The following was written by Jon Hein, a special correspondent and founder of our sister site, JumptheShark.com. When Jon invented Jump the Shark " a discussion site that debates the moments in which TV shows start to go downhill " he realized that one actor in particular seemed to have a knack for foretelling the end of the glory days of the shows he appeared on. Thus, he became known as the "Patron Saint of Jump the Shark."

That man is Ted McGinley, and he's just been cast on Dancing with the Stars. Here is Jon's reaction:


When my inbox is flooded in a matter of seconds, one of these three things has happened.

1. A cult series has been renewed or cancelled.

2. A major character on a popular show has been killed off.

3. Ted McGinley has been cast once again.

After seeing this fall's Dancing with the Stars lineup, I have number three to thank for all that e-mail.

Let's start by saying that you must respect Ted. In spite of his track record as the patron saint of shark-jumping, he continues to get acting gigs, and thank god for that.

The Dancing with the Stars folks are fully aware of Ted's checkered past, so why take a chance on the guy? It's simple: ABC has gotten a bit cocky, but with good reason.

This is the show that has made ballroom dancing with quasi-celebrities popular, and we're talking "take a chunk out of American Idol ratings" popular. Tom Bergeron is the consummate host who laughs with us, not at us. Second careers and sold-out dancing tours are a sure thing for contestants who click with the audience.

And Dancing with the Stars has been carefully preparing for Ted. Trista Rehn? First one eliminated. Tatum O'Neal and George Hamilton? Ratings go up. Jerry Springer and champion Emmitt Smith? No problem. Heather Mills? Handled better than Sir Paul. Marie Osmond? Relaunched her career. Marlee Matlin? The hearing-impaired actress outdid Steve Guttenberg. There hasn't been a casting challenge that Bruno, Len and Carrie Anne haven't been able to handle.

Dancing with the Stars thrives on a controversial cast of characters, but this past season the ratings began to drop. This fall's lineup is already taking chances with Kim Kardashian, Cloris Leachman, Jeffrey Ross and Susan Lucci. But the gutsy move is inviting Ted on to the dance floor with Inna Brayer.

Ted will be charming. He'll be able to dance. His smile will shine. And it all won't matter.

Good luck, Ted. It's always great to see you. The shark anxiously awaits. " Jon Hein

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TVGuide Links:

• Ted McGinley
• Dancing with the Stars