NBC Games guru re-ups for 9 years

The man responsible for the highly successful American telecast of the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Games isn't going anywhere anytime soon. And he'll be responsible for NBC's coverage of at least five more Olympics.

Dick Ebersol has signed a new nine-year contract to remain chairman of NBC Sports and Olympics, which will carry him through the next five Games, all on the network. And a contract that runs that long in a business that cancels shows after one or two episodes is fairly amazing.

"I'm delighted to make this commitment for the long term," Ebersol said in a prepared statement. "The Olympics continue to be my fountain of youth and have been a passion of mine since I was 19 and dropped out of Yale to work at the 1968 Grenoble Winter Games as television's first Olympic researcher. After all these years in the business, the only reason I am still doing this, one of the main reasons I wake up in the morning, is a passion for the Olympics."

There's always nitpicking, but after watching virtually every minute of NBC's 2002 coverage, I have to say that Ebersol and Co. do a darn good job.

ED'S EX-WIFE: Former "Caroline in the City" star Lea Thompson is returning to NBC. But only for three episodes. Three episodes of "Ed," that is.

She'll play Ed's (Tom Cavanagh) ex-wife, who comes to Stuckeyville with a proposition for her former husband. And just as he's planning his wedding to Carol (Julie Bowen).

The episodes are scheduled to air in early 2004, after the show moves to Fridays at 8 p.m.

ODDLY APPROPRIATE: Evan Marriott, the lunkhead who gained fame on the first "Joe Millionaire," has landed a job in show biz. Sort of.

He's signed on as a game-show host. He'll play ringmaster on a new Game Show Network offering titled "Fake-A-Date," which premieres in March.

The premise has a contestant going on dates with two other people. One is really looking for love; the other is faking it and hoping to win a big prize.

Hmmm . . . faking it and looking for a big prize. Sounds like it's right up Marriott's alley.

BOYS NAMED SUE: The creators/executive producers of "Will & Grace" are suing NBC in one of those media-conglomerates-are-evil lawsuits that have cropped up with some frequency in recent years.