Five new sitcom faces to watch

Jim Parsons

"The Big Bang Theory"

The role: Sheldon, a genius who can handle calculus equations, but can't decipher how to talk to women.

Where you've seen him: As a would-be Klingon in 2004's "Garden State."

Why he's one to watch: His perfect comic delivery puts him aside Bill Gates and Stephen Hawking in the Nerd Hall of Fame.

In his own words: "This is definitely the biggest role I've had and the most exciting, too. It's nice to get to be active and not be sitting around waiting to do your two lines."

Behind the scenes: Co-star Johnny Galecki originally considered the Sheldon role, but opted for the part of the ever-so-slightly more adjusted Leonard.

Ray Wise

"Reaper"

The role: The devil. He uses a lowly department-store employee to round up escapees from down under, and we ain't talkin' Australia.

Where you've seen him: As Leland Palmer, a less-than-ideal citizen of "Twin Peaks."

Why he's one to watch: All this veteran actor has to do to scare up laughs is flash his pearly whites.

In his own words: "What would hell be for the devil? I guess it would be if there were no hell."

Behind the scenes: Kevin Smith, who once cast Alanis Morissette as God, directed the pilot.

Katee Sackhoff

"The Bionic Woman"

The role: Sarah Corvis, the original cyborg with some major malfunctions, not the least of which is a desire to destroy her replacement.

Where you've seen her: On "Battlestar Galactica" as Kara "Starbuck" Thrace, another kick-ass-and-ask-questions-never character.

Why she's one to watch: Incredible chops -- karate-wise and acting-wise -- make her the breakout star of the season.

In her own words: "I've decided I'm going to make a career out of remaking '70s shows. 'The A-Team' might be fun. I think I'll play Faceman, just to drive Dirk Benedict nuts."

Behind the scenes: In the pilot's epic rooftop battle, Sackhoff dislocated her knee and had to pop it back in to finish her stunts.

Clint Moseley

"Nashville"

The role: Clint Moseley, a rich kid who, instead of playing guitar, plays with the hearts of young aspiring singers.

Where you've seen him: In country-music videos by Martina McBride and Brad Paisley.

Why he's one to watch: Before long, some ticked-off beauty is going to break a Gibson over this jerk's head. We can't wait.

In his own words: "Any time you get young, outgoing, attractive people together, you're going to have this dynamic, this chemistry and stuff is going to happen. It's just human nature."

Behind the scenes: His modeling résumé says that his special skills include bull riding, ballroom dancing, a Cockney accent and the ability to cry on cue.

Parker Posey

"The Return of Jezebel James"

The role: Sarah Thomkins, a children's-book editor who tries to persuade her estranged sister to carry her baby.

Where you've seen her: Christopher Guest's mockumentaries, including "Waiting for Guffman" and "A Mighty Wind."

Why she's one to watch: When the Queen of the Indies agrees to star in a mainstream sitcom, attention must be paid.

In her own words: "When I was little and my mom was in the next room, my brother and I would watch 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' and when she threw her hat up in the air, we'd go, 'Mommy!' and run up and kiss the television."

Behind the scenes: The show is being shot in the same studio that hosted "The Cosby Show."