November 24, 2012 04:00 AM PDT

20 Actresses You Want Back on TV Right Now

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Get More: Lists, Photo Gallery, Pilots

Last month, TVLine brainstormed a list of 20 TV stars we’re hoping will score big, juicy roles in fall 2013 pilots.

You responded with hundreds of suggestions of your own that were so intriguing, it gave us enough material for not one, but two spinoff galleries.

RELATED | Ask Ausiello: Spoilers on NCIS, Grey’s, Army Wives, Glee, Revenge, Shameless and More!

Today, we present a countdown of the 20 actresses whose return to the small screen is being championed by tastemaking TVLine readers. Tomorrow we’ll reveal their male counterparts.

RELATED | TVLine’s All-Star Pilot Season Wish List

So click through the photo gallery of underappreciated thespians below, then hit the comments with any names your fellow readers might’ve forgotten.

gal_Kandyse-McClure_Battlestar-Galactica
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Which other TV actresses need good, juicy roles for the 2013 pilot season? Start the discussion in the comments!

Kandyse McClure, Battlestar Galactica

Lizzy Caplan, Party Down

Billie Piper, Doctor Who

Sarah Michelle Gellar, Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Leslie Grossman, Popular

Elaine Cassidy, Harper's Island

Liza Weil, Gilmore Girls

Phylicia Rashad, The Cosby Show

Robin Weigert, Deadwood

Paget Brewster, Criminal Minds

Majandra Delfino, Roswell

Jennifer Beals, The L Word

Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Eureka

Ali Larter, Heroes

Jessalyn Gilsig, Glee

Evangeline Lilly, Lost

Linda Cardellini, Freaks and Geeks

Alia Shawkat, Arrested Development

Gillian Anderson, The X Files

Janel Moloney, The West Wing

Which other TV actresses need good, juicy roles for the 2013 pilot season? Start the discussion in the comments!

Kandyse McClure, Battlestar Galactica

Lizzy Caplan, Party Down

Billie Piper, Doctor Who

Sarah Michelle Gellar, Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Leslie Grossman, Popular

Elaine Cassidy, Harper's Island

Liza Weil, Gilmore Girls

Phylicia Rashad, The Cosby Show

Robin Weigert, Deadwood

Paget Brewster, Criminal Minds

Majandra Delfino, Roswell

Jennifer Beals, The L Word

Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Eureka

Ali Larter, Heroes

Jessalyn Gilsig, Glee

Evangeline Lilly, Lost

Linda Cardellini, Freaks and Geeks

Alia Shawkat, Arrested Development

Gillian Anderson, The X Files

Janel Moloney, The West Wing

Which other TV actresses need good, juicy roles for the 2013 pilot season? Start the discussion in the comments!



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Comments (261)

  • One error here: Lizzy Caplan is already set to star in Showtime’s Masters of Sex. It’s been ordered to series and will air sometime in 2013.

    Comment by Superhero – November 24, 2012 07:56 AM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • Definitely agree with Sarah Michelle Gellar (provided it’s not some crappy CW show; Buffy the goddamn Vampire Slayer deserves her own cable show). Would also love to see Summer Glau, Portia de Rossi, Amy Acker, and Frances Conroy (on something OTHER than AHS).

    Comment by Superhero – November 24, 2012 08:09 AM PDT  Reply To This Post

    • Amy Acker is already on Person of Interest, albeit as a recurring guest star. She’s a very important character who appeared in the finale of season 1 and the first two episodes in season 2 and will come back again. I’ve fell in love with this lady because of POI. She’s so awesome.

      Comment by John – November 25, 2012 12:25 AM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • Gillian Anderson and Andrea Parker, I’d give a lot to see them both in the same show! :)

    Comment by Polly – November 24, 2012 08:43 AM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • Hell yes to Jessalyn Gilsig! SUCH a funny actress. Since her show got canceled I have to add Sophia Bush to that list. Also, Minka Kelly, Kristin Wiig and Chyler Leigh.

    Comment by dude – November 24, 2012 08:49 AM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • SOPHIA BUSH, JENNIFER GARNER, SUMMER GLAU, ELIZA DUSHKU

    Comment by Kelly – November 24, 2012 09:08 AM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • Dualla!!! and now that Last Resort is ending, Dichen Lachman.

    Comment by cjeffery7 – November 24, 2012 09:14 AM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • I’m guessing that recent recurring/one shot roles don’t count?Kandyse was on Alphas and pretty sure Lizzy was on New Girl.

    Comment by Shaun – November 24, 2012 09:21 AM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • Liza Weil. Yes. But even more, I just want Paris Geller back on my tv.

    Comment by Billie – November 24, 2012 09:21 AM PDT  Reply To This Post

    • And the rest of Stars Hollow, while we’re at it…

      Comment by Stacy – November 24, 2012 01:05 PM PDT  Reply To This Post

      • We’ll probably get them all guesting on Bunheads if it runs long enough :)

        Comment by Lucy – November 24, 2012 02:29 PM PDT  Reply To This Post

    • Liza Weil has already been cast as a big sister of someone on the show on Bunheads. All we need now is Rory to move to Paradise with occasional visits from her mom

      Comment by Lauren Kirsch – November 25, 2012 08:59 PM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • I want Sallie back! I want Eureka back! SyFy really screwed that one up.

    Comment by TC – November 24, 2012 09:27 AM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • Renee O’Connor

    Comment by Mary – November 24, 2012 09:31 AM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • Autumn Reeser, now that Last Resort has been cancelled. Chyler Leigh, I’ve been a fan of hers since Reunion aired on Fox. Carla Gugino & Ali Larter too.

    Comment by Ella – November 24, 2012 09:58 AM PDT  Reply To This Post

    • Did you ever see Chyler Leigh on the short-lived That ’80s Show? I watched her for years on Grey’s Anatomy before figuring out she played the punk rock character, June, on the show. Total 180 from what she usually plays.

      Comment by Britta Unfiltered – November 24, 2012 12:36 PM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • Kristen bell. Allison Mack. America ferrera. Elaine cassidy. Amber tamblyn. Sophia bush. Rose mcgowen. I really love all of these actresses & would love to see them back.

    Comment by nik – November 24, 2012 10:17 AM PDT  Reply To This Post

    • Forgot Jennifer garner

      Comment by nik – November 24, 2012 10:18 AM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • isnt robyn reigert on soa

    Comment by John Moshier – November 24, 2012 10:51 AM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • Lisa Edelstein! Immediately!

    Comment by n – November 24, 2012 10:52 AM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • Joanna Garica Bethany Joy Lenz

    Comment by Aleana – November 24, 2012 10:55 AM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • Lisa Edelstein

    Comment by Mamen – November 24, 2012 11:11 AM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • oh god, Kandyse McClure 1,000,000x YES! I miss her so much, such a great actress. Get her back on TV!

    Comment by Rebecca (@becky_cha) – November 24, 2012 11:15 AM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • I think we’re missing Yvonne Strahovsky!!

    Comment by talex – November 24, 2012 11:46 AM PDT  Reply To This Post

    • But she is on TV right now. She plays Dexter’s serial killer girlfriend on Dexter.

      Comment by Britta Unfiltered – November 24, 2012 12:38 PM PDT  Reply To This Post

      • Thanks for spoiling her character for those who haven’t started watching the season yet.

        Comment by John – November 25, 2012 12:28 AM PDT  Reply To This Post

        • Stay away from the internet then. Or at least a site where people comment

          Comment by Chiara – November 25, 2012 04:13 AM PDT  Reply To This Post

          • Oh, I’ve already seen every episode of Dex till now. I was just concerned for others who haven’t seen it.

            Comment by John – November 25, 2012 08:22 AM PDT  

  • I need Chyler Leigh especially on Grey’s. Holly Marie Combs was the best on Charmed

    Comment by tiff – November 24, 2012 11:54 AM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • Definitely Sarah Michelle Gellar!!

    Comment by Sarah Michelle Fan (@I_heart_SMG) – November 24, 2012 11:55 AM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • Would love to see Sarah Michelle Geller, Gillian Andersson, and Janel Moloony.

    Comment by Truefan – November 24, 2012 12:26 PM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • Good list. Allison Janney needs to be on this list! Given the YEAR we have to wait between seasons of Major Crimes, I’d add Mary McDonnell to this list. (What’s up with that, TNT???)

    Comment by arial2 – November 24, 2012 12:30 PM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • Robin Weigert, yes! I think she appears periodically on Sons of Anarchy as the club’s lawyer though. I just saw her on the last episode. That show really likes to cast Deadwood actors. Sutter must have been a huge fan. I also second Summer Glau and Allison Janney. Also, I would add Brie Larson, Patricia Arquette, Sabrina Lloyd and Molly Parker.

    Comment by Britta Unfiltered – November 24, 2012 12:56 PM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • Andrea Parker & Bethany Joy Lenz need to be on this list! I was SO happy to see Liza Weil get a well deserved mention on this list. Other faves: Kandyse McClure, Evangeline Lilly & Lizzy Caplan!

    I love Jennifer Garner (in response to a previous comment), but she no longer belongs on this list. She’s a bona fide movie star, and with three kids, I doubt she’s longing to return to the rigors of the small screen.

    Comment by Stacy – November 24, 2012 01:04 PM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • Please, please TV guys…bring Paget Brewster back!!

    Comment by Silvinha (@love_sil) – November 24, 2012 01:30 PM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • now that their shows are canceled, Sarah Shahi and Mercedes Mashon…sure both will land pilots next season

    Comment by ronny – November 24, 2012 01:53 PM PDT  Reply To This Post

    • oh, and Sophia Bush too

      Comment by ronny – November 24, 2012 01:54 PM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • shantel vansueten

    Comment by will – November 24, 2012 01:57 PM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • Jennifer Beals and Portia de Rossi!!!

    Comment by SJ – November 24, 2012 02:14 PM PDT  Reply To This Post

    • Jennifer Beals!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Shockingly underappreciated actress. Her portrayals of strong women chatacters on the L Word and Chicago Code and in guest roles have been great. She can convey so much emotion without saying a word.

      Comment by wvg – November 24, 2012 02:32 PM PDT  Reply To This Post

    • Portia is in that Munsters remake. Or has it been cancelled?

      Comment by BOOYA – November 26, 2012 05:49 PM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • Adrienne Barbeau needs to be back in prime time full time. She is guesting on Revenge. How about the 70s scream queen in American Horror story or something she can really chew up the scenery with.

    Comment by John – November 24, 2012 02:21 PM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • Sarah Shahi, Mercedes Masohn, Jennifer Beals and Evangeline Lilly.

    Comment by Lucy – November 24, 2012 02:31 PM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • I agree with Evangeline Lilly, and why isn’t Patricia Arquette on that list???

    Bring back Medium!!!!!

    Comment by Julia – November 24, 2012 03:08 PM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • God I miss Paget on that show so much. I don’t even know whats going on with the show now that I don’t watch it (since she’s gone). She made such a big impact on so many people and I can’t wait to see her in something bigger and better.

    Comment by Ann – November 24, 2012 03:36 PM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • DELTA BURKE

    Comment by Gigi – November 24, 2012 03:36 PM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • Sarah Shahi will be on CHICAGO FIRE (NBC) for at least 6 weeks starting early December!

    Comment by liz – November 24, 2012 03:39 PM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • Don’t forget about older actresses like Jaclyn Smith& Lynda Carter

    Comment by Natalie Mehden – November 24, 2012 04:04 PM PDT  Reply To This Post

    • I love Jaclyn Smith . She my favorite actress of all time. Love Lydna Carter too

      Comment by tiff – November 24, 2012 11:06 PM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • Gillian Anderson!!!

    Comment by Sheena – November 24, 2012 04:25 PM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • Stephanie March needs to get back on my television as soon as possible in something way better than the drowning SVU that will be nearly impossible to save after this season/

    Comment by Silk – November 24, 2012 04:31 PM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • amanda bynes :P

    Comment by doughboy – November 24, 2012 06:21 PM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • I agree so much with Janel Moloney and Majandra Delfino. I would add Summer Glau to the list too.

    Comment by Kelly – November 24, 2012 06:30 PM PDT  Reply To This Post

    • And Chyler Leigh. Love her!

      Comment by Kelly – November 24, 2012 06:31 PM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • Robin Weigert has been SAMCRO’s lawyer since “Sons” premiered.

    Comment by bhm1304 – November 24, 2012 07:16 PM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • Kandyse and Anna Friel FTW

    Comment by Yoho – November 24, 2012 07:51 PM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • MARY McCORMACK! I’m still mourning the loss of In Plain Sight…

    Comment by Deena – November 24, 2012 08:14 PM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • How did America Ferrara not make this list???
    But Triple Yes to Lizzy Caplan and Liza Weil

    Comment by VCI – November 24, 2012 11:31 PM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • One name & Two words: Amanda Tapping: Sheer Perfection

    Comment by Courtney – November 25, 2012 03:41 AM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • Mary McCormack!! And Maura Tierney!

    Comment by Petra (@MorbidPet) – November 25, 2012 05:36 AM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • I really miss Billie Piper, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ali Larter, Evangeline Lilly, Gillian Anderson, Janel Moloney, and I already fear for Anna Torv (how people don’t realize how good she is is a wonder) when Fringe will end.

    Comment by Chiara – November 25, 2012 05:56 AM PDT  Reply To This Post

    • You’ve good taste.
      Anna Torv = Emmy worthy.

      Comment by John – November 25, 2012 08:23 AM PDT  Reply To This Post

      • ANNA TORV = so capable of Oscar-level performances, Emmy or not (for Fringe.) She’s had to play 4 different versions of her character, and has nailed them all; brainy, sexy, powerhouse, playful, delicate, determined… Way too complex for the average tv audient, it seems.
        The rest of the cast was awesome too, but since this is a tvline discussion I can only say I wish each & all of the Fringe cast principals a very productive & stellar FILM career!

        Comment by JohnDeacon – December 22, 2012 08:43 AM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • Just missing Georgina Haig! Seth Gabel better be on the men’s list tomorrow. I would love for them to star in a new show together next fall.

    Comment by Mcat – November 25, 2012 06:24 AM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • Bonnie Hunt, please :)

    Comment by Marianne – November 25, 2012 09:03 AM PDT  Reply To This Post

    • Absolutely, Bonnie Hunt!

      Comment by Lee – November 25, 2012 05:50 PM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • Chyler Leigh!

    Comment by jen – November 25, 2012 09:09 AM PDT  Reply To This Post

    • Please Shonda Please

      Comment by Tiff – November 26, 2012 10:01 PM PDT  Reply To This Post

  • Reblogged this on Bag Lady Boutique.

    Comment by bagladyboutique – November 25, 2012 10:36 AM PDT  Reply To This Post
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