Entertainment Notes: Schroeder Leaving 'Blue?'

May 22 -- Rick Schroeder may be looking for a new line of duty in the fall.

He's been reporting for service on NYPD Blue as Detective Danny Sorenson for the past 2 ½ seasons. But rumor has it he may be about to turn in his badge.

USA Today and TV Guide report that though Schroeder will return briefly in the fall, he "appears to be leaving" the cast.

Representatives for Schroeder and series producer Steven Bochco are denying the rumor.

But if the rumor mill is right, there will be a potential successor on hand. In line to join the show in the fall is former Saved by the Bell star Mark-Paul Gosselaar.

Bye-Bye, Funny Aliens

John Lithgow and his fellow aliens are leaving TV after six years as 3rd Rock From the Sun airs its last episode tonight.

"There are lots of mixed emotions," said Lithgow. "There is a general feeling that it is time."

He said he's leaving with a "really, really good and warm feeling — not glad that it's over with by any means — but that it's ending at the right time."

Lithgow picked up three Emmys and a Golden Globe for his role as the alien commander masquerading as a college professor Dick Solomon, and he says he'll miss the show.

"We get away with murder, including completely over-the-top acting, which I am best-known for. And, you know, we get to sing and dance and brawl and yell and, pratfall, and dress in ridiculous outfits — I'll miss it!"

The series also helped launch the career of co-star Kristen Johnston, who played Sally Solomon. "My life will always be divided between before 3rd Rock and after 3rd Rock," the actress said. "You know, it's just a life-changing event, [and] I just learned more than any human could."

Make Way for Ellen!

Ellen DeGeneres is gearing up for a bit of a comeback this fall. She's kept a relatively low profile on screen since her self titled sitcom was canceled in 1998.

She'll return to CBS with a new sitcom in the fall, and has agreed to the prominent job of hosting the Emmy Awards on Sept. 16.