Rhea Perlman Joins 'The Mindy Project'

In a juicy bit of casting information, "The Mindy Project" has let slip that "Cheers" alum and four-time Emmy winner Rhea Perlman will be joining season three.

The recurring role? Annette Castellano... Danny's mother.

Cue the dramatic music.

Star and executive producer Mindy Kaling spread the word at the Television Critics Assoc. summer press tour.

"The wonderful thing about the character is the trope of the mother-in-law-type figure who doesn't like the girl is so pervasive, it's like, 'Ok, how do we do a new spin on this?'"

Kaling revealed that Annette Castellano will not only be at odds with Mindy, but with her son Danny (Chris Messina) as well.

"As Danny has said, 'I don't know how to please that woman.' So we haven't ignored her own relationship with her two sons [Danny and Richie, played by Max Minghella] and her ex-husband [Dan Hedaya]. So we really explore a lot."

Since the third episode of season three is entitled "Annette Castellano is My Nemesis," one can get a taste for what's to come when shoot-from-the-hip Perlman steps into character.

"We really hit it dead on," say Kaling of the conflict.

Not returning as a season three regular, however, will be Zoe Jarman, who played receptionist and love-lorn Betsy. She has, however, been asked to guest star, "so it's possible fans will still see her next season." Was watching Mindy and Danny unite too much for the gentle and sheltered character?

"The Mindy Project" returns to FOX on September 16th. What do you want to see happen in season three?