The producers of "Smallville" are ready to add a big piece of the Superman puzzle to the show next season: Lois Lane.

Canadian actress Erica Durance has been cast as Clark Kent's future reporter colleague/love interest on the show, which is set to begin its fourth season in the fall.

In other casting news, "Gilmore Girls" alum Milo Ventimiglia has landed a recurring part on NBC's "American Dreams," Brian Skala will enter "The Men's Room," also at NBC, and Currie Graham is joining ABC's "NYPD Blue" for its final season.

Durance has only a few credits to her name -- including guest spots on "Andromeda" and "Tru Calling" -- but co-creator Al Gough says he was "blown away" when he met her.

"She felt like she can really hold her own with our cast and give the show the spark it needs going into its fourth season," Gough tells The Hollywood Reporter.

Lois will arrive in Smallville as a college freshman who has no interest in becoming a reporter. Instead, she comes to town to investigate the (apparent) death of her cousin, Chloe Sullivan (Allison Mack), in an explosion in last season's finale. Lois' dad, Gen. Sam Lane, will also appear on the show, although the role hasn't been cast yet.

On "American Dreams," Ventimiglia will play a new neighbor and love interest for Meg Pryor (Brittany Snow). Like "Gilmore Girls'" Jess, Ventimiglia's character will be something of a rebel.

In addition to "Gilmore Girls," Ventimiglia had a recurring part on FOX's "Boston Public" last season and starred in the ABC pilot "Gramercy Park" this spring.

Graham ("Suddenly Susan") will play the 15th Precinct's new lieutenant on "Blue," which enters its final season in September. Skala ("Just Deal") takes over for Eric Lively in "The Men's Room," which is set for midseason on NBC.