TV Buzz: Rob Lowe to leave ABC's 'Brothers & Sisters'

WHO Rob Lowe

THE NEWS Lowe will depart ABC's family drama "Brothers & Sisters" after four seasons. Lowe joined "Brothers & Sisters" shortly after the start of the series in the fall of 2006 as a recurring character and was quickly promoted to regular, playing Sen. Robert McCallister.

While he has played a key role in several story lines on the show, mostly through his romantic relationship with Kitty (Calista Flockhart), McCallister has never risen to the level of prominence of the Walker family members, who are at the center of the show. The exit is not as dramatic as Lowe's 2002 departure from NBC's "The West Wing" after four seasons over a salary dispute.

THE FUTURE Lowe may continue on ABC. "We would like to keep Rob at ABC," the network's entertainment president, Steve McPherson, said in a statement. "We feel he should be anchoring his own franchise. We are in talks now."

- The Hollywood Reporter

WHO Steve Harvey

THE NEWS The comedian will take over as host when the syndicated show "Family Feud" begins its new season next fall. The show's production company said Harvey was chosen for his ability to connect with viewers and his "one-of-a-kind" personality.

Harvey's TV credits include "Me and the Boys" and "The Steve Harvey Show," and he was part of the "Kings of Comedy" standup tour and DVD. He hosts a nationally syndicated radio program, heard locally on WBLS/107.5 FM. He'll replace actor John O'Hurley, host of "Family Feud" for four seasons. O'Hurley said in a statement that he decided to focus on his role in the touring production of the musical "Chicago" and a variety of business ventures.

-AP