CBS' comedy Mom has added Justin Long to its cast. Chuck Lorre made the announcement at a promotional event for the series. He told the gathered press Octavia Spencer would also be making a guest appearance in an early episode.

justin long
Justin Long at the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival, New York.

Chuck Lorre, the executive producer and creator of the comedy, announced Long would be involved in the project. He will star opposite Anna Faris and act as her love interest. Faris, playing Christy, is the 'Mom' in question. She is a recovering alcoholic who decides to relocate with her children to the Napa Valley, California. 

Owing to Christy's substance abuse problem Long's character isn't in for an easy ride. When the announcement was made, at the Television Critics Association Press Tour, Lorre promised they would not be shying away from Christy's drinking, saying: "that's going to come up in the first few episodes". He went on to say Long's character "doesn't know what he's in for, but he's going to be her first shot for a meaningful relationship".

Allison Janney
Alison Janney at the premiere of Juno, held at the Mann Theater, L.A.

Long has previously starred in such films as Live Free or Die Hard; Drag Me to Hell and Dodgeball. He has a background in comedy and so this role will suit his particular talents well.

Other actors who are due to appear on the sitcom include: Allison Janney (Juno); Nate Corddry (The Pacific) and Spencer Daniels (Crash). A special guest appearance by Octavia Spencer (The Help) is scheduled for an early episode. Lorre followed the Long announcement by saying Spencer will play "a woman who turns out to have bigger problems than Christy. So Christy gets perspective."

Mom will premiere on 23rd September 2013 on CBS. 

Anna Faris
Anna Faris at CBS Upfront held at the Lincoln Center, New York.