'Castle's' Nathan Fillion Shifts to Comedy With 'Modern Family' Role 

'Castle's' Nathan Fillion Shifts to Comedy With 'Modern Family' Role

co-creator Steve Levitan told reporters Thursday at the Television Critics Association's summer press tour.

Levitan, speaking after an ABC comedy showrunner panel, noted that Fillion will join the Emmy-winning family comedy and play a weatherman who goes by the best TV name yet: Rainer Shine. He will appear in at least three episodes.

Fillion will join Martin Short on the upcoming eighth season of

will appear in episode two as Merv Schechter, a promotional maven.

For Fillion, the role marks his return to ABC after the network's surprising decision to cancel Monday night veteran procedural

following its eight-season run. The move was the biggest head-scratcher of the upfronts given that the series was produced in-house by ABC Studios, had publicly fired female lead and fan favorite Stana Katic and went through the trouble of negotiating new contracts with its cast — including Fillion — only to ax the sturdy performer in favor of a new roster of procedurals.

role also marks his largest comedy part to date on the small screen. He most recently was among the ensemble cast of web series

, among other comedic voice roles. He is repped by CAA and Jackoway Tyerman.

is set to return Wednesday, Sept. 21, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

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