone in Elmo assumes that Marin and Jack will get back together. Mai's cousin, Lucy (Emy Coligado), an ice skating star, comes from China to visit. Mai wants her to stay, so George (Orlando Jones) offers to marry her -- much to Terri's (Mario Cantone) dismay."

If this plot sounds the least bit appealing to you (and why would it not, pray tell?), then check out Orlando's latest "Men in Trees" visit this Friday, October 26th, at 10:00pm EST on ABC. Bryan at 9:00, Orlando at 10:00, fashion tips on the local news at 11:00 -- set your TiVos now!

As many of you may know by now, Stephnie Weir has just wrapped up filming on The Other Side of the Tracks, a thriller scheduled for a 2008 release. What you may not know are all the juicy details regarding Stephnie's character. The press kit for the movie gives us more insight:

"Although Trackside Pizza has managed to stay open over the years, business has steadily fallen off and the bills piled up for sole proprietor Ann McGee [Weir] -- a spiritually-sensitive single mom and part-time tarot card reader. That, along with Ann's incapacitated brother, in an expensive long-term care facility, has forced her to sell half the business to David, a burned-out doctor with a neurotic yet friendly demeanor. As Ann and David prepare for the grand reopening of Trackside Pizza, Marcy -- Ann's twenty-something daughter -- struggles to accept her family's moral and financial burdens. Feeling frustrated with the way things are, Marcy finds refuge in a relationship with her uncle's nurse."

Granted, Stephnie's role takes a back seat to the main plot, which involves a guy's obsession with his dead girlfriend. However, can you possibly pass up the opportunity to watch Stephnie make pizza and tell fortunes? Give yourself a thousand points if you answered in the affirmative.

Dannah Feinglass just cannot sit still these days. In addition to her current voiceover work in children's animation, Dannah can now add the comedy Why Am I Doing This? to her entertainment resume. Slated for a 2008 release, the film centers around two best friends -- one Asian, one black -- who are trying to find success in Hollywood. All we know so far about Dannah's supporting role is that her character is named Holly. In fact, there does not even appear to be a press kit or anything else that would tell us anything about the film other than what is stated above. Stay tuned for further updates -- that is, if any surface.

Finally, geeks everywhere may toss their periodic tables into the air in glorious celebration; for according to the Futon Critic, CBS's "The Big Bang Theory" has been given a full-season pickup. In other words, Simon Helberg fans the world over will have plenty of chances to see their man in action right through mid-2008. Wolowitz action figures are sure to flood toy stores in weeks to come.

Regrettably, we must end there for now. Fret not, though, fans; for as "MADtv" cast members continue to ascend fame's wobbly ladder, "Rapid-Fire Appearances" will be there to keep you up to date with their latest television and movie appearances. Until next time, remember not to walk under wobbly ladders.

He may already have his hands full with a new series on BET; but Orlando Jones dares to multitask as he joins the cast of the CBS prime-time series "Ghost Whisperer", starring Jennifer Love Hewitt. Here is the scoop on Orlando's character, as provided by TV Squad blogger Kristin Sample:

"Jones, who got his start on 'Mad TV' and as a 7Up spokesperson, will be playing another medium/psychic that comes to Grandview. I was able gather only a little bit more about his role from conversation between the producers and bloggers. Jones, who you might know from movies like Evolution, Drumline, and Primeval, will be a sort of rival for Jennifer Love Hewitt's character Melinda Gordon. Apparently, Melinda will be skeptical of Jones and question if he has any true psychic powers (funny because Camryn Manheim's character is skeptical of Melinda and her abilities). Jones's character will try to help a woman in Grandview connect with a dead loved one. Melinda will be suspicious of this and claim that he is giving this woman false hope."

Okay, let's make sure that we have this straight: a character of whom someone else is suspicious, is suspicious of another character (Orlando's) whose psychic powers are suspicious. Suspicious indeed! While we do not yet know the exact date of Orlando's first "Ghost Whisperer" episode, we do know that it will be some time in November. Since the show itself airs Friday nights on CBS at 8:00pm EST, we can speculate that the tentative date for the Orlando premiere will be on Friday, November 2nd (i.e., the first episode of November). At any rate, if the prospect of cat fights--ghost fights?--between Orlando and Jennifer Love sounds like your cup of witch's brew, then check it out. In the meantime, read here to find out more.

Politically incorrect fun abounds on "BUFU," a new animated series produced by Ali Leroi and "MADtv" alum Orlando Jones. Influential and famous African-Americans such as Barack Obama, Bryant Gumbel, Tyra Banks, the Reverend Al Sharpton, and Gayle King are just some of the targets whom "BUFU" will mercilessly lampoon. One celebrity the duo will not touch, however, is the "Big O" herself, Oprah Winfrey, whom Ali and Orlando insist is too rich and powerful to make fun of. (Oh, how this news editor is struggling to resist the cliched metaphor "too big a fish to fry"!) Regardless of this (forgive me) O-mission, the dynamic duo feel that there is a plethora of parodical possibilities for "BUFU":

''We have the ability to go into some avenues and deal with some subject matter that I think a lot of the comedians just, A) don't know what to do with it; and, B) if they tried to do anything with it -- if you even want to go down that street, you know how [Don] Imus was lambasted -- they just don't have the cachet to do so,'' says Leroi, an executive producer of The CW sitcom Everybody Hates Chris. "We just have a whole field of stuff that's just going untouched.''

Therefore, any old-school "MADtv" fan who yearns to see Orlando Jones' imagination at its most fertile will no doubt be cuckoo for "BUFU." The series premiere will air on BET on Tuesday, November 13th, at 10:00pm EST. Until that blessed date arrives, feel free to read here and here for more information.

According to Yahoo! TV, Orlando Jones will be appearing on "The View" on March 29th on ABC. Check local listings for the time. He will be appearing along with his co-star, Rob Estes. Other guests include Sharon Stone and Sue Johanson.

Looks like Orlando is really getting out there, promoting his new show, The Evidence.

According to Yahoo! TV, Orlando Jones will appear on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Thursday, March 23. Orlando will appear along side Liza Minnelli in this episode.

Click here for local time and channel listings for The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

It looks like he's really getting around to promote his new show. Good luck, Orlando!