‘Shrek’ cast could make others green with envy

What you’ll be talking about: “Shrek the Third.” So what makes this “Shrek” different from all other “Shreks”? A cavalcade of new familiar voices, including Justin Timberlake, Regis Philbin, Amy Poehler, Seth Rogen, Amy Sedaris and John Krasinski (sweet Jim from “The Office”). (Friday)

What you might be sick of talking about: Kim Basinger. Just when you thought her career was over, Basinger makes a wild return with a starring role in our tabloids (messy legal proceedings with ex-hubby Alec Baldwin) and a starring role in a film (this week’s “Even Money”). (Friday)

What we’ll be talking about: Farewell to new (and old friends). It’s a week of season finales: “Ugly Betty,” “The Office,” “Smallville,” “Scrubs” and “Bones” bid us adieu for the summer, and the Gilmore Girls say goodbye forever. (All week long)

What you may want to talk about: Your summer figure. David Zinczenko, editor in chief of Men’s Health, puts out a new version of his bestselling “The Abs Diet” series -- this one’s for women. “The South Beach Diet Taste of Summer Cookbook” is released the same day. (Tuesday)

What we can all agree to talk about: Wilco’s latest album, “Sky Blue Sky.” Review on Page F12 (Tuesday)

What nobody will be talking about: The least likable “Idol.” Taylor Hicks kicks off the sixth season of outdoor summer concerts on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno.” Audience members trek out onto the NBC lot for a live performance by the soon-to-be-has-been Hicks. (Monday)

-- Deborah Netburn