Talkin' TV

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.-- ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel was moonlighting as a reporter today, humorously trying to get to the bottom of a decision that could seriously affect his future.

In what could have been another YouTube moment for Kimmel, he pretended to be a Sarasota, Fla., critic and asked ABC Entertainment President Stephen McPherson about his interest in Jay Leno if NBC replaced its popular late night host with Conan O'Brien, as planned.

The ABC staffers in the audience realized that Kimmel's appearance was staged well before many of the nation's critics who are meeting here got the joke.

After Kimmel finished joking, McPherson profusely praised the improvements in Kimmel's show and noted how much buzz it was generating. However, the ABC boss stopped short of saying that Kimmel's show would be safe in the time slot if Leno left NBC.

"To me, it is a question for NBC," said McPherson. "I can't believe they're going to let this guy go on the top of his game. If that happens, I guess we'll look at it at the time and Jimmy will be involved in the discussions."

McPherson also:

-- Said Katherine Heigl's critical comments about the use of her character, Izzie Stevens, on "Grey's Anatomy" last season, were "unfortunate" but added she will be back next season.

"There is an unbelievable story line (for Izzie)," said McPherson, "that is really central to everything that is going on this year."

-- Confirmed that Katie Holmes, primarily known now as Tom Cruise's wife, has agreed to appear in  an episode of "Eli Stone," which is produced by Greg Berlanti, who worked with her on "Dawson's Creek."

"It's a great role for her," said McPherson. "There is some singing and dancing. She is exquisite... We were really fortunate that she agreed to do it."

-- Acknowledged that Kristi Yamaguchi's dominance on last season's "Dancing with the Stars" might not have helped the series and the series also needed more controversy and edge.

"Kristi was lovely, she was an unbelievable dancer, but there wasn't too much mystery to that," said McPherson. "It looked like she'd win the competition unless she fell early on. And I think that takes away from some of the fun."

-- Said he hoped that "Scrubs," which has moved to ABC from NBC, will have more than one season left.

-- Announced that Michael Imperioli, best known as Christopher on "The Sopranos," has joined the cast of the new drama, "Life on Mars."

-- Alan Pergament