From Fox’s summertime dud “The Casino” to Discovery Channel’s relatively better received “American Casino,” unscripted shows set in the world of gambling and debauchery have been a familiar sight this summer. A&E is looking to get into the fray with “Caesars,” a reality show set in and around Las Vegas’ Caesars Palace.

“We’re thrilled to have Caesars Palace as the setting for our next real-life series,” says Abbe Raven, executive vice president and general manager at A&E Network. “Viewers will have the unique opportunity, thanks to the unprecedented access Caesars has given us for the show, to experience the compelling stories that happen behind the scenes at the world’s most famous resort and casino.”

Caesars has given A&E unprecedented access to the casino’s staff and to the tourists who flood it’s 80 acre property on the Vegas Strip.

Alley thinks big for showtime’s ‘fat actress’

You would think that an eight-time Emmy nominee would have better things to talk about than her fluctuating weight. Or at least Kirstie Alley thinks so. The “Cheers” star’s battle with public perceptions is at the center of “Fat Actress,” a semi-autobiographical comedy in development at Showtime.

The premium cable network has ordered six episodes of “Fat Actress,” which will blend the comedy and reality genres. Alley and the rest of the show’s cast will work off of a story outline, but most of the dialogue will be improvised.

Alley is serving as co-creator and executive producer on the series, joining “7th Heaven” (and “Mad About You”) veteran Brenda Hampton. “Fat Actress” will focus on Alley’s quest for work, love and acceptance in Hollywood, as well as her battle with her weight and media awareness of her size.

Showtime wants more porn, ‘Bull’ TV program

Showtime has ordered third seasons of two of its most successful original reality programs, “Family Business” and “Penn & Teller: Bulls!” New installments of the porn saga and the debunking comedy will be ready to premiere in 2005.

Production on “Family Business” will begin in August in Los Angeles and will, once again, focus on Adam Glasser, or “Seymour Butts” to the porn-friendly. The show examines Glasser’s adult film production company as well has his relationship with his meddling mother Lila and his cousin Stevie.

Showtime has ordered 10 new episodes of the series, which premiered in February of 2003. The “Big Brother” team of Arnold Shapiro and Allison Grodner will again executive produce.

Fresh off receiving Emmy nominations for outstanding reality program and outstanding writing for nonfiction programming, the Penn and Teller show features the famous comedy, magic and performance artists as they travel the country looking for truth.

“Penn & Teller are great storytellers and debunkers,” says Showtime Entertainment President Robert Greenblatt. “This show is smart and clever and anybody who doesn’t know that already must not be watching. I’m thrilled ‘Bulls’ is finally getting the attention it deserves.”

While the third season order is for 13 episodes, new episodes from the second season will premiere on Aug. 3 and will examine such targets as 12-step programs and profanity.