Admissions and Departures at the ‘ER,’ and Other Moves

A familiar face from the first three seasons of “ER” will be making rounds again this year at Chicago’s County General Hospital. Sherry Stringfield, who played Dr. Susan Lewis from 1994 through November 1996, is returning to the Emmy Award-winning medical drama as it heads into its eighth season.

Stringfield chose to leave the series for personal and professional reasons. Since then, the actress has appeared in a few features and TV movies, done some stage work, taught acting, gotten married and recently had a baby.

Executive producer Jack Orman said Stringfield called during this summer’s hiatus to ask about the possibility of coming back. “She continued to be a fan of the show and was interested in getting back to work,” he said. “Usually, when we introduce new characters ... it changes a lot of dynamics of the show. But there is a lot of work you have to do as storytellers to [get audiences to] identify with them. But with Sherry, it’s instant, which is great for us. We can throw her into the mix.”

This year, two of the original cast members will be departing: Anthony Edwards, who has been the heart and soul of “ER” as Dr. Mark Greene, and Eriq La Salle who plays the moody Dr. Peter Benton.

Orman said fans won’t be disappointed with the characters’ exits: “When you have characters who have been with you for this long and an audience that is really invested in the show, you really want to write an exit arc that is dramatic.”

Over the past two seasons, “ER” has gotten a lot of mileage out of guest stars such as Alan Alda, Sally Field and James Cromwell. This fall, Mary McDonnell and Michael Gross appear as Dr. Carter’s (Noah Wyle) parents.

But the return of Dr. Lewis, Ormond said, will be the main focus. “We have 43 minutes to tell a story each week,” Orman said. “We realize that Sherry’s reintroduction to the story is going to take up a lot of that oxygen, so to speak.”

“ER” can be seen at 10 p.m. Thursdays on NBC. It returns this Thursday.

Other developments on returning series, and the dates of their season premieres: ABC

“The Practice”: Ron Livingston from HBO’s “Band of Brothers” joins the cast of David E. Kelley’s legal series as the new assistant D.A. Sept. 30.

“NYPD Blue”: With the departure of Rick Schroder as Danny Sorenson, former teen heartthrob Mark-Paul Gosselaar joins the cast as officer John Clark. November.

CBS

“Family Law”: Julie Warner will be leaving the legal series early in its third season. Irish actress Orla Brady joins the firm of Holt & Associates as a hard-working lawyer, and Meredith Eaton will appear in the recurring role of a feisty attorney. Sept. 17.

“The District”: Jonathan LaPaglia, late of UPN’s “Seven Days,” joins the drama series as a cop who is partnered with Temple Page. Sept. 22.

Fox

“Ally McBeal”: Lisa Nicole Carson has departed the cast of the legal comedy but may return as a guest. Taye Diggs and James LeGros have also exited, and Lucy Liu, who plays the snobby Ling, will be bidding adieu after five episodes while Peter MacNicol as John Cage will limit his appearances. Joining the law firm will be Regina Hall, Josh Hopkins, James Marsden and Julianne Nicholson. Oct. 22.

“Boston Public”: The high school series is hiring some new teachers: Jeri Ryan from “Star Trek: Voyager,” as well as Jason Catalano and Leslie Jordan. Oct. 22.

NBC

“The West Wing”: Ron Silver joins Aaron Sorkin’s Emmy Award-winning series as President Bartlett’s campaign advisor. Sept. 19.

“Law & Order”: Angie Harmon has departed the cast of the long-running legal series. Elisabeth Rohm has joined the show as the new assistant D.A. working with Sam Waterston’s Jack McCoy. Sept. 19.

UPN

“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”: Joss Whedon’s cult favorite moves from the WB to UPN for its fifth season. Since Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) died at the end of last season, it’s anybody’s guess how she is resurrected for the fall. Oct. 2.

“Roswell”: The former WB sci-fi teen drama also jumps to UPN for its third season. Adam Rodriguez joins the cast as Isabelle’s love interest. Oct. 9.

WB

“Popstars 2”: This season, auditions and workshops will make up eight of the 13 episodes. Also new, the group will include guys. Oct. 4.

“Charmed”: With the departure of Shannen Doherty, Rose McGowan joins the lighthearted series as a long-lost sister of Holly Marie Combs and Alyssa Milano. Sept. 27.