Ridley Scott, 'Children's Hospital,' sharks: News from press tour

Bits and pieces from the second day of the Television Critics Association press tour on Thursday (Jan. 6):

- "Blade Runner" and "Alien" director Ridley Scott is dipping back into science fiction, in a manner of speaking for a show on the Science Channel.

"Prophets of Science Fiction" will profile sci-fi legends (including Isaac Asimov, Gene Roddenberry and George Lucas) whose fictional work helped inspire real-life scientific research and helped lead to new discoveries. The eight-episode series, which Scott's brother Tony is also exec producing, will also present its material in a "dynamic, hyper-stylized way yet to be seen on television."

The show is scheduled to premiere in the second half of 2011.

- Adult Swim's over-the-top medical-drama comedy "Children's Hospital" has lined up several guest stars for its new season, which premieres in the summer.

Sarah Silverman, Marlon Wayans and creator/star Rob Corddry's fellow "Daily Show" alumnus Rob Riggle will all guest on the show. Executive producer Jonathan Stern also teased that a "big medical hit star" was set to film a cameo on the show soon, but he wouldn't give up a name. (He did say right after that, however, that "House" star Hugh Laurie is a fan, so take that how you will.)

- Discovery Channel is looking for a Chief Shark Officer for Shark Week next summer.

The channel says it wants someone to be a presence on air during the 24th annual Shark Week. Job duties include swimming with sharks (with supervision), attending Shark Week premiere parties in several cities and "help[ing] spread the word about the world's most misunderstood predator."

There's no way to submit auditions yet (and we doubt Discovery would distribute a fake news release to a roomful of critics), but we presume there will be.