JOY BRYANT and JURNEE SMOLLETT will have a little less time on their hands come fall. The two actresses have signed on to two returning NBC shows as series regulars.

Bryant is joining the comedy In The Motherhood as a single mother named Jasmine. The former model will play Jasmine – a professional dancer and single mother who moved back to the Bay area to introduce her 5 year-old son to his father.

While I’m not sure about the very stereotypical story-line, I’m hoping the witty writing will do something much smarter with the character. Plus Bryant needs to meaty roll to play.

Meanwhile Smollett is heading over to the returning drama Friday Night Lights. The Great Debater will be playing Jess – the daughter of a former NFL hopeful who’s a little ahead of her time.

This will prove to be a good look for Smollett who took an extended break after her break-out role in Eve’s Bayou to attend college. Lights has a steady audience and it will prove to be great exposure for her.