Hugh Jackman Comes to CBS

It’s not his own series, but “X-Men” star Hugh Jackman has come a long way from the role of Wolverine making him a known actor, and now he’s coming to television. The new CBS series “Viva Laughlin” will not only be executive produced by Jackman but will feature him in a recurring guest role, according to the official page on the network’s website.

The series is based on the hit British series “Viva Blackpool” of BBC, but “Laughlin” hails itself as “part thriller, part drama, part musical” as it follows the life of Ripley Holden who struggles with opening a casino in Laughlin, Nevada (hence the obvious play on the song “Viva Las Vegas”) and supporting his family.

The show stars Lloyd Owen as Ripley Holden. Owen appeared as Henry Jones Sr. on “The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles” in the early ‘90s. Hugh Jackman has second billing on the official site as Nicky Fontana. Madchen Amick (“ER,” “Joey,” and “Freddy”) plays Natalie Holden. Other casting includes Eric Winter whose best known for playing Rex Brady on “Days of Our Lives” (he’s also appearing in “Harold & Kumar 2”), D.B. Woodside (“Buffy” and his recent role on “24” as Wayne Palmer), and Melanie Griffith listed as Bunny Baxter.

“Viva Laughlin” premieres Oct. 21 at 8 p.m. Eastern and Pacific with a special preview on Oct. 18 at 10 p.m.