Richard Cabral as seen in "American Crime"

Crime, times three: The third season of "American Crime" will have a familiar look. The critically acclaimed ABC crime drama (which shouldn't be confused with the similarly named "American Crime Story" on FX) is still in the planning stages for its third season, but a number of actors who have starred in the first two have signed up to make it a hat trick.

Richard Cabral ("Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones," 2014) is the latest to sign up for the anthology series' third season. His performance in the show's first installment earned him an Emmy nomination, and in the second he played a computer hacker.

Emmy winner Felicity Huffman ("Desperate Housewives") has also signed on for a third season, along with Regina King ("The Leftovers"), who took home a Best Supporting Actress Emmy for her performance in the show's first season.

"American Crime" is one of a wave of anthology shows that have become popular in the past few years. Much like "American Horror Story," each season of "American Crime" is self-contained, telling its own story that is not connected to the others. Although many of the same actors stay from season to season, they play different characters each time, giving them a chance to really stretch their proverbial acting muscles.

Although details of the third season's plot are scarce, a few details have leaked out. This season of "American Crime," which will likely premiere mid-season like the previous two, will be set in North Carolina and deal with individual rights, economic inequality and topical labor issues.

"American Crime" has never shied away from exploring some of the most explosive issues of the day, and it's looking like the third season will be no different. Its cast of familiar faces in all new roles will likely make its debut midway through the upcoming TV season.

Back in 'Black': A celebrated actor is heading to the emergency room -- as a doctor, not as a patient. CBS's medical drama "Code Black" returns for a second season Wednesday, Sept. 28, and when it does, Rob Lowe will be the newest face in the ER.

Lowe earned a Best Actor nomination at this year's Golden Globes for his role in "The Grinder," but that's only the latest of his numerous recognitions. Most famously, he starred in "The West Wing" during its first four seasons, a role that netted him several nominations.

After his departure from the White House drama, he's kept busy starring in "Brothers & Sisters," "Parks and Recreation" and lending his voice talents to the animated series "The Lion Guard."

In "Code Black," Lowe will play Col. Ethan Willis, a research doctor who has been brought back from Afghanistan to share with the doctors at Angels Memorial Hospital some of what the military has learned about combat medicine. His character is described as a rule breaker with an aggressive style who has trouble fitting in with most of the other doctors in the emergency room.

"Code Black's" second season will see the stars of its first season reunite. Marcia Gay Harden ("Mystic River," 2003), Melanie Chandra ("The Brink"), Luis Guzmán ("Anger Management," 2003), Harry Ford ("Louder Than Bombs," 2015), Jillian Murray ("Murder in the First"), Benjamin Hollingsworth ("The Joneses," 2009) and William Allen Young ("District 9," 2009) are all returning.

"Code Black" is a medical drama set in the emergency room of the Angels Memorial Hospital, where a group of doctors and first-year medical residents not only have to deal with the constant medical issues that all emergency rooms have, but also the stress that comes from being understaffed.

The second season of "Code Black," with new cast member Lowe, premieres Wednesday, Sept. 28, on CBS.

American beauty: The 2017 Miss America Competition is upon us, and a favorite host is returning for an eighth time. "The Bachelor" host Chris Harrison is returning to host the annual competition, which will be broadcast Sunday, Sept. 11, on ABC, from Atlantic City.

He'll be joined by a new face this year. "NBA Countdown" commentator and ESPN regular Sage Steele will be working alongside the veteran Miss America host.

"There's always such a high level of drama and competitiveness during the Miss America Competition that rivals many sporting events that I've covered," Steele said in a statement announcing this year's hosts. "I can't wait to host alongside Chris Harrison to see what this year brings."

"For 96 years, Miss America has shone light on some of the brightest and most talented young women in the country," Harrison added. "This year will surely be a fun-filled night showcasing talent, glamor, fitness, presentation and community achievement as the country's brightest compete for the crown!"

Fifty-two women will be competing for the crown and scholarships this year. The 2017 Miss America Competition will air Sunday, Sept. 11, on ABC.