... I'm jumping back on the House scoopwagon in a big way this week with news that Fox, in collaboration with producer NBC Universal, is quietly developing a House spin-off for next season. As I understand it, producers are introducing a new male character for a multi-episode arc and, assuming the actor they find really pops in the role, he may be spun off into his own show. But there's a twist, and it's a big one: Per multiple sources, this newbie is not a doctor, but rather a private investigator! And no, his name isn't Twitter. I'll have more details as they become available, but for now, head over to the Ask Ausiello Discussion Thread to post your thoughts on a possible House 2.0.

HOUSE IS CONVINCED AN ACTOR FROM HIS FAVORITE SOAP OPERA
IS AFFLICTED BY A SERIOUS MEDICAL CONDITION
ON "HOUSE" MONDAY, MAY 5, ON FOX

Jason Lewis (“Sex and the City”) Guest-Stars

House is convinced one of the actors on his favorite soap opera (guest star Jason Lewis) “Prescription Passion” has a serious medical condition after observing his symptoms on television. House decides to intervene and take matters into his own hands, but both the actor and House's own team dismiss House’s assessment and do not believe there is anything wrong with him. Meanwhile, much to House’s delight, Amber and Wilson have their first argument, and Cuddy tries to keep up appearances when an inspector makes an unexpected visit to Princeton-Plainsboro in the “Living the Dream” episode of HOUSE airing Monday, May 5 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/ PT) on FOX. (HOU-414) (TV-14 D, L)

HOUSE QUESTIONS THE SINCERITY OF A PATIENT
WHO’S TOO NICE TO BE HEALTHY
ON "HOUSE" MONDAY, APRIL 28, ON FOX

First Original Episode Since February

House suspects an emergency room patient has a bigger problem then the E.R. initially diagnosed based on the fact that the patient is too nice. A skeptical House questions the patient’s sunny disposition as the team tries to get to the bottom of his illness, but disagrees with House that niceness is a symptom. Meanwhile, House and Amber are at odds about how much time they each get to spend with Wilson, and Cuddy demands House give his team performance reviews in the “No More Mr. Nice Guy” episode of HOUSE airing Monday, April 28 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/ PT) on FOX. (HOU-413) (TV-14 D, L)

Canadian-born creator and executive producer David Shore fought to get "House" back on the air this spring, one of the reasons the final four episodes of the season have been shifted to Monday nights. Shore and executive producer Katie Jacobs lobbied the network to "make sure we would be allowed to finish it up for this season," he explained over the phone from L.A. this week.

"We really wanted to finish this story."

The story, of course, was how Shore and his writers shook up their hit series in its fourth season by sidelining some characters and introducing several new ones. "House" regulars Omar Epps (Eric Foreman), Jennifer Morrison (Allison Cameron) and Jesse Spencer (Robert Chase), who, for three seasons, had formed his posse of diagnostic subordinates, all had their roles substantially reduced when Dr. House's dream team was split up at the end of last season.

“I hate to shatter any illusions about my place in the pecking order but very few actors, apart from Denzel Washington, get to choose from a big supermarket shelf of possibilities,” Laurie said.

“The rest of us are trying to find things we can do, and I hadn’t set out to find a noirish police thriller.”

SEXIEST CURMUDGEON
Simon Cowell, American Idol
Brian Darling, Dirty Sexy Money
Leroy Gibbs, NCIS
Len Goodman, Dancing with the Stars
Dr. Greg House, House

SEXIEST SMART CHICK
Olivia Benson, Law & Order: SVU
Temperance Brennan, Bones
Allison Cameron, House
Liz Lemon, 30 Rock
Nico Reilly, Lipstick Jungle
Roselyn Sanchez, Without a Trace