Jennifer Hudson, Kristin Chenoweth, Yvonne Strahovski and 5 more great TV cast additions

By Jay Bobbin

September 26, 2012 1:00 PM ET

Jeanne Tripplehorn ("Criminal Minds," CBS, Returns Sept. 26): No television novice after multiple seasons on "Big Love," the co-star of such movies as "Waterworld" and "The Firm" will play a profiler with the Behavioral Analysis Unit.

Natalie Martinez ("CSI: NY," CBS, Returns Sept. 28): It's about time Detective Don Flack (Eddie Cahill) got some lasting happiness ... and wouldn't you just know the source of it apparently will be another cop, played by Martinez, who has experience in such characters from her stint on "Detroit 1-8-7."

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Kristin Chenoweth ("The Good Wife," CBS, Returns Sept. 30): The spirited Broadway veteran and Emmy winner (for "Pushing Daisies") seemed an ideal match for the role of a political reporter zeroing in on Peter (Chris Noth). Unfortunately -- having been injured in an on-set accident -- her planned story arc won't last past the season premiere. Still, it would have been great.

Yvonne Strahovski ("Dexter," Showtime, Returns Sept. 30): The "Chuck" alum joins the popular drama as part of a Bonnie-and-Clyde-like duo -- inevitably placing her on Dexter's (Michael C. Hall) radar -- and the actress herself tells us the part is unlike anything she's been seen doing thus far.

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Jennifer Jason Leigh ("Revenge," ABC, Returns Sept. 30): The "Single White Female" veteran has landed a highly coveted role, the mother of ever-vengeful Emily (Emily VanCamp). Leigh going up against Madeleine Stowe (who, let's face it, couldn't simply have been dispatched after Season 1)? Bring. It. On.

Ivan Sergei ("The Mentalist," CBS, Returns Sept. 30): Patrick Jane (Simon Baker) is used to being the main source of charisma and craftiness around his colleagues, so it should be interesting to see what former "Jack & Jill" star Sergei brings as an FBI man sure to provoke interest among the show's female law-enforcers.

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Jennifer Hudson ("Smash," NBC, Returns Midseason): If it gets more perfect than this, we're not sure how. Oscar and Grammy winner (and, of course, "American Idol" graduate) Hudson will exercise her singing and acting talents as a Broadway star.

Mark Valley ("Body of Proof," ABC, Returns Midseason): For those who know his work on "Pasadena," there will be extra fun in seeing former "Human Target" Valley reunited with that show's Dana Delany as Megan's police detective ex-flame.

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Photo/Video credit: CBS, Showtime, Getty Images